10 most inspirational talks of all time ♡

So I've seen posts like this a lot on Pinterest lately and have really enjoyed reading talks others have suggested they always add to my scripture study.  I love love love conference talks they always give me the added strength I need.  I thought I would pay it forward and add my own ten favorite talks.  They're in no particular order, I like them all too much to rate them in order!  Hope you enjoy (:

1) The Tender Mercies of the Lord - Bednar 2005

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/the-tender-mercies-of-the-lord?lang=eng

A reminder to me of how much our Heavenly Father will loves us and will send personal, sweet, and special blessings if we choose to follow him.

Favorite quote:

2) Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence - Holland 1999

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2000/03/cast-not-away-therefore-your-confidence?lang=eng

Of course Elder Holland always gives some of my favorite talks but this one is extra special.  A much needed reminder to never give up.  The Lord will always pave a way for us, it just may not be the way we expected but that's okay.

Favorite quote:

3) We are Women of God - Sheri Dew 1999

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1999/10/we-are-women-of-god?lang=eng

Choosing to center our lives around Christ.  Being women in the world but not of it.

Favorite quote:

4) Are you the woman I think you are? Sheri Dew 1997

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1997/10/are-you-the-woman-i-think-you-are?lang=eng

A wonderful talk reminding us that it is our job to draw unto the Savior.  He is willing to take our hand if we reach for His but we are required to act first.

Favorite quote:

5) An High Priest of Good Things to Come - Elder Holland 1999

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1999/10/an-high-priest-of-good-things-to-come?lang=eng

A talk reminding us to always find the silver lining.  Even if we cannot see it, God.  He knows your fears and hears your prayers.  One of my absolute favorite quotes of all time:

6) Beware of Pride - Benson 1989

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1989/04/beware-of-pride?lang=eng

An eye opening talk.  You may think you know what it means to prideful but this talk helps you see being prideful is more than you think.  Very humbling words. 

Favorite Quote:

7) Stand Strong Against the Wiles of the World - Hinckley 1995

https://www.lds.org/ensign/1995/11/stand-strong-against-the-wiles-of-the-world

We live in a world of growing trouble but as mothers and daughters in zion we have the power and opportunity to influence the world for good.  This good work begins in the home. 

Favorite quote:

8) See The End From the Beginning - Uchtdorf 2006

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2006/04/see-the-end-from-the-beginning?lang=eng

A wonderful talk to really put life in perspective in Uchtdorf's wonderful way. 

Favorite quote:

9) But if not.. - Elder Simmons 2014

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2004/04/but-if-not?lang=eng

Putting your faith in the Lord.  Pouring out your heart to Him, Trusting Him, asking for blessing and knowing "but if not" it will all work out the way it should. 

Favorite Quote: 

10) But For a Small Moment - Maxwell 1974

http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=1022

Our Heavenly Father has a customized curriculum for all of us.  

Favorite quote:

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Message me for your own personal design needs - I would love to be of service ♡

The best week yet ♡

Well most of you know already, but this last week my mom flew out to visit and it was the best!  We had so much fun together and the time of course flew by I can't believe she's already back home again.  Since Josh is gone so much we basically had a girls day every day and she sure spoiled me!

reunited at last after a long flight for my mom!

I won't bore you with all the girly details but I will share the highlights from our fun times!  Day one we explored the shopping in Grapevine and found the coolest mall around, Grapevine Mills Mall.  It is only about ten minutes away from my house and HUGE!  It's over 1,600,000 square feet and has over 220 stores ranging from outlets to high end retail.  There's also a huge food court, carousel, movie theater, and Rainforest Cafe.  Honestly one of the best malls I have ever been to.  We were there for hours!

If you're looking to shop in Dallas Grapevine Mills Mall is the place to be!

One of the best parts about Texas is the food so of course I had to show my mom all of my favorite Dallas places to eat!

First and foremost, Bahama Bucks where you will enjoy the world's most delicious snow cone.  This place is so good we had to visit twice while my mom was in town, once for a girls night and once on our house hunt date night with Josh.

Life changer right here.

The second time we brought Skamp with us and they actually asked if they could give Skamp his own snow cone called "the snowball."  It was the cutest thing he absolutely loved it!

this is a puppy in heaven.

a little blurry (this is what happens when you attempt
to take a photo while holding squirmy Skamp),
 but had to capture the date night.

Secondly I had to prove my statement that the Dickies in Texas is far better than in Utah.  Had my mom try some of their delicious BBQ brisket - warning it is addicting!  And in case you were wondering, yes she does agree it is better than in Utah.

