Jodi Marie Robinson

2012-02-01T21:23:00.000-08:00

Young Womens ACTIVITY IDEA:
Make LOVE “KNOTs”

Instead of making traditional LOVE NOTES--

make LOVE KNOTS.

(http://thefrugalgirls.com/2011/12/no-sew-fleece-blanket.)

Sit in a circle and while the girls tie knots all around the edges of the fleece blanket,

talk with them about

L-O-V-E.

How this is the greatest commandment.

Mark 12:30-31

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

ACTION: Once the blanket is complete,

make a note to go with it and deliver it to someone in your neighborhood who needs to feel a little extra love.
I think this part of the activty is important, because it finishes off the evening. The reaching out part of love for teens is sometimes the hardest. So don't just make the blanket and deliver it without the girls. Let them be the ones standing on someone's doorstep, offering a love gift so they can get the opportunity to feel what giving and receiving love feels like.

HINT: If you're tieing a blanket for Family Home Evening, have each family member (as he/she ties a knot) give a LOVE compliment to a sibling or parent. Tell someone something you love about them. Then talk about how Jesus "showed" people He loved them. He didn't just talk about it. He took action. Discuss ways your family can LOVE like Jesus did. When you're done tieing the blanket, deliver it to someone in your neighborhood or extended family who needs to be wrapped up in your love. You can even do it secretly and ring the doorbell and run! My little ones doing that!

Let me know how your activity turns out :)).

Fighting Against Pornography

2012-01-06T05:48:00.000-08:00

I am a FIGHTER.
Are you?

So, TEENS and PARENTS...we HAVE to start talking about the NEW drug.

Pornography.

It's not a pretty word. I know.

I've been teaching recovering drug addicts for 11 years...and the drug I'm most worried about is...pornography. It's highly addictive and destructive.

And we stop it only by educating ourselves and our kids about what it is and how harmful it is.
And by just saying NO!

How can we STOP it? We start having a conversation with EVERYONE we know.

I've seen this group "Fight the NEW Drug" and they are cutting edge fabulous! Great for WHITE RIBBON WEEK at your schools. Their assemblies (as the kids say) ROCK!!!! These guys are right on our TEENS level. It's all scientific, so no religion, or morality plays a part, for those of you worried about that. And they do it just like the TRUTH campaign did for tobacca and smoking. I am SOOOO on board. This group is NATIONAL, so if you are outside of Utah they travel. It's a national movement on college campuses as well. So look for your local chapter. AND it's working! They have several YOUTUBE videos reaching out to teens. Here's just one of them. Learn more on their website. Link below.

Fight the NEW Drug

Making CREPES and Putting on the Whole Armor of God

2011-12-03T06:42:00.000-08:00

A few weekends ago, I created an impromptu crepe’ bar to entertain my teenage daughter and her friends. I rushed to the store to buy some mud masks and whipping crème and informed my daughter that it was Spa Night at the Robinson household. Crepes would be served promptly at seven. Why crepes? And not a five-buck pizza? Pizza would be so much easier. Plop the cardboard box on the counter and wall-ah! I’m free to go read the paper. But this mom had a plan! You see, it takes a long time to make crepes. And that’s a good thing, because it gives me time with my daughter and her friends as they hover around my kitchen counter watching and waiting as each crepe is made. By default, I am able to join my teen’s social circle by pretending to be a make-shift chef. It’s the perfect covert operation. While I mix and pour, they talk and laugh. And I listen and laugh with them. It’s all part of my plan. You see while we’re all “hanging out” making crepes’ I get to interject teaching moments, here and there. And just like that pinch of salt that I flick into the batter, they don’t even notice it is happening.

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Eph. 6:13).

With each layer of batter I pour, I’m teaching. I’m layering on their spiritual armor. Subtly, of course. Like cracking an egg ever so slyly as not to disturb the yoke, I carefully listen for cues and turn them into teaching moments in good faith that on another Friday night, when my daughter and her friends aren’t hovering around my counter that they are protected by those layers of armor.

Years ago, I had no idea that crepe-making had anything to do with putting on the armor of God. But it sure does! It’s called T-I-M-E. And I use that time to advise, teach, set expectations, and build relationships of trust with my teens and their friends. And guess what? I do it with more than crepes. That’s why you see me driving a mini-van full of girls to Arctic Circle for shakes on a school night or to Ulta to buy lip-gloss! I’m creating those moments when I can add another layer of armor. So much happens in the car ride and around the kitchen counter. And it’s a beautiful thing to “be there” adding layer, after layer, after layer.

Oops! I dropped an egg on the floor. And laughter ensues. And it’s a beautiful thing.

RECIPE: Basic Crepes
Recipe by Our Best Bites

2 eggs
2 Tbs canola oil
3 Tbs sugar (omit if making savory crepes)
1 C flour
1 1/3 C milk

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on low speed until combined, or whisk by hand until there are no lumps. Heat a non-stick skillet to medium-high heat. Hold pan with one hand while you pour the batter with the other hand. Twirl the pan in a circular motion pouring just enough batter to coat the bottom of the pan. Place on cooking surface and cook until edges are set and you can easily run a rubber spatula around the edge of the pan, 30 seconds. Flip crepe and cook an additional 15-20 seconds. Remove crepe from pan and either keep warm in the oven or cool to room temperature. Fill with your choice of savory (meat, cheese, vegetable) or sweet (pudding, mousse, pastry cream, fruit) filling. Top sweet crepes with with Strawberry Sauce, Buttermilk Caramel Syrup, Hot Fudge, or just a dusting of powdered sugar and sweetened whipped cream. Unfilled crepes can be stacked between sheets of waxed paper and refrigerated or frozen. To thaw, leave at room temperature. Makes 12-14 8″ crepes.

The BEST tutorial for CREPES I've found is on the Our Best Bites website. Here’s the link: Our Best Bites

Moving Story and Video--Use it in a Lesson

2011-10-24T20:51:00.000-07:00

This young man's story moved me to tears!!! I wanted to share it with my family. Here is how I turned it into a Family Home Evening lesson.

First, I read D&C 18:9. "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." Then I asked, "What does great mean? And how would you define great?" I let everyone share their ideas for a moment and then told them my experience with this scripture.

Seminary Teacher John Hills taught me the answer to the question 'what is the worth of a soul?'. After I had finished speaking at a fireside Bro. Hills gave the closing remarks. He said the answer to what "great" means is found in the verse that follows verse 9.

11 For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him.

Then Bro. Hills said, "so...your life...is worth...the life . . . of a God. That is the true worth of a soul."
Then I played the following video. Everyone watched and did not move.

After watching this video you will have no doubt what the worth of a soul is because...you will feel it. Best 15 minute Family Home Evening we've had in a long time! I hope it turns out for you as good as it did for me.

Return To Virtue--New BOOK from Elaine S. Dalton

2011-10-18T05:40:00.000-07:00

The book, A Return to Virtue, is a must have for every woman. General Young Womens President Elaine S. Dalton uses her experience of running a marathon and likens it to staying on a virtuous course in a complex and ever-chaning world. I believe, if we as women understood what virtue really is...that we would BE more virtuous day to day. Defined as a pattern of thought and behavior that leads to goodness and holiness, virtue becomes so much more personal. It becomes a way of life.

Take a trip to the bookstore or order it on Amazon, but don't miss adding this one to your library.

Buy RETURN TO VIRTUE

My Healing Fields

2011-10-08T06:34:00.000-07:00

In memory of September 11th, we visited the Healing Fields in Sandy. I took my youngest daughter and two of her friends. We walked through the sea of red, white, and blue, looking at the names on the cards attached to each one of the more than 3,000 flags. I tried to teach the girls the significance of what they were seeing. But, being young, they could not resist a sunny day, the fresh air, and green grass.

They had to dance.

They healed me that day.

And reminded me we can do hard things

if we stick together and find time to dance and play along the way.

I am proud to be an American.

Red, white, and blue . . . through and through.

Service in Small Packages

2011-10-03T04:57:00.001-07:00

On top of my Italian grandmother's dining room table sits a laminating machine. One might think it strange or out of place for a laminating machine to be a regular fixture in the dining area. But for me it would be stranger NOT to see it there. You see grandma uses it every day for something very important. She uses it to laminate obituaries.

It is an act of love and service and even sometimes a random act of kindness for a stranger.
Every day Grandma reads the obituaries (and has for many years). Sometimes she sees a familiar name or face. Sometimes she notices a distant relative or a friend of a friend. Other times a common birth place is all she shares with the person in print. Once in a while she is touched by the story of a complete stranger. So what does she do? Grandma precisely cuts out the obituary. Laminates it. Writes a note of condolence to the family member, places the obituary in an envelope with a bereavement poem entitled, "To Those I Love" and mails it. I have no idea how many laminated obituaries she has sent out over the years. Hundreds and hundreds of them for sure.

So many people have been touched by Grandma's simple act of service. A few years ago, a brother of a girl I knew in junior high passed away suddenly. Now, I'm in my forties, so junior high was a looong time ago. But still grandma remembered my friend's last name. She did some detective work, found the right Clegg, and mailed the man's obituary, along with a poem and note, to his mother. I ran into my old friend months later and guess what. The first thing she said was "thank your grandmother for sending my mom that poem." How sweet was that!

We all have our own ways of giving and serving. This is my grandmother's way. And she does it faithfully. She doesn't receive awards for what she does. She just quietly sits with her newspaper and her laminating machine and finds a way to offer relief to someone who is grieving. Can you imagine receiving a note with a laminated obituary of your loved one and a beautiful poem from a stranger? It is not so strange if you knew my grandmother. She's not very tall—only 4'11"—and says she "doesn't look down on anyone." Jokes are her way of breaking the ice so she can chat with people. She talks to anyone and everyone when she is out and about. Whether it be the grocery store clerk, the department store cashier, or the man at the post office, she is quick to share a funny joke. (Some have a PG-13 rating.) She simply finds simple ways to lighten another's heavy load. That is my grandmother.

Two weeks ago my grandfather Bill's sister died in a tragic fire accident while serving a mission with her husband in Texas. We are grateful to all the people who have reached out to my grandparents. It's true. What you give will come back to you full circle. I believe, because my grandmother has lovingly helped those grieving she has received extra love and support.

Thank you Grandma Baker! Your acts of service have not gone unnoticed. Your granddaughter sees what you have done and is grateful for your beautiful example. I love you!

Here is the poem my Grandma Baker shares when someone has passed away.

If I should ever leave you whom I love

To go along the silent Way, grieve not,

Nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk

Of me as if I were beside you there,

(I'd come...I'd come, could I but find a way!

But would not tears and grief be barriers?)

And when you hear a song, or see a bird I loved,

Please do not let the thought of me be sad...

For I am loving you just as I always have...

You were so good to me!

There are so many things I wanted still to do...

So many things to say to you...

Remember that I did not fear...

It was just leaving you that was so hard to face...

We cannot see Beyond... But this I know:

I loved you so...

'Twas heaven here with you!

By Islo Paschal Richardson

Breaking Up With The World Video and Activity Idea

2011-09-08T10:08:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's better if someone else says it. So, here's a great talk from Hank R. Smith, institute teacher, at BYU's education week on how to break up with the world. And trust me. Nobody says it better than HANK! Watch the video, or do as I did, listen to it while you clean your teenagers' bedrooms and then make plans to have them listen to it the next Sunday while you're all together making cookies.

Here is the VIDEO LINK: Hank R. Smith Video. At the bottom of the screen, click on the video entitled "Hank R. Smith: Becoming an Exceptional Teenager. You won't be disappointed.

Young Women Activity Idea:

Show this talk for a youth activity night. Since it's on the Internet, you'll need your computer, access to on-line, and possibly an LCD projector. While you're watching snack on some fancy popcorn.

FOOD FUN!!!! There are fancy popcorn recipes all over the Internet. My favorite popcorn recipe is...Cinnamon Caramel Popcorn with Pecans & White Chocolate Drizzle!

Here is the link for this delicious snack.

RECIPE for Popcorn

Beautiful Quote

2011-08-30T21:55:00.000-07:00

Why Should We Love God?

God the Eternal Father did not give that first great commandment because He needs us to love Him. His power and glory are not diminished should we disregard, deny, or even defile His name. His influence and dominion extend through time and space independent of our acceptance, approval, or admiration.

No, God does not need us to love Him. But oh, how we need to love God!

For what we love determines what we seek.

What we seek determines what we think and do.

What we think and do determines who we are—and who we will become.

--Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Farewell to Summer

2011-08-27T07:48:00.001-07:00

I'm gonna miss you…

In my family, one of the best parts of summer is enjoying Grandma B's Strawberry Cake. My adorable, 86-year-old, Italian grandma bakes us this delectable treat. We've been lucky enough to eat it at least three times this summer. I should have posted this recipe earlier, since strawberries were in season. But I was bit busy having fun with my kids. This morning, I was working on my summer scrapbook and came across this picture so I decided to share the recipe.

Grandma B! We've always loved your cooking, but truly your Strawberry 3-layer Cake takes the cake! I'm happy to share the cake recipe, but not the grandma. She's one of a kind recipe and she's ours!

Fresh Strawberry 3-Layer Cake

1 (18.25 ounce) package white cake mix

1 (3 ounce) package strawberry flavored gelatin mix

1 cup mashed fresh strawberries (off season you can use frozen)

1 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup milk

4 eggs

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Frosting

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese

1/2 cup butter, room temperature

3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

3/4 cup fresh strawberries

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour 3 (9 inch) round pans.

In a large bowl, stir together cake mix and gelatin mix. Make a well in the center and pour in 1 cup mashed strawberries, oil, milk and eggs. Beat on low speed until blended. Scrape bowl, and beat 4 minutes on medium speed. Fold in the coconut and pecans. Divide the batter among the prepared pans.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.
To make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting: Mash the 3/4 cup strawberries to make 1/2 cup, then drain well; set aside. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Blend in the confectioners' sugar and drained strawberries. Beat on medium speed until the frosting lightens and is well combined. Fold in the coconut and pecans. Frost cake between layers, on top and sides. Chill uncovered 30 minutes or until frosting sets, then cover and chill 4 to 6 hours before serving.

