Lesson's Learned by Newbie

 Revelation and a Living Prophet

Chapter 16

From the Life of Joseph Smith

Following this conference, the Prophet recalled, “my time was occupied closely in reviewing the commandments and sitting in conference, for nearly two weeks; for from the first to the twelfth of November we held four special conferences. In the last … the conference voted that they prize the revelations to be worth … the riches of the whole earth.” The conference also declared that the revelations are “the foundation of the Church in these last days, and a benefit to the world, showing that the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom of our Savior are again entrusted to man; and the riches of eternity [are] within the compass of those who are willing to live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

God has always guided His people and His Church through revelation.

“Salvation cannot come without revelation; it is in vain for anyone to minister without it. … No man can be a minister of Jesus Christ except he has the testimony of Jesus; and this is the spirit of prophecy [see Revelation 19:10]. Whenever salvation has been administered, it has been by testimony. Men of the present time testify of heaven and hell, and have never seen either; and I will say that no man knows these things without this.”7

The President of the Church conveys the word of God to us for our day and generation.

“Like those who held up the hands of Moses [see Exodus 17:8–13], so let us hold up the hands of those who are appointed to direct the affairs of the Kingdom, so that they may be strengthened, and be enabled to prosecute their great designs, and be instrumental in effecting the great work of the last days.”

Those who reject the living prophet will not progress and will bring upon themselves the judgments of God.

Noah was a perfect man, and his knowledge or revelation of what was to take place upon the earth gave him power to prepare and save himself and family from the destruction of the flood. This knowledge, or revelation, … was not believed by the inhabitants of the earth. They knew Adam was the first man, made in the image of God; that he was a good man; that Enoch walked with God three hundred and sixty-five years, and was translated to heaven without tasting death. But they could not endure the new revelation: the old we believe because our fathers did, but away with new revelations. And the flood swept them away. …

“The same principle … was signally manifest among the Jews when the Savior came in the flesh. [They] boasted of the old revelations, garnished the sepulchres of the dead, gave tithes of mint and anise, made long prayers for a pretense, and crossed sea and land to make proselytes, but yet when the new revelation came fresh from the mouth of the great I Am himself, they could not endure it—it was too much. It showed the corruptions of that generation, as others before, and they cried, away with him; crucify him! …

Prov. 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. I LOVE THIS SCRIPTURE... It is so true!

My Testimony,

I am so thankful that God calls men to be Prophets. I know that he has a plan for everyone, and each child of God are to follow prophecies. I am very thankful that I may pray and receive revelation and conformation that these things are of the Lord and not of man. He hears your prayers, and will answer you. I can feel the Holy Spirit confirm to me that it is truth. The Lord will overtake you with peacfullness. I am also thankful that I am able to seek the Lord for direction in my own life. He will reveal to me exactly what I am suppose to do. Where, what, and how I am going to do something. He is always by your side, when you call upon him he is there to guide you. I feel very blessed to have a TRUE prophet here on earth today. 

In the name of Jesus Christ

Amen

WAY excited!

I just sold all of the current Salon furniture to one lady. YIPPEEE. They are coming to pick it all up Saturday Night when we close! Whew... what a relief. One less thing to worry about. Not to mention I got decent money for it all. It is still good stuff. I don't know how many clients this week have said, I don't see anything wrong with what you have. There isn't really, but I just want something more MODERN! I can't have my house all black, so it is my outlet! I am not sure what they are planning on doing with it, but I think it will make for a great salon. I am keeping one station and chair for my personal use. I am not ever going to be an at home stylist it's just not my thing, but I will do my family!!! I can't wait for this weekend to hurry and get here!!! I have been waiting over 4 years for the day I could have all NEW STUFF!!!! It is here and worth every minute of working hard to accomplish this goal!

European Design HERE WE COME! The NEW KADIZA!!!!!!!!!!!!

New Stuff!

i JUST FOUIND OUT THAT THE SALON FURNITURE WILL BE DELIVERED TOMORROW AFTERNOON! I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE IT! The plan is to unpack tomorrow once it arrives. Saturday after we close we are going to pack up everything and haul it off somewhere. The floor guys are coming in late Sat. night to do the refinish. This should be completeley done my Monday morning, then we get to have the real fun!!!! Setting up, rearranging, and seeing the FINISH PRODUCT!!!!! I just know I am going to love it!!!!