Our next visit (on a different day of course, we didn't just go on a food spree all in one day!) we went to hard eight BBQ, the food and environment are fantastic.  A real Texas experience!

Our next big food adventure was to Rosa's Tortilla factory.  The best (& very well priced) authentic Mexican food in Dallas.

The Egg & I!  My family use to visit St. George quite often, first when my grandparents lived there and then just for a quick get away.  One time we discovered the Egg & I an incredible breakfast establishment and have visited it at least once every St. George trip we go on, so of course when my mom and I found one not too far away we had to visit (Yes in matching adorable nike pants we got at Grapevine Mills Mall!).

Last but not least, we visited our favorite Korean restaurant on Josh's one night off.  My mom had to experience some real Korean food!  And I have to say it's growing on me, I liked it even more than last time I visited.

first bite!

the professional/translator (:

family photo (:

my mom posing like me! HA!

Our future children's clothes.  Always a joke at the Hadley house.
Josh has outfits just like these hanging in our spare closet for our
future children to play dress up with that he brought home from Korea.

Okay it's starting to sound like all we did was eat.. that is not entirely true!  We also went on a little date to the Dallas temple.  Such a beautiful place, so grateful to have one nearby.

getting ready to go, saying goodbye to cone head Skamp!

temple ♡

We were spoiled on Saturday morning while we waited for Josh to get off work we visited the Coppell Farmer's market and got pedicures!

hot day!

little bit of heaven.

Sunday came quick and my mom helped us teach our primary class about the importance of sharing.   It was so fun to hear all of the silly ideas the kids had and to have my mom there.  Beautiful sunday with my two best friends going to church, eating roast, watching Heaven is for real & playing games!

Monday came and my mom and I had one last morning together!  Her trip flew by.  We spent a lot of time just driving around Texas and enjoying each other's company I sure miss her but am grateful for her sacrifice to come and spoiling her little girl while she was here.  So glad she could see where Josh and I live and enjoy a little piece of Texas (: Now back to the real world!  On the bright side Josh only has 3 more weeks of summer sales and then we move and start work at American Airlines.  I think it's going to be a great start for both of us.  I better get packing again!  Check back soon for an August visiting teaching printable ♡ 

A big thanks to everyone for all of the love and support we have received this summer!  Can't believe it's already drawing to a close (very excited though!)  XO

Official house hunters!

Why do the weekends always fly by??  It seems like Josh finally gets home Saturday afternoon, I blink, and it's Monday morning again!  On the bright side the countdown of summer sales has officially began.  Josh only has 4 more weeks left (that's nothing!), 28 days!  It will fly by and we will finally get back to a normal schedule.  I am so excited.  Summer sales sure is worth it but it's hard!  Very hard.  Another bright side, my mom flies in this week and I just cannot wait!  I am so excited to see my best friend again, be sure to check out next weeks post to see the wonderful adventures we
are going to go on (:

This week Josh brought me home some beautiful lilies one day after work ♡ I love how flowers brighten up our little apartment!  Josh is always so thoughtful.

This past weekend Josh & I began seriously house hunting.  We're looking at some new home builders out in the Trophy Club area.  It's so strange for me to think of us buying our own house!  So many decisions to make!

It's still a few months early for us to finalize on a home, we are looking more for in the fall so we haven'd decided anything yet.  But I will be sure to keep you posted on our progress!

Saturday night we looked for homes in both Trophy Club and Roanoke.  Afterwards we explored downtown Roanoke and grabbed dinner.  Our next stop was a relaxing movie night in our friends home theater back out in Trophy Club.  It was a blast.  Why go out to the movies when you can be in your PJs at home with some blue bell ice cream?

grainy movie theater picture!

We all know Blue Bell Ice Cream is one of my
favorite things about the south.  New Flavor &

it was just as amazing as I hoped!  Recommend it!

So grateful for good friends & movie nights ♡

On Friday afternoon I received a phone call from the bishopric, someone had a medical issue and they needed a final speaker for church on Sunday.  Of course I couldn't say no so all weekend along with planning our primary lesson I was having a little bit of anxiety about having to speak.  Thank goodness church is at 9 [having to speak is the only context I would ever say that in] so I was able to get it done right off the bat!  It went really well.  When they first asked me on Friday to speak about temples and family history work I had zero ideas.  After some prayer I was reminded of how much our Heavenly Father will fill our minds with ideas when we ask.  I couldn't believe how much I was guided in writing my talk.  One part which I would like to share is a poem Grandma & Grandpa Hadley shared with us when Josh I attended temple prep with them.  It's always been so special to me & reminds me that when we are in the temple we are in our Heavenly Father's house, a place where our savior has surely been.

