So much turmoil and wickedness and upset and violence and chaos, and on and on the discriptive list goes of the world we live in. How thankful I am for the light of the Gospel in my life. A beckoning beacon that fills me with comfort and peace.
I think of Lehi and his dream. His joy and excitement over the fruit of the tree. His desire to share it with those he loved and cared about the most...his family. So involved in the goodness of the vision, that Nephi later explained to his wayward brothers, that even though the water was filthiness, their father Lehi's mind was so much "swallowed up in other things that he beheld not the filthiness of the water".
I think of Peter when he focused on the Savior, kept his eye on Him... clear visioned he walked on the water as long as he didn't waver by looking at the storm around him.
I think of a long ago Alaskan winter. Pitch black. About a mile walk, on the snowy path, from home to the Church. I'd been working on decorating a room for a standard night, for one Laurel girl, that would be held the next evening. Time got away and it was late when I headed home. It took a bit for my eyes to adjust to the starlight and I started my trudging homeward. Way, way down the trail I could see a flame held skyward. "Mom?! Mom!? Mom!?" I hollered back... I'm coming! I'm coming!
My 13 year old son had made a torch, was concerned that I was gone much to long and might be in some sort of trouble, and had headed out, torch ablaze to find me. It made me teary then. It makes me teary now. His relief was so great, his hug precious, and my gratitude was equally so, for his tender concern.
As we walked on down the trail we noticed how the torch shed a circle of light around us and things looked even blacker beyond that brightness. Isn't that the gospel? The light is there and we don't have to get all caught up in the worldliness of these last days, if we will embrace the Light and let it encircle us.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
A pestering thought
For days, I've thought of Acts 10:38, where Peter said--John preached, about Jesus being anointed by God with power...
Talks I've read this past week, thoughts I've thought plus ponderings and mullings and musings, all point to the personal need that I am being prompted to pick my "good works" up a notch!
Who went about doing good...
Along with that I've really been haunted by James 4:17...
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good,
and doeth it not,
to him it is sin.
Talks I've read this past week, thoughts I've thought plus ponderings and mullings and musings, all point to the personal need that I am being prompted to pick my "good works" up a notch!
I need to listen and obey those whisperings and not ignore and procrastinate. I'm trying to do things that will bring me closer to the Spirit and this is pretty much #1 on my list!
Friday, January 27, 2012
A Memory
I was recently visiting with Gloria and she was telling me about her talk she gave at Church. I'd not been there and she was sharing parts of it with me. Her parents were Pentecostal, she was raised in Ogden and through a series of events involving the Church, and activities, and priesthood blessings- she felt watched over and eventually moved and joined the Church in her 20's.
As a convert, I told her I also could look and see that the Lord had blessed me in my life, in preparation to receive the Gospel. I remembered something that was a part of my entire life at my non-LDS home. A special happening that blessed me always. It didn't dawn on me for a long time but years later I realized that my Mother really kept the Sabbath Holy. She had us clean the house up to her high standards on Saturday. She never wore her weekday work slacks on Sunday but wore a dress, had makeup on her beautiful face and her brown hair just curled and waved to movie star perfection. There was nice music playing. There was absolutely no work to be done on Sunday. It was a day of rest. She wouldn't even sew, as she said that her Mother told her-- she'd have to pick the stitches out with her nose when she got to Heaven if she sewed a single stitch.
She made sure that my sister and I were dressed for Church. True, she never took us but she made sure we went each Sunday. She would tie a dime or 2, in the corner of our clean hankies, for the offering plate that she knew would be passed during the Pastor's pleas for funds to pay his bills, feed his children, and buy everyone shoes. (I did wonder how much my dime helped him but I did feel good to give and contribute at his plaintive request)
After Church we'd go home to a wonderful family meal. Sunday she prepared a special meal, not our regular fare, like maybe fried chicken. Afterwards things weren't quite as sabbath observing as we'd go catch the bus from Spenard into Anchorage and go to whatever Musical movie was featured at the luxurious (to us anyhow) 4th Avenue Theater.
When we came home we'd eat a bite and then my sister and I would go reenact whatever movie we'd seen, in the outdoor theater that was only in our minds. As the typical older sister I would direct, do the staging and cast myself as the star. We'd sing & dance on our sawhorse stage and enjoy every moment of our fun!
I have always enjoyed Sundays and having a meal together and going to Church together. My Mother gave me wonderful memories and a great example of keeping the Sabbath Day as Holy as you know how.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Snowflakes
I was looking through some newspapers and came upon an article that was fascinating to me about- The Snowflake Man. Wilson A. Bentley. A man that was inquisitive about the uniqueness of each snow flake. "No two snowflakes are alike". We've all heard that. (His book, Snow Crystals, was published just before his death in 1931. It's available from Amazon.com)
The article illustration had 18 snowflakes that he'd photographed. They look like pictures from inside a kaleidoscope. Exquisite detail. Breathtakingly beautiful.
Mr. Bentley "regarded snowflakes as manifestation of the power and majesty of nature." Another testament of the Lord's attention to detail. No short cuts even on snowflakes! He said--"Under the microscope, I found that snowflakes were miracles of beauty; and it seemed a shame that this beauty should not be seen and appreciated by others."
The article made me go get my Patriarchal blessing because I remembered this line ...Each and every one has different gifts, for no two are the same. That is one of the great Divine truths, of the greatness of the Divine Creator, for no two are created equal, in every respect, there are differences.
We are as uniquely individual as are those snowflakes. God is in the details. We are "miracles of beauty" even more so than lacy snowflakes. We are original, one of a kind, a daughter of God.
Oh, I just remembered this old article that has some great thoughts in it. Enjoy!
President Grant enunciated that, "A Patriarch is a Prophet to the individual as a Prophet is to the Church."
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1986/10/your-patriarchal-blessing-a-liahona-of-light?lang=eng&query=patriarchal+blessing
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Friends
There are days that gratitude just fills my heart and today was one of those days! I'm thankful for many things, as my life has been blessed, in so many ways. Today I'm thankful for friends.
I was visiting with my daughter, who just recently returned from a 3 day reunion with 3 girlfriends. Friends from 27 years ago! Annually they make the effort to travel and spend some time together, catching up and having fun talking about their individual lives. 3 of the 4 ended up living in FL and one in NY. One is an actress and they usually plan their reunion around a show that she is featured in so they can see her performance. All 4 lead different lives even though they are around the same age and at one time 3 of them worked on a Cruise ship together and that is where they met. Or maybe all 4 of them did. Wherever. They have a long shared history of connectedness.
I thought of my longtime friends and my newly acquired friends and it makes me happy to just think about them.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
"We have grown apart"
If ever I heard of a non-excuse to end a marriage, surely this is the winner! "We have grown apart".
Even modern day, non-LDS, wedding vows include...for better or for worse. Snags to work through. I believe that all marriages have to occasionally be thoroughly and honestly evaluated and overhauled, revamped, re-paired, renewed, and re-invented. When you read the article below, and I only printed part of it here, it's astounding how good they say their life is and yet they "have grown apart" and want to end the marriage. They go all out and each year on their anniversary have some big star studded vow renewal and still with all the folderol, all the money, all the fame, and 4 children- they still have "grown apart".
Where is the spunk? The vim, vigor and determination to figure out how to make these relationships work? In today's world of instant gratification...Is there no desire, no longing, to hold on to that which is familiar, comfortable and of your own creation? Are families valueless to most nowadays?
I'm haunted by this article. I find it perplexing, puzzling and sad. It draws my mind to the reality of this being the last days and I need to again read the Proclamation to the World about families. There is no better way to center ourselves about the worth of families than reading that document.
I love my marriage and I love my hubby and I never want to drift or grow apart. I want it to last forever and am willing to tend our relationship by yanking out occasional weeds and replanting glorious plants for us to enjoy.
