Follow-up.... One Last Thought....

Ever have a conversation and then afterwards think of one more thing you wish you'd said?  or one more late thought comes under the wire and doesn't make the page?   or you read something or hear something or think of something and wish it had made the post?  I'm going to do one last thought on the last day of each month!  A bunch of  PS notes!!  Afterthoughts!  Follow-up!  Enjoy!

5/25/11  Speaking of Westminster Dogs  The story of the dog hopping on the sacrament table during the Sacrament hymn was matched or overtaken by this story from Maurine W.   Thanks, Maurine!  I LOVE this!!!

Okay...I'm just going to write it down, I can't wait any longer to tell you the other story. Yes, Bob and I were in attendance when the dog bounced up to the podium and the Bishop as shocked as anyone took a minute to jump up and retrieve him from the sacrament table. That afternoon I called my daughter, Marie, and told her the story. She said, "Oh, Mom, I have one better than that". A few months ago a woman visitor had her seeing eye dog with her. They came in and sat on a back row, she at the end of the row, and the dog sat down beside her in the isle. Well at the intermediate song a member of their ward was singing a solo when the dog decided to sing with her. It set up a howl that shocked everyone, especially the lady with the dog. She said that the lady kept singing, but she was so embarrassed and of course so was the lady with the dog. But, she said it was so hilarious that everyone else had a hard time to not laugh out loud....keeping a straight face was almost impossible. I had to agree, that one trumped our experience here. Before that I had never heard of a dog coming to church and performing as those two did.

Nancy....have a good day. It looks like a beautiful one!!!
  
6/13/11  CONTRASTS   Broadway Play.  What a feat those authors pulled off.  To present, just by a few words, despicable subjects and to manage at the same time to touch hearts with something or other.  An opportunity for us to tell the truth.  I'm reminded...The work of the Church cannot be stopped.  Daniel rolling stone.  The mighty Mississippi held back by hand. 

The train will just keep on rolling along.  We are either on board or not but the train is on track.  I hear the sounds of Chattanooga Choo choo in my head!!  All Aboooarrrrdd!

When you hear the whistle blowin' eight to the bar
Then you know that Tennessee is not very far
Shovel all the coal in
Gotta keep it rollin'
Woo, woo, Chattanooga there you are

So Chattanooga choo choo
Won't you choo-choo me home?
Chattanooga choo choo
Won't you choo-choo me home?

6/16/11  A Spot of Beauty.  I'd had these thoughts in my mind for a long time.  I moved past thinking and actually sharing via a post because of a comment made by a man. Said totally in his innocence, not having had a lot of life experience and truly believing what he said.  It was just a brief sentence and it pierced my heart..."this is a place you want to take your kids as a teaching tool and show them what happens to a person when they don't get an education."  Inside I was so emotional.  Who knows what the education factor was?  Who knows what's happened on his mortal trek?  It was devastating to me.  I lacked courage to tell him how that impacted me and why.  So I tell you!  Fat lot of good that does!!!

The day of the post our Church News came in and there was an article on page 16 about the dedication of the new Sugar House D.I.   The Church's newest welfare facility was dedicated (6/8/11)  by President Henry B. Eyring.  I was struck by his statement....

"God requires His children, which we all are, to care for the poor among them.  The way it is to be done is clear.  Those who have accumulated more are able to humble themselves to help those in need. Those with abundance are to voluntarily sacrifice some of their comfort, time, skills and resources to relieve the suffering of those in need. And the help is given in a way that increases the power in the recipients to care for themselves and their families."

Ready!!!!

I love a clothesline and that is a story for another time, when things are a bit more relaxed around here.  The last part of getting things ready is to air all the bedding and pillows and Jeanee's pajamas and robe.  The girls always sleep in Terry's old t-shirts and it fits them like a nightgown.  So everything is fresh from the line and back in the house.  A little gift bracelet, packed in a be-ribboned box,  on each pillow.  and a bouquet of beautiful fresh flowers sits on the nightstand near the window.  All in readiness for a very late night arrival after hours of flying cross country.

Tomorrow morning they will check out everything in the house including the saved cupboard and eat the golden raspberries that await picking.  We will catch up on what their school year was like and maybe they will polish my nails.  

At some point they will help take their $5 yardsale bikes down from the garage rafters and go for a ride.    

Life will now take on a very feverish pace balanced with many times of relaxing, visiting, reading, cooking/baking.

I love my Children, their Spouses and my Grandchildren and even my 2 little Great Grands!!  My heart is open to love.  In my Ward there are many that are like sisters to me or daughters or grandchildren.  We have the power to shower love and meet those needs and fill in little missing spots in each others lives by caring and loving each other.  Sometimes we sub or are proxy when someone is missing and needing a relative.  I went to Lydia's dance recital and loved it.  I couldn't go to my Gr-daughter Grace's Utah recital and Lydia didn't have a grandma here, so we were a perfect fit!!  We enjoy each others company so both of us were happy! 

When we joined the Church there was a navy blue hymn book.  In 1985 they printed the current green hymn book.  They added some new hymns and deleted some old ones.  Today when I was hanging blankets on the line I thought of this one, now long gone from the hymnal, but not my mind.

'Mid Pleasures and Palaces

(#185 in Blue Hymnal)

'Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam

Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home;

A charm from the skies seems to hallow us there,

Which, seek through the world,

is ne'er met with elsewhere.

(chorus)

Home, home, sweet, sweet home,

Be it ever so humble,

there's no place like home.

An exile from home, splendor dazzles in vain;

Oh, give me my lowly thatched cottage again;

The birds singing gaily, that came at my call;

Oh, give me that peace of mind, dearer than all.