Also last night I was studying some scriptures, and felt convicted to start something new. Since we teach primary, I don't get to learn all of the releif society leasson from Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith. I loved learning each lesson when I was a RS teacher in the branch. I know that I will gain lots of knowledge. I am going to start where I left off, and study one lesson each week. To keep me accountable I am going to blog each week on what I learned from the lesson, and share thoughts and scriptues. Not only will it help me grow, but hopefully all my blog readers will get something out of it too!!! Whether a memeber of Our Church or of any other faith I feel like something will apply to you. If you don't want to read it, then just skip over post called "Lesson Learned by Newbie Natalie"

I am looking forward to this addition!

FHE

Tonight went really well. We had a couple from our ward over for dinner. They just had their first baby about three months ago... She is still so tiny and so sweet. She's precious! We made Grilled Chicken Pesto and Artichoke Rigatoni as the main dish. We had a green salad with Strawberry Balsamic Dressing homemade, Rep Pepper french bread, and the Famous Jello salad for dessert. It was great getting to know this sweet family a little better.  Thank You for Cummings! (that's their name)

Today we got lots done. I met a gal from first ward today at the gym. It seemed like we really hit it off. I definitely want to get together with them soon! Her husbands is in his residency here. Her in I have lots in common. We talked for probably half an hour. Thanks Jill.

We bought all sort of plants and flowers and we got them all planted, and Nick got them fertilized. We went with purples of course :0) and a little lime green plant. They really aren't looking that great yet... I might give them a week or so before taking any pictures! It was such a pretty day though, I am glad I got to get some sun! Even if it was bent over digging in the earthworms.

Sunday Funday!

We had an amazing day at church. My friend Anna went with us. She is just so stinking cool! I am so glad that she is a part of my life these days. She makes me want to be a better person! You can't help but just love her she is soo sweet!

After church we hurried home and ate some left over Spicy Pasta YUMMY! I made Iced Sugar Cookies from scratch. Frosting and all! That was a first for me. I am trying to use that kitchen aid whenever I can. (Thanks Annie) I made the frosting purple because K State was having a great weekend against Texas, which is BIG. They turned out really good! I was proud. We took them over to the couples home that is teaching out Temple Prep class. There was only  few of us there for our meeting, so we took the ones left over to my parents house they only live two streets down. I grew up with this families boys at the neighborhood pool. They were so gracious to have us over, and help us catch up on material. We are going to the temple before the class was suppose to end, and they were great to help make it work! We have really learned a lot, and we are really excited. We feel ready. 

As soon as we walked in the door Nick changed and we left for Emily and Adam's Shower. It was their couple shower, and it was so much fun! They got lots of great stuff and the hostesses did a wonderful meal, treats, and drink. It was at a great house with an awesome outdoor living area with a TV screen mounted. That means we got to keep up with the Draft a little while we were watching the present opening. We are excited for them. The plans have sort of changed because of Keith's situation.  They are getting married in Austin May 6th. We are going down Tues. night when I get finished at work, and coming home Thursday night. Everyone just has great attitudes, and are just rolling with the flow. I am proud of them, and can't wait to spend this really exciting day with the two of them. I love them both! 

We came home tired, but knew we couldn't take a nap or we wouldn't be able to fall asleep tonight! We worked out on our flower beds in the front yard. We are going to try and plant some stuff tomorrow. Wish us luck, Nick and I do NOT have green thumbs! We are just going for PURPLE and ALIVE! Anything would be an improvement at this point!

Can someone of you leave a comment letting me know if you can see the entire collage or if part of it cut off??? My screen looks fine but on the phone its cut.. Just trying to figure out the most efficient way to blog still. The collages are really simple to Blurb, so I just need to figure out the post! Thanks

Super Saturday

WEDDINGS, PROM, AND MORE PROM!

Today work was crazy. I LOVE doing hair for special events. You get to be super creative, and people feel really beautiful getting all dressed up! I have got to meet a lot of the high school girls from church lately, and they have wanted me to do their hair for prom. They are super cute. They are totally open to let me do whatever, and I love that! It makes my job really fun...

Here is the picture one of them showed me...

I also got the pleasure of doing my favorite client today... NOT! He is an older guy that really makes me uneasy feeling. I wish I could tell him not to come back anymore, but he really hasn't done anything to warrant that. It's just that I don't get a good feeling from him. STRANGE. I just try to treat him as if it were any other client. Last time I had Nick come up to the the salon during his appt, but he still came back!

One of my friends I grew up with, was in her little sisters wedding tonight.  I go to do a few of the bridesmaid do's. They had great hair so that was easy. They looked STUNNING.

