NO! Cherrios In the Chapel

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6y-PKZqQMkr46zD_uXwr6yGcObJUpODvzTwQPOgs3x2aJ2cbwD3EBk-WyNbbYtlfJ5UuMectF3c-SfIyN3EKjgsLER9Jo_Ed5ruqn7B-AjSE9AcWZE47D57-t9yr68YD9mID0rijuCQ/s1600-h/cheerios.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397354535714684882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6y-PKZqQMkr46zD_uXwr6yGcObJUpODvzTwQPOgs3x2aJ2cbwD3EBk-WyNbbYtlfJ5UuMectF3c-SfIyN3EKjgsLER9Jo_Ed5ruqn7B-AjSE9AcWZE47D57-t9yr68YD9mID0rijuCQ/s200/cheerios.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 182px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> I always wished I were in one of those families who brought Cherrios to church. Nope, that is not my testimony. We couldn’t do anything at church, but put our hands in our laps and look straight ahead. Once some friendly unsuspecting woman, had one of her kids offer us a snack. We each took one and popped it in our mouths. When my Mother looked down that pew and saw our mouths moving the look on her face alone made me start to sweat. You see my parents rarely said, “You’re gonna get it when you get home.” They had the “This is the place” mentality. If you can act up here then this is the place you get punished. After Sacrament meeting she herded us into the women’s restroom (yes, even my brother). Now Brothas and Sistas, I’m not going to write the details of what happened to us in the restroom that Sunday, but let’s just say we felt everything, but the Spirit. After that when ever someone tried to hand us a treat we looked at them like they were handing us a piece of leprosy and said, NO THANK YOU! (In our heads we were saying, “Get that away from me, I’m trying to be reverent, are you crazy! Do you not know who my Mother is?) I don’t know a thing about bring snacks to church in Tupperware, and by Tupperware do you mean those plastic cups my Mother kept in the cupboard that she said were too expensive for us to drink out of.<br /><br />Once in<a href="http://mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/basic-beliefs/glossary/glossary-definition/primary"> Primary</a> they told us bringing “quiet books” to church was a good way to be reverent in Sacrament meeting. Well, Brothas and Sistas, they lied, cause when I tried to walk out of the house with that “quiet book”, my Mama got real loud! Oh, and don’t even think about asking to go to the bathroom during Sacrament meeting, if you didn’t go at home, or before the meeting started, you had better take that up with your bladder. While we watched other children happily coloring in their coloring books, we looked down at the back of the one meeting program that my parents divided into sections so we could all share it to write down thoughts about the talks we were supposed to be listening too. In Sacrament meeting the <a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&vgnextoid=ae20e975d2a2b010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">Friend</a>, was no friend of mine. If you thought church magazines were allowed, you thought wrong. Once my brother was reading one, and even though he was sitting on the opposite end of the pew from my Mom, the back of her go go Gadget arm found the back of his head.<br /><br />Do you know why Bishops keep candy in their office, and say have as many as you’d like? I don’t, I don’t even know what the Bishop’s candy tastes like. When we got treats in Primary my parents wouldn’t let us eat them at church, not even after church. We had to take it home and save it. Save it for what you ask? Save it until they said we could eat it, and by then that popcorn ball was so stale, that it tasted like it actually fe1l off the apricot tree. (<a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=aa60c106dac20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=637e1b08f338c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">Click here if you don’t get that joke.)</a><br /><br />Do you want to know who I blame? I blame YOU! My parents got away with acting like the Grinch Who Stole Primary thanks to all the adults who after Sacrament meeting said, "You’re children are always so well-behaved." So excuse me if I didn’t comment on <a href="http://www.sistasinzion.com/2009/10/cheerios-in-chapel.html">yesterday’s post</a>, I was to busy experiencing flash backs and cold sweats.<br /><br />Was it just me, or did you have parents who sucked the fun out of being Mormon? What kind of parent are you? What keeps your kids reverent in Sacrament meeting? What keeps YOU reverent?<br /><br />Sista Larel<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myfreecopyright.com/registered_mcn/BT8QW_3GY41_YKT8E" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected"><img alt="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" border="0" height="38" src="http://storage.myfreecopyright.com/mfc_protected.png" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" width="145" /></a>

NO! Cherrios In the Chapel

I always wished I were in one of those families who brought Cherrios to church. Nope, that is not my testimony. We couldn’t do anything at ...