Created for Greater Things

2011-05-11T10:43:00.000-07:00

You can email me at jodirobinson2182 at hotmail.com and I can send you the file. I love the NEW book, Created for Greater Things by Jeffrey R. Holland. It is is available at http://deseretbook.com/.

The above photo in a frame along with Holland's book is a perfect gift for a mother, daughter, sister or friend. A perfect message!

I am a Guardian of Virtue

2011-04-04T08:46:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I loved the Young Women General Broadcast this past month, particularly Sis. Dalton's talk on being Guardians of Virtue. Now, you might think I loved it so much because I happen to be the author of a book called Women of Virtue. Not so. Just take a look at this picture and you'll see my two best reasons why I love the thought of being a Guardian of Virtue.

These are my two oldest daughters. To me they are precious, and bcause I am their mother I have the privilege of teaching them about virtue; how virtue brings true happines, strength, and wisdom to one's self and to others.

Because of my book, I have spoken to hundreds of Young Women and Relief Society sisters on the subject of virtue, for the last two years. I can attest there are many good and virtuous young women and women willing to stand as Guardians of Virtue. For that I am grateful.

In the words of Sis. Dalton, "Heavenly Father loves you and wants you to be happy. The way to do this is to 'walk in the paths of virtue' and 'cleave unto [your] covenants. In a world ever growing in moral pollution, tolerance of evil, exploitation of women, and distortion of roles, you must stand guard of yourself, your family, and all those with whom you associate. You must be guardians of virtue."

My name is Jodi Robinson.

And I am Guardian.

And I will stand as a witness at all times, and all things, and in all places, as I strive to live the Young Women values.

And I do all of this because I belive in being a Guaridan of Virtue.

Do you?

No Sew T-shirt Scarf in a Jiffy!

2011-03-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

My cousin Becky and I made this easy, no sew jersey knit, T-shirt SCRARF and it was soooo easy. No sewing involved. And it's ready to wear in 15 minutes tops!

Great craft activity for

Young Women.

What YOU need: Use an old t-shirt

do what we did. We bought a 5X size T-shirt on sale at the Wal-Mart down the street then added a flower pin for personality.

Here's the Tutorial for No Sew Scarf. Have FUN!

Making A Memory

2011-03-20T20:55:00.001-07:00

Recently, I was invited to speak in Cedar City, Utah, so the kids and I took a road trip down south. On our way there, we, of course, had to make a stop at the BYU Creamery in Provo to taste some to-die-for ice cream! (Seriously it is soooo creamy gooood.)

I told the kids that no other ice cream comes close to BYU dairy ice cream. And, yes, I'm biased. I'm a blue-blooded, BYU graduate (from eons ago). But my devotion to BYU ice cream runs deeper than that.

You see, before I ever walked the campus as a college student, I became accustomed to eating BYU dairy ice cream at my grandparents' house on Fir Circle right across the street from the BYU campus.

Grandpa was a professor there and one of his most favorite things in the whole world was BYU ice cream. On any given day, you'd find at least two, maybe even three, 5-gallon buckets full of ice cream in the giant freezer down in his basement utility room. The buckets were filled with what you might call "seconds."

Is there such a thing as seconds when it comes to ice cream?

And the answer is "yes."

Mystery ice cream. Leftovers. Call it whatever you like. The creamery fills five gallon buckets full of whatever kinds of ice cream that doesn't get eaten and then sells them at a discount. Grandpa was always looking for a deal even when it came to ice cream.

Standing at the BYU creamery counter with my kids eyeing the rainbow of flavors, I asked the perky cashier if you can still buy a 5 gallon bucket of "mystery" ice cream.

"You sure can!" she said with a grin.

I was elated! I think I even giggled.

"What's the big deal?" my kids wondered as I admired the white and blue buckets behind the glass doors of the creamery freezer. (They seriously gave me a happy shiver! ) I tried to explain as the gal scooped up our mint chocolate, peanut butter fudge, raspberry cheesecake, and cookie dough cones that the reason I loved those 5-gallon buckets was because of my memories of grandpa.

How I loved to hear my grandpa say, "How about some ice cream, Jodi?"

I never knew what kind of ice cream I was gonna get. But to be honest it didn't even matter. I knew that with a dollop of grandma's homemade hot fudge sauce that even a mixture of pineapple peppermint with a hint of rocky road and orange sherbet was going to taste great.

How I love those memories.

I love them so much I wanted to make a new memory with my children. So here we are. Me and my kids eating ice cream at the BYU dairy. Life has come full circle.

And believe me that was one of the best tasting mint-chocolate chip ice cream cones I've ever eaten.

Thanks to you, Grandpa. Thinking of you, ice cream never tasted so good.

A Personalized Family Proclamation

2011-03-03T18:34:00.000-08:00

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

Digital scrapbooking makes creating a personalized family proclamation a breeze.

For $3.00 at Costco and you're good to go.

Read It and Weep! A New Book from Jeffrey R. Holland

2011-03-02T20:27:00.000-08:00

I picked up Jeffrey R. Holland's NEW book today, and, oh, is it a keeper!

Even after reading one, single quote,
I was on my way to a better day.

The book is called

Created for Greater Things.

And no matter what kind of a day you've had, this book is sure to inspire, uplift, and encourage.

It's a treasure trove of Holland-style wisdom that helps us see we were truly made for greatness.

I give it 5 stars!

2011 Young Womens Theme Craft--Too CUTE for WORDS

2011-02-01T09:15:00.000-08:00

Check out these darling bottle cap necklaces showing off the 2011 Young Womens Theme.

What a darling idea.

There are some

talented and creative

women out there with some fan-tab-ulous ideas!

Here's one I came across this morning. These bottle caps are just tooooo cute for words.

Here is the original link to the gals who made it. Just Be

I found the link here on Under My Umbrella, another great resource for FUN!

I love the bottle cap that hooks onto your zipper on your scirptures. (I couldn't get the picture linked in, so you'll have to visit JUST BE to see it.)

QUESTION OF THE DAY: What are you in the mood to create?

Mini Book of Mormon--Keeping it close "at all times, and in all things, and all places"

2010-12-09T05:40:00.000-08:00

Not too long ago, a Stake Young Women's President gave me a special gift

after I spoke at her Young Womens in Excellence. She told me how each girl in her stake had received one of these darling, mini Books of Mormon at girls camp. The thought was that the girls could have a mini-sized Book of Mormon with them at "all times, and in all things, and in all places" because they were just right size. And it is the perfect size! It fits in your purse. Your backpack. Even a coat pocket. I love this!

So here's how they made them.

1. Cut a piece of scrapbooking paper the right size to fit across the front, spine, and back of the mini-sized Book of Mormon. Using heavier weight or cardstock is preferred. But because you are laminating it you could go lighter. Wrapping papers prints are sooooo fun these days. You could even use wrapping paper.

2. Laminate the paper. And cut it out.

3. Use decoupauge' or Mod Podge or "Yes" Paste to adhere the laminated cover to the book. Press out all bubbles and be careful not to get any glue on the inside pages because they will stick. And make sure your fingers are clean and not sticky with glue or you'll have stick pages.

4. Use HOT GLUE to adhere the laminated cover to the book. Yes! I said HOT GLUE. I have used "Yes" Paste before and that works really well, too. But that paste is sooo sticky that sometimes I got it on the pages. So when I found out Catherine had used hot glue I was overly joyed! That is sooo easy.

5. Use a ribbon and a netting flower with a button in the middle, or some other embellishment to decorate the front of it. Possibilities are endless with all the darling scrapbooking accessories out there. Be creative!

5. Make a matching bookmark.

Ta-dah! You are done.

Where to find "mini" Books of Mormon? The Distribution Center and Deseret Book. And they literally fit in the palm of your hand. They are perfect for keeping with you "at all times, and in all things, and in all places."

HINT: I've made these using scrapbooking paper and then decoupauging the paper cover, but the lamination is by far the most practical and durable! Just love it!

Tile Crafts for Young Women-Virtue Quotes

2010-11-14T10:22:00.000-08:00

When I speak to Young Women's groups

and give my presentation entitled "The Beauty of Virtue",

there are several quotes that I emphasize.

Some leaders have requested that I create a HANDOUT

so they can give a little something to the girls on the night that I speak.

These tiles are what I've come up with. I have 4X4's and 4X6's.

4X4

If you would like to use these, just email me and I'll email you the files.

jodirobinson2182@hotmail

I'm happy to share!

IDEAS FOR HANDOUTS:

1) Print the quote onto a 4X6 photo and frame in an inexpensive frame.

The dollar store or the Wal-Mart frame section has frames for $1.00.

2) Decoupage' the 4X4 photo onto a tile (from Home Depot or Lowes).

Distress with distressing ink all around the edges.

3) Use for invitation, thought, or bookmark.

<><><><><><><><>

4X6 and 4X4 available

This has a white border around it so you can't see it.

The Lilly is printed on WHITE paper, so you won't see the border here.

o finish it off, I tie a purple ribbon across the top.

You can see a finished one here on my blog:

Tile with ribbon

TO REQUEST THE FILES:

or if you need me to make modifications, just email me at

jodirobinson2182@hotmail.com.

I'm happy to share!

A Future for Tomorrow-Getting Help for Eating Disorders

2010-11-09T05:58:00.001-08:00

Haley Hatch Freeman's true story is a testimony that there really is a Future for Tomorrow. (More info below about her book and scheduling her to speak.)

I only wish my friend Melissa had that same chance.

October 21st, seven years ago, was the day my friend Melissa passed away. She died from an eating disorder. I won't attempt to explain this disorder in any great detail; however, I would like to share some insights I've learned that have changed me forever.

Melissa was only 19 when she died from complications stemming from Annoexia, an eating disorder that affects 1 in 10 girls (See Center for Change WEBSITE. http://www.centerforchange.com/). At her lowest, Melissa weighed only 79 pounds. She was 5'7". She battled annoxeria for six years, beginning with some body image issues at 13. The white board in her room spoke volumes of the dialogue that went on in her head. Written in black were these words: "FAT IS NOT A FEELING." She had learned that while in treatment at the Center for Change in Provo, Utah. Treatment had worked for a while. But soon even expensive counseling and the intervention of her family, friends, and doctors would not bring a cure for my friend.

The night before Melissa died, I sat next to her hospital bed stroking her hair and singing to her "I am a Child of God." Watching her skeleton chest heave up and down while hooked up to all sorts of tubes, I reminisced about the day trips we took in my Jeep with my three little kids in tow. Melissa's parents both worked full time and when it got to the point that Melissa needed to be with someone all the time her parents entrusted me to take care of her. I loved having her with me. We visited her dad at Orchard Street Market. We shopped at Wal-Mart and went to see the flowers at Thanksgiving Point. I taught her how to crochet and how to make Tortellini with cream sauce. She would paint my daughters' toenails and liked listening to Cherie Call, Mercy Me, and David Tolk. Any outing tested her physical stamina to the max because she was so frail and weak. She got Pneumonia and her condition worsenened. The night she left my house to go to the hospital, I knew she wasn't coming back. Her physical body had had enough.

At first I thought, "Why can't someone MAKE her eat!" But I learned so much about eating disorders. Particularly that it isn't about food. And MAKING someone eat is only a quick fix. And a fix that sometimes is as impossible as parting the red sea.

Eating disorders are complicated and, although, I am not a doctor or a professional, I have learned some very important insights. Melissa's choices, early on in her teens, as innocent and naive as they might have started out, set into motion consequences that she was not able to reverse. Choosing to starve herself and then binge and throw up had damaged Melissa's body to the point that her immune system became weakened preventing it from staving off other illnesses such as pneumonia and infections.

I know there are other Melissa's out there who are struggling with an eating disorder and experiencing confusion about their body. They need outreach, intervention, love and acceptance, and, often times, they need medical and psychological help.

All girls, at some time or another, struggle with body image. We can help these young women by setting good examples and developing a strong body image of our own. We can teach and reinforce gospel truths about the body as being a temple for soul. We must also understand the way WE view our bodies, as adult women, will have an effect—whether it be positive or negative—on how our daughters and other girls view their bodies. Dr. Ira M. Saker, author of Regaining Your Self: Breaking Free from the Eating Disorder Identity: A Bold New Approach, has treated eating disorders for more than three decades. He states:

"…the family environment has a huge influence. If the family is very preoccupied and concerned with food, weight, and appearance, they can pass this concern on to their kids. I've had patients as young as five tell me how worried they are about eating the 'wrong' foods and getting fat. Children who grow up seeing constant dieting, constant concern about weight, and constant working out, absorb the messages that food is the enemy and appearance is all....Parents can assist in their child's recovery by becoming teachers by example."

Melissa's parents are at not at fault for her eating disorder—not at all. They did everything they could to help their daughter. And I love them dearly. This is just a reminder that as parents, and especially as mothers, we have to be vigilant and very careful in how we view and treat our bodies so we don't negatively influence the young and vulnerable. ALL women can do something to help influence young girls' body image in a positive way. In fact, we have an obligation, as women of faith, to model a healthy body image at all times, in all things, and in all places.

Shortly, after Melissa had passed away, I was standing near a group of women in the hallway at church listening to their conversation. One of the women said, "Oh, I've just got to lose these 5 pounds so I can look good when I go to Hawaii." Another said, "I've just given up. I'm never going to be thin." Another said, "I've starved myself all week so I could eat dessert." Another said, "I've exercised all week and I still haven't lost a pound!"

At that moment, I looked over to my right and quickly realized several young women were standing close by. They had heard everything. They were 13, 14 and 15—and each of them had a very puzzled look on her face. These young girls looked up to these women as their leaders and examples and these women had just committed a great "faux pas." These young women were not yet mature enough to filter out grown-up "nonsense." Ironically enough, this all happened, the Sunday after we buried Melissa. (Oh, the damage we can do when we are not watching ourselves.)

Since my experience with Melissa, I am very careful to always talk positively about my body in front of my daughters or anyone else's daughters. I try hard to reinforce optimal health, getting enough exercise, eating good foods, and eating enough of them to keep my body strong. I also let my kids see me indulge in my favorite treats so they understand that food, in and of itself, is not bad. A body needs a Hershey bar now and again! The key is moderation. Broccoli is best. But cookie dough won't kill you. (Don't tell my grandmother. She thinks I'm a re-covered cookie dough eater.)

