It started yesterday and really hit me today that since Stroke Day, January 21st, 5 weeks ago, I've been trying to get a handle on handling my life and settling down and letting a new sort of routine enter in. I know more than anything that Terry and I are a team on doing this therapy to help him continue his miraculous recovery and it takes our mornings. I need to regroup and reconfigure my time and change things up a bit. I thought I had it all together and realize I don't. I feel scattered and not in control of my life and I don't like that feeling. I'm going to catch up on some things left undone for 5 weeks, make a new schedule for us, and will be back here no later than Wednesday, March 6.
I find that writing my blog is one of the most comforting enjoyable things that I do. Right now my mind isn't still. I'm not relaxed and at peace when I sit to talk to you. My mind keeps jumping to other thoughts and things I should do. So I'm going to do them!!
I love being in contact with each of you this blog-way and enjoy the connection we have. I appreciate your support and encouragement and I know some of you will have concern for me but I want to reassure you that I'm okay. I'm not in some mind boggling depression or a life event of some huge sorrow or disaster or the likes. I just need to do the time shuffle dance and focus on rearranging my life to feel I'm in control of it! I'll take 7 days and do it!!! See you here. March 6th.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
this is tender and touching!
Sorry that I can't figure out how to get the video on here so you don't have to double click but this is as good as it can be this morning! This is heavenly to listen to!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=YhaFDLexSAo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=YhaFDLexSAo
Monday, February 25, 2013
Ultimate Party!!
Such a fantastic progress and the PT only wants one appointment a week and not two. 45 minutes instead of 1.5 hours! Marvelous!
Riding along and talking about the miracle we were in the midst of living and I said...Do you think this stroke will be enough life experiences for us? he said....Of course not. Trials and tests will just keep coming.
I knew he was right but it doesn't hurt to ask does it???
We talked about adversity and trials, of which all of us have had our share, and the importance of getting through them. It reminded me when he was in the in-patient Rehab Center and I'd brought the RS/Priesthood manual for me to read something to him.
I wondered if there was anything about tests/trials/adversity and opted to read Chapter 7- to us. Faithfulness in Times of Trial: "From the Shadows into the Glorious Sunshine". This has got to be one of the greatest compilations on the subject I've ever read!! I love it when I hear a story I've never heard before and this chapter had one in it.
The saints had left Nauvoo in 1846 and President Snow and his family lived, for 2 years, in Mount Pisgah, Iowa. Several months after arriving he was call to preside over the settlement until they left for SLC in 1848.
“By this time,” he later recorded, “the Saints in Pisgah were in a very destitute condition, not only for food and clothing, but also for teams and wagons to proceed on their journey. Several families were entirely out of provision, and dependent on the charity of their neighbors, who, in most cases, were illy prepared to exercise that virtue. But, above all this, a sweeping sickness had visited the settlement, when there were not sufficient well ones to nurse the sick; and death followed in the wake, and fathers, mothers, children, brothers, sisters and dearest friends fell victims to the destroyer, and were buried with little ceremony, and some destitute of proper burial clothes. Thus were sorrow and mourning added to destitution.”
He did all that he could to organize the people and to set a good example. Then he did, to me anyhow, the most amazing thing--he encouraged them to nourish themselves spiritually and to enjoy wholesome entertainment.
Can you even begin to imagine the deprivation they were enduring, trying to help each other, trying to get ready to trek the plains, people dying etc. etc. Not enough of anything it seems and the leader says....Let's have a fun party and enjoy ourselves!!
This has to be the most clever party I've ever heard of. Ever! This should be featured on Pinterest or some RS party guide for a "Free Yourself of the Doldrums/Dreariness/Stress of Life" party.
If you feel incline to duplicate this event then here is how to do it....in his own words.
Is that not the most fun thing ever? (Martha Stewart- take notes) sculpted turnips!...original votive candle holders! hanging lights! fabric draped walls! homespun look-straw floor! and did it work? did it help people to feel better?....
Lorenzo recalled that “the hours were enlivened, and happily passed.” He and his guests entertained one another with speeches, songs, and recitations. He said, “At the close, all seemed perfectly satisfied, and withdrew, feeling as happy as though they were not homeless.”
I was so smitten by this story that I longed to go shopping for ceramic turnips and throw a party! Of course I didn't but I did find it interesting that a few days before I read this to us that I'd asked a friend if we could watch The Nutcracker when things settled down a bit. I said I wanted to do something "normal". During this time, I also had purchased season tickets to Aiken Center Theater for their theater in the round. I'd thought about going to get a manicure. Inviting someone to go get a pedicure with me. I was looking ahead to Leavenworth Summer Theatre schedule and planning dates for The Sound of Music.
I learned that those are good feelings to have-- The desire to do something rejuvenating to strengthen you to carry on your tasks/realities at hand is healthy.
Lunch anyone???
Riding along and talking about the miracle we were in the midst of living and I said...Do you think this stroke will be enough life experiences for us? he said....Of course not. Trials and tests will just keep coming.
I knew he was right but it doesn't hurt to ask does it???
We talked about adversity and trials, of which all of us have had our share, and the importance of getting through them. It reminded me when he was in the in-patient Rehab Center and I'd brought the RS/Priesthood manual for me to read something to him.
I wondered if there was anything about tests/trials/adversity and opted to read Chapter 7- to us. Faithfulness in Times of Trial: "From the Shadows into the Glorious Sunshine". This has got to be one of the greatest compilations on the subject I've ever read!! I love it when I hear a story I've never heard before and this chapter had one in it.
The saints had left Nauvoo in 1846 and President Snow and his family lived, for 2 years, in Mount Pisgah, Iowa. Several months after arriving he was call to preside over the settlement until they left for SLC in 1848.
“By this time,” he later recorded, “the Saints in Pisgah were in a very destitute condition, not only for food and clothing, but also for teams and wagons to proceed on their journey. Several families were entirely out of provision, and dependent on the charity of their neighbors, who, in most cases, were illy prepared to exercise that virtue. But, above all this, a sweeping sickness had visited the settlement, when there were not sufficient well ones to nurse the sick; and death followed in the wake, and fathers, mothers, children, brothers, sisters and dearest friends fell victims to the destroyer, and were buried with little ceremony, and some destitute of proper burial clothes. Thus were sorrow and mourning added to destitution.”
He did all that he could to organize the people and to set a good example. Then he did, to me anyhow, the most amazing thing--he encouraged them to nourish themselves spiritually and to enjoy wholesome entertainment.
Can you even begin to imagine the deprivation they were enduring, trying to help each other, trying to get ready to trek the plains, people dying etc. etc. Not enough of anything it seems and the leader says....Let's have a fun party and enjoy ourselves!!
This has to be the most clever party I've ever heard of. Ever! This should be featured on Pinterest or some RS party guide for a "Free Yourself of the Doldrums/Dreariness/Stress of Life" party.
If you feel incline to duplicate this event then here is how to do it....in his own words.