(chorus)

Home, home, sweet, sweet home,

Be it ever so humble,

there's no place like home.

   

Little Things Mean a Lot!

We live in a small place.  Just right for the two of us.  It can expand, temporarily, for others.  In the 2nd bedroom, we have a Murphy bed, where a closet used to be.  Corner nestled...a set of bunk beds in the same room. 

A kitchen table that seats 2 but extra leaves can be put in, expanding to almost overfill the small dining room and seat 8-10. 

One level living.  Adequate space.  Not new and modern but comfortable, homey (to us), and always in a state of something being overhauled or remodeled.  Ongoing projects that seem to never quite get done but we keep trying.  Our granddaughters call it The Cottage.  They are so sweet with their little rose colored glasses ever in place!

Last year before our daughter and the girls left, we told the girls we were going to do some changes in the kitchen over the winter.  We warned them because they don't want one single thing changed.  Anywhere.  Anytime.  They were still missing a door that had been closed off to make a bathroom wall.  Their reaction was very sentimental to pending kitchen changes.  To their young eyes this was a place of perfection and beauty.  Truth be told.  It was a rather run down sad state of affairs! 

The wall paper was some sort of super old print that had salt and pepper shakers, wooden spoons, daisies, teapots etc.  It was an all over pattern. Sort of muted and subdued.  They asked us what we would do with the walls.  We said that we liked wall paper but not the current one and we would change the wall paper.  They were truly devastated and stated their love  of it, pleading with us to leave it, how beautiful it was etc. etc.  So I made them a promise.  We would paint and wallpaper everything except for the interior of the cupboards over the washer/dryer.  That spot would be left for them to look at and enjoy.

We are winding down the preparations for their arrival and today, when I grabbed a rag from that cupboard, I saw the old print and smiled.  Even got a bit misty-eyed for a second, in thinking of how much Grandma's love all their Grand-babies, and the silly things they do for them to make them happy. 

Oh, My!....the things we will cook for the girls and then repeat the same things when we get to McCall and unite with more of our children and grandchildren. Things with memories and stories that engender tender feelings of connectedness and love and tradition. 

Family traditions are many times, simple things, just done on a regular basis....over and over and over.  Then you end up with 5 adult children that all know Sunday Dinner means one thing.  Roast, sauerkraut, potatoes, carrots and onions.  

A part of our summer fare food-wise celebration, will include breakfast dishes like...Dad's Alaska Sourdough Pancakes, Dad's Poor Man's Mush aka WallPaperPaste, 3 bear Porridge (corn meal mush)

My heart is so looking forward to seeing my children and my grandchildren.  It's little things that tie us to together.  All these little repetitive simple details really do count!!! 

This verse of an old song popped into my mind....

  Give me your hand when I've lost the way

Give me your shoulder to cry on

Whether the day is bright or gray

Give me your heart to rely on

Send me the warmth of a secret smile

To show me you haven't forgot

That always and ever, now and forever

Little things mean a lot.

This little school poem popped into my mind....

Little drops of water,

Little grains of sand,

Make the mighty ocean

And the pleasant land.

Thus the little minutes,

Humble though they be,

Make the mighty ages

Of eternity.

And this verse of scripture popped in also!....

Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing,

for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. 

And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.

                                  --64:33

"....a careful, thoughtful, prayerful reading of...."

Breaking News Alert
The New York Times
Friday, June 24, 2011 -- 10:31 PM EDT
-----

Gay Marriage Approved by New York Senate

Lawmakers voted late Friday to legalize same-sex marriage, making New York the largest state where gay and lesbian couples can wed, and giving the national gay-rights movement new momentum from the state where it was born.

The same-sex marriage bill was approved on a 33 to 29 vote. The Senate galleries were so packed with supporters and opponents that the fire marshals closed them off.

*************************

4 Republicans Join 29 Democrats in 33-29 Senate Vote

By NICHOLAS CONFESSORE and MICHAEL BARBARO

The law will take effect in 30 days, making New York the largest state where gay and lesbian couples can wed and adding momentum to the gay-rights movement.

***********

After N.Y. Senate Vote, Governor Cuomo Signs Gay Marriage Bill

_________________________________________________

The gospel was restored and the Church established in 1830. That's 181 years ago. In that time frame, only five proclamations, have been issued. The fifth one was delivered 23 September 1995. 16 years ago. I remember viewing the live Satellite Broadcast of that specific General Relief Society Conference and being caught off guard when President Hinckley said....

With so much of sophistry that is passed off as truth, with so much of deception concerning standards and values, with so much of allurement and enticement to take on the slow stain of the world, we have felt to warn and forewarn. In furtherance of this we of the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles now issue a proclamation to the Church and to the world as a declaration and reaffirmation of standards, doctrines, and practices relative to the family which the prophets, seers, and revelators of this church have repeatedly stated throughout its history. I now take the opportunity of reading to you this proclamation.

He read the proclamation and then stated....

We commend to all a careful, thoughtful, and prayerful reading of this proclamation. The strength of any nation is rooted within the walls of its homes. We urge our people everywhere to strengthen their families in conformity with these time-honored values.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                 

A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD

 

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

 

All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

 

In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

 

The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

 

We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.

 

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

 

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God.  Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.



We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

Kindness....a gift.

So you know we've had this little bump in the road, that sort of threw us for a mini-loop. I've been so impressed with the kindness and attentiveness and willingness, of others,  to help us in any way.  Pure kindness.  You can't purchase kindness.  You can't really ask someone to be kind to you.  Kindness is charity, the pure love of Christ, given freely in a gentle caring form.  When you are bestowed with kindness it takes all sorts of shapes and forms.  Kindness is wonderful. Kindness truly is a gift.

