The LDS Semi-Annual General Conference

image from LDS Media Talk

I am so grateful to have General Conference each 6 months. When I was younger I thought it was fun because we got to eat and chill at home or go see family for the whole weekend. Sometimes there was even a dance! (Only Tongans would.) But as I have gotten older, I appreciate General Conference for the gold mine it is. Each talk, each leader, each session is filled with Spirit. I can't tell you how much I learn from listening and rereading their words of wisdom, hope and unconditional love. I can't tell you my favorite talk because there were several that stood out to me. And as it usually goes, when I reread the ones that didn't, I always seem to catch something that my heart/head/soul needed to hear/feel.

image from foodstorageandbeyond.com

Member or not a member, I urge you to read or listen to the LDS General Conference. The messages are filled with love and compassion, not scaring us into repenting but urging us to find the path and keep on keepin on. It's a tough world to live in right now, member or not. People are getting crazy, doing unspeakable things and to be able to listen to such kind and gentle but firm and pleading words gives ones soul the hope, light and love it needs to keep moving forward in life. There are so many beauties in this world, don't get me wrong, but with the messages of not being pretty enough, good enough, talented or skilled enough, messages of never having enough, needing more and more, we are bombarded with the thoughts and feelings of not being enough or perfect. And as much as I hate to break it to you, we never will be. But the beauty is, we don't have to be. We don't need to be perfect or enough, just to do our best and to follow the Savior is really all He asks. And that's all we can do. In the words of Hugh Nibley "We can only do two things in this world. Forgive and repent." And in the words of our sweet beloved prophet Thomas S Monson "May we show increased kindness toward one another, and may we ever be found doing the work of the Lord." May we forgive others easily and remember our own follies with godly sorrow that will turn us to Him and realize, we ALL need Him. May we be kinder, gentler and more loving towards others and realize that IS His work.

I hope you will take the time to watch and learn. Not just from the speakers but from the Spirit, "10 For by my ^aSpirit will I ^benlighten them, and by my ^cpower will I make known unto them the ^dsecrets of my ^ewill—yea, even those things which ^feye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor yet entered into the heart of man." D & C 76:10. Visit www.lds.org for more info or watch LDS General Conference to be edified.

General Relief Society Meeting

There is something beautiful about being in the Conference Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It's massive beauty, the sacred presence and the overwhelming feeling of the Spirit can be felt by all. Being able to attend the General Relief Society Meeting was an experience I will not forget. I have been in the Conference Center many times before. For the Presidency's Christmas Devotional, multiple stake conferences, the General Young Women Meeting and for various tours with family members. I have always walked in with reverence, feeling overwhelmed by the size, beauty and spirit present but this time was a little different. I'm not sure why. Maybe because I am older with better understanding I have become more sensitive to spiritual things. Whatever it is, I am deeply grateful to have been there with my sweet mother-in-law and good friend visiting from Mexico.

Aushra, Olga, myself at the Conference Center

The meeting itself seemed to go by too quickly. We were there just 15 minutes before 6pm and with all the women around us, I am not sure how they got us all in within such a short period of time to start the meeting. I was sure we were going to walk in late but sure enough we got into our seats a few minutes before the meeting began. From then on it seemed like a blur of beautiful messages and wonderful music. Each song penetrated my soul as I realized they were picked by the Lord Himself to convey a message to each soul present. The speakers spoke of sacred covenants, the love of our Father in Heaven and Savior and ended with loving words from our beloved prophet. As I spoke with my mother-in-law and good friend afterwards I realized we all had received messages according to our particular trials. I love that when the speaker is filled with the spirit of the Lord, the Spirit itself is able to teach each soul their separate lessons they needed to learn.

The message that stood out to me, that I absolutely needed to hear came from our sweet beloved prophet, Thomas S. Monson. With his large frame it is hard to see that such a sweet, caring, sensitive soul resides in that body. I never realized how tall he was until I saw him stand in front of the pulpit. I was sure he was bending a little bit to reach the microphone. Regardless, his message was sweet and simple. You are a beloved daughter of God, who loves and remembers you. You are needed in this world, "you are the light of the world", a message I know each and everyone of us listening has felt the need to hear. It's hard to feel important, loved, needed and cared for in a world that teaches you about physical "beauty" and worldly "perfection". Perfection in everything. Yet to know our best is what our family, our loved ones, those whom we serve and associate with, is what they need.