After work Nick and I got to meet my uncle for Dinner at a fabulous Cajun restaurant.  Nick loves that kind of food. He played college ball with a guy from Louisiana who's mom would make gumbo, freeze it, and ship it to them. Then he played pro ball in Mississippi, so he is a huge fan.  The guy who owns the restaurant came to Lubbock when Katrina hit, and never went back. It is a great little place downtown topped off with live Jazz on the weekends and all. I don't even know how to explain what Nick got... a stuffed chicken with cream sauce. I had a chicken and sausage pasta with a creole red sauce. It was amazing. We had a great time chatting. We are really enjoying the family time we have got to spend with my uncle. This week we celebrated the 3 year anniversary of my aunt passing away. I feel like he is really doing well. I am proud of him. He is enjoying life, and doing so much for himself to stay active. What more could you ask for?!?!

Speaking of active news today that Nick's oldest brother Brandon, is coming to the BIG LBK at the end of June to compete in the Buffalo Lake Triathlon. Nick entered today as well. I am trying to decide if my Dad and I are going to enter the team one or individually. I know that I can do it alone, but then again I think it would be great to complete it Daddy/Daughter too for our first time. We will see. THE TRAINING BEGINS! WAHOO

Also my sweet new friend is coming to church with us in the morning, and I am super excited. She is amazing. We already feel like we have known each other for a long time. She showed up to the salon today, and brought me a Sonic Lemonade!  It was such a crazy day I hadn't eaten or anything so it was a pleasant treat. Her boyfriend is a seasoned triathlete, so I think he will be able to help us out. I think he is actually going to compete himself as well. We were joking today that we thought Will, Nick, and Brandon should swap the all spandex "traditional triathlon" outfit in for a matching thong... Hey they might win because they will definitely be distracting the other in the race!!! ;o) I won't do a picture for that one! hehe

Mother's Day

I just got done ordering my mom's Mother's day present... I am super excited. Hope she likes it as much as I do. I can't say what it is because she is a reader. Everyone will have to wait to see what it is too!

Everyone better get on your Mom's gift. It is a perfect day to show Mommy's how important they are in your life! They do a lot for us you know. We should have more than just one day I think. I might work on getting that to happen when I am a Mom. 

A day of pampering every quarter, I know all Mom's could use those! :o)

May 10th is the BIG day, and sadly enough we will be in Dallas. We will have to celebrate early.

90 Something degrees!

Today I want to be oiled up laying out beside a pool, drinking some crystal light lemonade! It is so beautiful. My uncle said he isn't opening the pool for another week or so... I guess I will go to the gym and get my sweat on instead!

That picture reminds me of my love for SUNSHINE!

Tough Day on the JOB

I love hair
I love making people look good
I love to make them feel good about themselves

I HATE Computers....

So here is how it goes.. I have owned my Salon for 4 YEARS now. When I bought the salon it had a computer already there. I replaced it shortly after. It was not the nicest computer, but it worked. It had so many problems. Knowing it was on its last leg I constantly thought of how I needed to get and external hard drive and get the software backed up! Well I didn't...
It was shot we lost everything. Client info, purchases, inventory, really everything!!!! I had tons and tons of work getting back up and running. Of course I was able to invest in a really nice computer. Of course I am a mac girl, but the salon software isn't MAC compatible. I ended up with a high end HP nice big flat screen monitor and all.

I walked into work yesterday and nothing the screen wouldn't turn on. The mouse or keyboard wasn't working. I freaked. Of course having the brand new NICE computer, i had not gone and got the external hard drive (even after hours and hours of work). I knew that meant BAD NEWS. Nick came up and looked at it, and tried all the things that I had, but still nothing.

I called Matt, because he is my computer dude, and he said try one thing if it doesn't work you out of luck.

We tried it... of course it didn't work. I am super excited about trashing a 4 month old computer, and go buy a new one. NOT
By the grace of God, we were able to take the hard drive out of the HP tower and put it into the new Dell ( yes of course I wouldn't go back to HP again) Who knows it may have just been a fluke... A power surge or something else.

As of this morning we are back up and running, and tickets, clients,product, transactions recorded. We have a nice new computer for the new salon coming next week! Not the best timing, but I am so glad to have my records all in tact. It is a business owners worst nightmare to be all electronic, and a virused PC...

We did here from the furniture company, and the stations, styling chairs, shampoo units, dryers, color trolleys, my office desk, should all be here end of next week. I cannot hardly wait. I just know everything is going to look AMAZING. I will have to do before and after pictures. Hopefully May 5th we will be up and running in the NEW SALON! I have a LOT to be thankful for!

These are my stations!

TREATS

Update my treat making.. I missed out on posting the picture of the cake I made for our primary classes birthday. Four were all in a two week period, so we held out and celebrated all. I got this amazing butterfly cake pan as a wedding gift and finally got to use it. I didn't do a very good job decorating it, but there with be many more!