We've received lots of kindnesses these last couple of days.  Words of kindness.  Calls of kindness.  Prayers of kindness.  Acts of kindness.  Deeds of kindness.  Email kindness.

Someone coming in and placing jello on the counter for us to find.  Soup delivered.  Cookies brought in.  Offering meals. Gentle deeds that were kindness personified.

We are doing fine now.  It's past.  Yes, we are tired but we are up and living our life but the remembrance of caring people continues to buoy us.  Not only with the feelings of gratitude but actually amazement that people would be willing to reach out.  It inspires us to improve in our own charity.... to act, on even the smallest inclination or prompting, to be kind.

Thursday I got a call from Melissa.  She was in charge of the RS Quarterly Social on Tuesday.  Calling to see if we were okay.  Calling to see if she could help.  Calling to see if we needed anything.

Here is what was amazing to me.  Melissa is young and she has a young family of 5 children.  On Tuesday she handled the RS Social, went home, found teen daughter in pain, ended up taking her for emergency surgery for appendicitis, stayed up all night.  Then gets home and calls to see if we are okay!

The thing is we have a whole raft of these women.  Grandma's and Aunts and Moms, all are stalwarts in the Gospel and reach out in kindness at every turn.  Our Ward is just blessed beyond measure, with the kindness factor, that is always in attendance.  I really don't know how they do all that they do and still reach out to help beyond taking care of their own home responsibilities.  They are marvelous and I love all of them!  Young and the not so young!  We have the Gospel in action with our RS sisters.

I just want to share a part of a favorite talk that means a lot to me.  It's from May 2005 Ensign by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin....

The Virtue of Kindness

The Church is not a place where perfect people gather to say perfect things, or have perfect thoughts, or have perfect feelings. The Church is a place where imperfect people gather to provide encouragement, support, and service to each other as we press on in our journey to return to our Heavenly Father.

Each one of us will travel a different road during this life. Each progresses at a different rate. Temptations that trouble your brother may not challenge you at all. Strengths that you possess may seem impossible to another.

Never look down on those who are less perfect than you. Don’t be upset because someone can’t sew as well as you, can’t throw as well as you, can’t row or hoe as well as you.

We are all children of our Heavenly Father. And we are here with the same purpose: to learn to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

One way you can measure your value in the kingdom of God is to ask, “How well am I doing in helping others reach their potential? Do I support others in the Church, or do I criticize them?”

Our Hiccup!

Not a fun few days.  For sure!!  Unexpected.  Unwelcome.  Unwanted. Unprepared.  Had a wonderful simple Father's Day dinner with one of our sons that lives nearby.  Baked Chicken.  Salad.  Small slice of dessert.  Great conversation.  Evening ended.  Sent him home with some cashews.  Terry and I ate some cashews.  Around 9:30 Terry got a stomach ache with real sharp pains.  Then my stomach started aching.  Called and alerted our son.  (he ended up fine with nothing happening to him. Ate no cashews)  From there it was mostly misery.  Painful.  Nasty.  Yucky. Seemingly endless.

My mind was mushy and I couldn't think.  We'd told our son that we would sleep it off and to not call.  (bad mistake)  We had several things going for Mon-Wed so Terry called, the first 3...Nikki, Myra Faye and Jerry.  The other 3 didn't get called.  He told Myra Faye we'd be fine we just needed to sleep.

Monday night, at some point, not sure of time, but it was dark and we'd had a really rough day.  We finally realized--Hey!  We are really sick and need a blessing.  Terry turned on a lamp and saw the phone by the chair where he was.  We couldn't remember our Home Teachers phone number.  So I called Myra Faye.  Bob said he'd get someone and come right over to bless us.  I don't know if it was 10 or 11 or what.

Bob and Hal came in and we were each seated in our chairs, side by side, looking gross.  We both looked scary. Terry wrapped in a blanket, hair askew and me in a robe, pale faced and my newly cut hair was sticking straight up!   A  4" crew cut! I'd run my fingers through it tossing and turning. Not one strand of hair was on my face! I startled myself when I glanced in the mirror. Truly I could have cared less at the moment. No pity for these kind men coming to give us blessings.

They started asking Terry's full name and I interrupted and said....Could I go first?  I feel like I'm going to faint.  Quickly they moved to my chair.   Blessing was over and I excused myself and got up.  They offered assistance.  I declined.  Made a beeline to the bedroom and had a bout of retching that was so loud, that even in the midst of the action, I thought....oh, good grief they are hearing me heave my guts up!!

As I heard them leave, Bob said....Call if you need us again.  Any time.  It made me tear up knowing he really meant that.  So did Hal. 

When they came into our chaos they arrived as men of peace and dignity.  We had not one shred of that between the two of us.  They were dressed old school, in white shirts/ties,  as men respecting the Priesthood that they hold.  (Do young men dress like that also when called to give blessings extremely late at night?  It's so beautiful to see.  so powerful.  so pure) They understood they had the power to heal us.  If we had the faith.  If it was God's will we be healed, it would happen.  They knew they had the Priesthood authority of God to heal us, ease our pain, to make us well.  If not we would be blessed with endurance beyond ourselves to withstand what must be endured.

Later all alone in our darkened room, away from Terry on the living room couch, I thought about the love I have of the Gospel and how complete it is.  How all of our needs can be met even our ills.  I thought of how Christ taught His Disciples that they needed to learn to bless and heal people and He set the example for them.  They ...anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.  With the restoration of the Gospel, this marvelous healing power is again amongst us and as counseled in James..Is any sick among you?  let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick....

