Friends-
Our Tree of Life Challenge has come to an end...Sniff sniff. Thanks again for giving your time and effort into the fun and unique adventure! Thanks to everyone for filling out the survey! GREAT JOB with finishing out the challenge with good points! We had half of the group (that filled out the survey) in the thirties and several with high thirties!!! WOOT WOOT!! I appreciate all your kind words and your input! YOU ARE WELCOME!! I loved running this!!
It was REALLY fun to see which challenges were your favorites and least favorites etc! Please check out the results at the end of the email...
IF YOU ARE CONTEMPLATING RUNNING THIS CHALLENGE for your friends... PLEASE REPLY to this email and let's set up a time to get together in person or on the phone and I will teach you how to do the surveys etc. It's not too hard to learn but someone taught me and I'd be happy to show you how. I really hope some of you will take this challenge and spread it to your friends, who will then share it with their friends and we can touch thousands of lives! PLEASE CONSIDER IT! You can make it your own and YOU WILL LOVE IT!!
I finished my tree of life art project yesterday and I'm super happy how it turned out even though it was stressing me out! Haha! The path is lined with the scriptures (from 1st Nephi 8:10,11) from Lehi's dream that inspired this whole challenge, and inspire me daily. The birds represent my many prayers I send to Heavenly Father, and the Holy Ghost. The bird in the tree represents my little sister, Liza, who is always close by me and loves to reside in trees. ;) And the little girl is the little girl in myself that I discovered along my path. On her dress is a tree that has grown in her heart, which represents what I learned in the temple on the first week of the challenge, that we can plant the seed in our hearts and have our own tree of life within us, if we will nourish it with faith in Christ and never give up! Of course the Tree is the love of God, which is our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the flowers are the blessings of the atonement, which are many!
Two Michelles shared their art with me this week. Michelle Steen shared this photo of a tree at sunrise that she took years ago. It is so incredibly majestic! I love it! Here is what she said about it.
The photo is one from a few years ago. It is my favorite tree in the world. I used to look at this tree as a child and feel something move within me. It connected me to everything. I would look for it every day when I got up, when I returned home from school, when I needed a connection. I continued to do that throughout my adulthood even after I moved away from "home." Unfortunately this tree no longer exists in the world. Someone decided that a tree in the middle of a large field was not good for their farm... But I keep the photo to remind me of that connection and that centered feeling I got when I would see the tree. I have plans for the photo... A montage of other photos of trees that I have seen that have affected me and reminded me of our great Creator. It hasn't come together yet, but I am working on it.- Michelle Steen
The other Michelle (Budge) texted me this picture that she drew. It's a tree she always drew as a child, and it reminds her of being that sweet little girl. So for the project she drew her special little tree again and put, what I think is the perfect quote in the tree. She's going to frame this and put it on her desk to remind herself of her childhood and of this challenge and all that she learned!
Thanks Michelles!! :)
I REALLY RELLY hope that more of you will send me your projects to share as you finish them!! THANKS SO MUCH!!
WEEK 12 Ah ha MOMENTS:
I loved that I finished reading the Book of Mormon this week. It was very fitting for our challenge to end on Moroni 10. I have such a respect and love for Moroni. He is an example of enduring to the end, remaining faithful to the end, all alone. Just think if we didn't have the book of Moroni included in the Book of Mormon. He shared the sacramental prayers, how to love and care of the members of our wards, wonderful discourse on faith, hope and charity, the correct way to righteously judge, review of the gifts of the Spirit we each possess, the formula of how to know the truthfulness of the things of God, and especially a beautiful, personal invitation to each of us to "Come unto Christ and be perfected in Him". I am grateful for this challenge and the refining process it has been in my life. I feel Heavenly Father's love for me. – Lachelle Hull
This has been an amazing experience- I have loved every bit of it!!- Camille Smith
