Lady Cady

Faith * Family * Life

A Walk in the Meadow {A Poem by Madalyn!}

Madalyn wrote this poem just for fun a few months ago. She loves nature and being outdoors. In fact, it is sometimes a challenge to get her back in for things like schoolwork or dinner… 🙂 She also loves to write poems and draw pictures about nature. It is always a fun treat when she shares them with me. And so, I’ll share with you. 😍

A Walk in the Meadow
By Madalyn Cady – age 10 (Jan. 2022)

A walk in the meadow
With trees all around.
The birds are chirping.
There’re leaves on the ground.

A walk in the meadow
With cows eating grass.
It is sad to know
How fast time can pass.

A walk in the meadow
Of which God made.
I think of His teachings
As I lie in the shade.

Mama Life

Once upon a time I was single and had no kids. And then that changed. I got married. Several years later I had my first little boy. Then three more sweet babies followed in their own time and now – here I am. Each day is an adventure. Each day brings messes. But each day also brings new memories and lots of smiles. So, I’m sticking to this Mama Life, even on days I just want to write/paint/read/and eat chocolate. 🙂

One by one they all wake up
And need a little hug.
“I’m hungry mom, I need some food!”
And give a little tug.
Lovingly, I feed each one
And send them on their way.
And then once more we’ve jumped into
Another crazy day.

One by one throughout the day
They need my loving care.
“I have a bonk!” “I need my shoe!”
And I help their troubles, bear.
Patiently, I help each one
And send them on their way.
Once again with a smile
As they go back to their day.

One by one their sleepy now
And it’s time to go to bed.
“I need a hug and one more book!”
Then I kiss their little head.
Lovingly, I tuck them in
Then wish them each Good Night.
For once again we made it though
Another day till night.

Book Recommendation – Insights from a Prophet’s Life – Russell M. Nelson

I can’t believe it, but we are already almost to April. That means next weekend is General Conference! The last six months have flown by like they always do between Conferences. I love Conference weekend and as always, I am excited to hear what our modern-day Church Leaders feel inspired to share with us. What a blessing that we have the opportunity to soak in their wisdom! I love studying all about their lives too. Aren’t they amazing?? I am always inspired to be better when I read about any of the Prophets or members of the Quorum of the Twelve or other General Auxiliary leaders.

Even though I’ve read through it several times, this little book has been on my mind lately, so I thought I’d share here for any who are behind the times and haven’t read it yet! 😉

First off, I love the picture that was chosen for the cover and the cover design! Doesn’t it just seem so inviting? Of course, I want to read more about such a nice, friendly looking person! (That is if I didn’t already know who the book was about and want to read it based on that. 😉 ) The book is divided into four sections, each section a different phase in Pres. Nelson’s life. And each one is fascinating! So many wonderful, inspiring stories. So many amazing experiences he has had! What an incredible, intelligent but humble man! It’s hard to not come away knowing even more that he truly is one of the Lord’s prophets, taught and prepared for this purpose in these Latter Days.

Also, throughout are beautiful color photos that are so fun to look at. He has such a beautiful family. It’s hard to NOT get sucked in and not want to stop reading. Yeah? Think you can? Hmm. I dare you. Like I said, I’ve read through it several times already and still I pick it up and read through it again from time to time.

If you want to know more, here is what the cover and online description says:

More than a biography…

What kind of life preparation does the Lord give the men He will one day call to be prophet? And what are the lessons to be learned from such a life? From being raised in a home without the foundation of the gospel to the early days of his marriage and the stress of medical school to his last open-heart surgery in China, President Russell M. Nelson took advantage of every opportunity to learn and become more. In Insights from a Prophet s Life, Sheri Dew takes us through the life of President Nelson from childhood to the current day. This unique collection of life experiences is told in short episodes for the purpose of helping readers gain their own personal insights. For if we have much to learn from what a prophet says, surely we have much to learn from how a prophet lives.