Teaching my children to be grateful for the body God gave them and helping them to love and appreciate that body, in its unique and special design, is my job as a mother. I desire to help my children make choices based on eternal truths, doctrinal principles, and Church standards. And I do it in memory of my friend, Melissa.

Getting HELP?
If you or a loved one needs help, don't put it off. And don't doubt for a moment that God won't help you, because He will.

A Future for Tomorrow is a truthful, heart-felt account of a woman's journey to wellness. Haley has included journal entries and has chosen to be "real" about her experience in battling anorexia. It gives us outsiders an inside look into the mind of someone with an eating disorder. Haley is blessed now to be recovered and is a wife and mother to two beautiful kids. She shares her story and teaches classes so if you'd like to schedule her to speak contact her at: http://www.haleyhatchfreeman.com/.

Other resources for eating disorders:

The Center for Change (world renowned treatment facility located in Provo, Utah)

Books: Click Here

Witches Night Out 2010

2010-10-22T20:21:00.000-07:00

Black hats and pointy shoes,

delectable dips, and sassy soups

All combined for a wonderful Witches Night Out.

My annual "Witches Night Out" brought together 27 women for a night of service, food, and fun.

First, we took to our brooms (okay, not really but can't a girl dream?).

We delivered goodies to a few friends in the neighborhood to let them know we were thinking of them. Our friend Karine, just lost her husband of 21-years to cancer. When the door opened, her son, Mitchell, opened his eyes as wide as the full moon. I guess he's not used to seeing a mass of cackling women on his front steps.

"Cackle, cackle. Hee, hee.

Friendly neighborhood witches are we.

We're not here for a trick or a fright.

Just wishing you well on this cool autumn night."

SO, WE'RE FRIENDLY WITCHES

ACTUALLY, WE'RE MOMS WHO DRIVE SUBURBANS AND MINI-VANS...

who, one night out of the year, put on black and green striped hose, wear pointy hats and cackle while we shape warts out of wadded up gum! No spells. Just happy cackles. (This year two of our witches sported tu-tus! Denise and Cindy, you were adorable!)

Every year, Glinda the Good Witch always has shown up to call us all to repentance. Tieing a fleece blanket, while playing a get-to-know-you game was a fun diversion. (We'll donate the blanket to House of Hope.)

After games, we gorged on a spooky spread of spider cookies, pumpkin soup, and eyeball cheese dip!

Check out this spooky spread.

Fashion is all in the HAT.

These are the Warts we made from chewed up gum!

Until next year...

Happy Cackling!!!

Cackle, cackle.

Hee. Hee.

BEAUTY Breakthrough--10 Day Challenge at BYU//Plus This Weekend's Event--Peace with Food and Body

2010-10-11T12:49:00.000-07:00

If you're focused on . . .

REAL BEAUTY

for REAL WOMEN

. . . here are two events you'll want to check out.

The link for this 10 Day Challange is a great resource.

http://recapturingbeauty.byu.edu/recapturingbeauty/home/

In addition...Author, Haley Hatch Freeman, will be speaking at BREAK THROUGH. See link for details.
I'll be highlighting Haley's book next week. She one of the speakers at this weekend's womens conference. After almost losing her life to Annorexia, Haley's story is a beautiful come back story.) The conference is full of bright, talented, and educated speakers on the subject of finding peace with food and your body.

http://breakthroughconf.eventbrite.com/?ref=nf

Craft Idea-Fabric Flowers on Hair Bands

2010-10-07T15:33:00.000-07:00

Here is a great craft idea from my cousin, Becky.

Fabric Flower

Head Bands

and Rings

Young Women will love this!

Make head bands, flower rings, and more!

I can't post a picture for some reason. But here is the link.

Fabric Flower Hair Bands

Halloween Countdown Tree

2010-10-04T05:58:00.000-07:00

I admit it.
I love Halloween.

The fall colors.
Rootbeer with dry ice.

My witch hat and kids
dressing up.

Here's an idea to add fun to the Halloween FUN!
This clever Countdown Calendar
makes my kids ghoulish with delight.

I found the original idea on KSL Studio5.

I already had a metal tree on my wall with photos, so I transformed it with a few things from dollar store...wallah!

Happy Haunting!

2010-09-23T13:46:00.000-07:00

I love this classic poem by Rudyard Kipling!

If
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!

2010-09-12T18:46:00.001-07:00

WHO IS CARRYING YOUR PACK?

"Here. Hold this," my husband said handing me a bulging back pack taller than my nine-year-old son.

The back pack carried sleeping bags, fishing poles, and mess kits, along with everything else he and our kids needed for a weekend hiking trip. I tried to put the pack on my back but it was so heavy it nearly knocked me over.

"Why is it so heavy?" I asked, jokingly and dropped it to the ground. He just smiled at me and then said,

"Because I love my children."

It is tradition in our family for my husband to take my kids on a back tripping up to Joan and Gem Lakes at the end of the summer. He has been doing this hike with his father since he was boy and now he shares it with our kids. This trip is quite an undertaking. Each back pack has to be methodically packed with just the right weight so the kids can carry as much as they can on their own. If our children's packs are too heavy, though, they won't make it up the steep incline leading up to the lakes. Thus, the reason for my husband's heavy pack. He has to carry what they can't.

I must admit that there is no way I could have carried that pack on my back for any period of time. But when my husband put it on his back, he made it look easy, not because it wasn't heavy. But because, well, remember what he said?

Because I love my children.

I had never picked my husband's pack before. For the past five years, I've stayed at home with our youngest child while he hiked more than a mile and a half with the older kids up a steep and rocky mountainside carrying almost 60 pounds of weight on his back. Two sleeping bags, two tents, food for four, blankets, pillows, rain gear, clothing and that was only some of it. What did the kids carry? The soft stuff. Basically, their clothes. My oldest did carry a lot more in her pack this year and each year the other kids will be able to carry a little more as they get taller and get stronger. But for now, my husband willingly carries the heaviest pack.

Because he loves his children.

So this morning I awoke to this thought: Let me carry your pack. It's heavy and I want you to be able to make it up that steep incline.

Who says that? Who pleads with us to let him help carry our heavy loads. Isn't that what Christ pleads with us every day? He packs on extra weight so our burdens may be light. And he does it willingly.

Heavenly Father wants his children to experience the thrill of mortality just like my husband wants our kids to experience the thrill of the Uintas. But as any good father knows, little ones can't always carry their pack by themselves and sometimes all they can carry is soft stuff.

God gave us his only begotten son to carry the heavy stuff because he loves his children.

Right now, my pack feels pretty light. It's almost as if I can't feel it. And it's because I know who is carrying it.

How grateful we should be that Heavenly Father knew we would need help carrying our packs. But Christ can't carry our packs unless we let him. So think about what is worrying you? What is overwhelming you? Is there anything that feels hard? If so, pack it up. Put it in the Savior's pack. He's willing to carry it. And He will go the distance, all the way up that steep incline, over those rocks, and through the trees until you reach your destination. And why? Why would our Savior do such a thing? Because Jesus Christ knows how much his father loves his children.

Because he loves our children, my husband carries a heavy pack. And I'm so grateful that he does.

Are you ready for wings?

2010-09-03T11:24:00.001-07:00

Rip off the band aid! Just rip it off!

Not exactly the words I wanted to hear but they needed to be said. This morning, I brought my youngest daughter to her first day of kindergarten and "rip off the band aid" is what the teacher told ME to do.

"It will hurt for just a minute," she told me. "She'll be fine. You'll be fine."

At first it seemed cruel. To wave goodbye and walk away just moments after we arrived at the coat rack inside the kindergarten door. As the teacher showed her where to put her backpack, my daughter looked worried. Her uneasiness made me want to rip off my fake smile and say, "Forget this. We'll just do home preschool again." But I didn't. I couldn't. I knew she was ready for more. So, I put on a confident smile knowing she would follow suit. And she did. It took her barely a minute to find a friend she knew and claim a spot at the cutting table. She was going to be fine. But was I?

I didn't think I could do it. I'm very attached to this little one who clung to my leg like peanut butter on jelly. (Part of me wanted to cling to her leg!) Secretly, I've been dreading this separation for weeks because I'm losing my little side-kick who’s been with me for five years while the other kids have been at school. Besides, turning over your child to a teacher you've barely met for 30 minutes at a meet and greet the day before begs a mother's trust. Was I ready? No. And Mrs. Scott could tell. She was a great coach, though. Rip it off, she said to me. It will hurt for just a second. I hated that thought and the anticipation almost killed me. But in the end it all turned out okay.

Once again things have changed at the Robinson household. Sometimes I wish we were like butterflies and had to spin our cocoon only once and be done with it. But instead, a mother's cocoon evolves and changes continuously and that's how God intended it.

As the mother of four children, change is what I do. My children are constantly changing and growing and because of that I seem to change a lot. I don't always like it. And sometimes it hurts when I feel the initial "rrrrrrip"! But it usually turns out to be the best thing that has ever happened.

The first day of kindergarten and I had three hours all to myself. At first, that sounded like heaven. But ouch! Ripping off that band aid hurt! I know my little caterpillar has a new pair of wings and that’s a good thing. In fact, it is a very good thing. But it will probably take me some time to embrace these new wings. It seems like just yesterday I was carrying my Zoebug in a shoulder pouch I referred to as "her house." I wanted to keep her as close to my heart as I could. And I still do. Before school, I gave her a little heart-shaped stone to put in her pocket while she was at school so when she missed me she could rub it and know that I was thinking of her. Funny thing is I had to buy two. One for her and one for me. (During those three hours, I had to rub mine three times.) I doubt she even thought about the heart in her pocket because she was so busy cutting, coloring, and singing on the blue rug. It's all good. Growing wings is good.

Rip off that band aid and you'll feel a little sting. But in the end you'll see the blessings of giving your child wings.

Double Rainbows and the Secret to Lasting Happiness

2010-08-28T06:37:00.001-07:00

Last night, out my front living room window a double rainbow arched across the sky. The rain left behind shiny, wet streets, thick, humid air, and a double arch of colored ribbons hanging from the clouds. Two rainbows. One inside the other. The kids and I hurried outside to look at it. It was absolutely breathtaking. Staring at that double rainbow made me so happy. And it got me thinking. Is there such a thing as living every day as a double rainbow day? I mean we all know double rainbows don't last. All rainbows fade into the sun-drenched sky and leave you feeling kind of blue, like something spectacular has happened but you can't hold onto it.

It has been a double rainbow summer and I'm sad to see it end. Oh, sure the kids are ready to get back to a routine and admittedly so am I. Or, so I thought until I saw that double rainbow. Then I realized it was farewell to the giant waterslide in the backyard. Goodbye to our day trips to Silver Lake to explore and hike. I'm going to miss sack lunches at the park followed by sixty cent ice cream cones at Arctic Circle just because it's Wednesday. No more 9 a.m. bike rides to the park just to mix things up a bit and those dollar movies will only happen on the weekends. Ah, the fading double rainbow. Going back to school is bittersweet.

BUT.

And there is the infamous B-U-T. Because even with all the fun, every moment of every day has had its less than perfect moments that I surely will not miss. And if you're a mother you know what I'm talking about. Those moments where one kid is upset because so and so won't let him take a turn on the computer. The whines and complaints can most certainly drain your brain and numb your soul.

Mo-om, so and so won't let me hold the kitty.

Mo-om, why can't you take me to my friend's house right now?

Mo-om why can't I have six popsicles for breakfast?

Mo-om, why can't we go to Boondocks today?

If you choose to spend your summer in those brain-draining, spirit-testing, moments where one more whine is going to push you over the edge, well, then you'll miss that double rainbow. That, my friend, is really the secret to living a happy life. I'm sure of it. If you're so worried about life's little annoyances that you can't spend 20 minutes to look at a rainbow on your front porch you've missed what you're here for.

Kids won't beg you when they're grown ups to take you to the splash park so, forget that kid #3 called you a bad name because you didn't bring her Barbie towel and instead memorize what it felt like watching her run through the sprinkles and sprays on a hot summer day and you'll feel like you've held a double rainbow.

Yes, I'm going to remember what it felt like riding the Bonsai tube behind the boat with my oldest daughter and how she laughed when I tried to tip her over. I'm going to relish what it felt like waterskiing at sundown and appreciate the peacefulness of taking walks at the crack of dawn.

Wasn't it Mother Superior who asked in the Sound of Music, "How do you hold a rainbow in your hand?" (oops it was a moonbeam but same thing). Anyhow, I've come to accept that it is impossible to hold a rainbow in your hand—especially a double one. You can't hold perfection but you can enjoy it while it's here and choose not take it for granted. Double rainbows will disappear and you'll have to wait for them to come back. Until they do you can keep the memory. You can remember what it felt like the moment that you saw that double arch. And you can breathe it in deeply. You can scrapbook it and write about it and feel happy that you've tucked those good summer memories away in your heart forever.

If you were stressed out and frazzled this summer, don't worry. Summer will be back. Just like that double rainbow, it will reappear again and you'll get to do it all over again. And maybe this time you'll try to enjoy it while it lasts because that is the secret to holding a double rainbow in your hand.

I love you kids! You make every day a double rainbow day.

(Even when you whine.)

Love,

Mom

2010-08-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

Love truly,

Laugh uncontrollably,

And never regret anything that made you smile.

Brave Love

2010-08-08T20:58:00.001-07:00

Being brave is hard to do. Loving brave is even harder.

One of my dear friends is the mother to three adopted daughters. A few weeks ago she was invited to attend a reunion given by the birth family of her oldest adoptive daughter. Being a gracious person, my friend decided to attend with her family. My first thought was that is a brave thing to do. But then again everything about adoption is about being brave.

I mean think about it. No mother-to-be who reproduces her own DNA undergoes scrutinizing home visits, interviews, and stacks of paperwork to determine whether or not she is fit to be a mom. No mother, who physically gives birth to her offspring, waits an agonizing six months or longer to be declared legally "the mother." That takes bravery. I say it takes bravery because knowing there is the remotest possibility that things won't work out and you do it anyways? Then twelve years later the biological grandmother sends you an invitation to come and meet the family. And you do it because you know it's not good to build fences. You decide to build a bridge and you introduce the daughter you've raised to grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, uncles and cousins who all have what you don't—a biological connection to the daughter whom you love more than life itself.