"If" 

If I could go to Galilee

And walk where Jesus walked

And sit in tender grasses

On the hillside where He taught

If I could sit and ponder

On a rock that knew His hand

Or walk along the seashore

Where His feet had touched the sand.

My spirit yearns within me,

But it doesn't seem my fate.

I'll never walk where Jesus walked.

I'll never see... but wait.

I worship in His temple

Where I know He's walked before.

Have His feet been down this hallway?

Have His fingers touched this door?

Has He stood here in this very room

And looked at what I see?

In the beauty of His temple

I can feel His love for me.

I close my eyes and picture Him,

My worries melt away.

I don't need to go to Galilee

Or travel far away.

For my tender heart is filled

With what He wants me to be taught

And my testimony burns within - 

I've walked where Jesus walked!

-Carma Salvesen

Such a beautiful poem & we are so blessed to have so many temples to visit and attend.

Best advice thus far, go to the neighborhood & ask the neighbors about the area and their experience with the builder.  Unlike the sales associates the neighbors have no incentive to sell you and they know the area best.  This is what Josh & I did after church on Sunday.  It gave us some wonderful insight.

Sleepy Skamp on our car ride out there.

A real man & his dog (:

Skamp just checking out the neighborhood. I
think he likes it! (:

Such a fun day with my two favorite boys!  I'm grateful for the time we get to spend together no matter how short!  Thank you everyone for all of your love, support & especially advice as we look to build our own home ♡

squinty eyes in the sun!

One last funny one!  I gave Skamp a bath on Friday morning
and the poor guy was so cold after he burrowed himself in this
blanket to make a little cave and warm up.  So cute! 

Elder Holland - A hero to me ♡

Every 6 months I am always amazed during conference with the talks that Elder Holland gives.  Talk about someone who isn't afraid to tell it like it is & yet give so much hope & direction.  His talks are always some of my favorite.  It seems like the last few conferences he speaks on Saturday.  Coincidence?  I think not, the best talks are always on Saturday (extra blessings for devoting your saturday to conference!).  Anyways, turns out his BYU devotional speeches are incredible as well.  I stumbled upon a new favorite today:

Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence

Elder Holland BYU 1999

(http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=795)

One amazing talk here. Have you ever had a time in your life where you prayed & prayed about something, received an answer, went forward & yet it seemed like everything in the universe was fighting against you trying to have it not work out?  It can be so frustrating & it can make us question our answer to prayer.  "This opposition turns up almost anyplace something good has happened... don't give up & don't give in.  Certainly don't give in to that being who is bent on the destruction of your happiness.  He wants everyone to miserable like unto himself [misery loves company!].  Face your doubts.  Master your fears. 'cast not away therefore your confidence.'  Stay the course and see the beauty of life unfold for you.

I love this counsel & know it is true.  After praying about something and then having the adversary fight against I always think to myself, "Well if Satan is wasting his time trying to get me to give up someday when I work through all of the ups and downs of this I must have something big in store & a difference to make!"  It always helps me to keep pushing forward and not give up.  I had a friend once tell me something I will never forget.  She said if there's ever a Sunday where she just doesn't want to get up [yay for 9 AM church] and feels like she is having a hard time making herself get to church she thinks so herself that there must be something important she is going to hear today that Satan is trying to stop her from going.  She uses this to boost her attitude and spend her Sunday engaged waiting to hear that special message just for her.  What a wonderful way to overcome negative thoughts.

The more I get to know myself the more I realize how much Satan tries to get in my head with feelings of doubt, fear, or inadequacy.  But as Elder Holland brings up in this talk, "there may come after the fact [after revelation etc] some competing doubts [satan!] and some confusion, but they will pale when you measure them against the real thing.  Remember the real thing. Remember how urgently you have needed help in earlier times and that you got it.  The Red Sea will open to the honest seeker of revelation.  The adversary does have power to hedge up the way , but he cannot produce the real thing.  He cannot conquer if we will it otherwise.  Exerting all our power to call upon God, the light will again come, the darkness will again retreat, the safety will again be sure."  I find it interesting here the importance of remembering.  Why are we so often counseled to keep journals, study the words of the prophets both new & old, & to study our ancestry?  I believe it is to help us always remember because remembering those experiences will help us be strong and overcome opposition.  This last time I read the Book of Mormon I highlighted every time it said the word "remember."  I didn't count but let me tell you, it says it all the time!  I think its the tendency of the natural man to be forgetful.  It's easier sometimes than making the effort to remember but remembering will give up strength.  Remember will give us faith for the future.

