XO
Sarah
Bended Bar Giveaway!
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Over on my Instagram, @thedaintypear, we are having a fun little giveaway for this bended matte gold bar! It has been my go-to! To enter, be sure you're following @thedaintypear 🍐 and tag a friend! {Multiple entries in separate comments!} Giveaway runs through Monday! Just a reminder that the shop is closed for the Holidays outside of giveaways!:) Just head over to @thedaintypear to enter! Good luck!
XO
Sarah
XO
Sarah
Sunday Thought: Charity
Sunday! The kids love it, we love it!:)
XO
Sarah
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Freshly Picked + Chatbooks Event
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Such a fun night at the @freshlypicked + @chatbooks Babes and Bunco Event.🎉💕 These two companies are amazing! Remember to use SARAHC to get your first @chatbooks free or 10% off prints or a custom book!😘
XO
Sarah
Sunday Thought
Sunday, November 13, 2016
I love this talk by Jean B. Bingham at #ldsconf Women's General Meeting. These thoughts have been in my heart for a few months and she says it perfectly! The text is below, or you can also watch it HERE!:) For friends not of my faith, it's still worth watching, and has principles that are good for everyone! Happy Sunday!
XO
Sarah
"I Will Bring the Light of the Gospel into My Home" By Jean B. Bingham
First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency
In response to Sister Linda K. Burton’s invitation at April’s general conference, many of you have been involved in thoughtful and generous acts of charity focused on meeting the needs of refugees in your local area. From simple, one-on-one efforts to community-wide programs, those acts are the result of love. As you have shared your time, talents, and resources, your--and the refugees’--hearts have been lightened. The building of hope and faith and even greater love between receiver and giver are inevitable results of true charity.
The prophet Moroni tells us that charity is an essential characteristic of those who will live with Heavenly Father in the celestial kingdom. He writes, “Except ye have charity ye can in nowise be saved in the kingdom of God.”
Of course, Jesus Christ is the perfect embodiment of charity. His premortal offering to be our Savior, His interactions throughout His mortal life, His supernal gift of the Atonement, and His continual efforts to bring us back to our Heavenly Father are the ultimate expressions of charity. He operates with a singular focus: love for His Father expressed through His love for each of us. When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus answered:
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
“This is the first and great commandment.
“And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
One of the most significant ways we can develop and demonstrate love for our neighbor is through being generous in our thoughts and words. Some years ago a cherished friend noted, “The greatest form of charity may be to withhold judgment.” That is still true today.
Recently, as three-year-old Alyssa watched a movie with her siblings, she remarked with a puzzled expression, “Mom, that chicken is weird!”
Her mother looked at the screen and responded with a smile, “Honey, that is a peacock.”
Like that unknowing three-year-old, we sometimes look at others with an incomplete or inaccurate understanding. We may focus on the differences and perceived flaws in those around us whereas our Heavenly Father sees His children, created in His eternal image, with magnificent and glorious potential.
President James E. Faust is remembered to have said, “The older I get, the less judgmental I become.” That reminds me of the Apostle Paul’s observation:
“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became [older], I put away childish things.
“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”
When we see our own imperfections more clearly, we are less inclined to view others “through a glass, darkly.” We want to use the light of the gospel to see others as the Savior does--with compassion, hope, and charity. The day will come when we will have a complete understanding of others’ hearts and will be grateful to have mercy extended to us--just as we extend charitable thoughts and words to others during this life.
Some years ago, I went canoeing with a group of young women. The deep blue lakes surrounded by green, thickly forested hills and rocky cliffs were breathtakingly beautiful. The water sparkled on our paddles as we dipped them into the clear water, and the sun shone warmly while we moved smoothly across the lake.
However, clouds soon darkened the sky, and a stiff wind began to blow. To make any progress at all, we had to dig deeply into the water, paddling without pausing between strokes. After a few grueling hours of backbreaking work, we finally turned the corner on the large lake and discovered to our amazement and delight that the wind was blowing in the direction we wanted to go.
Quickly, we took advantage of this gift. We pulled out a small tarp and tied two of its corners to paddle handles and the other corners to my husband’s feet, which he stretched out over the gunwales of the canoe. The wind billowed the improvised sail, and we were off!
When the young women in the other canoes saw how we moved along the water with ease, they quickly improvised sails of their own. Our hearts were light with laughter and relief, grateful for the respite from the challenges of the day.