“During the long winter months,” he said, “I sought to keep up the spirits and courage of the Saints in Pisgah, not only by inaugurating meetings for religious worship and exercises, in different parts of the settlement, but also by making provisions for, and encouraging proper amusements of various kinds. …
“As a sample, I will attempt a description of one, which I improvised for the entertainment of as many as I could reasonably crowd together in my humble family mansion, which was a one-story edifice, about fifteen by thirty [about four and one-half meters by nine meters], constructed of logs, with a dirt roof and ground floor, displaying at one end a chimney of modest height, made of turf cut from the bosom of Mother Earth. Expressly for the occasion we carpeted the floor with a thin coating of clean straw, and draped the walls with white sheets drawn from our featherless beds.
“How to light our hall suitably for the coming event was a consideration of no small moment, and one which levied a generous contribution on our ingenuity. But we succeeded. From the pit where they were buried, we selected the largest and fairest turnips—scooped out the interior, and fixed short candles in them, placing them at intervals around the walls, suspending others to the ceiling above, which was formed of earth and cane. Those lights imparted a very peaceable, quiet … influence, and the light reflected through those turnip rinds imparted a very picturesque appearance.
“During the evening exercises, several of my friends, in the warmest expressions possible, complimented me and my family for the peculiar taste and ingenuity displayed in those unique and inexpensive arrangements.”
Talk about re-purposing. Making do with what you have on hand. Taking care of details.Is that not the most fun thing ever? (Martha Stewart- take notes) sculpted turnips!...original votive candle holders! hanging lights! fabric draped walls! homespun look-straw floor! and did it work? did it help people to feel better?....
Lorenzo recalled that “the hours were enlivened, and happily passed.” He and his guests entertained one another with speeches, songs, and recitations. He said, “At the close, all seemed perfectly satisfied, and withdrew, feeling as happy as though they were not homeless.”
I was so smitten by this story that I longed to go shopping for ceramic turnips and throw a party! Of course I didn't but I did find it interesting that a few days before I read this to us that I'd asked a friend if we could watch The Nutcracker when things settled down a bit. I said I wanted to do something "normal". During this time, I also had purchased season tickets to Aiken Center Theater for their theater in the round. I'd thought about going to get a manicure. Inviting someone to go get a pedicure with me. I was looking ahead to Leavenworth Summer Theatre schedule and planning dates for The Sound of Music.
I learned that those are good feelings to have-- The desire to do something rejuvenating to strengthen you to carry on your tasks/realities at hand is healthy.
Lunch anyone???
Friday, February 22, 2013
Shoes
Things are moving along just one great thing after the other and we (and the PT and OT folks) are so impressed.
He bypassed the high-top tennis shoes but decided that he needed new shoes and he wanted the Dr. Scholl insole ones. wide width. available at WalMart. so we went there after his PT. We found his size and I handed him a black pair. He pulled out a white pair. It wasn't a loud verbal debate but we were talking in a hopefully lower register conversational voice.
First of all he had bought red sweatpants. To wear around the house and in the yard and ....to PT. Then he chooses white shoes.
He said he just really likes them. I was sarcastic and said he looked like a Christmas elf....or a hospital candy-striper volunteer. He said, in a very nice matter of fact voice...I don't really care because this is what I like and this is what I'm going to wear.
Don't look for him on any designer shows or being hired as a runway model and don't think this has anything to do with having a stroke, this is just how people get when they approach the 3/4 century mark in life lived. You just get all comfy and opinionated and totally unconcerned what others might think of you.
I was faulting him and I knew, all that time, that I had bought a pair of shoes last week and tucked them away on top of some scrapbooks (most of which are still not filled! I'm so bad!!!). tucked. is that a synonym for hide? These shoes are bright red and remind me of Dorothy's shoes from the Wizard of Oz. I love them. He will be stunned (with shock) that I bought something with glitter bows on them and will give me the same grilling that I gave him. AND I will react the same way to his comments and not be bothered in the least by his objections.
I intend on wearing them to the Stake Talent show! Yes! so festive.
So here we are the elf and Dorothy (or am I that witch?) moving ahead in life and thankful for every moment.
old post on Ruby Slippers
He bypassed the high-top tennis shoes but decided that he needed new shoes and he wanted the Dr. Scholl insole ones. wide width. available at WalMart. so we went there after his PT. We found his size and I handed him a black pair. He pulled out a white pair. It wasn't a loud verbal debate but we were talking in a hopefully lower register conversational voice.
First of all he had bought red sweatpants. To wear around the house and in the yard and ....to PT. Then he chooses white shoes.
He said he just really likes them. I was sarcastic and said he looked like a Christmas elf....or a hospital candy-striper volunteer. He said, in a very nice matter of fact voice...I don't really care because this is what I like and this is what I'm going to wear.
Don't look for him on any designer shows or being hired as a runway model and don't think this has anything to do with having a stroke, this is just how people get when they approach the 3/4 century mark in life lived. You just get all comfy and opinionated and totally unconcerned what others might think of you.
I was faulting him and I knew, all that time, that I had bought a pair of shoes last week and tucked them away on top of some scrapbooks (most of which are still not filled! I'm so bad!!!). tucked. is that a synonym for hide? These shoes are bright red and remind me of Dorothy's shoes from the Wizard of Oz. I love them. He will be stunned (with shock) that I bought something with glitter bows on them and will give me the same grilling that I gave him. AND I will react the same way to his comments and not be bothered in the least by his objections.
I intend on wearing them to the Stake Talent show! Yes! so festive.
So here we are the elf and Dorothy (or am I that witch?) moving ahead in life and thankful for every moment.
 |
| My Elf--all dressed up! |
 |
| Is hiding shoes a form of deceit? lying? Probably. |
 |
| Auntie Em! Oh, Auntie Em!! |
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A friend sent this to me today...I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
You know. . . Time has a way of moving quickly and catching you
unaware of the passing years. It seems just yesterday that I was young, just
married and embarking on my new life with my mate. Yet in a way, it seems
like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them
all. I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams.
unaware of the passing years. It seems just yesterday that I was young, just
married and embarking on my new life with my mate. Yet in a way, it seems
like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them
all. I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams.
But, here it is... The winter of my
life and it catches me by
surprise....How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth
go? I remember well seeing older people through the years and thinking that
those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off
that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like.
But, here it is...my friends are retired and getting grey...they move
slower and I see an older person now. Some are in better and some worse
shape than me...but, I see the great change...Not like the ones that I remember
who were young and vibrant...but, like me, their age is beginning to show
and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd
be.
surprise....How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth
go? I remember well seeing older people through the years and thinking that
those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off
that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like.
But, here it is...my friends are retired and getting grey...they move
slower and I see an older person now. Some are in better and some worse
shape than me...but, I see the great change...Not like the ones that I remember
who were young and vibrant...but, like me, their age is beginning to show
and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd
be.
Each day now, I find that just
getting a shower is a real target for
the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore... it's mandatory! Cause
if I don't on my own free will... I just fall asleep where I sit!
And so...now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for
all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do
things that I wish I had done but never did!! But, at least I know, that
though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last...this I
know, that when it's over on this earth...it’s over. A new adventure will begin!
Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done...things I should
have done, but indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's
all in a lifetime.