Even modern day, non-LDS, wedding vows include...for better or for worse. Snags to work through. I believe that all marriages have to occasionally be thoroughly and honestly evaluated and overhauled, revamped, re-paired, renewed, and re-invented. When you read the article below, and I only printed part of it here, it's astounding how good they say their life is and yet they "have grown apart" and want to end the marriage. They go all out and each year on their anniversary have some big star studded vow renewal and still with all the folderol, all the money, all the fame, and 4 children- they still have "grown apart".
Where is the spunk? The vim, vigor and determination to figure out how to make these relationships work? In today's world of instant gratification...Is there no desire, no longing, to hold on to that which is familiar, comfortable and of your own creation? Are families valueless to most nowadays?
I'm haunted by this article. I find it perplexing, puzzling and sad. It draws my mind to the reality of this being the last days and I need to again read the Proclamation to the World about families. There is no better way to center ourselves about the worth of families than reading that document.
I love my marriage and I love my hubby and I never want to drift or grow apart. I want it to last forever and am willing to tend our relationship by yanking out occasional weeds and replanting glorious plants for us to enjoy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NEW YORK (AP) — Seal and Heidi Klum have announced that their storybook marriage is coming to the end of the runway.
In a statement Sunday night, the power couple announced their separation after rumors swirled over the weekend that a divorce was imminent.
"While we have enjoyed seven very loving, loyal and happy years of marriage, after much soul searching we have decided to separate," the joint statement read. "We have had the deepest respect for one another throughout our relationship and continue to love each other very much, but we have grown apart. This is an amicable process and protecting the well-being of our children remains our top priority, especially during this time of transition. We thank our family, friends, and fans for their kind words of support. And for our children's sake, we appreciate you respecting our privacy."
The couple married in 2005 and has four children together, including the supermodel's daughter from a previous relationship. (ages 2-7)
Monday, January 23, 2012
Pew Place
Sunday I visited the Ward that our Ward was split off of. It was nice to see some old friends. A year ago we were blessed with our new building and our paths have seldom crossed.
At the Sacrament Meeting I started to sit down, on the side back bench, in the Chapel. Before I sat down I asked a man if someone regularly sat there.
He said-- no. It doesn't matter though. I like to disrupt those that want the same pew.
I said-- it does matter to me.
I sat down. Then the Stake RSP arrived and sat down by me. She looked over and saw one of her Counselors sitting in the center section and said to me--Let's go over there. She has sat in the same pew for 39 years.
I remembered reading this article earlier ...
http://www.ldsliving.com/story/67208-poll-wheres-your-pew
One question on the poll is...
Do you have a family pew? The answers were...
General area 48%
Specific area 38%
No family pew 14%
As long as I can remember we've sort of landed in the same area in each Ward we've been in. Habit? or what?
When we got our new building- most of us were checking out different pew spots for a few weeks, to see about window light, acoustics, podium vision etc. Then things sort of settled and most of us wound up sitting in the same place each week.
I'm definitely not staking an Alaskan Homestead here and declaring squatters rights but I am used to just popping in and sitting down. Yes. In my pew!
Wonder what you think? I just assumed we all found a niche and for the most part just sat there. Now, at least from the poll, only 38% feel that way. It's never been an issue with me as I thought we all liked to sit cozy in our same pew. At least the same area! now I'm siding with the 48%!
The most important thing in the world is to just sit down, somewhere and enjoy being together in Sunday worship.
At the Sacrament Meeting I started to sit down, on the side back bench, in the Chapel. Before I sat down I asked a man if someone regularly sat there.
He said-- no. It doesn't matter though. I like to disrupt those that want the same pew.
I said-- it does matter to me.
I sat down. Then the Stake RSP arrived and sat down by me. She looked over and saw one of her Counselors sitting in the center section and said to me--Let's go over there. She has sat in the same pew for 39 years.
I remembered reading this article earlier ...
http://www.ldsliving.com/story/67208-poll-wheres-your-pew
One question on the poll is...
Do you have a family pew? The answers were...
General area 48%
Specific area 38%
No family pew 14%
As long as I can remember we've sort of landed in the same area in each Ward we've been in. Habit? or what?
When we got our new building- most of us were checking out different pew spots for a few weeks, to see about window light, acoustics, podium vision etc. Then things sort of settled and most of us wound up sitting in the same place each week.
I'm definitely not staking an Alaskan Homestead here and declaring squatters rights but I am used to just popping in and sitting down. Yes. In my pew!
Wonder what you think? I just assumed we all found a niche and for the most part just sat there. Now, at least from the poll, only 38% feel that way. It's never been an issue with me as I thought we all liked to sit cozy in our same pew. At least the same area! now I'm siding with the 48%!
The most important thing in the world is to just sit down, somewhere and enjoy being together in Sunday worship.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Chore Listing!!
Terry has been retired for quite some time now and this week some pestering festering drama surfaced. Just like 2 quarreling newlyweds, when after the honeymoon phase has faded and the reality sets in of... what is going to need to happen to make this work? to make things pleasant? to transition from tolerable to enjoyable?
More than a little bit heated in the battle zone, until the fire retardant rescue surfaced in using a Family Council, to get ourselves contented and smoochy again. We were able to agree that we both felt the same areas were bones of contention- simply because we each wanted, passionately, a totally opposite solution.
Truly, I think taste buds change over the years and what once was to your liking is not the same as it was. So yesterday, we worked our way through the challenge of Plain Greek Yogurt vs. Vanilla Jello Instant Pudding and came up with a menu plan and we are both at ease and peace reigns supreme.
Today we tackled the issue of housekeeping. Truly we were cuckoo about it. Dishcloth hanging over faucet vs dishcloth flat in sink. 3 hooks for towels. First hung towel is for hands and can't be a white one like other 2 dish towels vs white dish towels, on all 3 hooks, work fine for hands. Each night spread dishcloth on dryer so it doesn't mold and put out a fresh one vs Each night wad up damp cloth and throw in hamper. Yes. I know. Ridiculous. Questioning ....why don't they get a life etc. etc. Truth of the matter this is our life!! and it's not feeling very Temple like with these barbs.
More than a little bit heated in the battle zone, until the fire retardant rescue surfaced in using a Family Council, to get ourselves contented and smoochy again. We were able to agree that we both felt the same areas were bones of contention- simply because we each wanted, passionately, a totally opposite solution.
Truly, I think taste buds change over the years and what once was to your liking is not the same as it was. So yesterday, we worked our way through the challenge of Plain Greek Yogurt vs. Vanilla Jello Instant Pudding and came up with a menu plan and we are both at ease and peace reigns supreme.
Today we tackled the issue of housekeeping. Truly we were cuckoo about it. Dishcloth hanging over faucet vs dishcloth flat in sink. 3 hooks for towels. First hung towel is for hands and can't be a white one like other 2 dish towels vs white dish towels, on all 3 hooks, work fine for hands. Each night spread dishcloth on dryer so it doesn't mold and put out a fresh one vs Each night wad up damp cloth and throw in hamper. Yes. I know. Ridiculous. Questioning ....why don't they get a life etc. etc. Truth of the matter this is our life!! and it's not feeling very Temple like with these barbs.
Terry, on Jan. 2, gifted me with the most unusual gift that brought me instant tremendous joy . A gift for a year!! He announced- he was going to go past just unloading the dishwasher and do ALL the dishes. Yes! All! rinse them, load them, unload, do the pans, wipe the counters, sweep the floors!! He was quite stunned when he heard himself utter those words and I about fainted.
I asked...WHY???!!!
He said....Because I don't like the way you load the dishwasher.
What woman would not break out laughing at that one? Then he said there was one stipulation...straighten the pans. Now that was another laugh as the pans are on 4 shelves and it takes nothing to straighten them.
He then claimed it wasn't his voice speaking but we both agreed it came out of his mouth!! I was admonished to not tell anyone and I didn't UNTIL he announced it in Priesthood to all of his HP comrades. When one of his pals asked if I was a ventriloquist then I figured- well, howdy-do...I'll tell the world also.
