8.25.2009

What I've Been Dreaming about Lately...

Amid the occasional secret mission, ALIAS-esque dreams, babies have been occupying my dreams. MY BABIES. I'm either pregnant, or playing with and loving on a precious babe. [I blame Berit and her adorable baby boy Curtis and Amanda's little Sarah Elizabeth]

I guess I've just been thinking a lot lately. Not about babies, but about school. I've found that they are completely connected...

Stuart and I are all about this "three-year plan" allowing for me to finish hygiene school (provided I get accepted and start right away next September) and for Stu to be graduated with his business degree. Well my friends, we are almost a year into "the plan" and apparently I'm already baby hungry [subconciously]. I know my awake self is totally PRO-plan because I want a degree, I want to be a hygienist, I want to be able to help my family.

A couple weeks ago, after waking up from one of my baby-mares, I started saying my morning prayers and I dropped a little "please help me to know how to prepare both spiritually and temporally for my future family, I want to be the best wife to my husband and the best mother to my children."

Wanna hear how Heavenly Father works? Mmhmm, keep reading..

That week I found my patriarchal blessing (it had been hiding since we moved into our apartment) and I read it during the quiet time while the young men passed the sacrament and I was reminded of my request to Heavenly Father earlier that week. There are two distinct passages in my blessing that talk both about being a mother and about education. When I put it away to prepare for the speakers, I still had no clue what my answer was. Then I hear the first speaker, "I was asked to speak about continuing education." HA! Seriously? The second speaker had the same topic. They were amazing talks, and referenced so many great things from the scriptures and the prophets. And they spoke directly to ME. Honestly, as if that weren't enough, I went visiting teaching after church and got the same message! (being the horrid VT that I am, I didn't read the message until right before our appointment) I now have a CONCRETE affirmation of the fact that school is where I need to be right now. Along with a solid testimony in the power of prayer and the love God has for His children.


Here are some quotes that I loved:

"You are interested in education, not just for mortal life but for eternal life. When you see that reality clearly with spiritual sight, you will put spiritual learning first and yet not slight the secular learning. In fact, you will work harder at your secular learning than you would without that spiritual vision." --President Henry B. Eyring

“The Lord has told us that our time should ‘be devoted to the studying of the scriptures’ and that ‘the Book of Mormon and the holy scriptures are given … for [our] instruction’. Every woman can be a gospel doctrine instructor in her home, and every sister in the Church needs gospel knowledge as a leader and teacher...” --Julie B. Beck

“Beyond our study of spiritual matters, secular learning is also essential. … I urge you to pursue your education—if you are not already doing so or have not done so—that you might be prepared to provide if circumstances necessitate such... Your talents will expand as you study and learn. You will be able to better assist your families in their learning, and you will have peace of mind in knowing that you have prepared yourself for the eventualities that you may encounter in life” --President Thomas S. Monson

"Lifelong learning is essential to the vitality of the human mind, body, and soul. It enhances self-worth and self-actuation. Lifelong learning is invigorating mentally and is a great defense against aging, depression, and self-doubt” --Robert D. Hales


I totally still think/dream about little Stu Jr.'s but now it's with a renewed sense of responsibility, with love, with GOALS. I know (for me) that being the best wife and momma means that I will be educated and prepared for my future family. School started up again yesterday, and although I am taking upper level science classes (ick), this is the first time I am starting a semester with purpose and excitement. Bring it on!

10 comments:

danielle said...

love this. you're dead on. i think having an education is one of the most important gifts we can give our family!
p.s. LOVED seeing you the other night. I'm so sorry we weren't able to chat and catch up for a longer period of time. I was a little busy that night :) but good to see you as always!

nate and amy crandell said...

I too think it's so important to have a secular education and a spirtual one as well, this is an awesome post! I'm glad your prayers were answered :)

Alexa Mae said...

this post was amazing and inspiring. i admire you determinatioin! im happy for your answer to your prayer. how sweet our Father in Heaven is!

Ryan & Lauren Nelson said...

This was so great. I have totally had the same questions and amazing answers for myself. It is definitely a confusing thing for me, but we have had to set major goals and where we want to be exactly for the future. It helps tons! I loved your post!

Bev said...

You are amazing....what a great testimony, right here on your blog. Sounds like you've got everything under control.....now....get to school, young lady!! hee hee

The Sorensens. said...

amen. and agree w/amy :) not too fond of school! but true, it has to be done..

good post!

Carmen Maria said...

Agreed cuz! Getting educated now and setting yourself up for the future will really help your family out. I don't know if you talk to Bryce and Sarah often, but I have gotten a lot out of talking to them about how they went about setting up their family. They may have some good insight, if your interested, being a couple that has set and made many goals.

Scott+Tiffany said...

we had this v.t. discussion yesterday. it's a good one. i love school and babies. it's hard but someday we will finish, then we can have babies :-)

angela hardison said...

i'm a huge education advocate, and also an advocate of not having babies before you're truly ready. which is why i have ZERO even though my friends are all pretty much on their 2nd. i'll be ready someday :)

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