The second lesson Elder Holland presents is that along with the process of revelation and in making important decisions in our lives "fear almost always plays a destructive, sometimes paralyzing role."And how does Elder Holland respond to this?  With my favorite line from the talk: "What about that which has already happened?  What about the miracles that got you here?"..How soon we forget.. Some days we will be miraculously led out of Egypt - seemingly free, seemingly on our way - only to come to yet another confrontation, like all that water lying before us.  At those times we must resist the temptation to panic and give up.  At those times fear will be the strongest of the adversary's weapons against us."  Don't you dare give up.  That's the answer.  Remember what the Lord has done for you in the past.   Remember that like the children of Israel He wouldn't lead you this far just to give up on you.  Some times you may have to take a different path than you planned such as Alma going to Ammonihah or the children of Israel crossing through the red sea but either way the Lord will open up a path for you.  "Nobody ever crossed the Red Sea this way but so what?  There's always a first time for everything.  God will always help provide us a way just like the old primary song "I know the Lord will find a way He wants me to obey!"   "Trust in that eternal truth.  If God has told you something is right, if something is indeed true for you, he will provide the way for you to accomplish it.

I always remind myself of this when things get difficult.  I feel like this talk was written in a personal letter to me.  Instead it was given in a 1999 BYU devotional and I am so grateful that the Lord knew what I would need to hear 15 years later along with many others along the way I'm sure.  Trying & starting new things can be hard.  SO hard.  Right now I have a lot of "starting&trying new things" going in my life and Satan works tirelessly to try and get me to give up.  But jokes on him because he just reminds me that there must be something special in store & all my hard work will pay off.  I know I say this all the time but I am so grateful for Josh who always helps me over come the doubts and fears that Satan sends my way & I know as we pray to the Lord He will help us as well.

"I will go before your face.  I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and min angels round about you, to bear you up."  D&C 84:88

As we strive to follow our Heavenly Father's will for us he will walk with us.  I love the way Elder Holland ends his talk & how I will end mine. "Fear ye not,  And when the second and third and fourth blows come, fear yet not... The Lord shall fight for you.  Cast not away therefore your confidence."  ♡

Finding |J O Y| in the |J O U R N E Y| ♡

This morning I reread one of my favorite talks from President Monson:

Finding Joy in the Journey

President Monson Oct. 2008

[https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/finding-joy-in-the-journey?lang=eng]

Change /CHānj/ verb: 1. to make or become different. 

Change.  One word that can mean so much.  One word that has many mixed emotions tied into one.  I love President Monson's talk Finding Joy in the Journey because he reminds us to embrace this silly little word.  

Graduating, moving thousands of miles from home [1,226 to be exact]has brought one of the biggest changes into my life thus far.  I'll be honest, some days I hate it!  Some days if I let myself, I can become overwhelmed with feelings of doubt, fear, loneliness & homesickness.  I could wallow all day long about it but what would that accomplish?  Nothing! I have learned so far this summer that change is not always fun, but it can be as fun as you make it.  

President Monson says it best in his talk: "You pile up enough tomorrows & you'll find you have a lot of empty yesterdays."  I couldn't have said it better myself.  We need to appreciate the moment instead of always waiting for something else to come along.  I sure have been guilty of this this summer.  "I can't wait for summer sales to be over" or "I just can't wait until my mom comes [okay but this one is still very true], or I just can't wait until I get to visit home again."  If we constantly are waiting for time to pass or for an event to come we often miss the joy of the present. "Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, & share our love with family & friends."

In this talk we are reminded one the greatest lessons we are to learn here on this earth is to distinguish what matters most & what does not.  People matter!  Our families matter!  Our parents, siblings, spouses, and children.  And what is most important for them?  Letting them know how much we love & care about them.  Serving them.  Spending time with them. Doing all we can to help them.  "Often we assume that they must know how much we love them.  But we should never assume; we should let them know.  William Shakespeare said: 'they don't love that do not show their love.' We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown.  Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us." How important it is that we show those around us how important they are and how much we love them.  I have said this before but one of the biggest blessings this summer is how close Josh & I have become.  Every day it's just me & him.  After a hard day selling I am who Josh comes home to for comfort & love.  After a hard day working & at home Josh is who I turn to.  We always have each other & that is what matters most.  Josh is my biggest fan & cheerleader as I have started my design business & I wouldn't be where I am without his support. How tragic would it be if I never let him know it?