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Cheerios In The Chapel

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZogT-J1FlKLDEwlOcmYX3AkC2Csd9l0sMkQn3m5_dTsQEunZgicQ37RxXynmbYBQ1qbmAMsgxWETUCE6k8SzxhxKYICC07oqWqCprsfjHg0I9tc0wq53ngDYgNyuKgUjgwhq7QhfJ9Z0/s1600-h/cheerios1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397355132593124498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZogT-J1FlKLDEwlOcmYX3AkC2Csd9l0sMkQn3m5_dTsQEunZgicQ37RxXynmbYBQ1qbmAMsgxWETUCE6k8SzxhxKYICC07oqWqCprsfjHg0I9tc0wq53ngDYgNyuKgUjgwhq7QhfJ9Z0/s200/cheerios1.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> The LDS church is probably one of the only churches that I've ever attended that allowed children to eat snacks during church (without sneaking). My husband and I had been married for a while (according to mormon standards) before we started our family. Which gave us time to figure out all the latest in best baby snacks. As we witnessed all the failures and successes some of our friends were having in the pursuit of finding the best baby snacks. Unlike my friends my decision was based on something more concrete. My decision was baised on the snacks that I liked the most... What? Don't judge me!<br /><br />When my husband and I started I was ready. I had the baby, I had the diaper bag, I had the snacks, I was excited and prepared! Within a hour of being at church I realized that babies don't eat, anything!! They drink, dang it! I didn't really think about that. I did find out that as a mother I was entitled to snacks. Yeah! So I continued to pack snacks for myself, I had to keep my health up so that I could nurse... Even though I wasn't really nursing... Don't judge me! It takes energy to make a bottle too. When my baby was finally old enough to process treats, was a happy day for me. I took Gummy Bears, Fruit Snacks, Teddy Grams, and of course Cheerios, all the treats that I loved and that she would grow to love.<br /><br />My excitement was short lived when she rejected my treats and wanted to partake of Sister Browns (name changed to protect the innocent) instead. Sister Brown was an expert in the packing of snacks. She was the mother of 3 children, all of whom were perfect during Sacrament Meeting. I must admit that Sister Browns snacks did look scrumptious. She brought super sized Fruit Loops, and Cheerios, Super Sized! She had the cutest tupper - ware with perfectly packed dried fruit, and mini fruit snacks. I must say that I was impressed with Sister Browns creative display of snack packing. Yes I was impressed, and yes I was jealous!<br /><br />My little one continued to look into my hand at my meager display of cheerios, while reaching for the treats that Sister Brown held out for her son. Sister Brown, (bless her heart) began to share the treats that were meant for her son with my child. I tried everything that Sunday during Sacrament, but nothing could distract my little one from this Relief Society Sister, her son, or her snacks.<br /><br />I know that many would be grateful to have the help of a sister to keep there baby happy during Sacrament. However on this occasion that was not my testimony... Don't judge me! I decided that I needed to be better prepared in the future. So the following Sunday I was ready, I did 3 things different.<br />1. During the week we had taste test! I needed to know what she liked (just kidding, I said I did 3 things different because things sound better in 3's not 2's). :)<br />2.I found the exact same Super Sized Fruit Loops, Cheerios, and Mini Fruit Snacks. As for the dried fruit, I didn't have the skill (nor did I know anyone who did) to make it myself, 3 outta 4 ain't bad.<br />3. I sat in the furthest possible seat in the chapel from Sister Brown.<br /><br />I can honestly say that over the years my attitude has really changed! It's amazing what 15 years and 8 children can do to a women and her way and or pattern of thinking. I not only willingly accept but have also learned to ask for help. I had even gotten to the point by the time I had my last child that I didn't even freak out (as much) when he would eat cheerios or other treats that had been licked by his little church buddies. I have to laugh when I think about the pressure that we as women put on ourselves. I'm sure that there are those times when we are judged by our peers and that never feels good. However, I know that in my case when I've seen myself through the eyes of others I've usually judge myself more harshly then they may have judged me. I often wonder if Sister Brown realized that she was the trend setter for baby dos and don'ts in my ward at that time.<br /><br />Who are the trend setters in your life? What pressures have you placed on yourself in the past that now seems silly?<br /><br />Sista Beehive<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myfreecopyright.com/registered_mcn/BT8QW_3GY41_YKT8E" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected"><img alt="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" border="0" height="38" src="http://storage.myfreecopyright.com/mfc_protected.png" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" width="145" /></a>