Yes, the poor fellow would go back to work if he had better balance, no neuralgia, energy, no hip pain, 10 years or so younger etc. etc. and we'd both be happy for that but in the meantime we are trying to create a pleasant work environment right here, at our little empty nest that just has us two old crows, cawing and jawing over anything we can see to gripe about.
So to end whine time banter battling. And to create a house of order and one that the Spirit would enjoy, today at our Family Council, which Terry headed up, we came up with a chore list. just like your little kiddies have. Who gets to do what and what the what is. some daily. some weekly. some monthly. and rules of no reminding. no checking/critiquing/complaining. We just need a box of gold stars!!
Maybe at some point, this will all change back to the way it has been for dozens of years but for now we are in total agreement on what we are going to eat and who does what and when they do it on cooking and also housekeeping.
Maybe at some point, this will all change back to the way it has been for dozens of years but for now we are in total agreement on what we are going to eat and who does what and when they do it on cooking and also housekeeping.
We went into overtime on our Family Council, making yet one more plan of action and decided to jointly dejunk/downsize/organize the house. We started with a closet where I keep dishes etc. Terry did ask.... what is that thing for? why do you want that thing? who gave you that thing? where did this stuff come from? want to junk that? you'll never use this stuff! .... Then the questions stopped and we peacefully sorted through so much stuff. I was chiding him but inwardly, hypocritical-like, I asked the exact same questions!!
Terry said at the North Slope, where he worked for many years, that they call men who do these household things, BullCooks. I told him that is not in the dictionary but HouseBoy is. And so is Sweetheart.
And my title? Daughter of God.
**************************
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Counseling with our Councils
(learning to minister together in the church and in the family)
by M. Russell Ballard
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Food Fight
Tuesday morning, hubby suddenly announces, out of the blue--
I figured out what to do with the potatoes and onions. I'm building a cupboard to store them in.
Did I slam that door? did I actually pull it with force? Well, yes. I did.
True I was on my way out of the house to help someone (ironic, huh? a do-gooder doing no good to the one that matters most!)
Fervently I prayed on the short ride and thought about the scene I'd just been a part of. I repented. I felt horrible.
On the way home I thought about the lesson I was going to teach at RS that night on Family Councils and realized that Terry and I were not communicating on a good level.
What had happened?
Well, in no necessary order of priority...
*he is one that you want with you, when something needs to be figured out, as to what to do about repairing something. King of Duct Tape. but...it will work. My Dad was a Mr. Fix-it man and I just figured it was a male trait. So when we were young and newly wedded and something happened to the toaster and he said he could fix it?...well, of course he could! My man!! Later when I saw a few mismatched screws in a little pile and ask about them and didn't they need to go back into the toaster? (as I never saw leftovers when my Dad fixed things), he let me know they were just extras and not necessary for the toaster to work.
*in later years I would hear comments like...I didn't know if you used freshly cut green lumber it would dry and twist like that ceiling beam did. I'll be darned.
or
*I sure wish I'd known how important it was to make sure things are square in carpentry.
*he is a diesel mechanic. my clothesline that he so lovingly strung up for me is attached to the fence by a come-along. He is creative and adventuresome. Our children will attest to some of their sweet Father's inventive contraptions, that I won't even mention right now!
I really like my simple little kitchen. I DID NOT want a shed built in it to store potatoes and onions. Yes. I was rude.
I'm one that usually realizes early on when I've erred and want to resolve things, completely, get it over, seek sincere forgiveness from the Lord, from the victim of my action and then I want to move on. My man of choice, is not that way. He can't just quickly forgive and make up. I badger him. He balks. and sometimes we go full circle with me re-offending and the cycle renews.
When I got home, we circled each other like warring animals ready to strike out but actually by then I felt so bad and because of studying for the RS lesson, I realized we could resolve this by a Family Council, so I invited him to sit and listen a bit about my lesson.
We acknowledged we had a problem with the veggie storage and something needed to be done and we both wanted a storage bin of some sort. He wanted to build it. He told me how big, where he'd place it, that it would be square, how he'd design it etc.etc. I acknowledged that it would be something very nice and we ended on a great note after an in-depth conversation.
We talked about how we didn't talk as kindly to each other as we used to. One thing is we have no children at home. When we had children at home and we needed to have a "private" talk, we'd go back to our bedroom to the furthest wall so as to not be heard, keep our voices normal and do our confidential talks, be it about kids or whatever. Years later we found out that our meeting place was over a ducted heat vent and the little rascals could hear us!!
When all the children left home we slowly just said what we wanted when we wanted and didn't worry about anyone hearing us. Somehow though we were off kilter.
I taught the RS lesson and hoped that everyone in the room would go buy the book I'd referred to and start using it in their own life. I was so fueled and excited not only of what I'd read but understanding the power of Family Councils and having dabbled in it a bit with the pending bin.
When I got home from RS, Terry said something about dinner. Maybe negative about leftovers? I'm not sure. Anyhow WW 3 ensued and I realized we were actually fighting about FOOD! and then we got into VACUUMING!! (truly I may post this and then go back in shame and delete it!!)
Several things were at issue in our challenges. He has retired. We are together 24/7. We do not think alike. This is "my" workplace. This is "my" house. He is letting me know that I'm not sole owner and some things are not working out.
We have different tastes in food. One of us likes wheat bread and one white, one likes butter, the other margarine. One milk, one soy milk. One fried fish. One grilled. One likes savory. One likes salt/pepper. Steamed broccoli vs. canned peas. It runs the entire gamut. The Miracle Whip/Mayonnaise opposition ended up with both going for Mayonnaise.
Meals...we ended up making a menu, deciding what days to cook a full meal, how many days Terry could eat leftovers before bolting for the door, a list of agreed upon foods that we both liked, some guidelines for our behavior of being nice to each other. No longer would I be going to cook something and he would not want that meal and on the flip side, he'd ask me to cook something he really enjoys and I'd skip the request and not do it.
Oh, yes. we covered minute details. We talked for a very very long time in figuring out what we could do to never have a single grievance crop up between us about meals. I think our plan of action is as complicated as a pre-nup might be.
Our overall aim was to get on the same page, stop all disagreement, find a middle ground of compromise, draw up a plan that we both agreed on and implement it. We both want peace and order and as a team we can do it.
Sounds silly? Nothing can be termed silly when we work towards greater harmony and unity in our relationships. be it family or friends, it's necessary to face the reality and I think hold a Family Council and deal with the issues that are laid on the table and solve things!!
the housekeeping? I've probably worn you out with the food issues so I'll save that for tomorrow and let you know how that worked out.
Our Wednesday evening was topped off by hearing the strains, in the background, of a tune that we danced to over and over and over as teens. We were transported back to that time of young love as the Lettermen sang (perfect harmony, of course. best dance beat ever! so romantic!!) .....
I figured out what to do with the potatoes and onions. I'm building a cupboard to store them in.
I'm stunned. Then I speak rudely. no. I didn't speak rudely, I yelled....NO!
True I was on my way out of the house to help someone (ironic, huh? a do-gooder doing no good to the one that matters most!)
Fervently I prayed on the short ride and thought about the scene I'd just been a part of. I repented. I felt horrible.
On the way home I thought about the lesson I was going to teach at RS that night on Family Councils and realized that Terry and I were not communicating on a good level.
What had happened?
Well, in no necessary order of priority...
*he is one that you want with you, when something needs to be figured out, as to what to do about repairing something. King of Duct Tape. but...it will work. My Dad was a Mr. Fix-it man and I just figured it was a male trait. So when we were young and newly wedded and something happened to the toaster and he said he could fix it?...well, of course he could! My man!! Later when I saw a few mismatched screws in a little pile and ask about them and didn't they need to go back into the toaster? (as I never saw leftovers when my Dad fixed things), he let me know they were just extras and not necessary for the toaster to work.
*in later years I would hear comments like...I didn't know if you used freshly cut green lumber it would dry and twist like that ceiling beam did. I'll be darned.
or
*I sure wish I'd known how important it was to make sure things are square in carpentry.