April 28, 2015. Sarah’s Tree of Life Challenge ended yesterday, and it has been a great three months. I finished my art project which is a poem and a collage of my “ah ha” moments. There was one moment of realization that I didn’t include in the project, because I am somewhat embarrassed by it. It is actually a little humorous to me because of a human reaction I had. It is important to know that I am always wishing I were more motivated to keep better order in my home, and not collect stacks of papers and projects; I often pray about this. So following the week where we focused on de-cluttering, I eventually came to grips with the fact that I needed to do this right, and found specific helpful encouragement from Sarah and others, including Cindy Seipert. And here is my admission: I actually wondered why Heavenly Father hadn’t answered my prayer and given me the desire to work on this; and now I’m being spurred on by my daughter through this Tree of Life Challenge. Then it hit me that Heavenly Father was helping me and answering my prayers, but it was through Sarah and the Challenge. Duh! I had to laugh at myself, and immediately thought of the story many have heard about the man who was climbing a mountain—or maybe he was sliding off a cliff—and found himself in peril. He prayed fervently to God for some kind of help. All of a sudden he found a branch to cling to. He then told God to never mind, because he had found a branch and was safe. Funny, huh. And now as I have been thinking about this story, I am smiling again as I see my branch coming from the Tree of Life. – Mary Anne Koski
This was a great and rewarding challenge! Thank you Sarah!!! I also enjoyed all that was shared by the group and for all of your wonderful examples!- Cindy Sorensen
I found another scripture this week about the tree of life in Alma 33:32
"And now, my brethren, I desire that ye shall plant this word in your hearts, an das it beginneth to swell even so nourish it by your faith. And behold, it will become a tree, slinging up in you unto everlasting life. And then may God grant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son. And even all this can ye do if ye will. Amen" I love how he says "if ye will." It is really just up to us! Simple as that. Do we want these blessing of our burdens being light? Then there are things we can do to help, through our faith and through Christ. YES! – Sarah Crawford
THOUGHTS ON THE Tree of Life ART PROJECT:
I loved this Challenge even thou I have failed miserably at it. It has been an eye opener & confirmed that EVERY time I start down a 'Spiritual Journey' I am forever bombarded with obstacles, restraints, road blocks that get in my way...& this was no different. However; I am determined to not allow it to distract or take me down - I will continue to press forward & complete my "Tree of Life" project it's just gonna take a little longer than expected!! – Tave Udall
I am still working on the project. I wanted to have it completed by this week. However, just as life is, I am learning to be flexible in my plans. It seems I keep finding more items I want to add. I will complete the project soon.- Lachelle Hull
Haven 't done it yet but still planning on it!- Camille Smith
Still working on it, its going to be more of a summer project since this wedding season is killing any free time I have. But I am excited to have something as a reminder to look at everyday!- Trellany Udall
When I went to England, I started taking pictures of trees. I was drawn to their beauty, shape, character and majestic height. In the back of my mind, I wanted to create a slide show for my family. My Tree of Life project is this slide show.
Since I am currently serving in the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, I am going to incorporate the importance of strong roots. I feel that my great family heritage, my roots, have given me the strength to grow tall and straight and to send out branches, my children and my twiglets, my grandchildren to create a beautiful tree. A tree that brings forth good fruit to share with all we meet. A tree that shelters others from the storms of life. A tree that receives it's light, life and refreshing water daily from a loving Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ and gentle promptings from the Holy Ghost. I am so grateful I could participate in this glorious experience. Thank you Sarah for following the Spirit and putting it all together!- Sharilyn Wilson
I must say that I did enjoy doing it. It was helpful to do it in steps.- Mary Anne Koski
I have not finished The Tree of Life art project, what I did start I did not like so I am starting over. I do plan on make a art project but I know now that is will take a lot more effort, my commitment, and it will take more time! I think I have learned because I have have not completed the art project that life can be very hard but that doesn't mean you give up or quit. You keep on trying until it becomes easier, until you know what works best for you! I know I had 12 weeks to work on the art project not just this one week, but I did not make it a priority. I believe that being a disciple of Christ take a great wiliness to do all that is required and brings joy when we put forth our greatest efforts. So I do have hope that I can make this art project happen.- Cindy Sorensen
THOUGHTS ON MYSTERY CHALLENGE: (make a plan on how to continue your new positive habits)
I am going to try to keep on keeping on. I still have a lot of work to do.- Michelle Steen
I prepared a "vision board" following a presentation by Joyce Brinton a couple of years ago. I have updated that to include some statements about changes I am making. Mary Anne Koski (note to self… I need to find out more about this “vision board" my mom mentioned!)