My friend is brave. Brave not only because she allowed her daughter to have this experience but brave because she, too, embraced it. As she watched the hugs, the kisses, and the smiles I know a small part of her wondered, "What if she likes them better?" (Not possible. Not even likely. But still we mothers hearts are so wrapped up in our children we wonder. We worry. My friend quickly dismissed those thoughts because she loves her daughter so much and even though mothers want to keep their children to themselves they know the good that comes from sharing them with the world.

Recipes were swapped. Lunch dates with cousins were set. In an afternoon at the park, a new family was forged. Can you get more beautiful than that?

Adoption is for the brave women of the world. Women who give up their babies unselfishly and women who adopt them and love them who then share them with the mothers who gave them up. My friend could have built fences and walls and kept everybody out but she didn't. She has a brave heart. She is a woman of "a good courage."

Adoption…it's not just about love.

It's about being brave enough

to open up your heart to something bigger.

I Cor. 13:4-8

Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking,

it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil

but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.

Tart'n Tasty Frozen Yogurt

2010-08-02T10:25:00.001-07:00

Oh, what do you do in the summertime?

When temperatures burn you alive?

You buy an ice cream maker . . . and make fabulous flavors of homemade ice cream.

(Then let the kids go on a giant slip-in-slide down the hill in the backyard and you're good to go!)

I purchased a 25" foot roll of construction plastic at Loew's for 16.95. We place it at the bottom of our real slip-in-slide and the kids love it!

Ever since I tasted Red Mango's pomegranate frozen yogurt topped with white chocolate chips and sweetened coconut I've searched for a good recipe to try to replicate its
to-die for taste.

Here's a recipe to try!

Now, that's what you do in the summer time.

Original link for Healthy Food For Living is HERE

Tart Pomegranate Frozen Yogurt

2 cups plain 0% fat Greek yogurt
1 cup plain 2% fat Greek yogurt
1/4 cup evaporated cane juice (or granulated sugar)
1/4 cup pomegranate syrup (recipe follows)

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine yogurts, evaporated cane juice, and pomegranate syrup. Stir until the evaporated cane juice is completely dissolved.
Freeze according to ice cream maker manufacturer's instructions.
Serve immediately as soft serve, or spoon into a freezer-safe container and place in freezer until "ripened" (hardened).

Pomegranate Syrup
Ingredients:

2 cups 100% pomegranate juice, such as POM Wonderful
1 Tbsp pure maple syrup

Directions:

Combine pomegranate juice and maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
Cook until the mixture has thickened slightly and has reduced to approximately 1/2 cup, about 1 hour.

Distressed Temple Pictures

2010-07-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

Here is a beautiful temple picture you can use for any activity.

You can choose your temple picture and download from the sight.

You'll love these!

Here's the link: Distressed Temple Pictures

Thanks to http://www.mylilluna.blogspot.com/!

Event -- JULY 29, 2010 -- LIVE Interview Won't you Join me?

2010-07-26T13:58:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Event

Join me for my live interview on

The Grapevine

LIVE Conference Call Interview

If you need a break from your summer routine join us!

Call in on THURSDAY at 9 p.m. (MST).

It's free.

And you don' t even have to get dressed up.

And you can eat ice cream while we chat...

Here's the SCOOP...

Brought to you by Latter-Day Woman, The Grapevine interviews me (the author of Women of Virtue)

LIVE conversation

July 29th, 2010 at 8:00 PM (PST).

How do I participate?

Call the toll-free Conference Line at (507)726-4240 and when prompted enter passcode 100993#.

NOTE: Times for the call are : 8:00 PM... (PST), 9:00 PM (MST), 10:00 PM (CST), 11:00 PM (EST).

See more details and RSVP on Our Ladies Room - For Today's LDS Woman:

More info

FHE Lesson on Modesty

2010-07-19T15:09:00.000-07:00

Why be modest?

(courtesy of TryOnZion.com)

Knowing WHY you should be modest is key to wanting to be modest. In my book, Women of Virtue, I devote an entire chapter to modesty and cover all aspects of this important topic.

FAMILY HOME EVENING LESSON
If you're looking for an easy lesson to introduce modesty to your family, follow this link Modesty Family Home Evening Lesson. It's a simple, meaningful lesson good for all ages.

Also, here's a fun link for a Shirt Design Company that screenprints all kinds of sayings and phrases.

Check out how fun these DESIGNS are! Here's the link Try On Zion for more fabulous logos and designs.

Easy Summer Remodel--Spray Paint Magic

2010-07-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

The old saying goes, Use it up, Wear it out, Make it do, or Go Without.

So, look at what you already have with new eyes. Refashion, remodel, or recreate something old into something new and fabulous. It could be fun!

Recently, I remodeled (successfully, I think) my old plastic chairs. I was ready to send them to the thrift store and then had a brainy idea! Spray Paint. It's the best keep secret for quick refinishing projects.

These chairs are ten years old and were given to me by a friend. They were scuffed and looking drab. Sure I could go buy new chairs, but what's the fun in that? So instead, I transformed with spraypaint and now they're bright ocean breeze blue. They gave my outdoor patio a fresh new look. Now we love eating outside!

I used Krylon's spray paint for Indoor/Outdoor. You don't necssarily need to use the paint for plastic. I've learned that from trial and error. Use the plastic paint if you are painting kids outdoor toys but for everything else, the Indoor/Outdoor version seems to work fine. (And I've done a lot of spray painting in my day.) For one chair, it takes about 3/4 of a can.

Sunday brunch on the back patio was a hit with the FAM! Something about the color of blue ocean breeze that made us feel like we were on vacation.

What are you ready to REMAKE or REMODEL?

The Greatest Fireworks Show EVER

2010-07-06T17:35:00.001-07:00

So, the first year we attended fireworks in a small, southern Idaho town the big "M" on the mountain caught fire. We were newbies and thought it was a fluke. It wasn't. Someone happily filled us in saying, "Oh, yea. It happens every year."

Really? You mean they keep doing fireworks even though every year the hill catches on fire? And sure enough that person was telling the truth. To date, we've seen that big "M" catch on fire five times. This year was the fifth year in a row and every year we find it more and more entertaining. It's terrible but we've become like the locals and we've come to expect flame with our fireworks.
Just imagine a hill lit up with a giant "M." And 25 or so firefighters are on the mountain wearing headlights. It's dark, right? So, all you can see up on the mountain (because we're down below) are miniature lights frantically racing around dumping dirt on the flames before they get out of hand. It shouldn't be entertaining. But it is! And why? Because first you see a giant firework burst in the sky and second you hear this from the guy sitting on the blanket over to your left.

"Oh! Maybe this one will catch on fire. Oh, no. Here it goes. Nooo. Nooo. It's good. It's not gonna do it. Ahhhh. Maybe next time."

Isn't that sad and, yet, funny? I don't know maybe you just have to be there to get the full effect. But that's what you hear all along the street and throughout the park. Everyone is waiting to see the little headlights put out the flames. I don't think anyone of us really knows how many fireworks go off but we know how many times the hill catches on fire.

Well, that's how we spent the night of the 4^th. That morning we enjoyed a small town parade and a patriotic program in the city's tabernacle. I can't think of a better way to celebrate July 4th. During the program, tears are shed especially during our national anthem. Then, what really hits your heart is the musical tribute to those who serve in the U.S. Military. You see men and women who stand up during their theme song and you realize America is beautiful because of the men and women willing to sacrifice their very lives for freedom.

You might think we'd get bored doing the same thing year after year but the truth is it just keeps getting better and better. Thank you, Paris, Idaho! You put a great show. And we look forward to many more small town celebrations in years to come.

God Bless the U.S.A.

Land of the free and home of the brave.

Craft Idea--Positive Affirmation jars

2010-06-22T20:46:00.000-07:00

Click here for LINK to original site.

This is a great service project idea! Positive Affirmation Jars! You can make them for women's shelters, boys and girls clubs, or the YWCA. Any organization that services women.

For several years, I've had church groups and neighborhood groups make these jars for the women in my classes at House of Hope (a drug treatment center in downtown Salt Lake). By far it's the most popular service project. Unfortunately, after all these years, I couldn't find a picture of even one of the jars that has been donated. I didn't think to take a snapshot. Next time I make one or have a group donate some I'll be sure to click away! But in the mean time, I found this darling decorated mason jar as my example.

POSITIVE AFFIRMATION JARS: The jar shown above obviously is filled with candy. But the idea of a PA jar is this--to fill it full of folded pieces of paper that contain a positive thought, quote, or scripture. I have a template for the quotes, if you're interested. Email me at jodirobinson2182@hotmail.com. Otherwise, you can download your favorite scriptures or quotes and put them on a strips of paper and fill the jar with them.

Decorate the jar with paper, fabric, whatever tickles your fancy. For the top, you can use paper. A Girl Scout group glued a fake flower on the lid and wrapped ribbon wrapped around the rim. You can do just about anything to make them look cute.

The original site I found this jar on is listed above.

GREAT CRAFT FOR KIDS AND ADULTS!!!

Guardians of Our Daughters

2010-06-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

Mothers are the guardians of their daughters...

"When you save a girl, you save generations. I see this as the one bright shining hope...We must never lose sight of the strength of women. It is mothers who set the tone of the home. It is mothers who teach infants to pray, who read to them choice and beautiful literature from the scriptures and other sources. It is mothers who nurture them and bring them up in the ways of the Lord."

--President Gordon B. Hinckley

*** Never lose sight of the strength of women ***

Finishing Strong--A Life Lesson in What it Means to Finish Strong

2010-06-11T22:11:00.001-07:00

Every student finished the race. Or, so I thought.

Teachers, parents, and students lined the pathway leading up to the finish line. They cheered and applauded with vigor as each of the kids passed by.

"You can do it!" voices called out to a few stragglers who lagged behind.

"Don't give up! You're almost there! You did it!"

About 200 kids participated in our elementary school's 5K Fun Run. Some sprinted. Some jogged. Some strolled. Some walked. Twenty-five minutes after the last student crossed the finish line, we all began to disassemble. Then the principle and a few teachers huddled near the corner at the edge of the school property. They informed us there was one more runner—a boy in a wheelchair. He had no legs to run on. With two pint-sized arms he pushed on his wheels, block after block, mile after mile.

(To order photo Click Here)

An announcement was made. All the 5^th and 6^th graders who ran in the race were asked to return to the finish line to welcome in the last racer—the boy who couldn't run.

My friend and I got to the corner and looked down the street to see a boy with a smile as wide as the street pushing himself along. His name was Jag.

Surrounding him were a group of his closest friends, a few parents, and a police officer, who drove alongside in a squad car. For nearly ten minutes, we watched this boy make his way towards the school. It had been more than an hour since the race began. As the applause grew louder , students called out his name.

"Jag! Jag! Jag!" With each call, Jag pushed a little harder, a little stronger.

Watching the scene unfold, several of us moms wrapped our arms around each other. Tears ran down our cheeks as we witnessed the sweet taste of victory. With so much wrong in the world—this felt so right. It was humanity at its best. My heart beat faster and faster. It beat for a boy who rolled his way to the finish line to show us all what it means to finish strong.

Today, I'm speaking at a cancer fund raiser for a woman who is who is running a race against time, hoping chemo and radiation will lend her more of it. Just like Jag, Ora will push herself along until her race is complete. Ora may not be the fastest. She may not be the swiftest. She may not be the strongest, but I guarantee you whatever the outcome Ora will finish strong. Those who love her and support her will see to it. (I'm with you Ora!)

Remember...

"The race is not to the swift,

nor the battle to the strong,

neither yet bread to the wise,

nor yet riches to men of understanding,

nor yet favour to men of skill (Ecclesiastes 9:11)."

We all run a different kind of race with our strengths and weaknesses in tow. Some weaknesses are of our own choosing which we must learn to let go of so we can finish—strong.

God is standing on the side lines cheering us on, but he's not going to push us—even when we're tired and blistered because he knows what true victory means.

After today's race, I'm grateful— for two working legs that can run a 5K—but more so for a young boy in a wheelchair whose legs couldn't...but whose heart wouldn't...keep him from finishing strong.

To ORDER the poster shown above CLICK HERE.

****** Whatever your race, finish strong. ******

Upcoming Speaking Event--Saturday, June 12, 2010 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

2010-06-03T08:07:00.000-07:00

Making a Difference

Ora George has cancer. Her daughter Natasha is determined to do anything to help her--she even shaved her head.  Knowing cancer patients often lose their hair during chemo, Natasha wanted her mother to know she was not alone.  A daughter who wants her mother to know that true beauty is felt more than it is seen. Now that's beautiful!

I will be speaking at the community fundraiser organized by Natasha and community leaders.  Join us!

Upcoming Speaking Engagement
Finding the Beauty from Within
Saturday, June 12, 2010
10 am - 5 pm

Where:     Community Preservation Headquarters /
                 Animal Shelter
Address:  4522 West 3500 South, West Valley, Utah
Cost:        $10.00 in advanced or $15.00 at the door

(A portion of proceeds will go towards American Cancer Society, women and their self esteem groups.)

I will be signing books and conducting a workshop.

All ages are invited.

For more information,

email me at jodirobinson2182@hotmail.com.

Young Women Craft Idea--Camp Craft

2010-06-03T07:35:00.000-07:00

It's time for CAMP!

If you're looking for a fun, quick and easy activity, check this out. Find the link here. Courage Necklace

When I spoke at a Young Women's Camp last summer in Camarillo, California, the girls made something similar to this. They had soooo much fun! If you have questions, feel free to email me. jodirobinson2182@hotmail.com

Making a Difference

2010-06-02T21:23:00.000-07:00

You're familiar with the starfish story--the man on the beach who is throwing starfish back into the ocean. Someone tells him there is no way he can make a difference. There are just too many starfish. Committed to his task, the man picks up yet another starfish and tosses it into the sea.

"Ah," he says with a hopeful stare. "But it made a difference to that one."

I think of Mother Teresa as a starfish thrower. She didn't set out to change the world. She merely started to share the love she had for God with others. Who knows how many starfish she was able to save simply because she tried.

When we desire to do good, perhaps that is where we should begin.

With a single starfish.