*he is a diesel mechanic. my clothesline that he so lovingly strung up for me is attached to the fence by a come-along. He is creative and adventuresome. Our children will attest to some of their sweet Father's inventive contraptions, that I won't even mention right now!
I really like my simple little kitchen. I DID NOT want a shed built in it to store potatoes and onions. Yes. I was rude.
I'm one that usually realizes early on when I've erred and want to resolve things, completely, get it over, seek sincere forgiveness from the Lord, from the victim of my action and then I want to move on. My man of choice, is not that way. He can't just quickly forgive and make up. I badger him. He balks. and sometimes we go full circle with me re-offending and the cycle renews.
When I got home, we circled each other like warring animals ready to strike out but actually by then I felt so bad and because of studying for the RS lesson, I realized we could resolve this by a Family Council, so I invited him to sit and listen a bit about my lesson.
We acknowledged we had a problem with the veggie storage and something needed to be done and we both wanted a storage bin of some sort. He wanted to build it. He told me how big, where he'd place it, that it would be square, how he'd design it etc.etc. I acknowledged that it would be something very nice and we ended on a great note after an in-depth conversation.
We talked about how we didn't talk as kindly to each other as we used to. One thing is we have no children at home. When we had children at home and we needed to have a "private" talk, we'd go back to our bedroom to the furthest wall so as to not be heard, keep our voices normal and do our confidential talks, be it about kids or whatever. Years later we found out that our meeting place was over a ducted heat vent and the little rascals could hear us!!
When all the children left home we slowly just said what we wanted when we wanted and didn't worry about anyone hearing us. Somehow though we were off kilter.
I taught the RS lesson and hoped that everyone in the room would go buy the book I'd referred to and start using it in their own life. I was so fueled and excited not only of what I'd read but understanding the power of Family Councils and having dabbled in it a bit with the pending bin.
When I got home from RS, Terry said something about dinner. Maybe negative about leftovers? I'm not sure. Anyhow WW 3 ensued and I realized we were actually fighting about FOOD! and then we got into VACUUMING!! (truly I may post this and then go back in shame and delete it!!)
Several things were at issue in our challenges. He has retired. We are together 24/7. We do not think alike. This is "my" workplace. This is "my" house. He is letting me know that I'm not sole owner and some things are not working out.
We have different tastes in food. One of us likes wheat bread and one white, one likes butter, the other margarine. One milk, one soy milk. One fried fish. One grilled. One likes savory. One likes salt/pepper. Steamed broccoli vs. canned peas. It runs the entire gamut. The Miracle Whip/Mayonnaise opposition ended up with both going for Mayonnaise.
Meals...we ended up making a menu, deciding what days to cook a full meal, how many days Terry could eat leftovers before bolting for the door, a list of agreed upon foods that we both liked, some guidelines for our behavior of being nice to each other. No longer would I be going to cook something and he would not want that meal and on the flip side, he'd ask me to cook something he really enjoys and I'd skip the request and not do it.
Oh, yes. we covered minute details. We talked for a very very long time in figuring out what we could do to never have a single grievance crop up between us about meals. I think our plan of action is as complicated as a pre-nup might be.
Our overall aim was to get on the same page, stop all disagreement, find a middle ground of compromise, draw up a plan that we both agreed on and implement it. We both want peace and order and as a team we can do it.
Sounds silly? Nothing can be termed silly when we work towards greater harmony and unity in our relationships. be it family or friends, it's necessary to face the reality and I think hold a Family Council and deal with the issues that are laid on the table and solve things!!
the housekeeping? I've probably worn you out with the food issues so I'll save that for tomorrow and let you know how that worked out.
Our Wednesday evening was topped off by hearing the strains, in the background, of a tune that we danced to over and over and over as teens. We were transported back to that time of young love as the Lettermen sang (perfect harmony, of course. best dance beat ever! so romantic!!) .....
The Way You Look Tonight
Some day, when I'm awfully low
When the world is cold
I will feel a glow just thinking of you
And the way you look tonight
Yes, you're lovely, with your smile so warm
And your cheeks so soft
There is nothing for me but to love you
And the way you look tonight
With each word your tenderness grows
Tearin' my fear apart
And that laugh..wrinkles your nose
Touches my foolish heart
Lovely ... Never, never change
Keep that breathless charm
Won't you please arrange it? 'Cause I love you
Just the way you look tonight
[instrumental]
And that laugh that wrinkles your nose
It touches my foolish heart
Lovely ... Don't you ever change
Keep that breathless charm
Won't you please arrange it? 'Cause I love you
a-just the way you look tonight
Mm, Mm, Mm, Mm,
Just the way you look tonight
Some day, when I'm awfully low
When the world is cold
I will feel a glow just thinking of you
And the way you look tonight
Yes, you're lovely, with your smile so warm
And your cheeks so soft
There is nothing for me but to love you
And the way you look tonight
With each word your tenderness grows
Tearin' my fear apart
And that laugh..wrinkles your nose
Touches my foolish heart
Lovely ... Never, never change
Keep that breathless charm
Won't you please arrange it? 'Cause I love you
Just the way you look tonight
[instrumental]
And that laugh that wrinkles your nose
It touches my foolish heart
Lovely ... Don't you ever change
Keep that breathless charm
Won't you please arrange it? 'Cause I love you
a-just the way you look tonight
Mm, Mm, Mm, Mm,
Just the way you look tonight
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Still Questing
Years ago I had the fun of doing a religious column in the weekly newspaper. I had a byline and a lot of allotted space and how it came about is another story for another time. As a part of doing this project, I visited each Church (seems we had 19), read the doctrinal information that the Pastor gave me and then interviewed the minister after attending one of their worship services. They were featured that week in the newspaper.
The Assembly of God pastor had some wonderful children, that were very strong Christians, and gave "God the Glory" by "Praise Jesus" uttered at each event they participated in, be it a trumpet solo in the high school band or whatever. I was fascinated by their zeal, faithfulness and sincerity. Especially since the rabble-rousers in our Branch, who were in the "true Church", had horrible reputations and were super juvenile delinquents.
No amount of reaching out had any effect on these 3 boys. They were sort of scary to me. They eventually moved away (but they also eventually moved back!) I always puzzled over...why?- when we have the restored Gospel and the Priesthood and The Book of Mormon and the fullness of it all do our youth not have more faithfulness and Spirit. They'd been baptized and they had received the Gift of the Holy Ghost, why wasn't that an obvious presence in their life?
https://lds.org/ensign/2003/05/the-sustaining-power-of-faith-in-times-of-uncertainty-and-testing?cid=email-shared&lang=eng
The Assembly of God pastor had some wonderful children, that were very strong Christians, and gave "God the Glory" by "Praise Jesus" uttered at each event they participated in, be it a trumpet solo in the high school band or whatever. I was fascinated by their zeal, faithfulness and sincerity. Especially since the rabble-rousers in our Branch, who were in the "true Church", had horrible reputations and were super juvenile delinquents.
No amount of reaching out had any effect on these 3 boys. They were sort of scary to me. They eventually moved away (but they also eventually moved back!) I always puzzled over...why?- when we have the restored Gospel and the Priesthood and The Book of Mormon and the fullness of it all do our youth not have more faithfulness and Spirit. They'd been baptized and they had received the Gift of the Holy Ghost, why wasn't that an obvious presence in their life?
When I interviewed the Pastor and his wife, I asked them the question....how do you keep your children so strong in your faith?
The answer has stayed with me....we make sure that they have an experience by the age of 8, to where they feel the Holy Spirit so strong, they can't deny it.
For them speaking in tongues, by 8, was the experience they could not deny and powered them through high school.
The "age of 8". The age of baptism for LDS boys and girls. The age of receiving the greatest spiritual witness ever...the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
I think of the miracles of Pentecost in the NT and the Holy Ghost being given at baptism. I think of Simon the Sorcerer wanting to purchase the power to give the gift of the Holy Ghost and being rebuked. so interesting. Luke 2 and Luke 8. (I like thinking of the idea that I have a Gift that cannot be purchased!!)