The others are my little nests! I ended up making 125 of these little things, on top of making lots of other stuff for our easter meal! They turned out good, everyone seemed to like them. I changed the base to a no bake cooking, but left out the cocoa because I am not a fan of chocolate. Everyone ate them... We came home with ZERO which was a blessing!

I think the kids had lots of fun eating them! So did all of my family!

FHE

Now that was a Family Home Evening. Nick and I had the sweetest couple over. Anna and Will. She works with our Bishop at Tech... He said she had some questions about the church, and thought I would be perfect for them. So I called her and invited them over for Dinner

Nick made Balsamic Glazed Elk Bruschetta
Then I did a Rosemary Turkey Tenderloin, Vinaigrette Spinach Salad, and Corn

Our Dinner guests were hunters and fisherman, so they really loved the elk (Nick says, they will get invited back now!)
We had the greatest conversation about life, religion, and people. They guys we out front playing fetch with the dogs. There is nothing better than getting to share what you believe with someone who is interested!
I am really excited to get to know them better.


I know this pic it a little scary! I had to though!

To Wifey

Written by Nick...........
I do have to brag on the wife. I think she is in the lead for the teachers pet of our new Temple Prep class. She is always excited to share in class which I know teachers always love. She gave a great example today comparing being saved to following the gospel as close as you can. She was explaining that we are saved by grace but through our works we will be glorified. In her mind she came up with the story that I thought was pretty deep. She compared following the gospel to going through the motions in our faith by stating that the gospel is liken unto a parking meter. Sure you can still get into heaven through Grace by parking down the street without paying the meter but she would rather be parked on the first row closest to the building no matter what the cost. I would have made a comment about it in class but I have a tendency to use sarcasm a little too much and everybody including Natalie would not have believed me if I would have made a positive comment about it. So I have to compliment her on this so she knows that I appreciate her thoughts and comments. This past 18 months watching her testimony and faith in the gospel grow has been such an amazing experience in my life. She is a rock and it has truly made me so much stronger in my own beliefs. Thank you so much. Happy 1 year Baptism Anniversary. He He. I Love You SO Much. Thank You for being you!!!!!
Nick

HAIL STORM and much more....

One lovely thing about West Texas is Tornadoes! With T-Storms comes funnel clouds and HAIL.... We got him pretty hard on Thursday. I would try to post the video, but I don't know how! It came down for a while it was pilled in the yard. Nick's trucks to big to go in the garage, so it just got beat up which isn't fun at all. I guess that is just part of it. It was hilarious watching him run out and try to save the truck. He was trying to put blankets all over it! It was funny to see him risking getting hit in the head or slipping and falling, to get it covered. I don't blame him, but I wasn't about to go out there! Ee also got some pics with the puppies that I really loved so I added those in too!

On another note we started our Temple prep class today, and the spirit was VERY PRESENT! I was almost in tears the whole meeting. I am really excited about what is going to take place in this next month! I talked to Jessica later today, and she pointed out for me... anytime you are doing ORDINANCE work it becomes a very personal emotional thing. It as if I a revisiting all those emotions I felt at the Baptism and Conformation time a year ago. It is really amazing, I feel my testimony growing and growing. I love that. I feel so blessed to be in the Ward that we are with al of the amazing people that love and care about us. Everyone has just been so encouraging and giving of their time. We have people that volunteered to take care of our class while we are going to the temple class. I have been reading lots of material and scripture in preparation. I have really been learning a lot. I want to be as ready as possible, so I may be able to take it all in and learn what My Heavenly Father would have me too. I don't want anything holding me back from being exactly where he wants me to.

Isaiah 2:5 O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord.

I want to be in the light. I want my mind to be fixed on spiritual things. I want to walk so closely with the Lord that I am able to have him teach me continually what he would have me to do. Lead my every step! Rely on his strength to help me through challenges and sufferings.

I have had the opportunity to meet a girl who works as a secretary to our bishop in his actual earthly job. She is a tech student and she it one year younger than me. She is somewhat interested in the Church. We have only talked a little, but she seems AMAZING. I cannot wait for our friendship to continue... I hope that I am able to help her in anyway possible. Her and her boyfriend are coming over for dinner tomorrow night. Im excited!

Also tonight at 7pm we are trying to get everyone to stop and say a prayer for the Beasley Family. We need to pray for Keith's healing, and also strength for his precious wife, and other family members. If you could join us that would be great!!!!

On this GREAT Day...