How like that glorious wind can be the sincere compliment of a friend, the cheerful greeting of a parent, the approving nod of a sibling, or the helpful smile of a co-worker or classmate, all supplying fresh “wind in our sails” as we battle the challenges of life! President Thomas S. Monson put it this way: “We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. For maximum happiness, peace, and contentment, may we choose a positive attitude.”
Words have surprising power, both to build up and to tear down. We can all probably remember negative words that brought us low and other words spoken with love that made our spirits soar. Choosing to say only that which is positive about--and to--others lifts and strengthens those around us and helps others follow in the Savior’s way.
As a young Primary girl, I worked diligently to cross-stitch a simple saying which read, “I will bring the light of the gospel into my home.” One weekday afternoon as we girls pulled our needles up and down through the fabric, our teacher told us the story of a girl who lived on a hill on one side of a valley. Each late afternoon she noticed on the hill on the opposite side of the valley a house that had shining, golden windows. Her own home was small and somewhat shabby, and the girl dreamed of living in that beautiful house with windows of gold.
One day the girl was given permission to ride her bike across the valley. She eagerly rode until she reached the house with the golden windows that she had admired for so long. But when she dismounted from her bike, she saw that the house was abandoned and dilapidated, with tall weeds in the yard and windows that were plain and dirty. Sadly, the girl turned her face toward home. To her surprise, she saw a house with shining, golden windows on the hill across the valley and soon realized it was her very own home!
Sometimes, like this young girl, we look at what others might have or be and feel we are less in comparison. We become focused on the Pinterest or Instagram versions of life or caught up in our school’s or workplace’s preoccupation with competition. However, when we take a moment to “count [our] many blessings,” we see with a truer perspective and recognize the goodness of God to all of His children.
Whether we are 8 or 108, we can bring the light of the gospel into our own environment, be it a high-rise apartment in Manhattan, a stilt house in Malaysia, or a yurt in Mongolia. We can determine to look for the good in others and in the circumstances around us. Young and not-so-young women everywhere can demonstrate charity as they choose to use words that build confidence and faith in others.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland told of a young man who was the brunt of his peers’ teasing during his school years. Some years later he moved away, joined the military, received an education, and became active in the Church. This period of his life was marked with wonderfully successful experiences.
After several years he returned to his hometown. However, the people refused to acknowledge his growth and improvement. To them, he was still just old “so-and-so,” and they treated him that way. Eventually, this good man faded away to a shadow of his former successful self without being able to use his marvelously developed talents to bless those who derided and rejected him once again. What a loss, both for him and the community!
The Apostle Peter taught, “Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” Fervent charity, meaning “wholehearted,” is demonstrated by forgetting the mistakes and stumblings of another rather than harboring grudges or reminding ourselves and others of imperfections in the past.
Our obligation and privilege is to embrace improvement in everyone as we strive to become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ. What a thrill it is to see light in the eyes of someone who has come to understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ and is making real changes in his or her life! Missionaries who have experienced the joy of seeing a convert enter the waters of baptism and then enter the doors of the temple are witnesses of the blessing of allowing--and encouraging--others to change. Members who welcome converts who might have been considered unlikely candidates for the kingdom find great satisfaction in helping them feel the love of the Lord. The great beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the reality of eternal progression--we are not only allowed to change for the better but also encouraged, and even commanded, to continue in the pursuit of improvement and, ultimately, perfection.
President Thomas S. Monson counseled: “In a hundred small ways, all of you wear the mantle of charity. … Rather than being judgmental [or] critical of [one] another, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life. May we recognize that each one is doing her [or his] best to deal with the challenges which come [her or his] way, and may we strive to do our best to help out.”
Charity, in positive terms, is patient, kind, and content. Charity puts others first, is humble, exercises self-control, looks for good in others, and rejoices when someone does well.
As sisters (and brothers) in Zion, will we commit to “all work together … to do whatsoever is gentle and human, to cheer and to bless in [the Savior’s] name”? Can we, with love and high hopes, look for and embrace the beauties in others, allowing and encouraging progress? Can we rejoice in the accomplishments of others while continuing to work toward our own improvement?
Yes, we can bring the light of the gospel into our homes, schools, and workplaces if we look for and share positive things about others and let the less-than-perfect fade away. What gratitude fills my heart when I think of the repentance that our Savior, Jesus Christ, has made possible for all of us who have inevitably sinned in this imperfect and sometimes difficult world!