Personally I feel I have not taken advantage of or enjoyed to the maximum or benefited, with a more constant source of direction, from the gift I was given at Baptism. Years past the age of 8!
That is my journey right now. To figure out how to gain greater spiritual power in order to receive more personal revelation. Following the whisperings. I've been reading a lot about the voice of prompting described as a still voice. And also what it takes to grow spiritually and improve and grow and pick it up a notch or two (or maybe a dozen or oodles?)
today I really savored this talk. I hope you take a bit of time to read it and think about it. Enjoy!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Two Firsts.
Sunday was a long busy day and I really enjoyed it. The thing that I'm most excited about in this new Stake calling as RS Secretary, is going to other Wards and meeting new people. I look forward to visiting their RS meetings and see 10 different groups share their way of doing things. It's pretty amazing to have such an opportunity.
It was a day of firsts. Our Ward Conference, and the first one I've missed, and that was sad for me. I view WC as a time of celebration, summation of a year of Ward activities and I personally love being with everyone and having all the Stake officers/auxiliaries present and then telling us how good we've done!! I enjoy that! Goals met and accomplishments noted. No one gets paid for serving so that little annual gold star of nice comments just feels like a victory! Who knows...they probably tell everyone the same thing but it's probably true for all of us. I missed the excitement of WC!
So I just shifted gears and focused on the task at hand in visiting the Spanish Branch in SS. Another first as we start the round of visiting all 10 units. We started off with an hour long training meeting and then moved on into a regular RS meeting. It was a wonderful experience to be in the presence of 35 or so beautiful women, using the same manual, hymnal etc. Even though I don't speak Spanish, I was able to understand what was going on by listening with the Spirit.
They were all relaxed, warm, friendly and participated in the lesson. The teacher was so prepared and I enjoyed thinking that they were learning about President George Albert Smith just like every women in the Church.
I look forward to working closely with my counterpart and getting on the computer and sharing things that are available for their RS to keep track of things and to move ahead with their plans of increased activity and especially VT.
The Gospel is just so wonderful and I know it's the restored Church and my life is full and happy because of it!
Want happy? Tuesday morning (tomorrow!) Sister Julie Beck will be the speaker at the BYU Devotional. It will be on KBYU. I look forward to that!
It was a day of firsts. Our Ward Conference, and the first one I've missed, and that was sad for me. I view WC as a time of celebration, summation of a year of Ward activities and I personally love being with everyone and having all the Stake officers/auxiliaries present and then telling us how good we've done!! I enjoy that! Goals met and accomplishments noted. No one gets paid for serving so that little annual gold star of nice comments just feels like a victory! Who knows...they probably tell everyone the same thing but it's probably true for all of us. I missed the excitement of WC!
So I just shifted gears and focused on the task at hand in visiting the Spanish Branch in SS. Another first as we start the round of visiting all 10 units. We started off with an hour long training meeting and then moved on into a regular RS meeting. It was a wonderful experience to be in the presence of 35 or so beautiful women, using the same manual, hymnal etc. Even though I don't speak Spanish, I was able to understand what was going on by listening with the Spirit.
They were all relaxed, warm, friendly and participated in the lesson. The teacher was so prepared and I enjoyed thinking that they were learning about President George Albert Smith just like every women in the Church.
I look forward to working closely with my counterpart and getting on the computer and sharing things that are available for their RS to keep track of things and to move ahead with their plans of increased activity and especially VT.
The Gospel is just so wonderful and I know it's the restored Church and my life is full and happy because of it!
Want happy? Tuesday morning (tomorrow!) Sister Julie Beck will be the speaker at the BYU Devotional. It will be on KBYU. I look forward to that!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Focus
You and I have great faith in Jesus Christ. We believe He is indeed the Son of God and He is our help in our times of trouble.
One of my favorite stories, that is such a strength to me, is in Matt. 14:22-31. This is the story of after feeding the 5 thousand, Jesus sent his disciples in a ship to to go to the other side and He went alone to pray. The weather kicked in and waves started tossing the boat and the hour got late. Somewhere between 3 and 6 in the morning, Jesus started walking, on the water, toward the boat. The disciples were afraid and thought He was a Spirit. Jesus spoke and reassured them that it was Him and to not be afraid.
Peter was excited and wanted to walk on the water also and Christ said...Come. Peter got off of the ship and started walking and then he sank.
Now a lot of people say he lost faith but if you read the scripture it doesn't say that at all. It says...But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid, and beginning to sink. At this moment he cried, saying...Lord, save me. the scriptures say that ...immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him... So when Peter took his eyes off of the Savior, lost his focus and started looking at the rough water caused by a wild wind, he sank but as soon as he looked to Christ, as he was sinking and simply said...Lord, save me...The Lord immediately reached out with his hand and caught hold of him.
When the storms have raged around me in my life, when there are boisterous winds, rough waters, and I'm sinking, I have found that in my mind's eye I recall this story. Because I know it is true, I know that power is still there.
When I start to look around and start to sink, I inwardly refocus and look to Christ and say...Lord, save me. He always does. At the worst moments in my life He has saved me from falling completely apart and I'm thankful for that.
I center myself and stop looking at all the stuff going on around me, all the boisterous things that stir up my life and I fix my gaze on the Lord. I will myself to look to Christ and He is there for me and He is there for you.
You have great faith and that will get you through this horrendous storm with side winds etc. all over the place. I know you are wonderful and loved by heavenly beings and that includes Christ.
You will make it through this calamitous time.
One of my favorite stories, that is such a strength to me, is in Matt. 14:22-31. This is the story of after feeding the 5 thousand, Jesus sent his disciples in a ship to to go to the other side and He went alone to pray. The weather kicked in and waves started tossing the boat and the hour got late. Somewhere between 3 and 6 in the morning, Jesus started walking, on the water, toward the boat. The disciples were afraid and thought He was a Spirit. Jesus spoke and reassured them that it was Him and to not be afraid.
Peter was excited and wanted to walk on the water also and Christ said...Come. Peter got off of the ship and started walking and then he sank.
Now a lot of people say he lost faith but if you read the scripture it doesn't say that at all. It says...But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid, and beginning to sink. At this moment he cried, saying...Lord, save me. the scriptures say that ...immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him... So when Peter took his eyes off of the Savior, lost his focus and started looking at the rough water caused by a wild wind, he sank but as soon as he looked to Christ, as he was sinking and simply said...Lord, save me...The Lord immediately reached out with his hand and caught hold of him.
When the storms have raged around me in my life, when there are boisterous winds, rough waters, and I'm sinking, I have found that in my mind's eye I recall this story. Because I know it is true, I know that power is still there.
When I start to look around and start to sink, I inwardly refocus and look to Christ and say...Lord, save me. He always does. At the worst moments in my life He has saved me from falling completely apart and I'm thankful for that.
I center myself and stop looking at all the stuff going on around me, all the boisterous things that stir up my life and I fix my gaze on the Lord. I will myself to look to Christ and He is there for me and He is there for you.
You have great faith and that will get you through this horrendous storm with side winds etc. all over the place. I know you are wonderful and loved by heavenly beings and that includes Christ.
You will make it through this calamitous time.
********************************
the above was written to a precious friend that was struggling. I remember now writing before a blog similar about Peter. (see below) I really and truly draw tremendous strength from Peter's experience. I use it a lot in my life!! I'm no storm chaser for sure!!
http://acandlestick.blogspot.com/2011/10/sure-footedness.html
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Match Up
Calling the Temple to make an appointment, giving my name and the scheduler said..."excellent patron".
I said...excuse me. are you saying something to me?
She said...I said 'excellent patron'.
I asked...why do you say that?
She replied...because of the Temple appointments you've made.
