"No" November!

Happy start to our November month! The past week has been filled with awesome challenges. "No Shave November"(my husband's favorite), "Give Thanks November" and so on. Last Sunday, Halloween, this awesome sister in our ward taught based on the talked given by President Monson "Charity Never Faileth" Her focus was on how important it is as women to not judge one another. She also gave us a challenge. "No nagging, no judging November." AWESOME! It's a great reminder and since I'm my children's first teacher it gives me a great opportunity to become better. I heard once heard someone say we can grow closer to Heavenly Father by becoming parents. I couldn't agree more.

On a personal note(not like my whole blog isn't) I went to Mormon.org last night and filled out the "Refer a friend section". I filled it out for my father. I was able to fill out most of the information, which made me happy. At the bottom of the page you're able to say a few words of information for Missionaries who will be contacting your "friend". Simply put, I was really scared but I prayed over this, and I know if it's the correct time for my father he will be ready for those precious Missionaries.

I have been super mindful of missionary work, family and church for a few weeks. Mid-October my Mom invited me to a great fireside held in the Seattle Stake. The guest speaker was a brother who lives in Salt Lake City. Like my parents he had join the church before the Priesthood was allowed to all worthy members of the church. This brother was amazing in explain that didn't hinder his decision to be baptized into the LDS church. That's the feeling I've known and heard from most African American or African members of the church. I had a wonderful time listening to him talk about his mission in California and his struggles trying to explain to investigators that the church is true despite rumors or misconceptions.

I really have to give my parents credit. I can't even begin to think how hard church must of been, or how it was difficult getting questioned from your own family about this decision to join a 'white church". My parents were one of the first African American couples sealed in the Seattle Temple. Please re-read that sentence. I don't even have words to explain how amazing that is. Maybe it's because now that I'm getting older I can really appreciate the hard work and commitment my parents made and I really want to invite my father back to church with us. And of course in the temple everything is clear and life has so much purpose. I've wanted to introduce my children to my father, for him to know I don't hold him in a bad light, I try telling my kiddies everything I know about him. He took piano lessons and played organ. If I hated him and didn't want to be like him I would be denying a talent I somehow was born to have. It's amazing how the Lord works in our lives and I hope one day I can really see my father. To date, I'm thankful for family! :)

Talk to everyone soon!