Cheerios In The Chapel

The LDS church is probably one of the only churches that I've ever attended that allowed children to eat snacks during church (without ...

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Jerry Springer In Sacrament Meeting

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1B3tYMSOxsDfP44Z2-8PlEy-M8jsf2qc6zEUwuIzHFYWmWRwR1_6Dfw9hcvtU6JHrlIy8N0eRZGg8V_ZtZaRhM5py3O18_w7LCsxRe6untDWDJcqOc2QBkiwoKPzss4ouW5ekpDMCfdw/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397369407991035890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1B3tYMSOxsDfP44Z2-8PlEy-M8jsf2qc6zEUwuIzHFYWmWRwR1_6Dfw9hcvtU6JHrlIy8N0eRZGg8V_ZtZaRhM5py3O18_w7LCsxRe6untDWDJcqOc2QBkiwoKPzss4ouW5ekpDMCfdw/s200/1.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 144px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Oh Brothers and Sisters, you want to hear embarrassing church stories. So this was during my Jackie Years (you know the female version of a "Jack Mormon"). Before I knew that watching Jerry Springer was against the "Words of Wisdom"(or at least it should be).<br /><br />Jerry Springer was my favorite pass time. I watched Jerry while I cleaned. Jerry was my company when I cooked dinner. Pretty much when my wonderful hubby was working, Jerry was the man of the house. My husband had warned me about watching the Jerry Springer Show...Especially in front of our 8 children. I even refused to acknowledge my Jerry addiction when the sisters in Relief Society warned against the dangers of watching such crud. Telling myself that "if it were really an issue the "Brethren" would address the issue (they never did).<br /><br />Any who, I didn't think that applied to my 18 month old who's brain was developing daily and she was learning faster then Jerry and I could teach her. I had convinced my husband that I had broken up with Jerry, and that my 18 month old and I had been spending the day watching Barney and educational videos.<br /><br />However little did we (hubby,and I) know that my secret would soon be out. Imagine this brotha's and sista's...Oops, I do mean brother's and sister's. Sitting in Sacrament Meeting waiting for the Sacrament... My baby raises her hands over her head, starts pumping her fists up and down, and chanting "Eerry, Eerry, Eerry,". Realizing what she was saying I quickly tried to quiet her, as I was reaching for my 18 month old, my husband, bishop, and a few others quickly glanced over in my direction. Making eye contact with my husband, I said "what, it's from a long time ago" (can't remember if I ever repented for that lie, for sure on my list of to do's). He just gave me one of those looks that said it all. I knew, that he knew, that I hadn't really broken up with Jerry. What was I to do, except hold my head up and act normal. The thought that kept going through my head was "never let 'em see you sweat".<br /><br />After Sacrament, the Bishop asked, what she was chanting with a sly smirk on his face... My only reply was " I don't know, hubby had her all day yesterday". Again, not sure I ever got that cleared up. (How late is too late to repent?). Anyway, grateful for three things in this story, a child that probably could have used some speech therapy. A Bishop that was young and had a sense of humor, and God blessing me with some color, so that when I get embarrassed I don't turn bright red, instead I get a nice shade of purple... Amen!<br /><br />P.S. I can honestly say I've had 11 yrs of Jerry Springer Sobriety!!<br /><br />Thank you so much for sharing your most embarrassing chapel stories, keep them coming! We love sharing the Spirit and Sharing our silly moments with our brothers and sisters! It makes us all feel "Blessed and Highly Favored!!"<br /><br />God Speed,<br />Sista Beehive<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myfreecopyright.com/registered_mcn/BT8QW_3GY41_YKT8E" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected"><img alt="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" border="0" height="38" src="http://storage.myfreecopyright.com/mfc_protected.png" title="Copyright Protected" width="145" /></a>