My plans are to keep working on the daily goals, to improve on the weekly challenges and to be able to make each of them part of my weekly goals. And to apply the mystery challenges as often as possible in my daily life.- Cindy Sorensen
My plan is to act as though I am still doing the challenge every day. My painting will help me remember and I might even make up a new chart to track my progress.- Sarah Crawford
Good news!! My sweet mom found the talk I was looking for about the joy that comes from CREATING! Here is my favorite part of it. But the link to the whole talk is below. I highly recommend! (more results are after the talk)!!
The Work of Creation
The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before.
Everyone can create. You don’t need money, position, or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty.
Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty—and I am not talking about the process of cleaning the rooms of your teenage children.
You might say, “I’m not the creative type. When I sing, I’m always half a tone above or below the note. I cannot draw a line without a ruler. And the only practical use for my homemade bread is as a paperweight or as a doorstop.”
If that is how you feel, think again, and remember that you are spirit daughters of the most creative Being in the universe. Isn’t it remarkable to think that your very spirits are fashioned by an endlessly creative and eternally compassionate God? Think about it—your spirit body is a masterpiece, created with a beauty, function, and capacity beyond imagination.
But to what end were we created? We were created with the express purpose and potential of experiencing a fulness of joy. 4 Our birthright—and the purpose of our great voyage on this earth—is to seek and experience eternal happiness. One of the ways we find this is by creating things.
If you are a mother, you participate with God in His work of creation—not only by providing physical bodies for your children but also by teaching and nurturing them. If you are not a mother now, the creative talents you develop will prepare you for that day, in this life or the next.
You may think you don’t have talents, but that is a false assumption, for we all have talents and gifts, every one of us. 5 The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, familymemories, flowing laughter.
What you create doesn’t have to be perfect. So what if the eggs are greasy or the toast is burned? Don’t let fear of failure discourage you. Don’t let the voice of critics paralyze you—whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside.
If you still feel incapable of creating, start small. Try to see how many smiles you can create, write a letter of appreciation, learn a new skill, identify a space and beautify it.
Nearly a century and a half ago, President Brigham Young spoke to the Saints of his day. “There is a great work for the Saints to do,” he said. “Progress, and improve upon and make beautiful everything around you. Cultivate the earth, and cultivate your minds. Build cities, adorn your habitations, make gardens, orchards, and vineyards, and render the earth so pleasant that when you look upon your labors you may do so with pleasure, and that angels may delight to come and visit your beautiful locations. In the mean time continually seek to adorn your minds with all the graces of the Spirit of Christ.” 6
The more you trust and rely upon the Spirit, the greater your capacity to create. That is your opportunity in this life and your destiny in the life to come. Sisters, trust and rely on the Spirit. As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you.
Is your life going to be different (improved) now after doing this entire challenge?
| YES! I've tried several new things that brought me closer to the Lord | 12 | 13.3% |
| Yes, a little. I learned something... | 8 | 8.9% |
| It might be different, but not really in a good way. | 0 | 0% |
| It will be pretty much the same. | 0 | 0% |
If you didn't join us very often on the challenge, please let me know why
| Too busy! | 5 | 62.5% |
| Not really what I thought it was going to be | 1 | 12.5% |
| Too much reading | 0 | 0% |
| Too churchy | 0 | 0% |
| Too boring | 0 | 0% |
| Too much pressure | 0 | 0% |
| Just didn't find it interesting | 0 | 0% |
| Don't really need someone to motivate me to do things | 0 | 0% |
| Other | 6 | 75% |
Which WEEKLY CHALLENGE do you think is the MOST VITAL of all the 12 weeks to get to the TREE?
| Focus on PRAYER | 4 | 20% |
| DECLUTTER your life | 2 | 10% |
| Look back into your CHILDHOOD | 0 | 0% |
| Feel God's love through NATURE | 1 | 5% |
| Learn about your ANCESTORS | 1 | 5% |
| Feel God's love through MUSIC | 1 | 5% |
| Focus on the SCRIPTURES | 4 | 20% |
| Try MEDITATION | 1 | 5% |
| Focus on the SAVIOR | 5 | 25% |
| Write in your JOURNAL | 1 | 5% |
| Gather ART SUPPLIES | 0 | 0% |
| CREATE YOUR TREE OF LIFE! | 0 | 0% |
Which WEEKLY CHALLENGE gave you the most or best "ah ha" moments?
