A Little Bit of Encouragement!

It would be great if everything went smoothly and on schedule, but it is not likely to work quite that easily.

I have been busy writing a paper about this concept in one of my classes. It is has been quite the learning experience for me. I have come to understand the different perceptions in a family and how much our choices can really have an affect on those around us and our future posterity.

Every family encounters crises--those moments in which our choices either move our family in an upward direction or create additional, perhaps more serious, problems to address. Crisis is best viewed as an opportunity paired with danger; as the term implies our response to these moments are critical to our further success.

So with that definition, let me ask you a question. How could a family in a middle of a crisis pull it together when it could very well pull it apart?

Not to go into too much detail, but my family had a very crisis moment when I was about 15 years old. I remember the time very well. Things were crazy at home, but I loved how my parents brought us together with the help of our religious beliefs. My parents planned out more family activities and often we would go to church outings together. Even though things were hard, it made dealing with the stress so much easier knowing that my parents loved me and my little brother and sister along with the feeling of love from my Heavenly Father. Now, I'm sure that trying to get me to go to these things was kind of hard. I had so much anger towards everyone in my family, even myself, that sometimes I was really stubborn when it came to doing things that parents knew would help me in the long run, but I just could not see it. We did make it through that time and now are closer together than ever. We help and support each other, even though we do not live near each other. We talk often and say "I love you." And we try to look at the positive things in life, because what's in the past cannot be changed. All we know is that we can change the future by what we are doing today.

If you are going through a crisis time with your family. Think of some ways that will bring you closer together so that when everything is said and done your bond is stronger than it ever was before. Look towards the future and have a goal that is reachable, but challenges you at the same time. And most of all stay positive. Say to yourself, "I can do hard things" and other similar sayings. You are loved and let others show you how much they love you. Be willing to accept help from those around you. Keep up the good work!

Here is a great video about a young lady who survived a horrible plane crash. Her testimony strengthens me and helps me to find the good in every day.

(Via Youtube, Mormon Messages, "My New Life")

Love,
Kenna

10 Date Night Ideas For The Holidays

When it comes around this time of year it can often be hard to keep the love and magic alive in your marriage or relationship. We are all busy trying to find the perfect gift for family members and loved ones. Plus, on top of that, we are working hard to make sure we have the money to buy these gifts.

Here are some easy date night ideas that you can use. If you only have a limited time to do a couple that is okay. Just make sure you are not forgetting the most important aspect of your life as this Christmas season approaches.

1. Scavenger Hunt - This would be fun with you and your spouse or as a double date. Make up your own list of things to find. You can make this list as long or short as you want. Depending on how much time you want to spend trying to find the items and also the size of area you will be looking around in.

 
   Here are some of my suggestions:

•                 Elf
•          Christmas Tree
•              Nativity
•      Outrageous decoration
•             Snowman
•          Santa Clause
•             Rudolph
•              Icicles

2. Caroling - This is huge tradition in my own family and something I have always loved about Christmas. Gather a list of favorite songs. They can consist of Christmas Hymns or even just the fun “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” songs. If you have little ones they can join in as well. Most children love to sing so make sure you pick songs they know. If you want you could even make a little book with all the song lyrics in it.

 
3. Gingerbread House Contest - Pair people up to do this fun activity together so that you are not singling anyone out. Making a gingerbread house isn’t nearly as fun if you do it by yourself. If it is just two of you, invite over a few other couples to join in the fun. You can make this activity really cheap or expensive depending on your budget. Instead of buying a kit, use graham crackers and a “gluey” frosting like powder sugar frosting. It’s easy and sticks nicely if you make it thick.

 
4. Pictures in Snow - Like to go on walks? Grab your camera on the way out and capture some great family moments in the snow. This could entail anything that your heart desires as you have fun with that fluffy, wet, white stuff.

5. Light Gazing - This is personally my favorite thing to do around Christmas time. Get in your car and drive around looking at the amazing Christmas lights that people have put up on their houses. You will be astonished each year by the amount of time and preparation it took to make some of those houses look amazing! At the end discuss your favorite one and why it was your favorite.

 
6. Snowman/Snowball Fight - Now I realize that these are two different ideas. But have you ever noticed when you build a snowman it always turns into a snowball fight? That is why they are together. When you are finished grab some hot cocoa or apple cider and cuddle under a blanket to get warmed up. 

7. Night Walk in the Snow - Sometimes it is just nice to get away from the world and go on a nice walk at night. I personally think the best time would be while it was snowing those HUGE snowflakes. Just walk around your neighborhood and talk. You can talk about anything you want, but still have fun while you do so.

 
8. Service - Okay so I know that you hear this one every year. And it may seem annoying, but I honestly believe that we have the most fun when we are serving those in need. Whether you go to a retirement center to talk or a hospital to hand out balloons. It could be as simple as making cookies together and then taking them to a neighbor. Do something that will fill your heart with love for those that you may not know as well. Better  yet so something kind to someone who you may not necessarily like. Don’t be afraid to reach out because we all have our own trials and need that one friend in our lives. This date night will come harder for some and easier for others.

9. Sleeping Under the Tree - The day you put up your Christmas tree gather everyone together and sleep under it that night. What a great way to bond and have fun with everyone.You could even pull out a game to play or watch a Christmas movie before bed time.

10. Cook Christmas Tasties - This can be so much fun if you both like to cook. Find some new recipes. (i.e., cookies, fudge, caramel, pies. etc) You could use the same recipe every year, or find a new one. Either way you can have fun cooking up these sweet treats. Take them to friends and family if you have time. Or you could just do what I do and eat them all. ;)

I hope that some of these ideas are new for you to share with that special someone. Feel free to mix and mingle the ideas to fit your families needs. The Christmas Spirit is such a wonderful feeling and something that we should have all year round.

   -- Kenna

(Thank you Google Images for the pictures.)