Over the years, I have seen miracles through this Priesthood power and it is such a gift for all of us to enjoy.  As our pains and angst and miseries just  slowly faded away into the air, I said a prayer of thanksgiving.  There are many of our friends, and even family members, that put up with lasting things, so much more than our few days ordeal.  This was a hiccup compared to their ongoing permanent battles.  Isn't it marvelous that the Lord cares about everything and each of us?

Tonight as I sat, dressed and clean and just enjoying the evening air, while visiting on the porch, my heart was so full of gratitude that I just had to tell you that.  Now you know my heart!


James 5:14-16
Mark 6:13

Uh-oh. sick-o!

SUNDAY DINNER DID US BOTH IN!!

CAN'T HOLD MY HEAD UP TO WRITE MORE THAN THIS.

Memory Making Summer Fun!!!!

 

(I just couldn't resist sharing what some of the people here are doing for their families.  All sorts of things!!  Just enjoy the scroll and read!!  It's long but fun!)

Before we had children we were lucky to have discovered Moses Lake Aquatic Center, and for the last fourteen years we have taken our family there at least once, and sometimes twice a summer. It is about a two hour drive from here, but well worth the trip. Some of the things I like best about this water park are the following:

~You can pack a lunch and take it in with you

~ It is relatively inexpensive. My family started out getting in for under twenty dollars, but as we have grown, we still get in for under $50

~They have something for every age. There are slides for every age from toddlers to adults. They recently added a lazy river and surf-n-ride. I could ride a tube on the lazy river all day.

~The water starts out on the edge of the pool very low and gradually gets deeper. This allows moms to sit with their babies on the side of the pool while the baby splashes in the water, while there is a play area for older children play just in front of her

~There is a sand area with a volleyball net, and also a play area with swings and slides for the kids. There are picnic tables, but also a lot of big trees that you can relax under.

We have made it a tradition that once we leave the park in the evening, we take the kids out to eat. My kids love this place and can't wait to go back each year. As soon as it starts to get warm outside they start asking when we are going to go to Moses Lake again.

from Shannon                                                                     *********************

When we had all of our children married, and they began having children, it became a challenge as to how and when to get together as an entire family. Gradually we found that by alternating Thanksgiving or Christmas visits, the in-laws could also have their fair chance at being together. About 10 years ago we heard about a beach house at Waldport Oregon and we rented it for the Thanksgiving weekend. We had a great time but it involved traveling by plane for families and a road trip for us, with all of the attendant expenses.

Two years later we rented a beach house on Coronado Island by San Diego. For some reason, it was more convenient for all of the famliies and the beach was more user-friendly.

Two years later we rented a beach house at Pacific Beach and have been going there every 2 years since.

Every member of our family wants to come and we have a lot of fun. There are bikes, rickshaws, surf boards, etc. available. Our Thanksgiving dinners have been unconventional (strange kitchens, odd stoves, pots and pans, etc,) but they have been memorable.

Sometimes families go to the zoo, or to Sea World, or Lego Land, but mostly the family wants to play on the beach.

Two years ago 8 of the family went to the San Diego Temple for baptisms for the dead, a very memorable experience.

Who knows what will happen this year? We will have college bound coeds, sports commitments, work responsibilities, but we will roll with the punches and have a great time.

We want to be and have a Forever Family and this is one way we are working towards this goal. 
Myra Faye

PS-

I thought about something else.

The first reunion in California one of our daughters-in-law took it upon herself to have a devotional every night, followed by family prayer. It was a wonderful idea but with the span of ages of grandchildren and the long days of hard playing, it wasn't as spiritually uplifting as she had planned.

The next reunion I assigned one couple to plan a brief family home evening for one of the nights. That was better but needed some refining.

The next reunion, we took the opportunity Thanksgiving evening to each express our appreciation for a family member that had really impressed us or helped us that year.

The best (so far) was last time. Bob and I presented a blue ribbon to each family member, pointing out 3 wonderful characteristics that we appreciated. Each person was singled out separately. At the same time we presented a blue ribbon to each family member to give to someone to honor, someone who had made a difference in their lives.

We don't know what we will do this time, but something will come to us and it will be unique and wonderful.

                                                   ***************

Nancy: When we first came to WA we used to go to the beach every other year or so with the family and usually it was to the WA beach . After our mission in 2000 we traveled to California to see some family...on the way back we looked for a place where we could hold annual family vacations at the beach. We drove up the coast line and looked at several hotels and homes that people were renting. We found this Shilo Inn in Newport, Oregon that has a suite that is big enough for a couple of parents and up to 10 children and a huge living room with a kitchen where we could congregate and have meals and activities together. So we used it the next summer and have only missed a couple of summers since because of other things that came up. It is expensive, but not as much as having regular motel rooms for each family and then no place to congregate and fix meals.  

Okay...as for the activities...we always take a few board games and have a running contest with that. Usually the men folks set up a little golf range down on the beach back from the waters edge enough that they can play a contest with their golf clubs...mostly putting to the holes. We always have one day when we set up for sand castles...we divide the family in three or four groups and the group that does the best job on their sand castle or whatever they build wins some prize....candy bars, package of jerky or something like that. We do the walk to the beach and the one guessing closest to the number of steps taken by whoever Rock chooses to make that trek gets the prize for that. We make quite a spectacle of the family as everyone is walking around and behind the choosen one and coaching them to take littler or bigger steps. Bob and I put our change in a jar all year long and the last night there the one who guesses closest to the amount of money in the jar wins the jar. Mostly though the kids are playing at the beach during the day or in the swimming pool in the motel which is next door to the suite. 