Another quote that touched me to the very core was one I have been struggling with all my life. I am a bit stubborn and hard headed. My mom has always reminded me that I was the child that needed to learn on my own. I could never take anyone's word, I had to find out for myself. Even if it meant getting hurt and making choices that weren't exactly the brightest. I am not a perfectionist but I do like to plan things out. I had a plan for my life and when it didn't go my way, I struggled. And as most times, nothing goes my way. I struggle a lot with trusting in the Lord, with accepting His will. "Whose will is wiser than my own" will be a message I will probably print, paint, embed, mark everywhere in my house and hopefully in my heart. These past couple of years have not been easy. But they have taught me that He is the Master Planner, the Great Designer and He knows me, my life, my needs, my struggles, my strengths better than I do. Hearing those words made me realize how little faith I really have. I believe in my Savior, I believe He loves me, but I still try to do things my way. Until I can learn that "His will is wiser than my own", I will probably keep struggling through this life.

I bare testimony of this gospel. This is His church and we are His servants on earth. I bare witness that Thomas S. Monson is the living prophet of these latter-days. Joseph Smith saw the Father and our Savior. He translated the Book of Mormon and I am forever grateful for his faith and trust in the Lord. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I have asked and felt for myself that it's words are the words of prophets of old and Christ Himself. I am grateful for the organization of the Relief Society. I love all my sisters in Zion and pray that each will be able to hear these messages meant for each and everyone of them at this time. I know there is a God and He is my loving Father in heaven. Jesus Christ is His Son, who sacrificed and suffered for all mankind. He knows you, He loves you and He wants you to return to Him. I urge you to ask for yourself, don't take my word for it, pray and ask in His name if these things are true. I know that the Spirit speaks all truth and if you are willing to hear it, He will tell you the truth of all things.

To learn more about the Mormon/LDS church visit www.lds.org and here is the link to the General Relief Society Meeting. You can read or listen to it. This coming Saturday October5th and Sunday October 6th will be the General Conference where we listen to various leaders of our church. Tune in to listen at 10am and 2pm Mountain Time Zone.

ROC

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to join Remembering Our Culture (ROC). I have watched ROC since 2008 when my husband and I first started dating. He had been in the group on and off since 2003. Every time I would watch their show/performances, my heart would race, I'd get so excited and I just wished with all my heart I could join. But life happened, I had 3 babies and felt it wasn't something I could do. While in Hawaii, we heard that ROC would be closing shop. For good. I was so heart broken. That meant I could never perform for ROC.

Just a little background of ROC, they are a performing group, both singing and dancing. They do performances for 5 cultures: Latin America, Native American, African, Polynesian and Asian. They help their students stay on track with school, you must be in institute or have a 2.0 GPA in school. They are required, in contract, to abide by the church standards, regardless of which school you go to (usually UVU or BYU). They travel to different places, like California, the Native American Reservations, New York and Texas to name a few, and perform for schools, churches and other organizations with the message of remembering who you are, where you are from and getting an education. ROC is run by Micheal and LLuvia Campbell and they have been doing this for almost 15 years (this year).

ROC group picture before heading to Olvera St

As I was wallowing in my despair, Josh and I had a brilliant idea. We wanted to start ROC in Hawaii. Did it happen?? No. And a good thing it didn't. We ended up coming back to Utah. And viola! ROC was back and Josh decided to ask if they needed help. And they did. They needed male dancers. So we went to a practice and Josh kept bugging me to ask Micheal if I could dance. As much as I wanted to, I knew that once they had enough girls, they really didn't need more. I told Josh, "If Micheal asks me to dance, I will dance. If he doesn't need anymore girls then I don't need to worry about it." But as the Lord would have it, Micheal came up to me and said "I wish you could dance with us!!" I looked at Josh (with a half smirk/half smile on his face) and looked at Micheal and said "well I can if you want me to." I think he was nearly as stunned as I was. From that moment I had joined ROC and I had NO IDEA what I was getting myself into. What started as just dancing for the April show, turned into Josh and I going on tour to California with the group. It was by far, my favorite tour I've ever been on. I have gone to places with various different groups. I've danced, sang, competed but this was the best experience I've ever had with a group. It was a spiritual experience that I will never forget. Each day was filled with driving, performing and lots of running around, but you could just feel the Spirit of the Lord with us, our ancestors performing with us and the love that God had for each and every person we performed for. It was amazing.