Despite all the change we go through there are always aspects to be grateful for.  There truly always is a silver lining. "Both abundance & lack of abundance exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend.. when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present - love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us happiness - the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth."  We must always choose gratitude.  

In this talk President Monson tells the story of the ten lepers where Christ healed them & only one thanked Him.  We told this same story to our primary class of 5 year olds yesterday. I was worried they wouldn't understand but they certainly did.  I asked them how those who didn't say thank you made Christ feel.  They said it made him feel sad inside.  Certainly true.  We make our Heavenly Father sad when we do not keep gratitude in our hearts for all of the many blessings & tender mercies He gives us each & every day.  "In nothing doth man often God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess His hand in all things."

To be happy in this life we must remember that happiness is not a destination it's a journey.  It's a road we choose to take each day.  It's when we choose to make the best out of our day and stop waiting for tomorrow.  "There is no tomorrow to remember if we don't do something today."

personal use only please (:

Such a wonderful talk. One of my favorites. One to read on a day when you are having a hard time choosing happiness. Life is short & every day we choose our own happiness.  May we always remember to thank the Lord & see his hand in all things.  "Despite the changes which come into our lives with gratitude in our hearts, may we fill our days - as much as we can - with those things that matter most.  May we cherish those we hold dear & express our love to them in word & deed.

♡ Horses, invites & puppy school!

Well another week has flown by!  It's crazy to think that we only have about one month left.  And we get a special visitor in just a little over a week- my mom!!  I can't wait.  This last week was a good one.  Josh reached all his goals & we were able to have some fun.  Friday Skamp had his third week of puppy school.  The first week we were there three puppies were in the class including Skamp.  A mother & her daughter both had a puppy but for the last two weeks they haven't come.  We found out this last week that once you miss two times you have to start the class over so now Skamp gets a personal lesson every single week!  SO crazy!  We are sure getting our money's worth & Skamp is loving it.  Part of the class was suppose to be a little socialization but I suppose he will just have to get that somewhere else!

How cute is he?!  At the class we practiced with a felt rope & Skamp just loved it so luck for us there was a Joann's next door so I bought some fabric & made my own.  Only spent 3 bucks and could probably make 4 or 5 more with the rest of the scraps.  Much better deal than the one they are selling for 8$ at the pet store.  I was very proud of myself!  It's his favorite toy now & I'm not just saying that because I made it, he always picks it (:

The best part was going to the temple bright & early before Josh sold on Saturday.  The temple was really crowded which was fun to see.  Dallas temple is beautiful!  We feel so blessed to have a temple nearby.

After the temple Josh had his best saturday yet - sold 8!  Really impressive for a short Saturday I was so proud of him.  To top it off he spoiled his wife by letting her go get her nails done with some other girls on the team it was a blast!  I rarely get my nails done!

Saturday night we went out to dinner at Rosa's tortilla factory & oh my goodness it was amazing!  We have finally found a well priced delicious Mexican restaurant.  It is cheaper because it is set up Cafe Rio Style [I reallllly miss cafe rio] but with more authentic Mexican food.  So fun!

They are known for their homemade tortillas - & for good reason!

 After Rosa's we headed to the Fort Worth Stockyards.  Yes we seem to end up here all the time!  We love it it's a lot of fun, live bull riding, rodeos, horses, country dancing & BBQ.  It's a MUST when you visit Dallas.  We spent our night visiting the rodeo horses & at Billy Bob's [the world's largest honky tonk] listening to Gary Allen in concert & dancing.  It was a blast & I'm normally not a dancer!

horses are magnificent creatures ♡

We taught primary for the first time today.  Well my first time, Josh taught with a friend last week while I taught relief society.  It was a blast!  Primary kids give the funniest answers I don't think I have ever laughed so much at church before [reverently of course].  They are so sweet we taught them about saying thank you & then went and "heart-attacked" the bishop's door with thank you cards.  They were so excited for the field trip and talking about how happy inside it made them feel.  I love being around their sweet innocent spirits it sure is a blessing.

Not much new here other than our weekends -sorry if the blog gets boring sometimes.  Josh works from sun up to sun down so the only thing we have time for is dinner, playing with Skamp and a TV show before it's off to bed & then to start it all over again.  I have been working more on my designs in my free time here are a few wedding ones for everyone to see:

Wedding thank you hearts

Wedding Thank you 

Pink front

Pink back 

Navy wedding back

Navy wedding front

Well that's all for us!  If you haven't seen my July visiting teaching printables check out the post before this one & feel free to give them to your sisters!  Thanks for all your love & support! ♡