It really has been an ideal place to go and the kids won't let us quit planning it. One of the grandkids was so sad the day we were getting in the cars to come home and someone asked him why he was so sad...he said,"It's going to be a whole year before we get to come back to the beach." We all feel a little like that and look forward to that and Christmas when we usually have those family times. The last picture we took of family at the beach had 28 of us in it. We don't always have that many and probably won't this summer because of Rick's family going East on us...but we look forward to being there next month and so far it looks like we will have 20 at least attending. We usually divide the meals up so every family takes care of some of the meals. We usually have way too much food and end up bringing some home. It has really been a fun thing for the kids to look forward to and we enjoy so much spending time in a lazy atmosphere with our children and grandchildren and the little greats.

Hope this is what you wanted...can't think of anything else to tell you...

Love, Maurine

                                             ******************

                                            

(There are so many things going on this summer.  I'd never heard of this until Abby explained it to me.  I asked her to share.  She said it's great for car trips.  Maybe some of our travelers coming to McCall can do this!)

http://www.geocaching.com/

I first heard the term Geocaching from my cousin's blog. She lives in Virginia with her family and they had recently started Geocaching. I Googled it and thought that it sounded like so much fun. A perfect thing for summer adventure with the kids. It took me a couple of days to get familiar with the website and learn how to start out. Luckily we already had a hand held GPS which is used to find the "caches" using global coordinates. Start by creating your own free account/profile, then just type in your zip code and all the nearby listings will come up. The caches are placed by anyone who wants to maintain it. Then they create the Geocache page on the website. Each cache has its own page with all the info you need to find it, plus some have extra hints. There are a massive variety of caches. Different in location, size, shape, difficulty in hiding place/terrain, contents and so on.

Now that we have started "caching" we can't get enough. They kids love going and are always saying "Mom, please just one more???" Every time we plan a trip, even to the grocery store, I check to see if there is a "cache" nearby that we can snag.

Most caches contain a log sheet that you can sign and date. I keep a ziploc baggie in the car of little trinkets to swap out if we find a cache that has little prizes for the kids. It's just like a treasure hunt! Once we have found signed and replaced the cache I sign back into my profile on the Geocaching website and "log my visit." I mark whether or not I found it and leave a comment for the owner of the cache. The main webpage updates and it will show your info plus the last time the cache was found, i.e. today, yesterday, 4 days ago, 6 months ago... You can also view others logs to that cache and find more info on it that way. Like I said you need to learn to navigate the site before it starts to make any sense. Now that we have the hang of it, it is quick and easy and tons of fun. I think we are almost ready to place our own caches for other to find. Anywhere you are in the world there is probably a cache nearby to find.

Good luck!!

Love you Nancy,

Abby

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I just had to share these in case you might be able to go to any or all of these Pageants!!!!  I want to go to the Hill Cumorah sometime while I'm still in mortality!!!!!  

 (Nan's son, Brian, and his entire family are in the Manti Pageant.  Ask her what their roles are.  She just got back and said it's a great production.) 

We have seen the Nauvoo production.  I love the pageant form of theater!! 

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 Mormon Miracle Pageant

June 16–25, 2011

Manti, Utah, USA

The stories of the Restoration, the witness of the Book of Mormon, and the pioneer journey to Sanpete Valley are intertwined in the Manti Pageant to tell of Jesus Christ’s love for all people. The pageant is performed outdoors with the beautiful Manti Utah Temple in view. Visit mormonmiracle.org.

Nauvoo Pageant: A Tribute to Joseph Smith

July 5–30, 2011

Nauvoo, Illinois, USA

The spirit of Old Nauvoo is alive as the story of Joseph Smith and the early Latter-day Saints is unfolded on an outdoor stage near the reconstructed Nauvoo Temple. The Nauvoo Pageant began in 2005 to commemorate the 200th birthday of the Prophet Joseph and has been performed by Latter-day Saint volunteers every summer since. Visit nauvoopageant.org.

Hill Cumorah Pageant

July 8–16, 2011

Palmyra, New York, USA

The Hill Cumorah Pageant, America’s Witness for Christ, takes viewers on a journey through ten accounts from the Bible and Book of Mormon. This magnificent production occurs each July on a 10-level stage equipped with sound and lighting to reenact earthquakes and lightning from the ancient stories. Visit hillcumorah.org/pageant.

Martin Harris: The Man Who Knew

July 29–August 12, 2011

Clarkston, Utah, USA

The Clarkston Pageant shares the incredible story and testimony of Martin Harris, one of the three special witnesses of the Book of Mormon. Viewers learn of his trials and testimony as he helped bring forth the Book of Mormon for our day. Visit martinharrispageant.org.

The Nauvoo Pageant tells the story of Old Nauvoo and the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

The Hill Cumorah Pageant reenacts accounts from the Bible and the Book of Mormon.

FATHER'S DAY.....

Matthew ...Chapter 6:9-13

9After this manner therefore pray ye:

     Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11Give us this day our daily bread.

12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

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Our Father, by Whose Name

Worshipfully

Hymns--no. 296

1. Our Father, by whose name all fatherhood is known,
Who dost in love proclaim each family thine own,
Bless thou all parents, guarding well,
With constant love as sentinel,
The homes in which thy people dwell.

2. As thou thy Child didst fill with wisdom, love, and might,
To know and do thy will and teach thy ways aright,
Our children bless, in ev’ry place,
That they may all behold thy face,
And, knowing thee, may grow in grace.

3. May thy strong Spirit bind our hearts in unity,
And help us each to find the love from self set free.
In all our hearts such love increase,
That ev’ry home, by this release,May be the dwelling place of peace.

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A Father Is Many Things

“Brethren, noble fatherhood gives us a glimpse of the divine attributes of our Father in Heaven. A father should be many things. He should magnify his priesthood and be an example of righteousness. In companionship with his wife, he should be the source of stability and strength for the whole family. He should be the protector and the provider and the champion of the members of his family. Much of his love for his children should flow from his example of love, concern, and fidelity for their mother. By his uncompromising example he should instill character into his children.”