I bear my witness that as we follow His perfect example, we can receive the gift of charity, which will bring us great joy in this life and the promised blessing of eternal life with our Father in Heaven. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
VIPKID
Friday, November 11, 2016
Today we're throwing it wayyy back with the pictures! Hahaha! I was still in an awkward stage in College {I'm probably still in one, it's fine.} But it's worth sharing because there is a unique job opportunity with VIPKID, and this friend right here is the one to talk to! We were friends in High School and roomed over the summer in College, and we were together the night I met my husband! Karli shared this on her personal Facebook page, and I thought it would speak for itself:
"So I'm a stay at home mom and earlier this year I was so depressed. I felt like I wasn't making an impact on the world outside of my own little house. I knew what I was doing was important but I needed to feel... appreciated? Yes, I needed to feel appreciated by someone other than my husband and one-yr-old daughter. I was struggling to find happiness and fit into my new lifestyle after working full time as a teacher. I was blessed to start teaching online for VIP Kid a few months ago and it has changed my life. I get to teach adorable Chinese students every morning & feel like I have more of a purpose outside my own little world. I want to tell other moms about this because it means a lot to me & I know it can make a difference in your life too if you're like me! If you have a bachelors degree in any field, teaching experience (even primary or church!) and a North American accent, you can teach too. $20 an hour, unlimited hours. You make your own schedule & the only requirement is that you teach 7.5hrs a week during "peak times" (3am-7am). I teach from 4:30-7."
Of course as a friend, it's always hard to learn that your friends might be or have been hurting or sad, especially because of course we know Moms rock and although their impact is huge within the walls of their home with little ones, it can sometimes feel small and lonely. But also brings lots of joy when Mamas can find joy again through something fulfilling that they love!:)
If you would like to apply, CLICK HERE, or follow the link below before Nov.19.16! The only requirements are that you have a Bachelors Degree in ANY field and have some experience teaching {even teaching at church totally counts!}
http://teacher-recruitment.vipkid.com.cn/home.shtml?refereeId=1942575
So there's that! I hope this reaches someone who can use it, and I hope that we all can find things that fulfill us and bring happiness, whichever avenue that might be! Earlier this year, one of my besties, Aubrey, threw a Mama's Night Out, and she asked me to speak. One of the parts that I talked about was being a "YES Girl!" If you are struggling to find yourself, find your talents, hobbies, or what you want to do or your influence to be: start saying "yes." And give everything {within reason, hahaha} a chance; even those things you think you might be or once were "BAD" at. We''ll never know what we're going to love unless we try!
So there's that! I hope this reaches someone who can use it, and I hope that we all can find things that fulfill us and bring happiness, whichever avenue that might be! Earlier this year, one of my besties, Aubrey, threw a Mama's Night Out, and she asked me to speak. One of the parts that I talked about was being a "YES Girl!" If you are struggling to find yourself, find your talents, hobbies, or what you want to do or your influence to be: start saying "yes." And give everything {within reason, hahaha} a chance; even those things you think you might be or once were "BAD" at. We''ll never know what we're going to love unless we try!
XO
Sarah
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| I had to throw this one in there, because can we talk about how the pretty blonde gets to be Christine when you're stuck being the Phantom?;) HAHAHA! |
Veteran's Day
Just had to bring back this picture that I took at Disneyland because 😭!
Happy Veterans Day to those who protect our Country and Freedom!
You guys. This picture. I BAWLED as this Veteran, with shaking hands, gave thumbs up to the "Toy Soldier." Disney is Magic, and our Veterans are amazing. Afterwards we were able to shake their hands and give their wives hugs and thank them for their service. Freedom isn't free. So grateful to live in this great Country and for the people who protect it.🇺🇸
My Dad spent a lot of years being deployed and he met me for the first time when I was 4 months old. He was on one of the many deployments where he would serve on the front lines of war. The families back home also go though an unseen battle at times--of course they miss their deployed soldier, but when you finally get them back, there is so much adjusting to do and so many factors to take into account with someone who has just returned from war. Even small things like being careful to close doors softly, etc., are little things that might not seem like a big deal, but are needed to help them transition. My Dad came home from Kuwait this year, and it's so fun seeing him be such a great Grandpa! Our Freedom is something so precious that comes at a high price! Grateful for those who love and believe in our Country so much that they commit to protecting it!🇺🇸
XO
Sarah
Election Day 2016 Feelings
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Voting today did something for me that I didn't quite expect. I went into it feeling a tiny bit indifferent, overwhelmed, and maybe even a little bit confused because all of the lashing out that it's caused between people on social media who otherwise love each other, but also knew that everyone would be okay afterwards and I don't like to get involved.