So, if you're not in your winter yet...let me remind you, that it will be
here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in
your life please do it quickly! Don't put things off too long!! Life
goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether
this is your winter or not! You have no promise that you will see all the
seasons of your life...so, live for today and say all the things that you want
your loved ones to remember...and hope that they appreciate and love you
for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!!
"Life" is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to
those who come after. Make it a fantastic one.
LIVE IT WELL!
ENJOY TODAY!
DO SOMETHING FUN!
BE HAPPY !
HAVE A GREAT DAY
the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore... it's mandatory! Cause
if I don't on my own free will... I just fall asleep where I sit!
And so...now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for
all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do
things that I wish I had done but never did!! But, at least I know, that
though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last...this I
know, that when it's over on this earth...it’s over. A new adventure will begin!
Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done...things I should
have done, but indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's
all in a lifetime.
So, if you're not in your winter yet...let me remind you, that it will be
here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in
your life please do it quickly! Don't put things off too long!! Life
goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether
this is your winter or not! You have no promise that you will see all the
seasons of your life...so, live for today and say all the things that you want
your loved ones to remember...and hope that they appreciate and love you
for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!!
"Life" is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to
those who come after. Make it a fantastic one.
LIVE IT WELL!
ENJOY TODAY!
DO SOMETHING FUN!
BE HAPPY !
HAVE A GREAT DAY
And I Love each
and everyone of you, some as my children, or grand &
great grandchildren, and some as old friends or relatives, and one
special one "just because I want to".
Remember "It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and
silver
LIVE HAPPY IN 2013! LASTLY, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU'VE EVER BEEN,YET THE YOUNGEST YOU'LL EVER BE
SO - ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS.
~Your kids are becoming you......but your grandchildren are perfect!
~Going out is good.. Coming home is better!
~You forget names.... But it's OK because other people forgot they
even knew you!!!
~You realize you're never going to be really good at anything....Especially golf.
~The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you
really do care that you don't care to do them anymore.
~You sleep better on a lounge chair with the TV blaring than in bed. It's called "pre-sleep".
~You miss the days when everything worked with just an "ON" and "OFF" switch
.~You tend to use more 4 letter words ... "what?"..."when?"... ???
~Now that you can afford expensive jewelry, it's not safe to wear it anywhere.
~You notice everything they sell in stores is "sleeveless"?!!!
~What used to be freckles are now liver spots.
~Everybody whispers.
~You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet.... 2 of which you will
never wear.
great grandchildren, and some as old friends or relatives, and one
special one "just because I want to".
Remember "It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and
silver
LIVE HAPPY IN 2013! LASTLY, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU'VE EVER BEEN,YET THE YOUNGEST YOU'LL EVER BE
SO - ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS.
~Your kids are becoming you......but your grandchildren are perfect!
~Going out is good.. Coming home is better!
~You forget names.... But it's OK because other people forgot they
even knew you!!!
~You realize you're never going to be really good at anything....Especially golf.
~The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you
really do care that you don't care to do them anymore.
~You sleep better on a lounge chair with the TV blaring than in bed. It's called "pre-sleep".
~You miss the days when everything worked with just an "ON" and "OFF" switch
.~You tend to use more 4 letter words ... "what?"..."when?"... ???
~Now that you can afford expensive jewelry, it's not safe to wear it anywhere.
~You notice everything they sell in stores is "sleeveless"?!!!
~What used to be freckles are now liver spots.
~Everybody whispers.
~You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet.... 2 of which you will
never wear.
~~~But Old is good in some things: Old Songs, Old movies, and best
of
all, OLD FRIENDS!!
all, OLD FRIENDS!!
Stay well, "OLD FRIEND!" Send this on to other
"Old Friends!" and let
them laugh in an AGREEMENT!!!
them laugh in an AGREEMENT!!!
It's Not What
You Gather, But What You Scatter That Tells What Kind
Of Life You Have Lived.!!!
Of Life You Have Lived.!!!
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Celebration Time!!!
A Tuesday celebration!!
Went to Therapy and the OT said he doesn't need to come back!!! They have done what they can to restore him to "normal". Just some appointments left for PT. Threee more currently scheduled but they were going over his charts/stats when we left and will let us know.
We are so thankful and so grateful and so happy!!!
Thanks again for prayers and love from each of you. Hugs to you from me!
Terry had a little headache this afternoon and rested and then ended up doing this!!!.....
Can you imagine how happy and thankful I am??????? 29 days ago he had his stroke!!!
Went to Therapy and the OT said he doesn't need to come back!!! They have done what they can to restore him to "normal". Just some appointments left for PT. Threee more currently scheduled but they were going over his charts/stats when we left and will let us know.
We are so thankful and so grateful and so happy!!!
Thanks again for prayers and love from each of you. Hugs to you from me!
Terry had a little headache this afternoon and rested and then ended up doing this!!!.....
Can you imagine how happy and thankful I am??????? 29 days ago he had his stroke!!!
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Great statement.....
I think this is so amazing. there is no credit as to who wrote it. I've enjoyed it before. I know it was in an RS manual at some point or a Gen. Conf. talk. Do you know?
Monday, February 18, 2013
Sweet Comfort
Seems our life has sort of leveled out to our new norm. Probably be involved with PT/OT therapy each morning M-F, either as outpatient or here at home. noon lunch. a snooze. and on with the day, looks to be our plan!
He continues to just be doing marvelous and that makes us both happy as clams (how happy is that???!!) The stroke situation is moving right along on track for that life train of experience.
The challenge right now is to figure out how to find something to help with his neuralgia. So we will get to work on that. Question in my mind....if you try acupuncture and you are on blood thinner, would that be an Uh-oh...Oopsie....Sorry situation? With little blood gushers in every needle poke hole? A bit more thought needed before trying that as a possible remedy. We'd already been cautioned to watch for little cuts etc.
In the midst of regrouping this last week, I've thought a lot about things that helped me cope with this situation, of dealing with the shock of being awakened, from a sound sleep, with a bright blinding bedside lamp turned on and hearing....I think I'm having a stroke. Now if that won't wake you with a start then I don't know what will. Truly I don't!
I have been fascinated with Section 25 of the D&C since I first read it. It's to Emma Smith. A part of her charge (vs 11) was.... to make a selection of sacred hymns, as it shall be given thee, which is pleasing unto me, to be had in my church.
(vs12) For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.
I was interested in this scripture about the power, residing in the singing, of those specifically selected Hymns. Through the singing of those pleasing selections a person could bring blessings upon their heads!
In 1985, 150 years from the printing of that first Hymnal mentioned in Sec. 25, the Church published a revised book. We were in AK, and our son and his wife were earning money for college and living with us. Lorrie plays the piano. When the new hymnbooks arrived, she and I spent literally hours comparing all the hymns, seeing what was left out etc. She then played all of the new hymns and also the changes in the old hymns. It was wonderful.