James E. Faust, “ ‘Them That Honour Me I Will Honour,’ ” Ensign, May 2001, 46

Topics: Fatherhood

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Role of Husbands in Child Rearing

"What more can a husband do to support his wife, the mother of their children? First, show extra appreciation and give more validation for what your wife does every day. Notice things and say thank you—often. Schedule some evenings together, just the two of you.

"Second, have a regular time to talk with your wife about each child's needs and what you can do to help.

"Third, give your wife a 'day away' now and then. Just take over the household and give your wife a break from her daily responsibilities. Taking over for a while will greatly enhance your appreciation of what your wife does. . . .

"Fourth, come home from work and take an active role with your family. Don't put work, friends, or sports ahead of listening to, playing with, and teaching your children."

M. Russell Ballard, "Daughters of God," Ensign, May 2008, 110

Topics: Fatherhood, Motherhood, Children

A spot of beauty!

There are things that go on in a Ward that are behind the scenes.  Few know of the Church assistance, the service, rendered by a Ward Bishop.  Sometimes no one knows except for the Bishop and recipients.  A person's dignity is respected by confidences kept.  Assigned by the Bishop, I've been involved in some of these situations, with him or solo.  There is a common thread for each person.  There is always something that is indicative of past hopes. 

I have seen ramshackle places with struggling people barely hanging on but in the midst of this there is always, somewhere, a spot of past hope.  Usually neglected but still there.  I've seen it in an overgrown blooming rosebush in need of deadheading or weed infested unkempt perennials or several, long-ago planted spring bulbs, that have shared their brief beauty. A rickety splintery picnic table, under a tree, that supports a swaying faded wornout birdhouse.  Dibs and dabs of past hope peeking through the neglect. 

I think of a man's grey-white sparse hair carefully combed, Elvis duck-tail  style, t-shirt sleeves rolled up,  rolled cuff jeans, beat up old fancy car.  I mention Elvis and some songs that I know he, as I, must have danced to in our teens and he breaks out in a mostly toothless grin.  I think of the wild boys of the 50's that stuck their ciggies in that t-shirt cuff.  Here he is, an older version, of those boys. I think of his Mother, surely she had hopes and dreams for this now ravished looking man, and how she'd feel seeing her son, sitting here, in such desperate need of help. He sits with his arm around his ill wife and looks hopefully to the kind wise face of our young Bishop.  Little, do any of us know, his wife will soon die- further breaking his heart.  His roadmap-lined face, reflect his pain and suffering.  Consequences perhaps of choices he now regrets? 

The ashtray heaped. butts overflowing. beer can nestled in the mess.  a stench filled, overwhelming dirty room, that has no semblance of order.  yet still ....little touches of Victorian decor... a smoke-hazy window covered by a worn out ragtag lace curtain- it's days of use long gone...  and again I realize....at one point each of these people have all had dreams of beauty. Hope. Expectations. 

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At what point does a person start to realize, the dreams of their youth lie abandoned, somewhere behind them, and their life is now overbearingly hard and hopeless? 

At what point do I offer the balm of Gilead, without judgement, and help this person to stand up, square their shoulders and soak up the peace of the Gospel....soothing and smoothing and healing all the roughness, as that balm penetrates clear through to the broken heart.   Do I hesitate introducing or reminding them of the goodness, the kindness and the mercy of the Savior?  Do I speak hope to the hopeless?

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I observe their life happenings and check my attitude. Am I judgmental as the Book of Mormon says we are prone to be... "The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just--" do I make them suffer? do I "grind the faces of the poor", as Isaiah mentions, into the life they have created for themselves? Do I rub their faces in it?

United yellow-shirted Helping Hands will not be stepping in to help them.  They are not strangers, in some nearby community, distanced several miles from my house.  So ordinary, in fitting the classification of the welfare poor, they don't stand out as being any worse off than the others. Their common plight, will not cause our community churches to unite and rescue them. 

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Who are these folks?... faceless names, that perhaps I glance at, while hurriedly sliding my index finger down my Ward Directory of Members.  Scanning/darting eyes check the list, as I quickly look up a phone number/address, for a familiar faced name. 

All are potential Ensign stories in the making, of their potential individual rescues, by me, a potential good Samaritan.  Or sadder stories, felt and told by them, at some future time, of what might have been, had I reached out in my own limited way.

The saddest words ever penned

Are these four words...

What might have been?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If not me?...who?

If not now?...when?

Do I miss the mark?.... Glancing the other way, when mucking out is more needed, than tidying up?  When digging out is needed- am I merely dusting?  Do I feed them a loaf of homemade bread and bypass the Bread of Life? 

Is it possible, that wee worn-out spot of beauty in their life, is a key to their potential?  A shriveled up dream? The heart the Lord looks to?


     At one time wasn't the Gospel beautiful to them?

We will always have the poor with us.

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Ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor, saith the Lord God of Hosts.   Isa 3:15   2 Nephi 13:15

The man has brought upon himself his misery.......Mosiah 4:16-27

 

Stay on the wall!!

Truth be told.  Yes, I watched the Tony's.  I was entertained, appalled, laughing, teary and it all felt surreal.  I knew I'd never actually go see the New York Broadway play. I also knew they would edit the foul language.  I also knew, because it was a musical, that there would be little dialogue but there was the chance they'd put some of the offensive subjects to tunes.  I was so curious as to how could they make a hit show out of a religious book?  A book that is at the belief core of a huge religious body.  That would be us.  They would be offensive, disrespectful with a book that is sacred to me?