******************************

"I am a little pencil

in the hand of a writing God

who is sending a

love letter to the world."

~Mother Teresa

*****************************

Go make a difference.

I Love a Good Unhappy Ending—Especially When it Helps Us Face Our Giants

2010-05-24T13:59:00.001-07:00

You face giants by facing God first.

Focus on giants—you stumble.

Focus on God—your giants tumble.

--Max Lucado

No one likes unhappy endings. But we can learn from unhappy endings just as we can from happy ones—if we try hard enough. Take the story of King David in the bible. Maybe you're not even aware that it ends unhappily. Maybe you've just skimmed the surface. You've become accustomed to the David slays Goliath and becomes king part forgetting that's just the appetizer while the prime rib awaits.

David's Story
In the beginning, a young David inspires us to be more than we can be. He triumphs over the philistine with his stones and staff becoming the never-to-be-forgotten boy that slew Goliath! Now that's a happy ending if I ever saw one—an inexperienced boy slays an eleven foot bully! Yes!

But David's story doesn't end there.

David goes on to be a valiant soldier, a wise military strategist, an able administrator, a diplomat, a composer, a musician and a king—of his very own city even—imagine that. King of the City of David. (1 Chron. 11:6-7). Then, on top of everything, David passes a difficult test of character. King Saul, who once loved David and anointed him to be king becomes jealous of David's popularity and wants him killed. At one point, David hides in a cave. Not knowing that David is in the cave, Saul enters alone, without any of his men for backup. David's face to face with his foe, and, yet, what does David do? What a true and noble man should do—he lets his opponent go free. He turns the other cheek. David could have taken the throne right then and there, but he refrains. Triumph again! The scriptures say David "was a man after God's heart" (Acts 13:22). At this point in time, we all love David. We only wish we could be as good as he is.

So, where is David's unhappy ending? It's coming. Because somewhere in all of David's triumphs something happens to his heart. In 2 Samuel 11:1, we read that David sends Joab out with the king's men and the whole Israelite army to battle. It was customary for kings to lead their men into battle, and yet, King David chooses to stay behind in Jerusalem. Why?

We don't know exactly. But what happens next in David's story may clue us in on where David may have set his heart. Perhaps, it was already transfixed on a conquest named Bathsheba. David already had many wives and concubines (a problem for me right there but that's for another entry).

So, back to David. He sees Bathsheba bathing and he calls for her. He knows she is another man's wife—a man who has been loyal to David all along. But that doesn't stop David. Hasn't he gotten everything he's wanted up to this point? And Bathsheba's reasoning for going to David? The privilege of being the hearts' desire of a mighty king perhaps? We don't know for sure, but we do know David and Bathsheba choose to break God's laws. That then leads to another serious offense. Murder. David has Uriah killed in an attempt to cover up his sin of adultery. Where is David's heart now? Certainly, not with God.

David's Heart Fails Him
Now, David has adultery in his heart and blood on his hands. The mighty king has fallen—well, not yet. The story isn't finished. Soon, the baby David and Bathsheba conceive dies. In time, David loses his hold on the kingdom, along with Bathsheba, all his wives, and concubines. His family is in turmoil. David spends the rest of his life regretting what he has done, seeking forgiveness from the God that once gave him Goliath. On a positive note, David's repentant heart birthed some of the most beautiful scripture ever written on repentance, but I wonder—was it was worth the mental torment? Such a heavy price to have to pay for peace.

"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness:

according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

"Wash me…from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. . . .

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from thy presence;

and take not thy holy spirit from me." ( Psalm 51:1–3, 10–11 .)

Eventually, David receives the assurance that his soul would be "delivered . . . from the lowest hell" ( Psalm 86:12–13 ). But this assurance could not and would not restore the blessings he had lost. God lets David experience consequence. He makes him accountable for his decisions. Blessings that could have been his were gone forever (see D&C 132:39 ). (http://institute.lds.org/manuals/old-testament-institute-student-manual-1/ot-in1-08-sam-psa-27.asp)

The prophet Nathan tells David "the sword shall never depart from thine house." That prophecy is fulfilled as David's children wars against him and each other. One sad tragedy after another. David's son Absalom has his brother Amnon killed for raping their sister—an act that goes unpunished by David. That angers Absalom. But how could David hold his own sons accountable for he, too, had committed high crimes.

Oh, the heartache that must have been in the house of David, only to get worse. David begs for the armies to "deal gently" with his son Absalom, for David's sake (2 Samuel 18:5). But Absalom rides through the dense forest, catches his head in the boughs of a great oak tree and his mule runs out from beneath him. Absalom is left hanging by his hair until the soldiers take full advantage and kill him. When David hears of the death of his son, he utters in desperation, " O my son, Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died for you, O Absalom, my son, my son! (2 Samuel 18:33). Still, another son's death is not the lowest point of David's life for he descends even deeper. At the end of his life, David dies an old man in the presence of a stranger his associates hire to stay with him.

Turns out Goliath wasn't much of a giant compared to the other giants David had to face.

Not any one of us lives a Giant-free life. Giants come in all shapes and sizes. Some are bottled up. Some are accessed with the click of mouse. Some are billed in oversized payments. And some are stubborn, unhealed wounds that seem to never die. And, yet, I believe each of us still has that spirit of a young David that says, "Get up and slay the Giant!" I don't believe that voice ever left David. Because God never left David. David left God. He stopped listening. He couldn't see himself as the boy who slew a Giant any longer. He only saw himself as a miserable failure. An unlucky soul who sold his soul the moment he said "yes" to the giant.

The Moral of the Story

The moral of King David's story? There are many. And I suggest you study on your own to draw out your own best conclusions. But as for me, David's story is the importance of remembering who you are. Just because you slay one giant does it mean you're home free. The Adversary set his eyes on you a long time ago. And he'll come back for a second and third round hoping that this time…your resistance will be down.

The unhappy ending? We learn from it. We decide never to take our eyes off the straight and narrow path—even for a mini-vacation from the drudgery of royal duties.

Just like David, with God's help, we can win big. But… and this is a big BUT…if our hearts are not solely tuned to God—at all times, and in all things, and all places—we also stand to lose big.

Like the Lord, I can't help but love the David who was the hero and also love the David who was human. So, too, are we. Hopefully, before it's too late, before the giant over takes us, we'll reach inside our satchel and pull out one more stone.

A Big Thank You

To author Max Lucado, I thank you. I thank you with deepest gratitude for bringing to life the story of King David. In David's story, I found that I love unhappy endings…because in them lies the secret to facing Giants. If you keep a young David's heart, you will always win.

Question of the Day: Who is your Giant? And what are you going to do about it?

BUY Facing Your Giants

Book Review--The Parable of the Golden Pathway by Jenny Phillips

2010-05-20T06:24:00.000-07:00

I admit it. I'm a page surfer. That's what I call a person who curiously opens up a book and reads the first few pages to test out the water and then skims a few in the middle, before sneaking a peek at the ending to see how it all works out. (Weird, I know. Am I the only one who doesn't mind reading a book even though she knows how it's going to end? Do I need therapy or what?!)

So, yesterday, I purchased Jenny Philllips NEW book, The Parable of the Golden Pathway. And, yes, I was in my "surfing" mode. Cramming in a quick "surf" while watching my son at the skate park and taking my daughter to a band concert, I perused the 20-something page storybook with unanticipated expectations. Big mistake!

Later on, when life quieted down, I immersed myself in the 20-something pages and realized all the beautiful analogies I had missed in that quick surf at the beginning of my day.
The Parable of the Golden Pathway is a powerful little parable. "The story recounts the travels of three young siblings, Sarah, Ori, and Tabitha, along the golden pathway to the kingdom of the Light Maker." It illustrates the temptations, trials, consequences, and rewards that youth—and others—face in their daily journey to obey God’s laws. The book promises that you will see yourself in the three main characters as they struggle to remain on the path and reach the Ligh Maker's kingdom.

I see a Family Home Evening Lesson in sight. (I'll let you know how it turns out.)

YOUNG WOMEN IDEAS: By the way, Jenny Phillips offers some suggestions for Young Womens activities at Resources at jennyphillips.com. You'll want to check those out.

For Jenny Phillips' The Parable of the Golden Pathway, I give it my GOLD STAR.

Take time to sit down and read this inspiring parable to your children. It's worth it!

A Life-Lesson on Trust: To be trusted you have to be willing to trust

2010-05-13T08:04:00.001-07:00

My kids and I tried to rescue some stray kittens hiding behind the bushes near the Arctic Circle. Catch them so we could help them. That's all we wanted to do. Sadly, even opened cans of cat food failed to lure the kittens to a quick capture and rescue. Time and time again, these darling fur balls would timidly creep out from behind the bushes, swallow a chunk of cat food, and, before we could snatch them up, they would dart behind the thick bushes hopelessly out of sight. After an hour of trying, we left empty handed feeling horribly defeated because those kittens would remain orphans. All because they didn't trust us.

Trust is a tricky thing. One definition I found says: "Trust means making an exchange with someone when you do not have full knowledge about them, their intent and things they are offering to you." Think about it. God sends a baby to a twenty-something mom and dad who have never been parents, who know nothing about late night feedings, 102 degree fevers, and sharp corners on coffee tables. Now that's trust. Talk to me about trust in two years, when my daughter asks me to take the car for the first time all by herself. Yikes!

Ten years ago, when I showed up to teach my first class at a substance abuse treatment center, I learned how important trust was. I knew nothing, absolutely nothing about addiction. Just like those timid kittens, the women in my first class didn't trust me. They had no reason to. If they could have, they would have run behind the bushes. Instead of cans of cat food, I could have lured them in with Hershey bars. But that wouldn't have lasted long. With my son on my hip and my two little girls following close behind me, I entered the room. Forty pair of eyes can make a girl feel intimated. And I was.

"Hi, ladies. My name is, Jodi. How is everyone today?" Then without thinking I handed off my 6 month-old son to a woman sitting to my left.

"Hold him just a moment would ya? I need to get my notes." I shuffled through my diaper bag and found what I needed to start my class.

Looking back I'm sure a few of those women were thinking, "Who is this chick with her craft buckets and kids in color coordinated outfits?"

Throughout my class, I glanced at the young twenty-something woman bouncing my baby boy up and down on her lap. She did a fine job of keeping him occupied. At some point, I asked her if she had kids. She gave a longing look. Come to find out she didn't have custody of her son. He lived with his grandparents. She missed him.

"Oh, I'm sorry." Pause. "I hope you'll see him soon."

I'd never met this woman before but I wanted to hug her, console her and tell her to be strong. I couldn't imagine not being with my baby. It was after I'd been teaching at House of Hope for a few weeks that I realized what a welcome site my kids were to many of the women in treatment. Some had lost custody of their children permanently. Others were waiting to regain custody. Some women had scheduled supervised visits on weekends. These women missed their kids and being with my children consoled their aching arms.

That was ten years ago. Last month, I sat at the House of Hope Alumni Tea, an honorary celebration for women still in recovery. Wendy, a woman who graduated from treatment nine years previous sat at my table. We talked about that first class. And you know what she said?

"You know how I knew you were the real thing, Jodi? When you let me hold your son."
I had forgotten. Tears welled up in my eyes. Wendy was the girl with the dark streaks in her golden blonde hair who bounced my son up and down on her lap in my first class. It was one of those flash moments, when you get it. Really get it. It was all about trust and someone had to go first. And that someone was me.

Over the last ten years, all four of my kids have been hugged, high-fived, and patted on the back by hundreds of women fighting for their sobriety. They have allowed me and my family to be a small part of their lives during their stay at House of Hope. And it has been life-changing.

It's been almost a decade since Wendy and I decided to trust each other. And today, we have a beautiful friendship. Our children have attended the same school for the past five years. We've been on a fieldtrip together, sat next to each other at the Christmas concerts, and ate lunch together. Wendy's even taught classes with me at House of Hope. She's a successful business woman and a loving mother to her two sons. And she's sober. Her life is good. Wendy is one of my heroes.

So back to that definition of trust. "Trust means making an exchange with someone when you do not have full knowledge about them, their intent and things they are offering to you." When I handed my son to Wendy, I showed her I could be trusted to love, not judge. Silly me, I thought that gaining trust was going to come from something marvelously inspiring I had to say. Turns out that it wasn't what I said that was important. It was what I did. If you want to be trusted, you have to show what that looks like. We don't always do it the right way the first time. Sometimes it takes a few do-overs. But being trustworthy is worth any amount of do-overs.

As for the kittens, well, I'm looking for resources on-line for teaching felines how to trust. I just can't stop thinking about how hungry and thirsty they are. I hate to leave those little fur balls out in the cold when I know they need some love and tender care.

Matthew 25:26 "Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me."

House of Hope women, you are my heroes. You're my teachers. You're my inspiration. I never knew the fullness of God's power until I met a drug addict and saw the miracles in the lives of the women who live to have hope! Ladies, thanks for trusting me with who you are and allowing me to believe in who you can become.

How was Your Mother's Day?

2010-05-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

Meet Lila...Holy cow just doesn’t seem appropriate.

Don't eat your friends … or you'll be lonely.

My friend Kris and I took our kids to Wheeler Farm and met Lila the Pig. (Her name's not really Lila. We just felt that she needed a feminine name, well, because you know.) Lila spent the entire afternoon trying to get some relief by sitting her bottom-half in the water barrel. She did the best she could under the circumstances.

Hillarious! Kris and I kept coming up with one liners and we laughed so hard we cried. Here are just a few...

"That's SOOOMMMMEEE pig."

"I've heard of pigs in a blanket, but a pig in a bucket?"

"Here's a new way of looking at bringing home the bacon."

"Lila, thanks for making me feel so good in my workout clothes. Bless you darlin'!"

"We're on a roll...yea...a sausage roll."

And, Kris, thanks for the laugh. And Lila, you've got it goin' on!

A Diamond in the Rough--Author Jewel Adams Visits House of Hope

2010-05-10T10:06:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, author Jewel Adams came to House of Hope to share her personal story of recovery. I was so impressed with her. Her honesty. Her candor. Her genuine ability to say, "I've been where you've been. I've made it and so can you." Her story inspired me and all of the women there. Her name, Jewel, fits her perfectly. She is truly a gem of a human being. This is not the forum to share her story, but perhaps some time she will choose to do so. She is a wife, mother of ten children, grandmother, and successful author. The women loved receiving a free copy of her book, The Journey.