The First Presidency wrote a preface and mentioned the worth/power of music in our Church Meetings, in Our Homes plus Our Personal Lives. First Presidency Preface
The personal blessing in my life, from hymns, is the fact that they will pop into my mind when I need to hear some direction, comfort or counsel. When hard/harsh/challenging events enter our lives we don't usually have the peace of mind, or maybe even time, to calmly sit down in a quiet spot to study/ponder/research, as maybe we are in fast action mode with our own battle of coping/making decisions quickly. It's all fast action but... if I have my Hymn bucket full of memorized hymns then the Spirit has access to all of those individual drops of music notes and phrases, and what I've put in, can easily be brought to my attention and can guide me and comfort me when I can't quite wrap my mind around the happenings as I'm not calm enough. I can be calmed by a phrase. then the hymn comes to my mind and I can sing/hum or run lyrics through my mind. I LOVE this source of receiving blessings. Multiple times it happened during this stroke episode.
Psalm- n. A sacred song.
Psalms- A book of the OT consisting of Psalms
Hymn- Songs of praise to God
Hymn Book or Hymnal- a book of Hymns
We know about the Book of Psalms in the OT. And how at the Last Supper, before Gethsemane ...they had sung an hymn... (Matt 26:30) We know about Joseph Smith requesting the many verses Hymn A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief, be sung several times while he was jailed just before his martyrdom. We've read stories about the Pioneers and their plight and singing Hymns to rally and renew their hope and faith and comfort and inspire themselves. Elder Packer pointed out the power of Hymns with the promise of memorizing one and calling it forth when your thoughts aren't what you want them to be.
Hymns are a bottomless well of pure water. Refreshing me with personal strength, hope, peace, comfort, direction plus letting me know with that revelation, just popping into my mind, that the Lord is aware of me. Of us. Of our challenge. All of us. Terry and I and each of you. Just makes me teary to think of the goodness of the Lord.
Whatever mortal battle we are dealing with, we have many sources of help to walk on our own balance beams. Hymns are a main one in my life if I'm at a crisis.
This time around in life challenges...here, in this favorite scripture of mine, is what Hymns have meant to me since the early morning of January 21, 2013. Stroke day.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Ps46:1)
This week I will indulge myself and count my Hymn blessings. Well, at least some of them!!! I'll start posting tomorrow!!!
He continues to just be doing marvelous and that makes us both happy as clams (how happy is that???!!) The stroke situation is moving right along on track for that life train of experience.
The challenge right now is to figure out how to find something to help with his neuralgia. So we will get to work on that. Question in my mind....if you try acupuncture and you are on blood thinner, would that be an Uh-oh...Oopsie....Sorry situation? With little blood gushers in every needle poke hole? A bit more thought needed before trying that as a possible remedy. We'd already been cautioned to watch for little cuts etc.
In the midst of regrouping this last week, I've thought a lot about things that helped me cope with this situation, of dealing with the shock of being awakened, from a sound sleep, with a bright blinding bedside lamp turned on and hearing....I think I'm having a stroke. Now if that won't wake you with a start then I don't know what will. Truly I don't!
***********************************
I have been fascinated with Section 25 of the D&C since I first read it. It's to Emma Smith. A part of her charge (vs 11) was.... to make a selection of sacred hymns, as it shall be given thee, which is pleasing unto me, to be had in my church.
(vs12) For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.
I was interested in this scripture about the power, residing in the singing, of those specifically selected Hymns. Through the singing of those pleasing selections a person could bring blessings upon their heads!
In 1985, 150 years from the printing of that first Hymnal mentioned in Sec. 25, the Church published a revised book. We were in AK, and our son and his wife were earning money for college and living with us. Lorrie plays the piano. When the new hymnbooks arrived, she and I spent literally hours comparing all the hymns, seeing what was left out etc. She then played all of the new hymns and also the changes in the old hymns. It was wonderful.
The First Presidency wrote a preface and mentioned the worth/power of music in our Church Meetings, in Our Homes plus Our Personal Lives. First Presidency Preface
************************************
What a source of available power to help us on our mortal trek! I came to view the Hymnal as a group of prayer cards and decided to memorize as many as I could. I felt if I memorized, I wouldn't be concerned about hitting the right notes but more concerned about the message. My life has been so blessed by that decision. I know lots of them and I actually believe that most people know lots of them without having even tried to memorize them. Just like recipes, Wards seem to sort of sing the same hymns over and over. and over and over. and over and over. You know what I mean! For me when I sing from my heart then I really get the message. I don't read music so I'm not bothered by how everything sounds as far as pitch. I can follow an alto sitting next to me, otherwise I'm sort of rewriting the tune when left to my own warbling. The personal blessing in my life, from hymns, is the fact that they will pop into my mind when I need to hear some direction, comfort or counsel. When hard/harsh/challenging events enter our lives we don't usually have the peace of mind, or maybe even time, to calmly sit down in a quiet spot to study/ponder/research, as maybe we are in fast action mode with our own battle of coping/making decisions quickly. It's all fast action but... if I have my Hymn bucket full of memorized hymns then the Spirit has access to all of those individual drops of music notes and phrases, and what I've put in, can easily be brought to my attention and can guide me and comfort me when I can't quite wrap my mind around the happenings as I'm not calm enough. I can be calmed by a phrase. then the hymn comes to my mind and I can sing/hum or run lyrics through my mind. I LOVE this source of receiving blessings. Multiple times it happened during this stroke episode.
Psalm- n. A sacred song.
Psalms- A book of the OT consisting of Psalms
Hymn- Songs of praise to God
Hymn Book or Hymnal- a book of Hymns
We know about the Book of Psalms in the OT. And how at the Last Supper, before Gethsemane ...they had sung an hymn... (Matt 26:30) We know about Joseph Smith requesting the many verses Hymn A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief, be sung several times while he was jailed just before his martyrdom. We've read stories about the Pioneers and their plight and singing Hymns to rally and renew their hope and faith and comfort and inspire themselves. Elder Packer pointed out the power of Hymns with the promise of memorizing one and calling it forth when your thoughts aren't what you want them to be.
Hymns are a bottomless well of pure water. Refreshing me with personal strength, hope, peace, comfort, direction plus letting me know with that revelation, just popping into my mind, that the Lord is aware of me. Of us. Of our challenge. All of us. Terry and I and each of you. Just makes me teary to think of the goodness of the Lord.
Whatever mortal battle we are dealing with, we have many sources of help to walk on our own balance beams. Hymns are a main one in my life if I'm at a crisis.
This time around in life challenges...here, in this favorite scripture of mine, is what Hymns have meant to me since the early morning of January 21, 2013. Stroke day.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Ps46:1)
This week I will indulge myself and count my Hymn blessings. Well, at least some of them!!! I'll start posting tomorrow!!!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Why should you be spared?
Join me!!!!
http://www.ldsliving.com/story/71595-easy-housecleaning-5-minutes-at-a-time
http://www.ldsliving.com/story/70930-lifestyle-top-cleaning-tips
http://www.ldsliving.com/story/71595-easy-housecleaning-5-minutes-at-a-time
http://www.ldsliving.com/story/70930-lifestyle-top-cleaning-tips
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Time-out
Choose what you need for today. for right now. from an Apostle. Messages of Comfort. by Jeffrey R. Holland . Short and sweet and true!