Last performance in Rancho Cucamonga

After tour was done, I asked Micheal what he needed for next year and he would say "A Polynesian section leader!" I think it took him about 4 or 5 times before I finally said I would do it. As this year has begun, I am so nervous, anxious but excited about what this year will be like. I do not feel in any way shape or form, worthy, talented enough or good enough to be in this position. I've danced but I've never choreographed. I was never in a halau or competed in tahiti fete or even took training in any Polynesian dance. I feel so out of my comfort zone and I keep telling Micheal and Lluvia "If only my siblings were here they could share their amazingly wonderful talents with all of you!!" But I've come to realize that all those in the group are in it for a reason. And I am in it for a reason. I have no idea what the reason is, but I have prayed and asked about it and it feels right. I am grateful for this opportunity to do ROC and to share my talents, my gifts, my love of my culture and my love for my Savior. It really is the Lord's work, whether you are on a mission, doing your calling in church or being a good example where ever you go. Where you share your light, or His love, become His hands or be your best self, you are doing HIS WORK. And I am grateful to be doing His work with people I have come to love and appreciate.

Here are some pictures from tour:

Our Fireside dresses, me with the beautiful Alexis

On our way home with Olivia

the smaller, cooler van.

the best picture EVER. Ito (in the native outfit) is know as the "bird man" to my kids.

group picture when we finally reached Cali!

standing around at the temple in LA

If you want to learn more about ROC and feel that maybe you could join us, shoot me an email or leave a comment.Or click on the link in the first paragraph and it will take you to their website. ROC is also on Facebook, feel free to ask any questions!

doTERRA

I have been really nervous about posting this. Not because it's controversial or anything, merely because I don't want people to think I'm an MLM crazy person. (I'm just a normal crazy person.) doTERRA is a Network Marketing company. It is also an Essential Oil company. It is also a Utah company. (Where I swear half of the MLM's start.) With that said, if you're too afraid I'm going to give you a pitch about why doTERRA is the best, or why you should sign up, or yaddah yaddah yaddah, then I DARE YOU to READ ON.

We were introduced to doTERRA a couple of times. A sweet, darling good friend of mine (ILY Nini) gave me some while I was pregnant with my son, our oldest. I took some, didn't think much about it and never thought about it again. The second time my step mother-in-law gave us some for a sore throat/cold. The third time I went to a class because there was going to be smoothies. (I know, I'm so fat.) That's when I saw the benefit. I learned about the cabinet makeover class and I decided to sign up. Here's why:

If you know me and my little family, you know my husband is a health enthusiast. I've blogged about it and vented a lot. I've watched a lot of videos that I didn't appreciate (Super size me, Forks over Knives, Food Inc, etc). I've watched my husband agonize over being sick but not wanting to take medicine. We've fought over what products to give our kids, if he can try his "home remedies" or if I could just give them a tsp of Tylenol, and it's just been a roller coaster of a marriage. Just because we couldn't figure out a way to take care of our own kids. (We would seriously sit there and argue about what to give our kids. It got to the point where Josh would try to give them something and I'd make him stop, or vice versa. We probably looked like crazy people to our kids.)Then doTERRA came into our lives.

After I learned about the benefits I told my husband. He wasn't all in,but we decided to give it a try. Now we have no over-the-counter medicine in our home. If we do it's old stuff from my husbands grandma that we haven't thrown away. If you have a cut, we put Lavender and Melaluca (Tea Tree oil) on it. If you have a fever, we give you Peppermint and Breathe along with some Lavender to relax. If you feel like throwing up, we'll give you some Digestzen and Ginger or Peppermint to help the nausea. And we don't argue about what to give our kids. We don't try one thing then try another hoping that one or the other works. Half the time we don't even take our kids to the hospital (unless it's a gash in the head) because we know we can take care of them at home. doTERRA is all natural essential oils, and I mean PURE essential oil. Not only is it 100% all oil with no fillers, but each oil comes from their natural habitat. (ie: Eucalyptus from Australia) We know what we're giving our kids, we know it works and we know we're all happy and healthy!

The point is, we have found something that works for ALL OF US. Josh is happy I'm not using over-the-counter medicine, I'm happy I can do something that is simple, quick, easy and not disgusting (ginger juiced is not yummy) and our kids can feel happy, healthy and to just be a kid. We love doTERRA and will keep using it until there's absolutely none left. It's a natural way to help your body heal itself. It isn't voodoo, creepy, witchcraft, it's simply taking what the world produces naturally and using it in the way it was intended to be used. I love it because I can take care of my own health and not have to worry about prescriptions, doctor visits, medicines expiring or being recalled. I can be my kids doctor. Of course we do other things, like the Emotion Code, the Body Code, and I obviously still see the doctor when necessary, but doTERRA has really relieved our family of arguments, tension, medicine and colds.