To me the opening number with lots of singer dancers caught me off guard...dozens of "Nuns" in habits and con artists and "Mormon Missionaries".  Hair neatly cut, white shirts, name tags etc.  etc.   All dancing their hearts out while singing ..."Broadway is not just for gays anymore".  My first tears.

Throughout the show they kept touting and teasing and showing pictures of our very own Book of Mormon.  It seemed so out of place.  So sacrilegious.  So sad.

The number they showcased, unlike the other 4 featured musical nominees, was not filled with a stage of tappers or a chorus line or bold colors or dance action or singing to bowl one over.  I was so caught off guard.  Here stood a "missionary", name tag and all, holding the Book of Mormon.  He was doubting his faith.  He started singing his solo.  The hook on the song were two words....I Believe.   I started the tears as I felt like those two words, with the accompaniment, were so familiar.  Had I heard them in one of the Seminary songs? I still don't know.  He was wonderful, talented and looked LDS but the lyrics were a mix of good and bad.  He appeared lovable, adorable and innocent and that made it all the harder to watch.  It caused more waterworks for me when the audience would spontaneously laugh at the song vulgarities or doctrine presented as preposterous and ridiculous.  He held the Book of Mormon in his hand the entire number.  Unreal. 

The play won major awards and I was interested in what they would say during their acceptance speeches.  Accepting the top trophy of the night, for best musical, one of the writer's said....We all wanted to be a part of a large Mormon family and now we are!   He then thanked Joseph Smith as his co-writer.  Held the Tony skyward and said ...You did it Joseph!  You got the Tony!!

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I  thought back to a Community Church in our small Alaskan town and one minister that detested the Mormons.  Each year, in order to save our town, he would have a free showing of The Godmakers.  It created quite a stir.

My LDS friend, Joyce, and I, had a sweet little candy shop on the main street of our town.  Handy for tourists to drop in.  One day my partner's Mother, Edna (also LDS), and I were working and a man entered the store wearing the biggest wooden cross I'd ever seen, on a neck chain. 

I said...you are obviously Christian... and motioned to the cross.  

He said...oh, yes.  I'm speaking tonight at the Christian Community Church as we are saving this town from the Mormons.  You ladies need to come and see The Godmakers tonight.  

I said...we can't go but let me give you some candy to give to the minister after the program.  Edna, let's put our business cards in them.  

He told us we were lovely and he could tell we were good Christian women and to watch out for those evil Mormons. 

He wondered....Would the minister know us?  

We told him that he would.  I said...Please, tell him we know the Gospel is true.

Anyhow the next day he came back and said we'd tricked him.  We agreed that we had. The Preacher was not pleased.  And then earnestly tried to save us from ourselves by his preaching.

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When The Godmakers movie came out it was a really tough time. The film was mean and hateful and spiteful.  The Book of Mormon play was mocking, rude, off color, vulgar, profane and on and on,  but I think it will open more doors for us than The Godmakers ever did.

      Unlocking the Doors

by Elder M. Russell Ballard 

BYU devotional 1989

Of course, persecutions will always be with us, just as the Prophet Joseph prophesied. In recent years, the Church has been attacked openly by the producers of the film The Godmakers. A concerted effort by this band of enemies of the Church is underway at this very hour. During recent media coverage of forged documents related to Church history, Elder Dallin H. Oaks detailed instances of blatant misrepresentation and distortion (remember how calumny may defame) and how corrective information was ignored by prominent newspapers such as the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times. Malicious charges leveled against prominent leaders of the Church have not ended. The adversary has not ceased to work. Today we continue to face opposition, and we can expect it to continue as we endeavor to move this great work forward.

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My thoughts have been on Nehemiah today.  I want to be like him.  He stayed on task and was true to his assignment.  Nothing could dissuade him from the work at hand.  He would not allow himself to be distracted/detracted. 

A little more talk of ROYALS.  It's thought that Nehemiah was in favor with  King Artaxerxes because he was the cupbearer.  If Nehemiah sipped or took a munch and died, then the King would know to not eat or drink from the menu.  This was "a position of  great trust and responsibility."

The King had allowed N. to return from Persia to Jerusalem and protected him on that  trek.  He also gave him permission to use timber from the ROYAL forests to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem plus the gates and also he could build his very own house.

An opposing Governor Sanballat, of Samaria, did not want the wall built and he wasn't the only one.  They were so opposed that Nehemiah had to arm his workers 24/7.  So Gov. Sanballat and others  decided to plan an attack.  The wall was now halfway up.  they figured they had to get N. off the wall.  So they tried reasoning and persuasion and 4 times they sent him a note...

Come, let us meet together... 

and Nehemiah sent the same return message each time.....

.....I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you? 

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Today I thought about the play.  It is what it is.  I need to just stay focused on what I know to be true and what is mine to do, to further the work in my area of the Church.  I need to.... 

not let things like this detract/distract me.

not take time mulling and discussing. 

not re-hash the play content.  

I need to stay on the wall!!!!!

(Check OT Nehemiah to see if  I have my truths lined up!!) 

Fascinating Fascinators!

I own up to the fact that I stayed up until 4:30am to watch the Royal Wedding in April.  This is a stretch for me to even absorb the fact I sat there, all alone, enjoying live, all the pomp and circumstance when I so easily could have recorded it.  I wrote this a couple of days after the RW....