Messages of Comfort
And I can't really delegate or cash in my golden tickets for someone to pay bills, talk to my children, write to our missionary grandson, call out of State friends, figure out a schedule on therapy and when to walk, make sure no conflict with various appointments etc. etc.
This is a time to regroup and figure out the most non-stress way to take care of my honey and help him, and therefore us, to move ahead and enjoy our earth journey. He is doing terrific and just keeps moving ahead. It's shocking to witness such healing taking place before my eyes. Prayers are such love gifts. Thanks to each of you for all you do for us. It is so appreciated. Love is powerful!!!
We both want to keep serving in our Church callings as we know we are blessed with those opportunities and we need to be sensible in that duty and plan those times out from the schedule I was given, for visiting another Ward.
I am comfortable with my personal stress level maxed out to a certain point. I know what I can handle and also what spills that over the top and causes me to be in a mental mess so I need to weigh the factors currently in my life and make sure I'm on level ground. A little trust but verify time.
It's sounding like I just need to make a calendar etc. pay the bills and call it good!!!
I'm not disciplined enough to do what needs to be done before I write my blog. I have things I want to share and could easily just sit and write and neglect those things that need my attention right now.
So blog time-out for me and I will be here Monday!
Messages of Comfort
**********************************************************
I will be back here on Monday. There is just to much going on, to many things that need to be taken care of, to many things I'm behind in.... to allow me the luxury of just sitting and writing and sharing things on my mind and in my heart.And I can't really delegate or cash in my golden tickets for someone to pay bills, talk to my children, write to our missionary grandson, call out of State friends, figure out a schedule on therapy and when to walk, make sure no conflict with various appointments etc. etc.
This is a time to regroup and figure out the most non-stress way to take care of my honey and help him, and therefore us, to move ahead and enjoy our earth journey. He is doing terrific and just keeps moving ahead. It's shocking to witness such healing taking place before my eyes. Prayers are such love gifts. Thanks to each of you for all you do for us. It is so appreciated. Love is powerful!!!
We both want to keep serving in our Church callings as we know we are blessed with those opportunities and we need to be sensible in that duty and plan those times out from the schedule I was given, for visiting another Ward.
I am comfortable with my personal stress level maxed out to a certain point. I know what I can handle and also what spills that over the top and causes me to be in a mental mess so I need to weigh the factors currently in my life and make sure I'm on level ground. A little trust but verify time.
It's sounding like I just need to make a calendar etc. pay the bills and call it good!!!
I'm not disciplined enough to do what needs to be done before I write my blog. I have things I want to share and could easily just sit and write and neglect those things that need my attention right now.
So blog time-out for me and I will be here Monday!
Monday, February 11, 2013
Golden Tickets/Knitting
Sunday was our first time back to Church for Sacrament meeting. Truly there is nothing more wonderful than the love, concern and care of a Ward family. We were the recipients of that marvelous display of emotions. So healing. So appreciated. So genuine.
Women are so kind and compassionate, it's a part of our divine make-up, and all are blessed in the circle of women in their lives. I've seen it over and over, the tenderness and gentleness, of women when their hearts are touched with concern.
Today though, I saw something that caught me off guard, as men were displaying that same compassionate concern. Sincere sentiments, acknowledgement of prayers being offered, happiness displayed in seeing their "brother" up and about. It really touched my soul.
There was a sense of security. Sort of like a safety net in the feeling of...you are not alone. we are with you. we love you. we care for you.
I've heard women say, as I've said before....Please, let me know if I can do anything to help. Feeling helpless at the moment but wanting to do something. Anything.
I'd never heard men say that before. Until today. Not just one man but several men boldly said...Seriously. If you need anything just let me know and it will be done. They were so fervent and so sincere. I really knew they meant it. I, sponge-like, soaked up the love I could feel coming from their sweet hearts for the man I love. I felt the same way when 2 men dropped by, a few days ago, and offered that same generous gift of help along with concern for his well-being.
I feel like I have a stash of golden tickets that can be redeemed at any time.
Membership in the Church is so wonderful in all that it offers and this showering of love and concern and heartfelt prayers is just amazing.
So thankful. We are blessed beyond measure.
Today, as I mulled over the events of going to our Sacrament meeting, and then visiting 2 other Wards, on assignment, and having people express concern there also, I thought of Alma....
And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another. (Mosiah 18:21)
Women are so kind and compassionate, it's a part of our divine make-up, and all are blessed in the circle of women in their lives. I've seen it over and over, the tenderness and gentleness, of women when their hearts are touched with concern.
Today though, I saw something that caught me off guard, as men were displaying that same compassionate concern. Sincere sentiments, acknowledgement of prayers being offered, happiness displayed in seeing their "brother" up and about. It really touched my soul.
There was a sense of security. Sort of like a safety net in the feeling of...you are not alone. we are with you. we love you. we care for you.
I've heard women say, as I've said before....Please, let me know if I can do anything to help. Feeling helpless at the moment but wanting to do something. Anything.
I'd never heard men say that before. Until today. Not just one man but several men boldly said...Seriously. If you need anything just let me know and it will be done. They were so fervent and so sincere. I really knew they meant it. I, sponge-like, soaked up the love I could feel coming from their sweet hearts for the man I love. I felt the same way when 2 men dropped by, a few days ago, and offered that same generous gift of help along with concern for his well-being.
I feel like I have a stash of golden tickets that can be redeemed at any time.
Membership in the Church is so wonderful in all that it offers and this showering of love and concern and heartfelt prayers is just amazing.
So thankful. We are blessed beyond measure.
Today, as I mulled over the events of going to our Sacrament meeting, and then visiting 2 other Wards, on assignment, and having people express concern there also, I thought of Alma....
And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another. (Mosiah 18:21)
Friday, February 8, 2013
Special Strengthening Words
There are lots of ways to give service and I want to share one. A sweet friend threw me a lifeline, and a nugget to tuck in my pocket, while going through this recent trial. It's good to have words to hold onto that you know to be true. These are true. This quote and scripture was made double powerful because of a friends love and concern.
Trial of Your Faith
28.
Trial of Your Faith
28.
Doctrine and Covenants 122:9; President George Q. Cannon said: “No matter how serious the trial, how deep the distress, how great the affliction, [God] will never desert us. He never has, and He never will. He cannot do it. It is not His character. He is an unchangeable being; the same yesterday, the same today, and He will be the same throughout the eternal ages to come. We have found that God. We have made Him our friend, by obeying His Gospel; and He will stand by us. We may pass through the fiery furnace; we may pass through deep waters; but we shall not be consumed nor overwhelmed. We shall emerge from all these trials and difficulties the better and purer for them, if we only trust in our God and keep His commandments” (“Remarks,” Deseret Evening News, Mar. 7, 1891, 4); see also Jeffrey R. Holland, “Come unto Me,” Ensign, Apr. 1998, 16–23.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Why Not Me?
I have no idea who wrote this but I sure do like it and hope you enjoy it also......