I was startled to hear her say that. I've thought a lot about what she said. Perhaps Temple Appointments Scheduled paint a story but the true story, the reality, the telling detail is not Temple appointments made but Temple appointments kept. No computer evidence, of calls of cancellations. or a no-show with no call at all. uh, um,....procrastinating. & letting daily life crowd out the real life of the Gospel and pushing the Temple appointment aside.
That sounded so wonderful. Excellent Patron. such a nice celestial sound. a little lustre to my life deeds. like a declaration of worth... Excellent Patron.
Taint so! Just being honest. We do the best we can but I do not feel Excellent Patron is our category. My heart and behavior is not in that computer data. I hope that someday the two match up but it's not there at this moment! I'm grateful for that sister saying what she did, as it's really made me think of the importance of doing the best we can, in Temple attendance, so we are what it appears we are in the data base!! We are good patrons and that gives us lots of growing room to achieve excellent patrons!
I said...excuse me. are you saying something to me?
She said...I said 'excellent patron'.
I asked...why do you say that?
She replied...because of the Temple appointments you've made.
I was startled to hear her say that. I've thought a lot about what she said. Perhaps Temple Appointments Scheduled paint a story but the true story, the reality, the telling detail is not Temple appointments made but Temple appointments kept. No computer evidence, of calls of cancellations. or a no-show with no call at all. uh, um,....procrastinating. & letting daily life crowd out the real life of the Gospel and pushing the Temple appointment aside.
That sounded so wonderful. Excellent Patron. such a nice celestial sound. a little lustre to my life deeds. like a declaration of worth... Excellent Patron.
Taint so! Just being honest. We do the best we can but I do not feel Excellent Patron is our category. My heart and behavior is not in that computer data. I hope that someday the two match up but it's not there at this moment! I'm grateful for that sister saying what she did, as it's really made me think of the importance of doing the best we can, in Temple attendance, so we are what it appears we are in the data base!! We are good patrons and that gives us lots of growing room to achieve excellent patrons!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Look who is here from Toppenish!!!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Learning about the enabling power.
Tuesday was one of those great days that just feels good. A friend had a birthday and we happened to have BookClub at her house so that was fun. She has health issues and I loved hearing the tender concern of the women as they asked her how she is doing and desiring to help her in some way.
Earlier in the day I witnessed a marvelous friend render service, in an act that went way beyond the ordinary, by doing physical work for someone that really needed help. To see her cheerfulness and willingness and kindness and gentleness and love, just melted my heart, and I said a prayer of gratitude for such a fantastic woman that is a dear friend.
In the midst of the chaos and storms, weather-wise and otherwise, in the world, I am thankful to feel peace within. My life is so blessed! I'm rich with wonderful women friends in my life that do so much to make the world a better place! be it a single home that needs a scrub-down or succeeding in the endeavors of their professional careers and always with the Gospel in their lives.
I continue to work on my quest of understanding personal application of the Atonement and increased tutoring from the Holy Ghost. Followed by increased obedience from me! Today I was educated and excited by what I learned from this fantastic talk by Elder Bednar before he was Elder Bednar. It is just so enlightening. I dare to say, there is no way that you will read this and not come out of the task, with knowledge/information that you have not thought of. It's that monumental!!
It will give you a brand new perspective! do yourself a huge gigantic favor and read Elder Bednar's speech....about the enabling power of the Atonement.
In the Strength of the Lord.
Oct. 23 2001
http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=browse&speaker=&topic=&type=&year=2001&x=14&y=4
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Because
True our joint Scripture study morning routine, is not glamorous. If you knocked on the door we'd most likely scurry and not be saying...oh, come on in and join us. Remember though that we have no children at home and neither of us has a job to hustle off to as many families do...you figure out what works for you and then you do it, enjoy it, learn from it and can then check off of your mental list--scripture study.
Perhaps there are those that would question the likes of what we call scripture study but if it's truth, it touches your heart, and you enjoy it- how can it be anything but wonderful?! We don't always wake up at the same time. When both of us are up, we immediately go to the office, find a conference talk on our computer and watch/listen, I follow in the magazine/Terry sits up close so he can hear. So bedhead, bath-robed, and all, we feel the Spirit. We have even listened via U-tube to the likes of Bruce R. McConkie and Neal A. Maxwell and President Hinckley and all sorts of wonderful speakers that we have loved and enjoyed.
As individuals we study, we talk about lessons, we talk about those type of things but this little tidbit of listening to a Conference talk together, or sometimes we read the old ones from the magazine--whichever way we do it, the sweetest Spirit accompanies those inspired messages and it is just wonderful!! Love it!
A couple of days ago we watched a Conf. talk from April 2006 by Elder Russell M. Nelson entitled Nurturing Marriage. At the end of the talk I was surprised when he quoted a song that was sung at our wedding!! Remember, we weren't in the Church when we got married and it was the custom to have a wedding singer, as a part of the ceremony, to sort of add some dignity and solemnity to the service. The minister had a list of suggested songs and they even had an organist and singer available. This one was written in 1902 by Edward Teschemacher and was popular with wedding of the day. Enjoy Elder Nelson's last paragraph and then the lyrics.
"When you as husband and wife recognize the divine design in your union—when you feel deeply that God has brought you to each other—your vision will be expanded and your understanding enhanced. Such feelings are expressed in words of a song that has long been a favorite of mine:"
Because
Because you come to me with naught save love,
And hold my hand and lift mine eyes above,
A wider world of hope and joy I see,
Because you come to me.
Because you speak to me in accents sweet,
I find the roses waking round my feet,
And I am led through tears and joy to thee,
Because you speak to me.
Because God made thee mine, I’ll cherish thee
Through light and darkness, through all time to be,
And pray His love may make our love divine,
Because God made thee mine.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Sorting and tossing and etc.!
NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The oceanfront mansion Tiger Woods' ex-wife purchased for $12.3 million has been demolished and she is planning to build a new home.
The Palm Beach Post ( bit.ly/Avza2Z) reports that Elin Nordegren (EE'-lihn NOHRD'-grihn) plans to build on the North Palm Beach lot she bought last year. The lot is about 140 miles southeast of Woods' home in Orlando.
The newspaper reports the mansion that was demolished was a two-story, 17,000-square-foot-home built in 1932. It had a swimming pool and an elevator.
Realtor John True of Oceanfront Realty says the lot is in the Seminole Landing development, among the most exclusive in Palm Beach County.
The Palm Beach Post ( bit.ly/Avza2Z) reports that Elin Nordegren (EE'-lihn NOHRD'-grihn) plans to build on the North Palm Beach lot she bought last year. The lot is about 140 miles southeast of Woods' home in Orlando.
The newspaper reports the mansion that was demolished was a two-story, 17,000-square-foot-home built in 1932. It had a swimming pool and an elevator.
Realtor John True of Oceanfront Realty says the lot is in the Seminole Landing development, among the most exclusive in Palm Beach County.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And the Football player (Brady) and the super model (Bundchen) and their new home is probably finished by now and it sports....22,000 sq.ft./8 bedrooms/18months to build/2wings connected by a covered bridge with all sorts of amenities. Cost? $20,000,000.00
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
At Terry's recent eye appointment I was reading a magazine called Dwell. It had people that were against "mindlessly accumulating" things/objects/stuff and opted to live in a state of "voluntary simplicity". A newly built loft complex was featured and showed several tenants that had purchased downsizing abodes. One couple had foregone their 3500 sq. ft. home for a new 750 square foot in the building. They were extremely happy with the decision.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Then I read in a recent magazine about The NO Trash Family. Since 2006 this couple, ages 37 and 48, along with their two sons, ages 11 & 10, have opted to reuse, recycle or compost everything possible so that they have no trash to throw away. They fill a 1-liter Mason jar with trash and the rest of us average 1,051 pounds annually! She even carries jars to stores to put her purchased goods in and she has a blog about her efforts.. thezerowastehome
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Then I read a book plug about a story I'd heard before. 2006, 14 year old riding with her Dad, pulls up to stop light. Teen notices Mercedes coupe on one side and homeless man on other side.