Jerry Springer In Sacrament Meeting

Oh Brothers and Sisters, you want to hear embarrassing church stories. So this was during my Jackie Years (you know the female version of a...

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The Deacons Drank The Wine!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESWT29dWEBVrrkjNUWwaPJ7lO9NWpXonfb-arjH_HJkX-MlfWygTEzLg21McZPd8G5SojlFOkZJILfTsQFezWCjl2sGiTfjBLe7IoPCgRkt5xqi8k8XdkZqheCGXTezLzVlgFqp3-Hz4/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397369827874509506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESWT29dWEBVrrkjNUWwaPJ7lO9NWpXonfb-arjH_HJkX-MlfWygTEzLg21McZPd8G5SojlFOkZJILfTsQFezWCjl2sGiTfjBLe7IoPCgRkt5xqi8k8XdkZqheCGXTezLzVlgFqp3-Hz4/s200/1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 149px;" /></a> There are experiences I had as a child that absolutely mortified me, but now that I am an adult I can look back at them and laugh. Why do so many of those experiences involve an LDS chapel and a man named Mr. Lucius? Mr. Lucius was a family friend who often accompanied my Grandmother when she attended church with my family. He was a retired school bus driver, with a mouth full of dentures, who spoke like he was constantly chewing on a biscuit. No one could ever understand what Mr. Lucius was saying. Unless of course the speech was going to be so embarrassing that you slumped deep down into and prayed that you could disappear. Those were the times when he spoke ever so clearly.<br /><br />Mr. Lucius was a Bible thumpin, foot stompin, Southern Baptist. My siblings and I had long ceased to be phased by the Amen’s and Hallelujahs he enthusiastically shouted to the confused <a href="http://www.mormon.org/book/0,9768,5199-1,00.html">Sacrament Meeting</a> speakers. In fact we often coaxed him into a few, but on this particular Sunday…oh boy!<br /><br />During the passing of the <a href="http://www.mormon.org/book/0,9768,5199-1,00.html">Sacrament</a>, the time when the chapel is most silent, Mr. Lucius grabbed the wrist of the Deacon, who had just finished passing us the water and loudly proclaimed….<br /><br />“Them lil' alter boys done drunk all the wine and filled these cups with water!”<br /><br />Oh my goodness!... I wanted to die... and be resurrected in a time when Mr. Lucius had all his teeth, but never ever, ever opened his mouth…And why was he looking at us with that triumphant grin on his face, like he had just cracked an unsolved mystery. In my head I was screaming SIT DOWN, YOU ARE NOT COLUMBO!<br /><br />My parents quietly tried to explain to a disbelieving Mr. Lucius, that the <em>Deacons</em> had not in fact drank any wine, and that the cups were intended to be filled with water. As the Deacon who was trying desperately to hold back his laughter collected the tray, I thought to myself…I will never live this down.<br /><br />After the meeting, as I took my long slow walk of shame to Primary, I offered a fervent prayer...Dear God, please let it be true…am I adopted?<br /><br />Sista Laurel<br /><br /><br />Am I the only one who has ever been embarrassed in the chapel?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myfreecopyright.com/registered_mcn/BT8QW_3GY41_YKT8E" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected"><img alt="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" border="0" height="38" src="http://storage.myfreecopyright.com/mfc_protected.png" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" width="145" /></a>

The Deacons Drank The Wine!

There are experiences I had as a child that absolutely mortified me, but now that I am an adult I can look back at them and laugh. Why do s...

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