Today, I'd love to introduce you to her latest Novella entitled, Tears of Heaven. It's an ebook on her website: http://jewelsbestgems.blogspot.com/

I love when I meet people whose personal life stories inspire me to be a better human being. I can honestly say, "Jewel, I knew the moment I met you I liked you!"

I've always said to the women in my classes, "When you get the chance to tell your story to help others, do it. There is healing-power in every story of recovery." I believe that. We all have a story. We've all overcome something or are in the process of doing so. We are all diamonds in the rough.

Who we are is not as important as who we are becoming.

I love meeting strong women who have already become something wonderful. Women like Jewel! Thank you, Jewel, for sharing your experience and your wisdom. I look forward to working with you again.

Diamond in the ROUGH--Someone who has exceptional future potential, but currently lacks the final touches that would make it truly stand out from the crowd.

A Tribute to Invisible Women Everywhere--Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

To all of the Invisible Women in my life...Happy Mothers Day! To those women I know and those I haven't met yet.

I "see" you.

With love & friendship,
Jodi

Quotes on Virtue

2010-05-01T19:29:00.000-07:00

FREE downloads. Right click and save the above images. If you need a higher resolution, email me at jodirobinson2182@hotmail.com and I'll email you the files. These are great for decoupage' tiles for Young Womens handouts. The girls can make them for an activity. Thanks to http://www.shabbyblogs.com/ and Michelle Underwood for designing such an adorable pink frame! The pink frame can be found on http://www.shabbyblogsblog.blogspot.com/.

Twelve Steps to Recovery--A Mighty Miracle that Changes Lives

2010-04-26T06:21:00.001-07:00

"I believe that people are good if you give them half a chance and that good is more powerful than evil." Lois Wilson—birth mother of AL-ANON

Sitting on the window ledge in my kitchen is a geode. It was given to me by my friends at House of Hope, a drug recovery treatment center in downtown Salt Lake. For ten years, I've spent most of my Friday's teaching motivational and life skills classes to women trying to overcome substance abuse.  When someone new shows up in my class, her insecurities, despair, and hopelessness are not hard to miss.  Her countenance is dark. She is clearly unsure of House of Hope and most certainly is unsure of me.  She questions if she's even going to make it.

Some women come in fighting, full of anger at the "world" for doing "this" to them that, at first, they are hard to reach. But then something miraculous happens. They spend time in the program and they begin to soften. They begin to, as their counselors call it, "trust the process." In group and in one-on-ones, these women begin to learn tools and coping skills that help them deal with life's stresses.  They slowly uncover the reasons for using drugs and drinking alcohol and then a new acceptance emergers as they admit they need help and surrender to their higher power. I've seen it happen over and over and over. Women who have been to jail. Women who have lost custody of their kids. Women who have experienced domestic violence, done drug deals, prostituted themselves. Anything and everything that comes with drug life, they've seen and done it; and I've watched them shed their skin and transform into beautiful, confident, radiant souls anxious to tackle the world clean and sober.  It happens. And it happens every day at House of Hope.

So, back to my geode. Lisa presented it to me at the Alumni Tea, a yearly celebration for all those women in recovery. Almost two hundred were in attendeance this year. Lisa placed the broken rock full of crystals in my hands. She said, "Jodi, this is how you see the women of House of Hope. When the world sees the rough, rock exterior. You see the crystals inside." And I do. Thank you, Lisa. I will treasure that rock and every time I look at it sitting on my kitchen ledge I'll say a quick prayer for a woman still living in her addiction.

"I never thought I was good enough," one woman told me. "I didn't deserve to be happy," another shared. Oh, the tragedies of living at a time when the Adversary wreaks havoc on the self-esteems of young women and women.  As we journey towards becoming better people, let us understand as C.S. Lewis did:

"(The Christian) does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us." — C.S. Lewis

Beautifully said.

If any of you watched the Hallmark Hall of Fame TV Movie on April 25th, Sunday night, it was fabulous. The Lois Wilson Story reveals the dedication and devotion one woman had in her quest to help her husband overcome addiction, a courageous journey that gave birth to Al-ANON. So, in honor of AA founder Bill Wilson...and his angel wife, Lois Wilson, who stood by her husband to witness the making of a new man, today I post the Twelve Steps.

Thank you, Bill Wilson. Because you chose to turn your addiction into a miracle of change, millions upon millions live free of their addictions. And thank you, Lois, for bringing millions of women support and help through your brainchild, AL-ANON.

You don't need to be a recovering-anything to recognize we are all in need of reaching out to our higher power and surrendering our will. Let the steps inspire you as they have me. And to my friends at House of Hope...NEVER give up!

THE TWELVE STEPS OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

1. We admitted we were powerless...that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to [others], and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Copyright _ A.A. World Services, Inc.

Today’s Book Review: I’ll Know You By Heart by Kimberly Job

2010-04-15T07:20:00.001-07:00

If you're looking for "clean" fiction, book reviews are the way to go especially when you're dealing with sensitive topics. How many times have you picked up a book thinking it would decent and by the third page you're disappointed? I'll post some suggestions for book review blogs later in this post. If you have any you'd like to add, feel free to post your comment.

Clean fiction that deals with hard topics. I can suggest such a book. I had the privilege of reviewing Valor Publishing's latest romance novel; I'll Know You By Heart. One woman's emotional journey of overcoming abuse, saving her family, and finding new love. Author, Kimberly Job, deals sensitively with the topic of domestic violence, but also doesn't sugar coat it. I'm a sunny-side up kind of reader so when I know a book deals with a hard topic sensitively I appreciate it.

Kimberly allows her main characters to fall in love through friendship, which makes the love story between Stephanie and Jared believable, although, the book doesn't deliver the whole story simply because it can't. Lasting effects of abuse can't be tidied up just because it's the last page. I'm a bit of a skeptic in that way. I believe writing about abuse can be tricky, yet, it can be done cleanly. I can assure you that the author tastefully writes about a broken marriage and family life, but wraps a love story around it that leaves you feeling hopeful and happy—for the main character and for her children.

I've never had to heal from a wrench in my gut because the someone I loved physically betrayed me. I've not known such personal pain, but, through my work with women at the House of Hope, I know women who have. If we don't talk about it, we can't understand it and we can't help fix it. I believe that.

Domestic violence affects one in every four women (Bureau of Justice Statistics). That's a statistic I hope someday we can eradicate. May the Stephanie's of the world find the Jared's of the world. Now that would be sunny-side-up.

Question of the Day: What Book Reivew Blogs do you recommend? Post your comment.

Me? Where do I go? ANSWER: I go to my friend Holly. She knows exactly what I like and every recommendation she gives me I love. Too bad I can't give you her phone number.

Book Review Blogs

http://ldswbr.blogspot.com/2010/03/ill-know-you-by-heart.html
http://www.queenoftheclan.com/2010/04/book-review-ill-know-you-by-heart-by.html
http://writing4me2.blogspot.com/2010/04/book-review-ill-know-you-by-heart.html
http://galesears.blogspot.com/,http://www.kathiswritingnook.com/2010/04/interview-with-tristi-pinkston.html,
http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/http://www.daronfraley.com/2010/04/book-review-ill-know-you-by-heart-by-kimberly-job.html

Live for Time and for Eternity

2010-04-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

I ran into an old acquaintenance recently. She told me she remembered me singing in the junior high talent show. Ah, the 80s. Big permed hair and leg warmers. I humbly replied, "Oh! You remember that. I hope you don't remember what I was wearing." Ha. Ha.

I thought about my my slick, satin pants with my sparkly red, sequin top. Oh, dear. That was an outfit I'd like to forget. After some short pleasantries with this friend, our visit ended but it got me thinking. What are we going to be remembered for? And, better yet, how do we want to be remembered?

We need to ask ourselves this question each day so that we stay focussed on what is most important. How we will be remembered will be determined by how we spend our time.

In this past weekend's General Conference, I heard this wonderful quote:  We live for time and for eternity. It's the best quote of whole conference! How would you like to be remembered as someone who lived for time and for eternity? What does that look like? How does someone who lives for time and for eternity spend her time? How does she live? How does she serve? How does she give?

Living for time and for eternity is the concept of begining with the end in mind. Looking to the future and charting a steady course along the straight and narrow path. When you live for time only, your choices are different than when you live for eternity. Eternity brings time into persepctive.  The difference between right and wrong crystalizes.

Never before has so much been expected of a generation. Never before has so much been given. We've been told we've been prepared, called, and chosen. This is our time!  How will we spend it? Time will tell what we value, what we hold precious and dear. We don't have time to waste or squander. Once it's spent we can never it get it back.

Let us not become "distracted, delayed, or disqualified from...doing the very work [we] have been prepared and reserved to do" (Elaine S. Dalton).

Let us live for time and for eternity. Let us be the generation that keeps our eye on the prize.

And, by the way, the song I sang in the Union Middle School talent show? Ice Castles  (oh, the memories)

Read CHAPTERS for FREE--The Chapter One Club--Join Today

2010-03-29T07:26:00.000-07:00

This is exciting news! My publisher is offering a FREE service for readers who would like to try before they buy. It's FREE. All you have to do is sign up for the Chapter One Club and you will receive (via email) the first chapter of ANY BOOK that you're interested in reading (current or upcoming titles are available.)

Sure, you can read book reviews online, but nothing tells you if you want to read a book more than reading the first chapter to see if you want to read chapter 2… and 3… and 4, and more!

Read the first chapter of my book for FREE. See below for details.

HOW DO I SIGN UP? If you are interested, email spratt (at) cedarfort (dot) com with "CHAPTER ONE" in the subject and “Sign me up!” in the body of the email. That's it! You will be added and begin to receive free weekly chapters of current and upcoming titles! (spratt@cedarfort.com)

Note: As an added bonus of joining the Chapter One Club, you are also likely to receive discount coupons and other sweet goodies, so you may want to join just for that!

Unsung Heroes Living the Dream

2010-03-19T07:50:00.001-07:00

I sat down the other night at 9:15 p.m. It was the first time I had sat down all day. I glanced over at the four pair of shoes sitting next to the shoe basket and sighed.

"Why can't the kids put their shoes in the shoe basket. That's what a shoe basket is for!" It felt good to complain even if it was only to myself.

"Tired?" My husband asked as he handed me a red, wooden rocket. "Here. Hold this," he said.

It was my son's Space Derby Rocket for the next night's pack meeting. Surprisingly, it was light as a feather, yet, it took every ounce in me to stay focused and hold it straight while my husband put tape around it. I was really that tired. But why? What I had done with the last twelve hours of my life that brought me to the brink of exhaustion? It certainly wasn't anything worth writing about. Or, was it?

Well, let's see. It started at 6:30 that morning. Breakfast for the three oldest kids. At 6:45 a.m. I made sure my oldest daughter was up and getting ready for school. I then started packing lunches for the two youngest kids. Then I woke up kids #2 and #3. We had family scriptures at 7:00 a.m. followed by a quick run to the bus stop to drop off daughter #1. I then helped my son with his hair and inspected his spelling sentences, signed my daughter's permission slip and helped her find her shoes (which by the way were NOT in the shoe basket). By this time daughter #3 was up and ready to eat her cereal. I poured the cereal and milk in the bowl and then said goodbye to the two older kids, who left out the front door for their carpool. And wall-ah! It was 7:55 a.m. I headed into the laundry room to start a load of whites and the phone rang at 8:01 a.m. Wouldn't you know it, it was daughter #2. She was calling from a friend's cell phone to tell me she had forgotten her glasses.

"I'll get dressed and bring them to school," I told her.

I dressed my youngest daughter . Splashed on some mascara and lip gloss. Pulled my hair back in a pony. Got in the car. Drove to school. Dropped off the glasses. And from there decided to run to two stores to use up some coupons that were about to expire. Hmmmm. Not a life brimming with excitement, right?

The rest of the day was much the same. Housework, laundry, and changing shavings in the hamster cage. I whipped up a quick batch of brownie pops for the PTA's Family Reading night. While they were in the oven, I made a phone call to arrange a play date for my youngest daughter. My husband was working from home that day and needed some cough drops and sandpaper to finish off my son's Space Derby rocket. So, I got back in the car and headed to Wal-mart. While I was there, I picked up a frozen pizza for dinner and a Hershey chocolate bar. (For sanity.)

Once the kids got home from school, it was off to dance lessons for daughter #2 and the store (AGAIN) for daughter #1, who needed something green for St. Patrick's day. We got home just in time to heat up the pizza and head back over to the school for Family Reading Night. For the next hour and half, there I was, dressed up like a witch, reading to the kids from one of my favorite children's storybooks. We returned home at 8:45 p.m—time to get kids ready for bed, which brings us up to speed to where I was sitting on the couch staring at the red, wooden rocket in my hand, wondering why I was so tired.

I looked at my husband. His fingers were stained with red and black paint. His hair had traces of saw dust in it. And it got me thinking. My husband is a bright man. He makes financial decisions everyday that affect a company's bottom line. And, yet, at 9:15 p.m. on a Monday evening, the most important job he has is touching up paint on his son's Space Derby rocket. Not necessarily Nobel Peace Prize material. But had you seen the reaction of our son who, upon seeing the finished rocket, leaped into his father's arms yelling, "Dad! You're the coolest!" you'd have thought otherwise.

That night before bed, I read this quote from Max Lucado's book "Facing Your Giants."

"Quiet heroes dot the landscape of our society. They don't wear ribbons or kiss trophies; they wear spit-up and kiss boo-boos. They don't make the headlines, but they do sew the hemlines and check the outlines and stand on the sidelines. You won't find their names on the Nobel Prize short list, but you will find their names on the homeroom, carpool, and Bible teacher lists. They are the parents, both by blood and deed, name and calendar. Heroes. News programs don't call them. But that's okay. Because their kids do…They call them Mom. They call them Dad. And these moms and dads, more valuable than all the executives and lawmakers west of the Mississippi, quietly hold the world together. "

"Be numbered among them. Read books to your kids. Play ball while you can and they want you to. Make it your aim to watch every game they play, read every story they write, hear every recital in which they perform."

"Love the one who wears your ring and cherish the children who share your name. Succeed at home first."