YOU SAY | GOD SAYS | BIBLE VERSES |
You say: 'It's impossible'
|
God says: All things are possible
|
( Luke 18:27)
|
You say: 'I'm too tired'
|
God says: I will give you rest
|
( Matthew 11:28-30)
|
You say: 'Nobody really loves me'
|
God says: I love you
|
( John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )
|
You say: 'I can't go on'
|
God says: My grace is sufficient
|
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
|
You say: 'I can't figure things out'
|
God says: I will direct your steps
|
(Proverbs 3:5- 6)
|
You say: 'I can't do it'
|
God says: You can do all things
|
( Philippians 4:13)
|
You say: 'I'm not able'
|
God says: I am able
|
(II Corinthians 9:8)
|
You say: 'It's not worth it'
|
God says: It will be worth it
|
(Roman 8:28 )
|
You say: 'I can't forgive myself'
|
God says: I Forgive you
|
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
|
You say: 'I can't manage'
|
God says: I will supply all your needs
|
( Philippians 4:19)
|
You say: 'I'm afraid'
|
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
|
( II Timothy 1:7)
|
You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated'
|
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
|
(I Peter 5:7)
|
You say: 'I'm not smart enough'
|
God says: I give you wisdom
|
(I Corinthians 1:30)
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You say: 'I feel all alone'
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God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
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(Hebrews 13:5)
|
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Time to think...
So there he was, the day of the happenings- smitten by a stroke...nauseated to the point of painful misery... exploding headache starting to increase... tests being done and undergoing an Echo gram.
When the young man finished his job and left with his equipment, I helped Terry get settled and pulled the sheet up under his chin in hopes he could rest and get some relief from his pain. It was now full daylight outdoors and at a certain moment, the sunlight pored through the slatted blind and the curtain edge, onto the bed. His white tousled hair was as white as the pillowcases and sheet. A brilliant sheen.
The streams of light looked heavenly.
That set my mind to thinking about angels as I sat quietly watching him and praying for him. I thought about my Mother and figured she was probably close by. She died years ago but I always felt to be quiet, very still, when I thought of her & sensed she was near. Perhaps checking on things?
I thought about Terry's Patriarchal blessing and how it says....
Dear brother, there have stood in thy presence those beyond the veil, whom you have not been aware of their presence. They pray and intercede with the Lord in thy behalf.
That evening as I prepared to leave him in the care of nurses, knowing that I had to get some rest, I continued to think about angels and I thought of a real old song. some sort of a children's lullaby sung by a Maryann Mendenhall Chorale about angels surrounding a child's bed. describing what each angel guarded over. so beautiful. I could remember the tune and just some of the lyrics. Later I tried to find in on the Internet but no luck.
I'm not one that believes that I have a guardian angel or anyone does for that matter. Maybe some do and I'm ignorant of it. I had a Catholic neighbor in Anchorage and she had St. Christopher as her Patron Saint. She believed that deceased person was her guardian angel and would pray for help from him. She had a medal that hung in her car from the mirror and a small statue. One day the news came out with a story from the Vatican that, oops, St. Christopher never existed or wasn't venerated. He was the most well known and favored of the Patron Saints. I felt sad for her and told her so. She said she didn't care what the Vatican said that she still believed in St. Christopher. Wonder how all of that worked out and if he is a Patron Saint again?
I told her I was glad for the doctrine of the Holy Ghost. Isn't that the best guardian angel?
Arriving home I read an old 1988 article about guardian angels
I remember reading and learning from this Ensign article. As I reread it, I can see those thoughts have stayed with me and influenced my thinking to this day. I remember being fascinated when President Harold B. Lee shared that airplane incident and was glad it was in the article.
Here are just a few quotes from the above article. I hope you take time to read it and enjoy it.
******************************************
 | ||
| Echo gram |
The streams of light looked heavenly.
That set my mind to thinking about angels as I sat quietly watching him and praying for him. I thought about my Mother and figured she was probably close by. She died years ago but I always felt to be quiet, very still, when I thought of her & sensed she was near. Perhaps checking on things?
I thought about Terry's Patriarchal blessing and how it says....
Dear brother, there have stood in thy presence those beyond the veil, whom you have not been aware of their presence. They pray and intercede with the Lord in thy behalf.
That evening as I prepared to leave him in the care of nurses, knowing that I had to get some rest, I continued to think about angels and I thought of a real old song. some sort of a children's lullaby sung by a Maryann Mendenhall Chorale about angels surrounding a child's bed. describing what each angel guarded over. so beautiful. I could remember the tune and just some of the lyrics. Later I tried to find in on the Internet but no luck.
I'm not one that believes that I have a guardian angel or anyone does for that matter. Maybe some do and I'm ignorant of it. I had a Catholic neighbor in Anchorage and she had St. Christopher as her Patron Saint. She believed that deceased person was her guardian angel and would pray for help from him. She had a medal that hung in her car from the mirror and a small statue. One day the news came out with a story from the Vatican that, oops, St. Christopher never existed or wasn't venerated. He was the most well known and favored of the Patron Saints. I felt sad for her and told her so. She said she didn't care what the Vatican said that she still believed in St. Christopher. Wonder how all of that worked out and if he is a Patron Saint again?
I told her I was glad for the doctrine of the Holy Ghost. Isn't that the best guardian angel?
Arriving home I read an old 1988 article about guardian angels
I remember reading and learning from this Ensign article. As I reread it, I can see those thoughts have stayed with me and influenced my thinking to this day. I remember being fascinated when President Harold B. Lee shared that airplane incident and was glad it was in the article.
Here are just a few quotes from the above article. I hope you take time to read it and enjoy it.
*********************************
Who are these angels? The Lord has revealed that “there are no angels
who minister to this earth but those who do belong or have belonged to
it.” (D&C 130:5.)
Such personages may be spirits—who have not yet been born into
mortality or have lived on the earth but who have not yet been
resurrected—or beings with tangible bodies who have been either
resurrected or translated. (D&C 129:1–9 gives one of the meanings of the term angels
as “resurrected personages” and distinguishes between them and
“spirits,” acknowledging that either may appear. Many additional
scriptures illustrate that the term angels may refer both to spirits and to resurrected or translated beings.)******************************************
President Joseph F. Smith gave us some insight about angels who minister to those on the earth:
“When messengers are sent to minister to the inhabitants of this earth, they are not strangers, but from the ranks of our kindred, friends, and fellow-beings and fellow-servants.
*******************************************
Elder John A. Widtsoe
“The common belief, however, that to every person born into the world is assigned a guardian angel to be with that person constantly, is not supported by available evidence. … An angel may be a guardian angel though he come only as assigned to give us special help. In fact, the constant presence of the Holy Spirit would seem to make such a constant, angelic companionship unnecessary.
“So, until further knowledge is obtained, we may say that angels may be sent to guard us according to our need; but we cannot say with certainty that there is a special guardian angel, to be with every person constantly.” (Improvement Era, April 1944, p. 225.)
******************************************
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith from Doctrines of Salvation
Angels who minister in our behalf—whether seen or unseen—may include departed loved ones who are aware of our circumstances and are concerned about our welfare.