She makes observation...if that guy didn't have such a nice car then maybe that guy would have a meal.
The Dad counters with...What if we didn't have such a nice car?
So the family of 4 decides to downsize by selling their large home and move to a smaller house and use half of the sales proceeds to sponsor 2 villages in Ghana. And they did! Name of book?....The Power of Half by Hannah and Kevin Salwen.
She makes observation...if that guy didn't have such a nice car then maybe that guy would have a meal.
The Dad counters with...What if we didn't have such a nice car?
So the family of 4 decides to downsize by selling their large home and move to a smaller house and use half of the sales proceeds to sponsor 2 villages in Ghana. And they did! Name of book?....The Power of Half by Hannah and Kevin Salwen.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ah, yes. First of the year! Time for my annual....Just ready to de-junk and downsize in my own way (again!!)!!! Dug through a pile of stuff and found a sign that I love. Buried and never hung! but I enjoy it anyhow when it surfaces (plus I see the humor in me having it stowed!)
SIMPLIFY
LIVE
SIMPLY
******
LIVE
WELL
Friday, January 6, 2012
Quotes that appear lighthearted at first reading!
“Tell the truth and tell it ever, costeth what it will;
for he who hides the wrong he did,
does the wrong thing still.”
--by Zig Ziglar
(quoting his Mother)
*******************************************
Be who you are
and say what you feel
because
those who mind don't matter
and
those who matter don't mind.
--by Dr. Seuss
*************************************
Whatever needs a backward walking...
leave behind.
move forward!
**************************************
The past is to learn from,
not to live in.
--by Richard L. Evans
********************
(little gems. love them!! hope you enjoyed them)
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Something to think about
These 5 short chapters remind me of my Spiritual journey, on learning and improving communication with the Holy Ghost, and the prompts I am endeavoring to take action on immediately and not delay/procrastinate/ignore in responding .
the following one page is delightful and you will see the truth in this...
http://www.panhala.net/Archive/Autobiography.html
the following one page is delightful and you will see the truth in this...
AUTOBIOGRAPHY
in
FIVE SHORT CHAPTERS
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Quiet One-Liners
- J.W. Anderson sent the following comment yesterday. (that reminds me...I really want to have there be some way that comments show down the side and others can comment on others comments. awkward sentence but you know what I mean. I'm clueless but someone knows how and I will find them!) Anyhow I enjoyed what JW said....
If we could all just desire to have a greater out-pouring of the spirit in our lives and then actually "move upon" what he gives us...what a different experience we would have! Our greatest gift....agency. What we fought for! There is such clarity, inspiration, enlightenment and personal revelation at our fingertips. My problem is that I typically have the "volume" of my daily routine turned up so loud, I couldn't feel the spirit (much less hear it) if it were screaming in my face. My goal this year is to turn the "volume" down and create an inviting space for the spirit to be heard. Thank you for your inspiration and example!!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
A Passing Thought
Well, just when I was thinking...yikes! did I really put my creed out there? Terry was right! Who does that? Then Chelle sent a note and I took fresh courage! This blog isn't about anything except my thoughts, feelings, challenges, and life in general. My creed, that I love by the way!, are little reminders to me of what works for me in dealing with life's situations. How I want to handle them. Things to remind me that I want to grow and develop in all areas of my life.
A new year! Isn't this when we all evaluate and renew anew for the new year? My creed has nothing to do with my goals. Now my goals, some I've had on my list for so long that I can easily say ditto 1, ditto 2 etc. etc. One goal I really want to accomplish is listening to the Spirit and then actually doing what I feel prompted to do. Each time. I'm usually working on this so it's not the first time around but I'm really wanting to focus in 2012 on carrying things out. I want the enhanced HD experience of hearing and doing as prompted by the Holy Ghost. Listening and following subtle prompts will lead to greater direction. of that I'm sure.
So we go into Cascade Eye Care to get Terry glasses (yes, he had cataract surgery and yes, he still needs glasses and yes, that is not what he wanted. At all.) He forgets his hearing aids so I'm his ears. The lady asks me to go over to a podium and sign in. His name is 3rd on the list of 20 lines. We sit in the waiting room. Talking. And then we start reading.
The clear soft thought pops into my mind...they crossed his name off the list.
I ignore it and keep on reading.
then it starts to bother me and I tell Terry...I think they crossed your name off the list.
He- They said they'd call my name. They'll call.
It's a large office with lots of people and workers scurrying all over. Of course they'll call him! Silly me. Back to reading. I can't shake the thought that they have crossed his name off the list already.
Me- I really think they crossed your name off the list. I'm going to check.
He smiles at me and sort of nods his head like...I don't think so.
A worker stands at the podium and I look at the list, with a hot pink marker line drawn through Terry's name, and ask quietly ask- what does that mean? She explains the ones marked out are the patients we've seen. I point to #3 on the list and then point to Terry and tell her that he's still waiting.
She says ...Oh! Terry we will see you now.
Terry asks me, in passing- What happened?
Me- They had crossed your name off the list.
We look at each other. He smiles and nods his head like... That beats all doesn't it?
I'm thinking to myself. I've got to pickup quicker on this sort of thing. If something isn't illegal or immoral or won't bring harm to anyone, including me, then I need to stop fiddling around and get up and take action. Move. Do. Thoughts unbidden that seem out of left field, quiet and soft but definite and clear, need me to stop second guessing and just take action. I sat there while names #1-15 got crossed off! Vacillating...shall I check? or shall I not check? Telling Terry. Then Asking Terry...shall I go see if your name is crossed off? Yes? No?
The reminder thought came to me as this has happened before. When something comes to me then I don't really need to take a poll of everyone in the room or in range of my voice or even speak softly to Terry about it. I need to go and do. Get up and go. Move. Not question. Heed. Hearken.
This was not a life and death situation. This was something that would have saved us a lot of time and would have been lovely to just quickly go in, get the frames picked etc., and leave. It was a nicety type of a gift. a thoughtful gift. yes, I do consider it a gift. Not necessary by any means but just a loving gesture that I toyed with.
A few days later, I was working on an assignment from the Stake RSP. Secretarial things like....take 9 Ward conferences, held in 5 buildings, find out when their Ward Conferences are, find out what time their SS and RS are, and then figure out a schedule to visit each one along with sandwiching a monthly Stake RSP meeting in each month from Jan.-Mar. at these visits, and figure out which ones we will also go to Sac. meeting AND make it on any Sunday except their Ward Conf. Sunday. oh, and remember lunch. I blanched. Yikes!
Then the Stake RSP took pity on me and gave me what the previous Sec. had done last year. A little difficult to follow but I plugged away at it and finally came up with the first draft for the Stake RSP. Oh, I forgot to mention one little thing very early on in my puzzling over all these times etc. A very quiet, clear sentence ran through my head....You better check the meeting times. Did I listen? Well, yes, I sure did. I heard it distinctly. Did I check the meeting times? NO! I reasoned in my little spacey airhead...there are plenty of buildings now so probably no one changes times. Things are fine. It's okay.
Were things okay? NO! I had to redo the entire thing!! The Stake RSP sent me a list, a fine line detailed list of all the High Council Ward assignments and told me to check over that for the new meeting times. I gasped at the task. Later I went to work on it again. But second time around when I was pondering the task and heading back to the attachment, I very distinctly heard in a very soft quiet way...read to the end. The end? wasn't I on the last page? checking it over very carefully I discovered there were 9 pages and on the 9th page, seemingly unrelated, was every bit of info I needed in a lovely chart with Ward name, Building used and times listed for Sac., SS, RS. Ah, bliss.
When I was baptized I was given the most wonderful gift in the world. The Gift of the Holy Ghost. I really want His presence more in my life. I want more personal revelation. I want to be led more by the Spirit. I want to experience that gift to the fullest. Well, it looks like the evidence shows that I have quite a ways to go but I'm making great effort to listen and act on the whisperings of that still small voice.