Rewind the calendar twenty years. I was a hopeful soon-to-be college graduate; the recipient of a Poynter Institute Fellowship for journalists, one of 12 graduating seniors nationwide. I was lucky enough to rub shoulders with some of the finest journalists in the country, dreaming of a career that would take me to far off places. Fast forward 20 years, and, well, some days the farthest I go is the elementary school. One could look at my life and say, "She gave up on the dream." Or, one could say, "She just traded in one dream for another."

Instead of covering news in war-torn countries, I'm teaching my four children how wars start and how we can avoid them. Rather than covering a story about the growing homeless population in a downtown park, my kids and I tie fleece blankets and deliver them to the shelter. It's not what headlines are made of on the nightly news, but maybe our world would be nicer, kinder, and happier if the stories we saw were about mom's making cookies for the PTA bake sale and father's building space rockets for pack meetings.

(Side note: Just now my two youngest children ran through the living room with underwear on the heads screaming and laughing. I guess you can count that as a commercial break.)

Hat's off to moms and dads, the unsung heroes living the dream. Oh, and to Mrs. Jensen—a grandmother whom I met at my kids' school. She's "doing it all over again" meaning she's raising her grandchildren. You, dear lady, are the true heroine!

"Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother's image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child's mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss, the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness, the first assurance that there is love in the world."
--David O. McKay

QUESTION OF THE DAY: What do you love about being a mom?

Going GREEN for St. Patrick's Day--What's for DINNER?

2010-03-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

GO GREEN for dinner tonight!

Give your family a GREEN feast.

Here's what we're doing in honor of
St. Patrick’s Day. Here's our menu and the links you can go to for easy and delicious recipes.

Start off with sliced green peppers and dip. Easy enough!

Next is avacado and pear salad.

Recipe for the Pear and Avacado Salad

For dessert we've prepared these ahead of time.

Oreo Mint Truffles.

Recipe for Oreo Mint Truffles.

To drink we're having Lime Sherbet punch.

Lime Sherbet Punch

(Simple version is Sprite mixed with lime green sherbert.)

How I'm decorating my table.

Green Apple and Candle Centerpiece

For the Main Dish it's Buttermilk Chicken with Spinach served over rice.

Here's the link for the recipe: Buttermilk Chicken

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Resources for Hard Topics--Drug Addiction and Pornography

2010-03-08T07:49:00.000-08:00

Drug Addiction and Pornography—Books that can help

My cell phone rang at 6:14 p.m. last night. It was a friend I hadn't heard from in a while. Her voice was tense. "My nephew. He's addicted to prescription drugs. What can I do to help?"

A few months ago, it was another friend whose brother is addicted to heroin. "What can we do as a family to help him get better? We don't want him to die."

Don't be fooled. In both cases these are strong, religious families. Addiction has no boundaries. It affects families from all walks of life—religious and non-religious, rich and poor, functional and dysfunctional. Addiction affects the whole family—not just the addict. Over the years, I have received many of these same kinds of calls asking, "How can I help a loved one who is addicted?" I'm not a licensed therapist or professional counselor. I'm a resource of information for friends, families, church members, who need to know where to turn to get help for a loved one caught in the treacherous cycle of addiction. Teaching motivational classes at a drug treatment center for the last nine years has taught me a lot about addiction. Some of my best friends are recovering addicts who are willing teachers who dedicate their lives helping others find hope. They are god-sends to many who struggle.

The good news is there is help for anyone caught in addiction. YOU can help a loved one overcome their addiction! And in the mean time, you can become a better a person a long the way. Addiction, to most people who don't understand it, is scary. But knowledge is power. Knowledge brings peace. The more you learn about addiction, the more you understand the healing power of the Atonement and the closer you come to Christ.
For any individual or family affected by addiction, there is hope. There is always hope. For this post, I'm simply going to highlight a few resources that no family should be without.

The Utah Department of Human Services: Division of Substance Abuse. http://www.dsamh.utah.gov
This website is a free service that can answer basic questions and gives you a phone number to call to ask questions. It's a start. If you're not in Utah, your state should have a number as well. Call and talk with the hotline. Ask questions. Get help.

One book I'm going to refer you to is the LDS Family Services Addiction Recovery Program. It's only about $5.00. Every household should have a copy. You can order it on-line through Deseret Book or the Church Distribution Center. The book is based on the 12 Step Program. It's easy to read and easy to understand. Whether you're LDS or not, this book is an excellent resource. It's beautifully written. It's inspiring. Really, every adult should read it. There are other books out there as well, but this is a good start. Book
Of course, there are AA meetings and Al-Anon meetings. They take place every day all around the city. There is no shame in attending. These resources are here to help. And help, they do. Don't put off getting help, if you or a family member need it. This is the first day of the rest of your life. How are you going to spend it?

Getting Help with Pornography Addiction

Many families suffer from the affects of a pornography addiction. Sadly, many who are affected choose to suffer in silence. We should be able to talk about this; we have to talk about this. The good news here is there is also hope and healing. Just talk with author, Diony George, author of the book Torn Apart, and you'll find a Christian woman who has rebuilt her family after the devastating effects of pornography destroyed her first marriage. Diony's book is "an honest and riveting true story about how pornography addiction can devastate and destroy the very threads of a marriage and family." Diony is a friend of mine. When you first meet her, you love her instantly for her warm and friendly demeanor. But then, you love her for her honesty and bravery in telling her story in hopes it will help others. "Unbeknownst to [Diony]-she marries a man right after her 18th birthday and discovers a few years and two children later that he is addicted to pornography." Torn Apart is her story. Diony also offers help to families on her website and blog. http://www.tornapartbyporn.com/

Here are two excellent resources that can help educate families about pornography.

Clean Hands, Pure Heart: Overcoming Addiction to Pornography Through the Redeeming Power of Jesus Christ. Book
When I was a Relief Society President, I was introduced to a book called Confronting Pornography. This book is comprehensive and provides insight about why pornography is so addiction and offers resources and help to overcome addiction to pornography. It's help for the addict and non-addict. Book

Remember…nothing…NOTHING is out of reach of forgiveness. God's hand is outstretched still. (2 Ne 19:12)

To all my wonderful ladies at House of Hope in Salt Lake City--YOU ARE MY HEROS. You teach me how to be a better person. You've changed me for the better. And I love you. ALL OF YOU.

Raising Kids is Like Raising Chickens--Love Unstoppable

2010-02-26T07:23:00.000-08:00

So, my kids and I are the proud parents of five adorable, tweeting, fluff balls! My oldest daughter and her friend talked me into buying two baby chicks on Tuesday. We started out with two. But we found out that you need more than two chicks for them to be healthy grown-up chickens. So, by Wednesday, we had five baby chicks.

The chicks are so cute that we have spent all our time obsessing over them. We haven't cared that they tweet through the night and that they're up at dawn, tweeting some more. Yesterday, the little black one, named Scarlet/Oreo, put its wing around the yellow chicky named Jacq. They cuddled in the corner of their box and we were beside ourselves!

Okay, so, the crazy thing is...we know these cute, adorable chicks are going to grow up and someday be BIG chickens. We know they aren't going to be cute and adorable forever. But right now, we don't care because we're in the honeymoon phase of raising chicks. We're caught up in the slow motion movie in our head where we're frolicking through the meadow with baby chicks running behind us. Can you see it, too?

Sadly, these babies are not going to be irresistible, tweeting fluff balls forever. In fact, I've never thought of big chickens as cute or adorable, or really anything. So, when does this "honeymoon so in love with baby chicks phase" wear off?

Raising chicks is just like raising kids. First, God gives you the "honeymoon phase." You fall in love with these helpless, adorable, fuzzy-headed, precious babies, whose burps are even cute. You love them so much your heart hurts. But then, when they're two, they paint your wall with blue nail polish (daughter #3). And when they're eight they play soccer in the house and break your favorite glass candy jar (son #1). Then when they're 16 they drive into a parked car at the grocery store (hasn't happened, yet, but probably will). Then when they're 21, they call you and say, "Mom, I've just eloped." (This happened recently to a friend of mine and part of her was beside herself and the other part was okay. She told me, "All I said was, 'I'm here for you when you need me.'" Yikes! Cute or adorable "chicks" do grow up to do not so cute things!

So, why do we have "chicks" in the first place? Why doesn't God warn us that raising "baby chicks" can be hazardous to our well being? And why doesn't he warn us that we're only going to hold them long enough to turn around and let them go? Because...God made the love we have for our children. He made it strong enough to withstand earthquakes, tornadoes, and tsunamis. He knows, with His love, we can see our children through anything. That love we felt for them as "baby chicks" is unstoppable.

As I hold this tiny, yellow, baby chick up against me, I know it won't be much longer and it will be too big to hold. The day will come, all to quickly, when I will need to let it go. So...I'm going to love these baby chicks into chicken-hood. I'm going to relish in the memories of holding them, watching over them, worrying about them, and tending to their needs. And then I'm going to trust God to help me to let them go.

P.S. Will you remind me I wrote this when my daughters goes off to college? And when my son goes on a mission? And when my youngest daughter goes to kindergarten? And when...

"A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on." -
-Carl Sandburg

Young Women Ideas

2010-02-23T07:36:00.000-08:00

Teaching a lesson on VIRTUE?
Having an activity about VIRTUE?
Here's some IDEAS for Young Women Handouts.

Occasionally, I receive emails asking me for ideas regarding handouts and for lessons and activities on VIRTUE. Here are a few that I share regularly. I'd love to share them with YOU.

When I give my "BEAUTY OF VIRTUE" presentation, I use three symbols: Gold, a Lily, and a Ruby. You may have some other ideas, so if you do, please post your comments or email me. I'd love to add to my list!

VIRTUE is the color GOLD. I love this quote from Sister Dalton: "The value of virtue has been given a symbolic color, like the other values. The color of virtue is gold because gold is pure. It shines. It is soft, not harsh or brash. It is precious. Gold must be refined. As you live a pure and virtuous life, you will be refined by your life's experiences, and as you "trust in the Lord" (Proverbs 3:5) and draw closer to Him, He will "make [your] hearts as gold" (Roger Hoffman, "Consider the Lilies"). Scrapbooking stores have things that could easily represent gold. I found these gold heart charms that would be perfect hanging from a bookmark with Sister Dalton's quote. Here's the link: http://www.robertscrafts.com/default.aspx?PageID=47&CategoryID=399&ProductID=15246&RootCatCode=07000. The heart charms say "Made with love." They are $2.99 a package. And 75 come in a pkg. An excellent reminder that God made us out of love so that we could become like him. They are tiny, but just darling.
Print a scripture or quote and decoupage' it on a tile. Then tie a gold ribbon around the tile with the heart dangling from it. Have you ever done decoupage' on tiles? You print 4X6 photos but only use 4X4 for the actual printing space. You need to use an imaging program to change the size to 4X4. Mod podge the photo onto a bathroom tile that you buy at Home Depot for about .15 cents. Then you use a clothes pin hot glued on the back to get the tile to stand up. Does that make sense? I've attached a 12X12 tile that I made with a different saying on it. In fact, it has the lily on it. So you can see what I have made. I digitally scrapbook the image in my scrapbooking program. You can see how I tied the ribbon around the tile. So, the little gold heart could hang on the ribbon around the tile. If you are interested in using my lily tile, you're welcome to it. I would need to send you the file in a 4X4 that could be printed on a 4X6 and then cut down to size to fit the tile. I'm happy to share.
I love the idea of making a Lily to wear in your hair. Hair clips are inexpensive. You could hot glue a lily on a clip for each girl. "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow..." That beautiful passage of scripture is perfect to help remind us that Heavenly Father clothed the lilies, and if he clothed the lilies and worries about them, and toils over them, then why would he not do that for us, his daughters.
Of course having something that represents the ruby would be wonderful. You can use glass floral marbles. Sometimes it's called sea glass. They come in different shapes. Here's a link that might get you started thinking. There is one on the list that is in the shape of a heart. 25 come in a package and they're only $4.99 per pkg. They have circular red marbles as well. A nice handout would be a note card that gives the scripture: "A virtuous woman is more precious than rubies." http://www.megaglass.com/mm5/merchant.mvc? Here's the link for the site I've used. Red Rubie Floral Marbles
Okay, and then another idea would be to find tiny, little glass viles and put red glitter inside and then hang a ribbon from it like a necklace. The glitter, of course, represents the ruby! The viles have a miniature cork at the top. I have one with fairy dust in it that was given to me as a gift by a dear friend. Here's the link so you can see what I mean as far as the vile goes. Some local bead stores probably carry them. I've never checked Michaels or Roberts. With a ribbon hanging from it, it could be a necklace. Small Glass Viles for necklance
My publisher sells these VIRTUE PENCILS. They are gold pencils with VIRTUE inscribed on them. They're inexpensive as well. Here's the link: Virtue Pencils.
If you're looking for rubies to give your girls, you can use floral marbles or plastic jewels. Here's the link for the site I've used. Red Rubie Floral Marbles

SHARE YOUR IDEAS WITH US! Post your comments.Or, send me an email at jodirobinson2182@hotmail.com. Mark it YOUNG WOMEN IDEAS and I'll include your ideas in my post.

Have a wonderful day!
True beauty is felt more than it is seen.

For more information about my presentation, "The Beauty of Virtue", email me at jodirobinson2182@hotmail.com.

"Jodi, what you did for me and my daughter was amazing.
Thank you." --Lisa, Utah

LOVE Is In the Air! (Literally)

2010-02-10T08:06:00.000-08:00

This past summer, I attended education week classes at a nearby university. The last class of the day was on increasing the LOVE in your relationships. Sounds like your average marriage class. But it was far from it. The LOVE lesson I learned that day will stick in my mind forever.

My friend and I found two open seats near the front of the classroom. We sat down and pulled out our notebooks and pens. Within minutes, the room filled with eager students ranging from ages 18 to 75. The instructor began an informative discussion about the three Greek words that define the most important word in the English language...L-O-V-E.

The instructor explained that . . .

"Eros is the romantic kind of love."
"Philos is brotherly love. The deep love you have for family members and good friends. "
"Agape love is god-like love. The unconditional, giving, serving, and sacrificing kind of love."