************************************************
Just as I care about my children that do not live near me and I can't see them- I still reach out to them in available ways. I also feel that my/our deceased family members care about and check on us and watch over us. They pray for us (remember Terry's Patriarchal blessing?). I do that as an earthly Mother. Isn't that a Heavenly pattern? I think so. If angels are necessary in our lives then they will definitely appear as needed. A specific, all the time nearby, guardian angel? I don't have one. I have a friend in Florida that would debate me on that, with fervent testimony, to the point of generating enough hot-air heat to ignite laundry lint!
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Restoration
Sunday. Fast Sunday. His first Sunday home after rehab stay. We both really wanted to go to Church and share our gratitude for so many blessings. He was to weak to go and neither of us are impressed with ourselves, if we try and pull stunts of attendance to impress others, with our seemingly faithfulness of never missing Church. So we opted to stay home and go when his strength allows. He is stronger every single day! Can't even believe it and I see it happening right before my eyes!! Amazing!
We might have tended to monopolize the meeting as our blessings have been so great!
Blessings. Oh, the beauty of blessings! I know that I've blogged before about Priesthood blessings and how I am a firm believer in them. I didn't label these posts good enough to find the one I did earlier but suffice it to say, as a former Baptist believing that the heavens are closed and ministers are God's representatives and Priesthood is not a word that was in my vocabulary and I had no idea about James or how that worked that I now rejoice in what I know to be true.
Terry and I have grown in our faith and understanding of receiving these blessings and he, has grown in faith and understanding in giving these blessings. He has given many blessings over the years to his family. I have been the blessed recipient of many, many blessings.
He had learned about blessing the sick and then, I know I've shared this before.... I went to a wedding in the Oakland Temple, the officiator asked if the men in the room had given their wives blessings and they all raised their hands. Then he said, he didn't mean when they were sick, but just for everyday living, for comfort and encouragement, when they are having a tough time with daily life. Not one man could raise his hand. He then challenged them to use their Priesthood for blessing the lives of their wives. Often. And that is what Terry has done.
I've learned the sweetness of comfort and direction and answers and peace that has come to me through that inspiration.
If you lined up all the men in the world that hold the Priesthood and asked who would I want to give me a blessing...it would be my Terry. My next choice would be my son, Greg. And 3rd would be my grandson, Lance. Why? because they use their portion of the Priesthood and they know how to let the words flow. They know, as Terry has taught them...Be bold. Don't hold the Spirit back.
I've been told, and I believe, when a blessing is given that it's as if Heavenly hands are on the Priesthood holder's head and that power travels through those clean hands into the recipient and the words come forth from that pure heart. It's not a prayer. It's not asking. It's a declaration. It's stating what the Lord want us to know...to do....to have...to expect. We are comforted, buoyed and inspired by those words.
When push comes to shove and I feel in dire straights, I want someone that understands that Priesthood power and his ability to deliver a message via that blessing-- be it courage,comfort or healing. If we have a HT that loves and cares for us and I have confidence in, then I'm fine with them helping to assist Terry if I need a blessing of administration. True they have the power and the Lord will use them all the time but in really serious situations, my faith is made stronger with a man that feels as we do, about the use of that power.
Unable to reach our HT, and at Terry's request, I called our friend Bob at 6:30am, asking him to come to the hospital. We are on the same page as far as Priesthood blessings go. He did what we knew he'd do...try to call the HP leader or find someone else to assist him, don his white shirt and tie, grab his oil and arrive in short order.
Two honorable men arrived. Both named Bob. Terry and I both listened very closely to what was said blessing wise and one word jumped out at both of us. Restoration. I thought at the time that I'd never heard that word in a blessing of healing before and was fascinated at the prospect of restoration. Terry is on an emergency room bed, right in front of me, unable to move his left arm at all and his left leg feels weak as happens in the aftermath of a stroke. Restoration? Really? How can that happen? How can that be?
In the midst of all the rush, hubbub, tests and increasing pain, I said...Did you hear what Bob said? Terry said... Restoration. That was the word we held onto for the next 11 days. That was the word on our minds when he moved his thumb a teeny bit.
On the day he was released, before he came home, he insisted we go to Bob's so he could thank his friend for the blessing and to tell him we held onto that word Restoration. We both witnessed that Restoration happening, rather the results of it, and even right now he feels changes that occur, during the nighttime, each morning when he gets up stronger than when he went to bed. We continue daily to think about that word and it's meaning. If his progress stopped right now, and he had partial restoration, we'd still be astonished at the miracle we have witnessed.
We have therapy work to do and a ways to go but we will do our part to claim that blessing. I found it interesting that Bob did not remember what he'd said. I've seen that with Terry and Greg also...them not remembering what they've said.
My prayer is that all of us will enjoy this miraculous Priesthood power in our homes for our daily lives. If there is not a man in your home or no Priesthood power there, no one is left out, use your HT or Bishop if you don't have your Dad or your brother nearby. The same man that told the men to use the power in their homes also told the women to ask for blessings. I know there have been some conference talks about blessings of comfort.
I love the Gospel. I love the Priesthood power...It has blessed my life in so many ways at so many times. Makes me teary to think of it.
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, and the Lord shall
raise him up; and if he have committed
sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Confess your faults one to another,
and pray one for another,
that ye may be healed. The effectual
fervent prayer of a righteous
man availeth much. (James 5:14-16)
(Remember to take time to pray and repent!)
************************************
Section 20 of Handbook
20.1 General Instructions on Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings.
...............Those who give priesthood blessings speak words of blessing (I {or we} bless you that...")
rather than saying a prayer ("Heavenly Father, please bless this person that...")
*********************************************
Also....let's say you are sick and you need to be administered to with oil. Things move along and then you are not feeling so chipper and wish you could have another blessing. If what you are feeling is related to what you originally had the blessing for then you don't need to be administered to again but you can just be blessed and that will be an extension of that original administration. Does that make sense? Terry was administered to by Bob and Bob. He had an evening when he felt really crummy and our HT dropped by and Terry asked him if he would give him a blessing. So he did. I think it's sort of like a warranty with no end date!
See Administering to the Sick 20.6
then check 20.6.1 4th paragraph....
If a person requests more than one blessing for the same illness, the priesthood holder need not anoint with oil after the first blessing. Instead, he gives a blessing by the laying on of hands and the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
***************************************************
Also in 20.6.2 and 20.6.3 I really appreciate the counsel to "places his hands lightly on the person's head...." and "place their hands lightly on the head of the person"
We might have tended to monopolize the meeting as our blessings have been so great!
Blessings. Oh, the beauty of blessings! I know that I've blogged before about Priesthood blessings and how I am a firm believer in them. I didn't label these posts good enough to find the one I did earlier but suffice it to say, as a former Baptist believing that the heavens are closed and ministers are God's representatives and Priesthood is not a word that was in my vocabulary and I had no idea about James or how that worked that I now rejoice in what I know to be true.
Terry and I have grown in our faith and understanding of receiving these blessings and he, has grown in faith and understanding in giving these blessings. He has given many blessings over the years to his family. I have been the blessed recipient of many, many blessings.
He had learned about blessing the sick and then, I know I've shared this before.... I went to a wedding in the Oakland Temple, the officiator asked if the men in the room had given their wives blessings and they all raised their hands. Then he said, he didn't mean when they were sick, but just for everyday living, for comfort and encouragement, when they are having a tough time with daily life. Not one man could raise his hand. He then challenged them to use their Priesthood for blessing the lives of their wives. Often. And that is what Terry has done.
