God's Blessing and Miracle

It is humbling for me to post this because I have to admit my stupidity and laziness. I also have to acknowledge that despite my weaknesses, God loves and blesses us with miracles.


I put off refueling my van the other day. I knew the gas tank was near empty but I had a few errands I wanted to run before I went to the gas station. Well, I was on the freeway trying to pass another car and suddenly the van died. I began coasting. I was so grateful I was at the top of the hill, and I began praying for help. I asked God to help me make it off the freeway and get to the gas station safely. The offramp went down the hill, but there was a red light at the end of that. I prayed that I would be able to turn quickly, because I knew I might not get moving again if I stopped long. After a brief pause, I turned, but there was a truck with a trailer coming towards me quickly. I prayed again to God for help. Gratefully, the truck passed me. Then I prayed that I could make it to the gas station, just a few feet away, but also that the first pump would be open. I had no idea how I could get to a pump otherwise. I rolled into the gas station, and with joy saw that the first pump was free! I parked the van and prayed with my two-year-old son. I gave thanks with tears of gratitude that God heard my prayers and blessed me with a miracle of safety and success. I know God lives today. I know He knows me personally and loves me.

Being a Mom

I mentioned in the first post that I am a "Mormon Mom." Now I'd like to describe what that means to me. I have three wonderful children. I love them so much. Even though I have the opportunity and freedom to do whatever I want with my time and energy, I know the most important, lasting thing I can do is to help these three souls become great people and closer to God. It's definitely hard, tedious, often thankless work, but I LOVE IT! Of course I am not prefect. After I get the kids in bed at night, and I finally enjoy some peace and quiet, I reflect on my day. I did this last night, and felt pretty guilty about the way I yelled at my kids. I get so tired, impatient, frustrated (and hungry!) at dinner time, and that's when I was really mean to them yesterday. At times like these, I worry that my imperfections as a Mom are going to "mess up" my kids.



Oh what peace and relief the knowledge of Jesus Christ's atonement brings! I know that his grace and suffering makes up for my mistakes and even the mistakes of my children. I just need to believe in Him and change my ways. I am so grateful for His perfect example of patience and kindness (especially with children). I know He loves me and He will help me do better.

Happy Anniversary

Tomorrow is the anniversary of my marriage to my husband. We have been married for eight years! I am so grateful we were ready to be married in a Temple of the Lord (LDS Temple), where we were sealed by God's power for eternity. That means that my husband and I can be together forever, even after we die. This brings a lot of comfort, especially when I consider how fragile this life can be.


I am very grateful that being married for eternity has brought strength and persistence in our commitment to marriage. There have been days that I have wanted to give up. Sometimes I have been really hurt by the things my husband does, or sometimes annoyed by him. Applying the teachings of Jesus Christ of forgiveness, repentance and love have really helped me. Also, knowing that God wants to see us succeed, and using His power and grace in our lives has made a difference.

It hasn't always been easy, but it has been definitely worth it. I am so grateful for the past 8 years. It has been wonderful. I hope to have many more!

PS: for those of you wondering, my husband has only one wife--me!

The Start and the Invitation

I am a Mormon (our nickname) Mom. I have been a Latter-day Saint my whole life. I love it so much! It has helped me love an appreciate the family I grew up in, and enjoy the husband and children I have now. It has helped me have the Faith in Jesus Christ to carry me through heartache, trials, and challenges. It has helped me grow closer to God and feel His love every day.

I have started this blog to record my blessings and experiences, and to hear the same from my friends and family. I invite anyone in the world to read and investigate and learn more about true Mormons.


I was really inspired by Elder Ballard's message in the Ensign last month. He helps lead our church and is an Apostle of Jesus Christ. I felt I needed to share all the ways God helps me in my day to day life when I read his message. I want to share the joy and peace that being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints brings. I am so grateful for the blessings I enjoy and I want to have my voice heard.

So, I invite all the Latter-day Saints I know to join me. Email me at sarahparane@hotmail.com you want to be invited to post on this blog. I would love to have you share your testimonies and stories. Please take some time to read Elder Ballard's talk (see the link above) before you post. Then, we will all be on the same page. Let's be positive and grateful, but try to describe things so that non-LDS people will understand.

I look forward to hearing your testimonies and sharing mine! I look forward to hearing from everyone who wants to know more!