I was

Nervous
Excited
Anxious
Happy
Felt Special (Nick's dad had come all the way to LUBBOCK)
Overjoyed
Peacful
Ready
Confident

The day was sunny and beautiful... birds chirping and a crisp air, such as today.

This day one year ago.. I was baptized into The Church

It was an amazing experience.
I felt so clean, and pure. I knew that my Father in Heaven was looking upon me with a BIG GRIN!

I am so thankful for all the people that were there for me, had taught me, and prayed for me.

I learned so much this year, and I hope to even grow more this next year....

HERE WE WERE LAST YEAR ON THAT BLESSED DAY!

 

 

 

New Hobby

I have always had a passion for photography! I love pictures, and always have. I like to remember big life events and all the little things in between! The best way to look back at life and be thankful for all your experiences is to have photo albums and scrapbooks. I also love to be on the computer from internet surfing and learning about all kinds of different things, to messing with photo editing, and blogging.

I am now going a step further... I have been researching Digital SLR cameras for months now. I have wanted one since the very first digital rebel came out! Every holiday that was what I wanted somehow it never all worked out! I guess there was something I decided I needed more. I don't know. The time has come though...

I am going to become a HOBBY PHOTOGRAPHER! I think I will hold out for the NEW rebel it is a 15.1 Megapixel and has HD video capabilities, and is suppose to be launched to purchase in a few weeks.

I did a ton of research on lenses! I have read , read, and read some more! I ended up deciding on an L series... I took the plunge. It was the best all around lens. I don't want a bag full of nice lenses. I just wanted one great lens! I got it on ebay at a great price. I took the risk, but it got here PERFECTLY and registered it on Canon so it is totally legit! WHEW! I can't wait to start learning all about it! I have a long way to go I know. I am excited about the new challenge!

The babies!

I had to post this cute picture I took today, and more on the hail storm to come!

STEP UP!

My Husband told me I need to step up on my blogging I have been slacking!!!!
We have had a lot going on... The accident, Easter, Preparing for the Temple and Hawaii...
Not trying to make excuses but that has been time consuming! Nick had my camera when he was in AUSSIE, so I couldn't Photo my things I did without him... I'm not a huge fan of blogging without pictures... It's boring for me and you...

I will do my best to step it up a notch! The issue of knowing where I wanted my blog to be has been a burden as well I LOVE the Mac blog it's so easy, and I love how it can just look like a webpage and be a webpage with a web address, but I can't get my posting to sync with google reader, and that's where all the blog world knows if you have updated. I guess I have gone back and will link to mac blog for postings that are very detailed and have lots of photos for example vacations and such! I will join the two for my BLURB book. It's almost like you can't wait for the year to be over so you can get your book!!!!!

IM BACK!

Asking for ALL OF YOUR PRAYERS!

Click here to see the story on the Austin News

Nick, My brother, Adam, and a few other guys headed to Austin Thursday. I woke to a scary phone call from Nick at 6:30 yesterday morning. He told me what had happen, and kept me posted all day. Keith is Adam's Fiance's brother. With many peoples prayers being answered, Keith is surviving. Little by little getting word of good news. The doctors say the first 24-78 hours are most critical.

Keith is married, and they are expecting their first baby in a few weeks.

To stay posted join the Facebook "Pray for Keith"

Weekend Plans

Little Nests:
1/4 cup butter (Mama bird melts in sauce pan)
1 cup marshmallows (baby bird measures and adds to melted butter, Mama bird stirs until melted smooth, then removes from heat)
1 cup bran flakes (baby bird adds to pan and Mama Bird coats it in marshmallow mixture)
coconut, dyed green
candy eggs
Shape 'em out, let them firm up a little, then eat 'em up!


I am going to attempt to make theses goodies for all the primary kids for Easter Sunday... I think that deserves an easter dress Nicky! lol That's FAIR!

I saw them on a freinds blog and just thought they we too cute! When I was a kid I always loved eating food that looked like something other than what it really was! We will give it a whirl!
On top of those 100+ treats, I am doing Strawberry Spinach Salad, Jello Fruit Nut Salad, and Devilled eggs for my family's easter Lunch. All while Nick is on his way back from Austin. Adam's Bachelor Party is his weekend! Hard to beleive... my first brother to get married! They will have fun that's for sure!

Domestic Lady here I come!!!

179th Annual Conference

I am excited today to hear the messages that will be shared. I know my knowledge with grow and my faith will be strengthened through it. We are suppose to go to a friends house today to watch it on BYU Channel, but I want to wait and see how I feel. I don't want to get any littles sick. I can always watch it on the Internet here in the office, we do have an enormous screen. I hope that everyone has a blessed day!