I've learned the sweetness of comfort and direction and answers and peace that has come to me through that inspiration.
If you lined up all the men in the world that hold the Priesthood and asked who would I want to give me a blessing...it would be my Terry. My next choice would be my son, Greg. And 3rd would be my grandson, Lance. Why? because they use their portion of the Priesthood and they know how to let the words flow. They know, as Terry has taught them...Be bold. Don't hold the Spirit back.
I've been told, and I believe, when a blessing is given that it's as if Heavenly hands are on the Priesthood holder's head and that power travels through those clean hands into the recipient and the words come forth from that pure heart. It's not a prayer. It's not asking. It's a declaration. It's stating what the Lord want us to know...to do....to have...to expect. We are comforted, buoyed and inspired by those words.
When push comes to shove and I feel in dire straights, I want someone that understands that Priesthood power and his ability to deliver a message via that blessing-- be it courage,comfort or healing. If we have a HT that loves and cares for us and I have confidence in, then I'm fine with them helping to assist Terry if I need a blessing of administration. True they have the power and the Lord will use them all the time but in really serious situations, my faith is made stronger with a man that feels as we do, about the use of that power.
Unable to reach our HT, and at Terry's request, I called our friend Bob at 6:30am, asking him to come to the hospital. We are on the same page as far as Priesthood blessings go. He did what we knew he'd do...try to call the HP leader or find someone else to assist him, don his white shirt and tie, grab his oil and arrive in short order.
Two honorable men arrived. Both named Bob. Terry and I both listened very closely to what was said blessing wise and one word jumped out at both of us. Restoration. I thought at the time that I'd never heard that word in a blessing of healing before and was fascinated at the prospect of restoration. Terry is on an emergency room bed, right in front of me, unable to move his left arm at all and his left leg feels weak as happens in the aftermath of a stroke. Restoration? Really? How can that happen? How can that be?
In the midst of all the rush, hubbub, tests and increasing pain, I said...Did you hear what Bob said? Terry said... Restoration. That was the word we held onto for the next 11 days. That was the word on our minds when he moved his thumb a teeny bit.
On the day he was released, before he came home, he insisted we go to Bob's so he could thank his friend for the blessing and to tell him we held onto that word Restoration. We both witnessed that Restoration happening, rather the results of it, and even right now he feels changes that occur, during the nighttime, each morning when he gets up stronger than when he went to bed. We continue daily to think about that word and it's meaning. If his progress stopped right now, and he had partial restoration, we'd still be astonished at the miracle we have witnessed.
We have therapy work to do and a ways to go but we will do our part to claim that blessing. I found it interesting that Bob did not remember what he'd said. I've seen that with Terry and Greg also...them not remembering what they've said.
My prayer is that all of us will enjoy this miraculous Priesthood power in our homes for our daily lives. If there is not a man in your home or no Priesthood power there, no one is left out, use your HT or Bishop if you don't have your Dad or your brother nearby. The same man that told the men to use the power in their homes also told the women to ask for blessings. I know there have been some conference talks about blessings of comfort.
I love the Gospel. I love the Priesthood power...It has blessed my life in so many ways at so many times. Makes me teary to think of it.
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| Awesome |
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, and the Lord shall
raise him up; and if he have committed
sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Confess your faults one to another,
and pray one for another,
that ye may be healed. The effectual
fervent prayer of a righteous
man availeth much. (James 5:14-16)
(Remember to take time to pray and repent!)
************************************
Section 20 of Handbook
20.1 General Instructions on Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings.
...............Those who give priesthood blessings speak words of blessing (I {or we} bless you that...")
rather than saying a prayer ("Heavenly Father, please bless this person that...")
*********************************************
Also....let's say you are sick and you need to be administered to with oil. Things move along and then you are not feeling so chipper and wish you could have another blessing. If what you are feeling is related to what you originally had the blessing for then you don't need to be administered to again but you can just be blessed and that will be an extension of that original administration. Does that make sense? Terry was administered to by Bob and Bob. He had an evening when he felt really crummy and our HT dropped by and Terry asked him if he would give him a blessing. So he did. I think it's sort of like a warranty with no end date!
See Administering to the Sick 20.6
then check 20.6.1 4th paragraph....
If a person requests more than one blessing for the same illness, the priesthood holder need not anoint with oil after the first blessing. Instead, he gives a blessing by the laying on of hands and the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
***************************************************
Also in 20.6.2 and 20.6.3 I really appreciate the counsel to "places his hands lightly on the person's head...." and "place their hands lightly on the head of the person"
Monday, February 4, 2013
Progress...
Terry can't believe how weak he is overall but on the hand he can't believe how strong he is overall!! He just keeps progressing. I'll be back to regular blogging after this copy of my....
(note to children)
Hi dear ones...a quiet Sunday for us.
We opted to stay home as Dad was to weak. We will get sure footing (no pun intended but a good one!) and then proceed. Today he enjoyed doing every single thing for his shower. Had a good night's sleep. Headache came but he was able to get on top of it and that was good.
Tomorrow morning after we are up and at 'em, we will head over to Yakima to the Outpatient rehab center and see what they have planned as far as how many times a week and how many sessions before he's used up all his bus tokens! That will determine scheduling our life.
This morning he said again...I feel stronger than yesterday. It's an amazing beautiful event. We are strengthened by your love and prayers. Thanks ever so much!
Here is an absolutely adorable picture of your Father! I told him to look like a king so this is his take on a Royal pose!! The Viking King!!!
Your parents love each of you!
Oh, Bryce has a birthday on the 5th! Happy Birthday, Bryce!!
Mom
(I don't know why it won't show the picture. sorry. I'll try again.)
Friday, February 1, 2013
Whew!!!
note to children....
Whew!!! What an adventure for the last 11 days!
He's home. We are both tired and going to just relax until Monday morning when
he has his first outpatient rehab appointment. They will tell us then how
often etc. We stopped by Safeway to drop off his Rx. Saw Bob Earl and thanked
him for the blessing he gave him and for being his good friend. Headed home to
see Kipper, the pups and his recliner and bed. He ate a bowl of soup and is now
sound asleep on his own bed. He had been looking forward to that so much!
The Alaskan cod is thawing from it's flash frozen
state for his requested dinner tonight. I'm headed over to Safeway to pick up
his Rx and coming home and I'm not going anywhere or doing anything except wear
my robe and relax.
So happy and feel so good.
Dad and I want to go on a train trip and also, in
another venue, take ballroom dancing-- when he's stronger. Guess who chose
which activity to do together!!!
I'll check back in when we awake from our long
winter's nap!
Should have got a picture of him with Bob Earl.
Later.
love you and appreciate how good you are to your
parents.
Good job, Team Seljestad!!! Kipper was
terrific!
Mother
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| All dressed to travel and waiting for discharge |
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| another nice nurse |
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| Seth was so great to him. His PT |
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| Every word must be read outloud to you |
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| ready to get in car! |
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| Home. Recliner. Freedom. Miracles!!!! |
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