Interestingly enough, as the instructor began describing eros, I spotted a young couple (very young) sitting near the exit door. They couldn't keep their hands off each other. I thought to myself, "Ah, ha! That's eros in action." And believe me, there was action. Fingers through the hair, back rubs, shoulder rubs, and arm tickles. For 50 minutes straight the strawberry blonde and her bronzed counterpart were obviously engaged in eros. I guess you could say they were a very effective visual aid. (Ha!)

Next, the instructor introduced philos. The bonding kind of love you feel for a dear family member or a good friend. This kind of love is deep and has the other person's best interest at heart. I looked around the room. And what do you know? To the right of me, sat a mom and a daughter. They were linked arm in arm. They had to be mother and daughter because the dark haired one looked like a younger version of the gray-haired one. They seemed very close. At one point, the dark-haired one pulled out a granola bar, split it half and gave a piece to the gray-haired one. "Okay," I thought. There's philos in action." Again, another great visual aid.

Well, next, the instructor introduced agape love. Now, keep in mind, I've been in classes all day. My rear end is starting to go numb. My mind is wandering to what I'm going to make for dinner and which children will have what homework. "Okay, back on track. Back to agape." I tried to focus.

So, the instructor then explained that AGAPE is the God-like love—unconditional love that forgives and endures. He talked about how agape love could not be shaken or altered and that it is the heart of God that we as humans would experience if we could experience love in its fullness. I think to myself, "Well, there's no visual aid for that." I got my protein bar out of my bag and took a bite. My eyes wandered. That's when I noticed a couple sitting right in front of me. A gray-haired man and a gray-haired woman. I guessed they were in their late 60s. There was nothing stand-out obvious about this couple except for, at one point, the husband fixed his wife's knitted sweater that had fallen off her shoulder. How sweet. Then, it happened. A long, loud, bodily sound accompanied by a gassy smell came from the gray-haired woman. Ugghh! Can you imagine a quiet room of 200 people and having that happen to you? Unfortunately, there was no way to disguise it. She had "tooted" and everyone—at least those of us close by—knew it. I shifted in my chair feeling her pain but at the same time feeling gratitude that it was her and not I. (Does that count as philos?)

Well, right then, this woman's husband, slowly but surely, lifted his right arm, stretched it around her and lovingly patted her on her the shoulder. He even gave her a little pull towards him as if to say, "It's okay. I love you."

"Ah! Agape!" I couldn't resist. I turned to my friend and whispered, "Did you see that? THAT! THAT'S AGAPE!" We giggled silently with hearts full! We had witnessed Agape at its peak. Maybe no one else around thought so. But we sure did. And it was beautiful! (A little smelly, but beautiful.)

That day, I can honestly say love was in the air!

To the couple who sat in front of me at Education Week 2009, I thank you! In you, I saw AGAPE in action. You know, I can't remember much more about that class—not even the instructor's name. But thanks to those three couples, I will remember the lessons of love never to be forgotten.

To have love is to give love.

Happy LOVE Day.

Take the LOVE DARE Challenge—I dare you!

2010-02-05T06:24:00.000-08:00

Do you remember being “dared” to do something?
I dare you to ring that doorbell and run! I dare you to eat a grasshopper! I dare you to jump off that wall!

I dare ya.

Well, I’ve never been one to like “dares.” To me, dares are silly. They’re for proving something to someone, and, I guess, I’ve never felt the need to prove anything to anybody. But there were those kids who were always…always willing to take a dare. It exhilarated them! It pushed them to the ends of what they thought they could and couldn’t do. Sometimes the outcomes were good. Sometimes they were bad. Needless to say, I’m glad when I was in the 4th grade Holly Powell dared me to eat a grasshopper and I dared to go home. That poor grasshopper!

Now that being said there's a DARE I am willing to take. Buy the Book
I have DARED to take the LOVE DARE. This is a unique kind of dare. You don’t have to ring Mr. McGregor’s doorbell and run. You don’t have to risk getting into trouble with your parents, risking your life, or risking anything really. There’s no risk involved. All you have to risk is the possibility of increasing the love in your life. I promise…it’s a dare worth taking.

The Love Dare is written by Alex and Stephen Kendrick, who serve on the pastoral staff at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA. The book is broken up into 40, easy-to-read, inspirational, one- day devotionals based on LOVE. Think of it as easy bite-sized pieces that you can chew one at a time. For example, Day 1 is: Love is Patient. Day 2 is Love is Kind. The authors have done an excellent job of writing about love in action; what it looks like; what it takes like; and what it feels like. You can picture it in your mind and you can easily begin to put into practice what you have learned.

Loving is sometimes hard to do. But with a good book that teaches you “how” to love, you can’t go wrong. Based on scriptures from the bible and gospel principles, it’s written on the premise of improving your marriage. But it helps with any relationship where there is love. And really, isn’t that every relationship? “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Who hasn’t had trouble loving their neighbor at some point in time. This book can help. It helps you love your children, your parents, yourself. And you do it one day at a time. One chapter, at the most is two pages. Who doesn’t have time to devote to two pages a day?

I finished the LOVE DARE last year, and I’m doing it again. I have a feeling I will be doing it the rest of my life. I wish I could tell you that after you take the dare, you’ll be fixed. But, learning to love is really a life-long journey. This book is truly something that can be your companion for life. It will change the way you look at love and how you desire to be loved and how you desire to show love.

Take the LOVE DARE challenge. I dare ya! For you movie buffs, the movie "Fireproof" is a great movie that goes along with the book.

SHARE THE LOVE...

Here's some fun ideas!

1. THE LOVE BREAKFAST.

Give your family a "Love Breakfast."  The night before, I decorate the table so in themorning the kids wake up to beautiful display. That way they know it's special. We eat on special dishes. (They're pink.) I serve quiche, pink punch, heart-shaped muffins, heart-shaped pancakes. Everything is red and pink. Then I write a love-note to each child and stick it on their plate. My son had his "lovenote" stuck on his bulletin board the entire year. Love that! So don't think your boys won't go for it. They will. Just tone down the pink a tad. My LOVE BREAKFAST is a fun family tradition that we look forward to every year.

2. THE LOVE BUCKET.

Make a love bucket that, for a week or so before Valentines' Day you fill with "love notes."  You could use a box, a bowl, anything really.  Fill it with paper hearts, and let your children write to their heart's content.  We love this! And it's fun over the years to read some of the notes from year's past.

3.  VALENTINE'S FOR SENIOR CITIZENS.
Use a Family Home Evening Night to make Valentine's for seniors in your neighborhood or at a care center.  Kids love delivering them.

4. BROWNIE BOUQUET -- this has become a FAVORITE.

This is a fabulous and fun way to make brownies. They also make beautiful gifts. (And, yes, they really are brownies.)

I was bored with brownies, so I tried these Brownie Pops. Here's the recipe:
Make one box of your favorite brownies. Bake as directed. Cool. Dump baked brownies into your mixer. Add 3/4 of a tub of store-bought creamcheese frosting. Mix together. Roll into balls. Place on a cookie sheet. Put a stick in each ball. Freeze for 30 mins. Then dip in white Almond Bark and decorate with sprinkles. I used sugar pearls. Stick the brownie pop sticks in floral styrofoam. Put tissue paper around the pops. You can use a gift bag, box, or basket for your container. Beautiful and delicious!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Our Temporary Home

2010-01-24T17:15:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, my husband and I were snowmobiling in Paris Canyon in the Cache National Forest on the Utah-Idaho border. It was a chilly 16 degrees. Clouds hung low and it was about to snow. With all my winter gear on, I was warm. My hands were even a tad sweaty after being wrapped around the handle warmers of my snowmobile as we raced up the narrow, snow-covered path leading into what I call the “tundra.” After about 20 minutes, we dropped down off the trail into a valley surrounded by snow-covered mountains. From there, all we could see was a blanket of fresh powder. The scene was pristinely beautiful.

Just as we turned off our sleds, the sun peeked out from behind a cloud and snowflakes started to fall. My husband and I pulled out some beef jerkey and a bottle of Gatorade and began mapping out our course. For miles and miles, it was just the two of us and some tall evergreens draped in white. It was below freezing so the snowflakes that fell on my black snow pants stayed for while, so I got out my camera to take a few pictures. I don’t have a high-tech camera, but I did my best to shoot a few pictures. This is as close I could get.

Rarely, have I had a chance to see snowflakes up close. They melt too fast. They’re just too temporary. But on that day it was too cold for them to melt, so I could watch them fall and, against the backdrop of my black pants, I could study the intricacies of each snow crystal. As I looked at them individually, I remembered what I had recently read about snowflakes:

“Snow crystals are crystals that have formed around tiny bits of dirt

that have been carried up into the atmosphere by the wind. So snow crystals are really soil particles that have been dressed up in ice.”

So, isn’t that interesting? Snow crystals are bits of dirt dressed up in ice. I would have never guessed that something so beautiful could come from dirt. As the wind picked up a bit, it was harder to watch these tiny crystals up close. It turns out that snowflake watching, even in freezing temperatures, is only temporary.

Temporary means momentary, passing, or short-term.
Life itself is temporary. This life that we live, here and now, is short-term, not long term. Just like those snowflakes’ brief fall to earth, mortality is a brief dance through eternity. So, what does this mean? How should that affect how we live our life?

I’m blessed to have a strong belief that there is more to this temporary existence. I believe life here on earth is part of something far greater and, just like the snowflakes, we, as human beings, are pieces of dirt, or dust, you could say, on a temporary journey, not meant to last forever. I know we’re just passing through this life going to a better place where God lives, where forever goes on and on.

Recently, I was sitting in a Wal-mart parking lot waiting for my daughter to come out. It was a cloudy day. The rain hadn’t, yet, turned to snow. As I looked out my window, I watched people pushing their shoping carts full of groceries through the automatic doors. A song called "Temporary Home" by Carrie Underwood came on the radio. The song painted the picture of a young boy in foster care getting a new mommy and daddy and a new home, but he wasn’t afraid because he knew it was just a temporary place with windows and rooms that he was passing through.

The next verse told of a young, single mom with a baby girl, living in a shelter. And the same thing. She wasn’t afraid because she knew it was only temporary and something better would come along. The last verse told of an old man dying ready to pass on to next life. He told his loved ones it was okay because he was going on to something better. Here’s the chorus:

This is my temporary home

It’s not where I belong

Windows and rooms that I’m passing through

This is just a stop on the way to where I’m going

I’m not afraid because I know

This is my temporary home.

That song sung truth. Every human being on this earth is in a temporary home. We don’t belong here. We're spiritual beings passing through this mortal existence on our way to live in eternity with God. But how easily we forget that.

For eight years, I have volunteered teaching life-skills and motivational classes to women who are recovering drug addicts. This past Friday, a woman came up to me and said, “Jodi, you have a big heart wanting to do this for people like us.” I immediately corrected the woman and looked her straight in the eye.

"You and I?" I said pointing to her and then to me, "We’re the same.” I’ve said it hundreds of times before to the women who have passed through the doors of House of Hope; women who have been in my classes; women who are just passing through on their journey to sobriety. Yes, our choices may be different, but our journey is the same. We’re all here temporarily working out our own salvation (Philippians 2:12). At times, some of us get sidetracked on some really bumpy roads. But we’re all here learning, growing and trying to get somewhere better than we were the day before.

When something is temporary, sometimes we don’t take it as seriously as we should. We don’t savor it as we should. We don’t treasure it as we ought to. Sometimes we place too much importance on quick fixes.

Ezra Taft Benson said that because of this temporary existence, “our affections are often too highly placed upon paltry, perishable objects. Material treasures of earth are merely to provide us, as it were, room and board while we are here at school. [We must learn to] place gold, silver, houses, stocks, lands, cattle, and other earthly possessions in their proper place. This is but a place of temporary duration…We live on and on after earth life, even though we ofttimes lose sight of that great basic truth.”
In the past two weeks, we’ve seen live video of crumbled buildings in the earthquake stricken nation of Haiti. Men, women, and children camped on out on streets. Throngs of hungry people grabbing for any morsel of food they can get from relief workers. Nameless individuals lying on stretchers waiting to receive medical attention for cuts and broken bones. In one newscast, I was broken hearted to see an innocent, little, dark-eyed boy, about 4-years-old--about the same age as my youngest daughter--sitting next to a reporter. His parents were killed in the earthquake the week before. In this world, there is devastation. Heartache. And suffering. What do you say to all of this? What do you tell your children? How do you answer the unanswerable?

How do you find peace in the unjustifiable? Take yesterday, for example. After my son’s basketball game, I stood in the parking lot talking to a young mother, newly divorced. We stopped to chat. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her children get in the car with her ex-husband and his new girlfriend.

“I get the day to myself,” she said behind a quivering voice and held-back tears. She hid it well. I was ready to fall apart, at first, but then she shared her faith with me. She was okay. She was going to be fine because her strength was in her higher power. She wasn’t afraid. She was going to pass through this trial because in her words, “I know this is only temporary.”

No, I don’t have answers to the tragedies of this temporary existence we call our earthly home. But may I offer a “temporary” answer that, for me, brings permanent peace. When I remember that this place; this existence we call mortality is just a temporary home filled with windows and rooms, and that we’re merely passing through on our way to something greater; when I remember that this is just a stop on the way to where God lives, and although sometimes we’re afraid, and sometimes life isn’t what we expect it to be; when I remember this...that there is a plan, an eternal plan of happiness...I feel peace.

President Benson wrote: “As we travel through this topsy-turvy...world filled with temptations and problems, we are humbled....Sadness comes to all of us….But there [should be] gratitude also—gratitude for the assurance...that life is eternal....'I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live....' We are eternal beings. We lived as intelligent spirits before this mortal life. We are now living part of eternity.” (John 11:25–26.)” (Ezra Taft Benson, “Life Is Eternal,” Ensign, Aug 1991, 2)

Just like those snowflakes, falling in Paris Canyon, we’re dust dressed up as ice just passing through. And as scripture tells us: ‘For dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return’ (Gen. 3:19).” “And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die” (John 11:25–26).

Everything in this life is temporary except for the ordinances, covenants, and gospel principles that bind us together as eternal beings and families. Knowing that living here is only temporary isn’t a curse. It’s a blessing. I know without a shadow of doubt that there is something beyond, not of this world.