A new year! Isn't this when we all evaluate and renew anew for the new year? My creed has nothing to do with my goals. Now my goals, some I've had on my list for so long that I can easily say ditto 1, ditto 2 etc. etc. One goal I really want to accomplish is listening to the Spirit and then actually doing what I feel prompted to do. Each time. I'm usually working on this so it's not the first time around but I'm really wanting to focus in 2012 on carrying things out. I want the enhanced HD experience of hearing and doing as prompted by the Holy Ghost. Listening and following subtle prompts will lead to greater direction. of that I'm sure.
So we go into Cascade Eye Care to get Terry glasses (yes, he had cataract surgery and yes, he still needs glasses and yes, that is not what he wanted. At all.) He forgets his hearing aids so I'm his ears. The lady asks me to go over to a podium and sign in. His name is 3rd on the list of 20 lines. We sit in the waiting room. Talking. And then we start reading.
The clear soft thought pops into my mind...they crossed his name off the list.
I ignore it and keep on reading.
then it starts to bother me and I tell Terry...I think they crossed your name off the list.
He- They said they'd call my name. They'll call.
It's a large office with lots of people and workers scurrying all over. Of course they'll call him! Silly me. Back to reading. I can't shake the thought that they have crossed his name off the list already.
Me- I really think they crossed your name off the list. I'm going to check.
He smiles at me and sort of nods his head like...I don't think so.
A worker stands at the podium and I look at the list, with a hot pink marker line drawn through Terry's name, and ask quietly ask- what does that mean? She explains the ones marked out are the patients we've seen. I point to #3 on the list and then point to Terry and tell her that he's still waiting.
She says ...Oh! Terry we will see you now.
Terry asks me, in passing- What happened?
Me- They had crossed your name off the list.
We look at each other. He smiles and nods his head like... That beats all doesn't it?
I'm thinking to myself. I've got to pickup quicker on this sort of thing. If something isn't illegal or immoral or won't bring harm to anyone, including me, then I need to stop fiddling around and get up and take action. Move. Do. Thoughts unbidden that seem out of left field, quiet and soft but definite and clear, need me to stop second guessing and just take action. I sat there while names #1-15 got crossed off! Vacillating...shall I check? or shall I not check? Telling Terry. Then Asking Terry...shall I go see if your name is crossed off? Yes? No?
The reminder thought came to me as this has happened before. When something comes to me then I don't really need to take a poll of everyone in the room or in range of my voice or even speak softly to Terry about it. I need to go and do. Get up and go. Move. Not question. Heed. Hearken.
This was not a life and death situation. This was something that would have saved us a lot of time and would have been lovely to just quickly go in, get the frames picked etc., and leave. It was a nicety type of a gift. a thoughtful gift. yes, I do consider it a gift. Not necessary by any means but just a loving gesture that I toyed with.
A few days later, I was working on an assignment from the Stake RSP. Secretarial things like....take 9 Ward conferences, held in 5 buildings, find out when their Ward Conferences are, find out what time their SS and RS are, and then figure out a schedule to visit each one along with sandwiching a monthly Stake RSP meeting in each month from Jan.-Mar. at these visits, and figure out which ones we will also go to Sac. meeting AND make it on any Sunday except their Ward Conf. Sunday. oh, and remember lunch. I blanched. Yikes!
Then the Stake RSP took pity on me and gave me what the previous Sec. had done last year. A little difficult to follow but I plugged away at it and finally came up with the first draft for the Stake RSP. Oh, I forgot to mention one little thing very early on in my puzzling over all these times etc. A very quiet, clear sentence ran through my head....You better check the meeting times. Did I listen? Well, yes, I sure did. I heard it distinctly. Did I check the meeting times? NO! I reasoned in my little spacey airhead...there are plenty of buildings now so probably no one changes times. Things are fine. It's okay.
Were things okay? NO! I had to redo the entire thing!! The Stake RSP sent me a list, a fine line detailed list of all the High Council Ward assignments and told me to check over that for the new meeting times. I gasped at the task. Later I went to work on it again. But second time around when I was pondering the task and heading back to the attachment, I very distinctly heard in a very soft quiet way...read to the end. The end? wasn't I on the last page? checking it over very carefully I discovered there were 9 pages and on the 9th page, seemingly unrelated, was every bit of info I needed in a lovely chart with Ward name, Building used and times listed for Sac., SS, RS. Ah, bliss.
When I was baptized I was given the most wonderful gift in the world. The Gift of the Holy Ghost. I really want His presence more in my life. I want more personal revelation. I want to be led more by the Spirit. I want to experience that gift to the fullest. Well, it looks like the evidence shows that I have quite a ways to go but I'm making great effort to listen and act on the whisperings of that still small voice.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Creed updated for 2012
Happy New Year!!! 2012!!!
I've thought about my Creed for a few weeks, mulling over and deciding if I want to make any changes. I decided I don't want to drop anything. I did take the numbers off as one is no more important to me than any other. And I did add the first three listings as new ideals for my personal life. This is not a goal list or a to do list or a New Years Resolution type thing. This is not a list of Gospel acts of obedience.
George Albert Smith wrote a creed for himself and ages ago when I heard about that fact-I wanted one too. So I wrote one. A New Year makes a good time to review and revise. I'm sure George Albert Smith left his as is each year but I check mine over.
This is just a list of truths that I want to live by. It's my way of handling my life and it's many situations. Character traits that I want ingrained in me.
My sweet husband just said, with a sound of disbelief in his voice...
You aren't going to put that on your blog are you?....
Yes. I am.
He said...Really?! what kind of person puts that personal stuff on their blog?...
I said...Me.
I share myself as I write and this is something that I'm trying to incorporate into my soul. These are good words that help me to deal with many life complexities. So welcome to a peek into my private thoughts and desires as I share...
My Personal Creed
Express...Thankfulness & Gratitude
Be generous
Nothing changes if nothing changes
Refuse to be offended
Trust but verify (thanks, President Reagan, for that one!)
Forgive everyone everything
Even the thinnest of pancakes has 2 sides
Let go and let God (isn't thanks due to AA on this one?)
Don't want more for people than they want for themselves
When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.
(thank you...Thomas Jefferson)
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and
expecting different results. (thank you...Albert Einstein)
Love unconditionally
Pray unceasingly
Keep all confidences
************************
(previous blog about creed)
http://acandlestick.blogspot.com/2011/12/creed-checking-time.html
I've thought about my Creed for a few weeks, mulling over and deciding if I want to make any changes. I decided I don't want to drop anything. I did take the numbers off as one is no more important to me than any other. And I did add the first three listings as new ideals for my personal life. This is not a goal list or a to do list or a New Years Resolution type thing. This is not a list of Gospel acts of obedience.
George Albert Smith wrote a creed for himself and ages ago when I heard about that fact-I wanted one too. So I wrote one. A New Year makes a good time to review and revise. I'm sure George Albert Smith left his as is each year but I check mine over.
This is just a list of truths that I want to live by. It's my way of handling my life and it's many situations. Character traits that I want ingrained in me.
My sweet husband just said, with a sound of disbelief in his voice...
You aren't going to put that on your blog are you?....
Yes. I am.
He said...Really?! what kind of person puts that personal stuff on their blog?...
I said...Me.
I share myself as I write and this is something that I'm trying to incorporate into my soul. These are good words that help me to deal with many life complexities. So welcome to a peek into my private thoughts and desires as I share...
My Personal Creed
Express...Thankfulness & Gratitude
Be generous
Nothing changes if nothing changes
Refuse to be offended
Trust but verify (thanks, President Reagan, for that one!)
Forgive everyone everything
Even the thinnest of pancakes has 2 sides
Let go and let God (isn't thanks due to AA on this one?)
Don't want more for people than they want for themselves
When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.
(thank you...Thomas Jefferson)
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and
expecting different results. (thank you...Albert Einstein)
Love unconditionally
Pray unceasingly
Keep all confidences
************************
(previous blog about creed)
http://acandlestick.blogspot.com/2011/12/creed-checking-time.html
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