I didn't know if I would get to vote because I had lost my license and Tom was late coming home from work. I didn't know if I was going to get my chance to do it, and I was starting to try to just be okay with it. But it still wasn't sitting right with me. Then, I had a thought about where my license might be. I checked, and there it was. Tom went and voted after work and got back with just enough time for me to run to our voting station.
As I walked into the building, there were some stairs that we had to walk up to get to the station. There was a Young adult on crutches, making it up stair by stair. I know it's a silly thing, but I thought about how great it was, his desire to get up there to vote, even though it wasn't convenient. I thought about how blessed we are, no matter how everyone is viewing the candidates, to be able to vote. A privilege which I had almost forgotten how much I am so grateful for.
The man greeting us at the polling station was so friendly. And so were all the people there who were filling out ballots. I joked with the guy next to me that I was starting to sweat filling in the bubbles on the paper, because it felt a lot like taking a test. We laughed and I just thought about how unifying doing something like this is.
I saw neighbors, friends, and strangers, and loved them all. I didn't care who the people that were sitting at my table we're voting for. In fact, if one of them hadn't told me, I wouldn't have known and would still have loved them. There was a love and a bond with the people there through the basic fact that we are Americans.
No matter the results, we are Americans. And it hit me so hard and filled me with love. It made me feel something. Now, I'm totally capable of feeling things, but there's this thing that I think of as "busy mom brain." And when you have it, sometimes you're focused on so many things, menial tasks, things to be done, washed, who needs to be picked up next? Important things, but also lots of little things that can flood the mind and cause you to become a little bit numb. So I always love little moments like this that make me stop, think, and feel.
And then I thought, this is what we fight for. This is what people like my dad have fought for. This is why they spend years at a time away from their family as brave soldiers. To give us this right, and a plethora of other rights that so many others don't have, that we simply take for granted. I'm grateful for the tender mercies that let me have that experience. God bless America!❤️
XO
S.C.
I didn't know if I would get to vote because I had lost my license and Tom was late coming home from work. I didn't know if I was going to get my chance to do it, and I was starting to try to just be okay with it. But it still wasn't sitting right with me. Then, I had a thought about where my license might be. I checked, and there it was. Tom went and voted after work and got back with just enough time for me to run to our voting station.
As I walked into the building, there were some stairs that we had to walk up to get to the station. There was a Young adult on crutches, making it up stair by stair. I know it's a silly thing, but I thought about how great it was, his desire to get up there to vote, even though it wasn't convenient. I thought about how blessed we are, no matter how everyone is viewing the candidates, to be able to vote. A privilege which I had almost forgotten how much I am so grateful for.
The man greeting us at the polling station was so friendly. And so were all the people there who were filling out ballots. I joked with the guy next to me that I was starting to sweat filling in the bubbles on the paper, because it felt a lot like taking a test. We laughed and I just thought about how unifying doing something like this is.
I saw neighbors, friends, and strangers, and loved them all. I didn't care who the people that were sitting at my table we're voting for. In fact, if one of them hadn't told me, I wouldn't have known and would still have loved them. There was a love and a bond with the people there through the basic fact that we are Americans.
No matter the results, we are Americans. And it hit me so hard and filled me with love. It made me feel something. Now, I'm totally capable of feeling things, but there's this thing that I think of as "busy mom brain." And when you have it, sometimes you're focused on so many things, menial tasks, things to be done, washed, who needs to be picked up next? Important things, but also lots of little things that can flood the mind and cause you to become a little bit numb. So I always love little moments like this that make me stop, think, and feel.
And then I thought, this is what we fight for. This is what people like my dad have fought for. This is why they spend years at a time away from their family as brave soldiers. To give us this right, and a plethora of other rights that so many others don't have, that we simply take for granted. I'm grateful for the tender mercies that let me have that experience. God bless America!❤️
XO
S.C.
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