We have used other oils before and it's just not the same. Just smelling them you can tell the difference. I'm not a health enthusiast like my husband. I'm not an apothecary. I'm not a doctor. I'm not even the best mom in the world. (Shocker, I know.) But I am a young mother who has found a way to make her husband happy, kids happy, all of them healthy and feeling great. I'm not sure about you, but I'm pretty sure that's worth finding a great product. And what kind of a friend would I be without sharing it???? I'm not out to make money (I wish, then I'd be rich and could just give it to all of you!) and I'm not out to look for "sign ups". I've just found something amazing and couldn't help but SHARE. Try it. If you know someone who does doTERRA, ask for a sample. Heck, I'LL GIVE YOU ONE. They are THAT AMAZING.

But don't take my word for it. Don't take anything I say seriously. Go find out for yourself. Go learn about oils. Go learn about alternative healing. Go learn about doTERRA. Just get out there and give it a try. It'll be worth your time. I promise.

And then there were 6...

...in the Garcia family!!! We just found out on Friday that we are EXPECTING!! Baby #4 will make his/her debut in spring of 2014 :) We are SOOOOOOOOOOO excited! Our kids are ecstatic and we just can't wait for baby to come.

We have been asking Gabriel, "Do you want a brother or a puppy?" (I know they aren't comparable but I just thought it'd be funny to see what he'd say) He has answered puppy every single time. Friday night he finally got his puppy! Abuelita Olga got him a little black and white sweet little chihuahua mix. Then right before bed, I took a test, and it came out positive! So apparently he gets BOTH!! Lol. Well we just wanted to share our news and if you see me eating A LOT, lets just say it's the baby ;) Wish us luck, cuz we are surely going to need it. (School, work, kids, new baby, it's a lot but it'll be fun!)

Xoxox,

Josh and Lala

A New You by BBJ Family Foundation

Last week I had the opportunity of a lifetime. I was able to attend  A New You retreat for women by the Barbara Barrington Jones Family Foundation at Brick Canvas . I cannot express how grateful I am to have had that opportunity. One of the first things Barbara wanted to make clear was that all those who were in attendance were not there by accident. We were all there because our Father in heaven had a clear message to share with each of us. I definitely learned mine.

I find it amazing though because we found out about Barbara (BBJ) at the IIPP at BYU-H. It was a program that taught soft business skills, the icing on the cake. I had the chance to speak with each speaker and ask them about their trials, successes and advice on being a mother/wife/businesswoman. I've always struggled with the thought of leaving my children at home and not being there. At the same time, I get crazy and cranky if I don't get out there and do something. I never realized there could be a median. I could find what fits for me and my own family and work from there! All the while BBJ told me about her A New You program in UTAH. Dang it! There was no way I could just fly to Utah for a retreat. And for 4 days? That's way too long away from my kids. Miraculously, we moved to Utah shortly after, and two months before the program, we moved into the same city. Last Monday my husband told me about it (and signed me up without me knowing) and I tried to get in on Tuesday. I was accepted and I found the babysitters/money/supplies I needed to make it last week! Everything seriously just fell into place and I know the Lord wanted me there.

I had a ton of Ah Ha! moments. Things just made sense and I felt like I was seeing so many different things clearly for the first time. The experience I will NEVER forget is cutting my hair. Just in case some of you don't know, I had very big, long, full hair. Curly it went about the middle of my back, straight it went down to my low back almost to my hips. And I loved my hair. I think it was my vanity, my pride, my mask. I had been wanting to cut it (pixie cut) for a long time. I think for about a year I have been contemplating this cut. When I realized this retreat came with a style and cut, I finally found my opportunity! But I didn't realize how emotional it would be. I was so stressed Friday morning because not only had I been telling everyone I was going to do it, I realized I seriously had to decided whether I was going to do it or not. When it came down to it, Nicole at Vivesque was so sweet and patient. She listened to my ideas, my fears, my hopes in this new haircut, and she also gave me practical advice as a hairstylist. After my amazing wash and pressure point face massage, she even printed me pictures as a reference. We decided to cut it to a bob and see if I liked that at all. I can't tell you how stunned I was as I watched my dread locks come off. I had workers, others who were doing their hair and other women from the group come and watch as my hair came off. I still couldn't decided and she let me call my mom, who didn't have an opinion because she said it didn't matter because I didn't brush my hair anyways. I called my sister who simply said DO IT! So I did. And I now blame her for my decision. Lol, I'm just kidding. But I did do it.