If you haven’t read it yet and now you have decided you must, you can find the book at Deseret Book, either in store or online here. I’m sure you can also find it on Amazon as well because it’s, well Amazon. One suggestion, if you can – go with the hard copy! The first time I read it, I checked it out from the library and read it on my kindle (which was great) but it was difficult to see the pictures. Finally, I broke down and bought a hard copy. Deseret Book usually has a great sale over Conference Weekend, so… great time to buy! Either way, eBook or hard copy, this book is wonderful. Really, Sheri Dew did a wonderful job yet again. So, find yourself a copy and be inspired!

Happy reading!

When the Light Breaks Free

Growing up in the deserts of Southern Utah/Southern Arizona like I did, I have come to appreciate the rain as only you can when everyone is always “prayin’ for rain”. Living in the PNW like I do now, I’ve come to appreciate the sunny days as well. There’s nothing quite like a sunny day after a long stretch of Grey. ❤

I turn my face up to the sun.
Soak in each droplet one by one.
Let the warmth wash over me –
Grateful that the light broke free
From its clouded prison gates
To shine on us – appreciate.
To warm not just our simple faces
But our souls in deeper places.
That beg for light to set us free.
That hope for dark to hide and flee.
To give us strength to face the day
Because tomorrow may again be grey.
But from the simple drops of light
We’ll again have strength to face the fight.
And so, I turn my face again
Up to the sun – let it soak in.
Let the warmth wash over me
Grateful that the light broke free.

God Was Still There Listening

I once heard someone criticize how others prayed. I was a bit taken aback and didn’t quite know how to respond. It got me thinking – does Heavenly Father only listen to our prayers if we pray in some specific way? Is he angry with us if we don’t do it that way? I certainly hope not! Confession: Some days my arms are folded. Somedays I’m peaking at my kids. (Mom Life.) Somedays it’s a quick thing in my head. (Mom Life.) And somedays I end up asleep before I say amen. (Again, Mom Life.) I finally decided that what I knew all along was still the right answer: the most important factor isn’t some outward sign we are faithful but rather where our Heart is and so I will keep praying with faith for I know that no matter, God is still there listening.

I said a little prayer last night,
I said it in my head.
A prayer I said so quietly
Only God heard what I said.
But that didn’t make it any less
Then if I’d prayed out loud,
Or standing at a microphone
In front of a large crowd.
For God was still there listening
As we talked – the two of us –
Even though it wasn’t grand
Or said with lots of fuss.
God listened to me patiently
And heard each word I said.
Even though I said them quietly
And only in my head.
For God’s love is always perfect
And He cares more ’bout our heart –
That it’s always kind and humble,
And with Him from the start.
So, every time I have a need
Or just want to tell a friend.
I know that God’s there listening
Until my prayer does end.
And so, I always take the time
No matter where the place,
To tell Him all the things I need
Or ask for love and grace.
It just may be a prayer so quiet
That it’ll only be in my head
But one I know will still be heard
For God will always care about what I said.

Time with Quiet

As an adult I have come to greatly value a little quiet time. I take it as often as I can get it – especially as an introvert and a mom! So many wonderful insights. So many wonderful calming thoughts. And yes, so many wonderful poems come my way when I embrace a little quiet time. 🙂

I like to let the quiet in –
To wrap its arms ’round me.
Then sit with just the two of us
So, my thoughts come easily.
To let it whisper to me now,
The things I need to hear.
To let it whisper to me how
Those things I need not fear.
And tiny thought by tiny thought
I gain new insight too.
As tiny thought by tiny thought
Leads me then to what to do.
Problems that seemed big before –
Now I see the way.
Outdated thoughts I used to have –
Replaced with a better way.
And when distractions come along
To fight the quiet here,
I send them back to where they were,
Back with noise and fear.
For we are good – just quiet and me –
As we spend some time alone.
For there’s many things that we must get
Together on our own.