| Focus on PRAYER | 6 | 30% |
| DECLUTTER your life | 1 | 5% |
| Look back into your CHILDHOOD | 1 | 5% |
| Feel God's love through NATURE | 0 | 0% |
| Learn about your ANCESTORS | 2 | 10% |
| Feel God's love through MUSIC | 1 | 5% |
| Focus on the SCRIPTURES | 2 | 10% |
| Try MEDITATION | 2 | 10% |
| Focus on the SAVIOR | 3 | 15% |
| Write in your JOURNAL | 2 | 10% |
| Gather ART SUPPLIES | 0 | 0% |
| CREATE YOUR TREE OF LIFE! | 0 | 0% |
What was your favorite NEW things that you tried of all the 12 weeks?
| Focus on PRAYER | 0 | 0% |
| DECLUTTER your life | 1 | 5% |
| Look back into your CHILDHOOD | 4 | 20% |
| Feel God's love through NATURE | 7 | 35% |
| Learn about your ANCESTORS | 1 | 5% |
| Feel God's love through MUSIC | 2 | 10% |
| Focus on the SCRIPTURES | 3 | 15% |
| Try MEDITATION | 1 | 5% |
| Focus on the SAVIOR | 0 | 0% |
| Write in your JOURNAL | 0 | 0% |
| Gather ART SUPPLIES | 0 | 0% |
| CREATE YOUR TREE OF LIFE! | 1 | 5% |
Which MYSTERY CHALLENGE was your favorite?
| Get a SMALL NOTEBOOK or journal for "ah ha" moments | 1 | 5% |
| BE KIND TO STRANGERS! | 4 | 20% |
| Enjoy an activity from your CHILDHOOD | 3 | 15% |
| Write a LETTER (or email) to a friend | 1 | 5% |
| Have a TEMPLE experience | 1 | 5% |
| Self affirmation in MIRROR | 1 | 5% |
| Look at and enjoy visual ART | 1 | 5% |
| Pray to be someone's ANGEL | 5 | 25% |
| Share your testimony of JESUS CHRIST | 0 | 0% |
| Group FAST (and prayer) | 1 | 5% |
| Re-read or listen to a recent GENERAL CONFERENCE TALK | 2 | 10% |
| Develop a PLAN to STAY ON TRACK with new habits | 0 | 0% |
Which MYSTERY CHALLENGE was your least favorite?
| Get a SMALL NOTEBOOK or journal for "ah ha" moments | 1 | 5% |
| BE KIND TO STRANGERS! | 0 | 0% |
| Enjoy an activity from your CHILDHOOD | 1 | 5% |
| Write a LETTER (or email) to a friend | 1 | 5% |
| Have a TEMPLE experience | 0 | 0% |
| Self affirmation in MIRROR | 11 | 55% |
| Look at and enjoy visual ART | 1 | 5% |
| Pray to be someone's ANGEL | 0 | 0% |
| Share your testimony of JESUS CHRIST | 0 | 0% |
| Group FAST (and prayer) | 2 | 10% |
| Re-read or listen to a recent GENERAL CONFERENCE TALK | 2 | 10% |
| Develop a PLAN to STAY ON TRACK with new habits | 1 | 5% |
How hard did you try over the whole 12 weeks of the challenge?
| 5 - Gave maximum effort every week | 1 | 5% |
| 4 - Gave maximum effort most weeks | 3 | 15% |
| 3 - Gave a good effort most weeks | 10 | 50% |
| 2 - Gave a little effort most weeks | 3 | 15% |
| 1 - Gave a little effort a few times | 2 | 10% |
| Didn't really change my behaviors but read the emails | 1 | 5% |
| Didn't even read emails | 0 | 0% |
Looking back, do you think you might have tried harder if we had shared our points with the group?
| Yes - That would have been better all around | 0 | 0% |
| Yes - But it might have changed the feeling of the whole challenge | 5 | 25% |
| No - It wouldn't have affected how much work I did. | 13 | 65% |
| No - It would have made me not want to do the challenge. | 1 | 5% |
| Not sure | 1 | 5% |
Lots of love! PLEASE STAY IN TOUCH!!
REMEMBER THAT GOD LOVES YOU TODAY and WILL LOVE YOU FOREVER!!!!!
Sarah
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