Friday morning/evening

I cut it all off. And I cannot express the support and love I felt from all those who attended, from my family, from Facebook/Instagram/Twitter, I just couldn't believe how many people liked my short hair. And so I cried and cried and cried, not necessarily because my hair was gone, but because I couldn't handle that much love. One sweet amazing friend of mine bought me the product they had put in my hair. I was planning on buying it, but she bought it for me and I just couldn't handle that. To make matters worse, the hair salon bought me slippers. Mine were worn, with holes in them and didn't fit. I had just about had it. I lost it and I cried and cried.

Why was this so important to me? Because I have always felt that I can't be beautiful, loved, cared for or the spotlight because people would see me as conceited, prideful, full of myself and a showoff. When in reality, it was empowering for ALL of us. My vulnerability, my "coming out of hiding under my hair", my journey to becoming a new HEILALA, my finding love for myself as myself not because of my hair or any other vain/prideful love, was something we all learned from. Others had beautiful transformations and I came to a realization that I was just full of myself. Not in a prideful way, but because I was so self-conscious that people were always looking at me that I seriously had to hide behind my hair. This new hair cut has forced me to come out of hiding, to be confident and find the self respect a woman needs to hold her head up high and stand tall. I haven't been able to do that, and I am seriously going to fake this hairstyle until I make it. Not because I feel fake, but because I just don't have the confidence, strength, self-love I need to hold my head up high yet. I will get there. Not because I'll keep lying to myself, but because I will NEVER forget the love, the support, the care, the lessons, the experience of becoming A New You.

The sweet BBJ

Barbara Barrington Jones,
I cannot express the gratitude and love I have for you and your team. You have put on a wonderful program that I know women have been empowered from for over a decade. Thank you for not quitting 10 years ago. I know the Lord did it for me and for every woman who has benefited from not only this program, but from all the programs you put on. Your team is amazing. They are so filled with love and light that each member feels their sincere desire to help, teach and love. You are filled with such a light that people are empowered by your being the best you possible. Thank you for teaching me that lesson. I love you!

If you have the chance to attend A New You, the IIPP in Hawaii, or Be the Best You, I encourage you to do it. Your life will be blessed. Not just by BBJ and her team, but by the many women who attend. The struggles I've listened to, the sorrow I've seen and the joy and love I have felt has put my life into a new perspective. To each of my beautiful sisters that were in A New You 2013, I cannot tell you thank you enough for touching my life and sharing a little part of yours with me. I love each of you and have learned so much from you. I know that I am a better person because I have been able to share this experience with you. Life is as beautiful as you make it, and I am determined to live mine exactly as the Lord has planned for me.

XOXO,
Lala

Friday morning. After washing, I just let it air dry.

Saturday hair do

My sweet counselor Kathy

One of my PEEPS Karin

in the middle of the cut

it's GONE!!

all my hair, with my size 8 slipper as a reference

the minifro before styling

Emotion Code Certification

I AM SO EXCITED!!! I haven't posted in a while, life has been crazy busy for us! It has been so fun!! (and stressful at the same time) But I am so excited to announce that I am completing my certification to become an Emotion Code Practitioner!!! I am so stoked!! I signed up last week, but things got a little mixed up. Now that we've sorted most of it out (I hope), I get to start working on people! So if you are interested in having some "energy work" done, shoot me an email, comment on this post, hit me up on FB/Twitter/IG/Snapchat and we can get started. And it doesn't even have to be you that I work on (I just need permission, I can't just do it without them knowing. That is just rude.) But if you have an animal/pet that seems a little odd, I can help them too!

I will also be posting up different experiences, comments or testimonials of people I will be working with (with their permission of course) so that if you aren't sure you can get an idea of what it's about. And so you know I'm not just crazy and doing random things. I will keep you updated and also blog about our normal life things as well. I was just too excited and had to post this!! For more info visit the Emotion Code website and or visit my last blog about the ECode (which is what I will be referring it to from now on). Have a fantastic rest of your week!!