Terry had reminded me that it's a modern age. I could record it! but I like to watch History in the making. Live! He had no interest like I did. It fascinates me. Britain is so key to the spread of the Gospel in the beginning of the Restoration. Some of the choicest of the early saints left their homeland and came here to establish the Church. At the wedding the congregation sang God Save the Queen, which is sung to the tune of My Country, 'Tis of Thee. I remembered when I joined the Church and questioning why it was in our Hymnal. I looked it up this morning in the old blue Hymn book and there it was 115-A. In our current book it has the entire page. Last number in the book. 341. I also thought about the 12th Article of Faith- We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. I also thought about the many British saints that were celebrating this event and watching it allowed me to see/be a part of the happenings in their lives. I'm thankful I'm an American and living in democracy. Taking a battering but nonetheless...freedom! I love it! So no tiara studded with diamonds resting on my head nor none of those Fascinators (they paid money for those chapeaus?) but I still enjoyed every moment of coverage.

Today I was scanning through some information and saw a reference to a book entitled...Debrett's Peerage & Baronetage.  Probably not a quick read at 3,000 pages but it does provide ready access to 25,000 people of note.  All the details one might need, if spouse shopping and wanting to know possible candidates placement on the ladder, as they search.  A sister volume is Debrett's People of Today with 2,000 pages.  Always, competitors arise when a good idea surfaces, so there is also Burke's Peerage. 

These books are filled with pages and pages of how to behave and what powers the Queen has.  She can appoint someone to be the Lady of The Bedchamber and other Royal duties.  No detail is overlooked.

From these two volumes you can learn how to conduct yourself, mind your manners, and be reminded... in order to enter the Royal Enclosure at an event-- you MUST present the Royal Invitation you received.   Make sure your midriff is covered.  No mini-skirts.  If hats are required then make sure the crown of your head is covered.  A "substantial fascinator" is also acceptable.  Fascinator's are old school in long time use and today's designers really go all out.  Make sure it's wild, weird, large and sits atop your head heading skyward.  And it should baffle the mind.  That's not in Debrett/s or Burke's but that is what I saw at the Royal Wedding.

Some members have access through the Queen to the Crown Jewels.  Also she can give you a titled name if she so chooses.  So she gave Prince William the name...  His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge.  His wife became HRH The Duchess of Cambridge.

Always surfacing to the top of my thoughts, after I read about things like this, is my deep gratitude of the Gospel. 

I think of "royal" things within the Church- like the Christmas Hymn that heralds... Once in Royal David's City.  The call to victory.... Behold! A royal army.   Handel's glorious Messiah with the Hallelujah Chorus, parts just rolling on top of each other proclaiming...King of Kings! 

And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 1 Peter 5:4  

And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels.....3 Nephi 24:17 

I'm fine with not being listed in Debrett's  or Burke's.  I'm wanting/hoping trying to be listed in the Book of Life.... 

                  

These are they whose names are written in heaven: D&C 76:68 

Greater to me, than any bestowed royal title, is the title, bequeathed and appreciated and understood by me through my Church membership.  I am ......

A Beloved Daughter of God

 

CONTRASTS

Talk about contrasts...Here I am finalizing ticket plans for our annual trip to Leavenworth to see the Sound of Music and at the same time, Broadway's biggest hit of the season, Book of Mormon, is taking center stage, and soaking in the fact they have 14 major nominations.

The Sound of Music, has been a part of our summer, every since our twin granddaughters met the required age of admission. Maybe 12 years now? Leavenworth WA has a history of survival and reinventing themselves as a town. They are Bavarian themed village of sorts and it's a fun place to visit for sports, shopping or summer theater. 

The Sound of Music is held at the outdoor Ski Hill Amphitheater and it is breathtaking! The brochure is telling the truth about....The sun falls behind the ridge, the moon rises over the valley, and Maria descends the hillside singing "The Hills are Alive". Over the years they have improved the site, added to the set and increased the cast. 

One woman has been cast, in the same role, each year...the Mother Abbess.
She has watched the girls grow over the years and since that first year of us attending, she has greeted them. She comes into the audience to give them a hug if we didn't see her as we entered. She is a school teacher and always asks about their grades, comments on their growth, and we snap a picture. When we exit she tells them she will see them next year. It's a great memory! A tradition.

We stay at the same wonderful (to us anyhow) Enzian Inn. We eat upstairs, in the same wall windowed room, for our great complimentary breakfast buffet. We hear the same man blow the Alpen horn.   

Poppa and the girls swim in the outdoor pool and they do the same in the basement indoor Grecian looking pool.

We visit shops of all sorts including the Mustard Shop. We eat grilled Polish dogs, at the same little hole in the wall place, with it's outside grill. We look at the Art in the Park exhibits.  We enjoy watching the featured dancers and singers at the Gazebo.

We stay two nights. We go to two plays. One is always the Sound of Music. This year the other will be Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

There are walks down familiar paths. Playing in the same river spot. 

The list is long with simple things, grown so familiar, by the repeated yearly doing.

We are establishing traditions for lifetime memories!  It's wonderful!   

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NEW YORK (AP) — The profane and hysterical "The Book of Mormon" took home nine Tony Awards on Sunday including the prize for best musical, a considerable achievement for a pair of first-time Broadway playwrights known more for their raunchy cartoons featuring potty-mouthed kids.

Trey Parker and Matt Stone, creators of the Emmy Award-winning "South Park," found a kindred soul in Robert Lopez, who co-wrote the Tony-winning "Avenue Q," and all three found themselves with plenty of awards when they collaborated to gently mock Mormons and send-up Broadway itself.

Collecting the best musical prize, a subdued Parker, who tied Josh Logan of "South Pacific" with four Tonys in one evening — said he'd be remiss if he didn't thank his late book co-writer — Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon religion.

"You did it, Joseph! You got the Tony!" Parker said looking skyward and holding up his award.

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The 13th Article of Faith

We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul--We believe all things, we hope all things ,we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things.  If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.---Joseph Smith