Sunday, March 31, 2013
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Wish this was published earlier.....
as there isn't enough time to view them by Easter Sunday. Would have made for a great past week to watch! Save it for next year??? or over the next several weeks?? I appreciate him taking the time to view all of these..... 25 best & worst movies about the Savior
Friday, March 29, 2013
Soapbox---Birds & Bees
What do each of these things have in common.....
Button Hole/Button--Pegboard--Jigsaw Puzzle--the game Aggravation--nuts and bolts--Game of Golf--filling up your gas tank--garden hose--fuse breaker boxes-- plug ins--closing bottle of nail polish--Batteries in car or flashlight--cables to computer/phone/TV--pipe fitting--cell phone chargers--changing light bulbs--clock hands--stove knobs-- etc. etc.
The commonality?...they all have what is commonly called a male and female part. Ever been to the lumber store or Home Depot and have someone tell a clerk, while holding/showing a small item in their hand....I need a female such and such. or I need a male so and so? The part needed, the complementary part is found and the customer goes on their way.
Nothing on that list, and it is endless if you think about it, can complete the task it's destined for, without the part that completes the other and makes it whole. Nothing will hold and be tight and secure without that other half. You cannot take any singular item off that list and duplicate it and have it work. 2 identical parts will never accomplish the desired result. The male part and the female part in each of those inanimate objects is essential, absolutely necessary, to accomplish the designed purpose.
Same in all areas of our life. Even in nature. Each is to duplicate themselves in the same way they were- be they animal, fish, fowl etc. etc. A male and a female was needed to accomplish the deed.
Flowers and trees and all the glorious vegetation operates under that same rule...Male and female.
It's a mandate. From the creation of the world. From God.
There was such careful Godly preparation in the creation of the world, with all of it's interdependent intricacies, all for our challenge and comfort. Life is based on choices. Everything was created but man was the recipient of that careful thoughtful planning. After it was all done, mankind could choose- how to use it wisely or foolishly abuse it- on his own individual mortal trek.
In Genesis we find in chap 1 & 2 that Adam was given the responsibility, the choice of what to name the living creatures. God gave everything to man to have dominion over and charged all of creation to multiply and fill the earth.
And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
Note the word I. In this Adam had no choice. He had no input. It was God's plan. God did not create another man and a woman, present them and tell Adam....Your choice. Which do you feel more inclined to be with? Who do you want for your help meet? This was a part of the plan and the way that the earth would be peopled and it was possible only through the union of a man and a woman.
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
I can imagine Adam rising to the occasion and standing out of respect, honor and happiness at the prospect of sharing his life with his own helpmeet.
As a Bible believer, I am very comfortable, without apology or need to defend, that this is the way it is to be...Men and Women marry, each other, and have children.
Lust, including homosexual tendencies and actions, are in the scriptures and we are warned about it. The very things we are seeing happen all around us are truly signs of the times.
Rom. 1:26 (26–28)
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
So here we are seeing all sorts of things going on and realizing that we can look at just these few verses alone and recognize them in our everyday world. We are surrounded by it!
Sometime in the late 1990's we were serving in the Young Single Adult Branch and I well remember a RS meeting although I don't recall the lesson. I think it was about marriage. I shared that when the Family Proclamation was given that I thought it so basic and obvious that I was surprised they stated...Marriage is between a man and woman....Well, of course it is. We all know that! I said-- as the Gay movement had started picking up that I could see why they had spoken so precisely. so deliberately. so frankly.
Right about then, the sister of the gay young man that is my friend, started actually yelling at me and said I hated her brother and I told people about him etc. etc. I was stunned as was everyone else. I gently told her that wasn't true. She knew I loved her brother. I'd never spoken against him. Anyhow it was awkward and embarrassing but things calmed down. That made me realize that the Family Proclamation totally spoke against homosexuality without specifically mentioning the subject and gays would not like it.
I belong to the Church because I have a testimony it is true. I expect the leaders to receive revelation, because the heavens are not closed, and I fully expect and want guidance and that includes a moral code.
Legalizing something does not make it moral. Legalizing sin does not mean the Lord now accepts it as His law.
My young gay friend thinks that this will just blow over....It's just a wave that will recede. I told him....I think you gays will win this time.
Hopefully he is right and I'm wrong but what if I'm right? I reread the Family Proclamation and it had more power to me than ever before. The Proclamation is to the WORLD! At General Conference and at several recent Ward Conferences, I raised my hand to let all that looked, see that I sustain the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles of the Church as Prophets, Seers and Revelators. In the very first paragraph those 15 men, identify themselves as the Church leaders and Solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children.
I was surprised at how detailed and specific the entire document is keeping in mind the happenings over the last few days.
My heart sunk when I first read...
Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.
Then I felt so thankful that we have been warned. We've had 18 years to absorb this inspired document and there is lots of guidance to be put into effect in our families.
a smidgen of birds and bees talk....
the Family Proclamation reads.... God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.
Handbook 2 states....
Button Hole/Button--Pegboard--Jigsaw Puzzle--the game Aggravation--nuts and bolts--Game of Golf--filling up your gas tank--garden hose--fuse breaker boxes-- plug ins--closing bottle of nail polish--Batteries in car or flashlight--cables to computer/phone/TV--pipe fitting--cell phone chargers--changing light bulbs--clock hands--stove knobs-- etc. etc.
The commonality?...they all have what is commonly called a male and female part. Ever been to the lumber store or Home Depot and have someone tell a clerk, while holding/showing a small item in their hand....I need a female such and such. or I need a male so and so? The part needed, the complementary part is found and the customer goes on their way.
Nothing on that list, and it is endless if you think about it, can complete the task it's destined for, without the part that completes the other and makes it whole. Nothing will hold and be tight and secure without that other half. You cannot take any singular item off that list and duplicate it and have it work. 2 identical parts will never accomplish the desired result. The male part and the female part in each of those inanimate objects is essential, absolutely necessary, to accomplish the designed purpose.
Same in all areas of our life. Even in nature. Each is to duplicate themselves in the same way they were- be they animal, fish, fowl etc. etc. A male and a female was needed to accomplish the deed.
Flowers and trees and all the glorious vegetation operates under that same rule...Male and female.
It's a mandate. From the creation of the world. From God.
There was such careful Godly preparation in the creation of the world, with all of it's interdependent intricacies, all for our challenge and comfort. Life is based on choices. Everything was created but man was the recipient of that careful thoughtful planning. After it was all done, mankind could choose- how to use it wisely or foolishly abuse it- on his own individual mortal trek.
In Genesis we find in chap 1 & 2 that Adam was given the responsibility, the choice of what to name the living creatures. God gave everything to man to have dominion over and charged all of creation to multiply and fill the earth.
And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
Note the word I. In this Adam had no choice. He had no input. It was God's plan. God did not create another man and a woman, present them and tell Adam....Your choice. Which do you feel more inclined to be with? Who do you want for your help meet? This was a part of the plan and the way that the earth would be peopled and it was possible only through the union of a man and a woman.
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
I can imagine Adam rising to the occasion and standing out of respect, honor and happiness at the prospect of sharing his life with his own helpmeet.
As a Bible believer, I am very comfortable, without apology or need to defend, that this is the way it is to be...Men and Women marry, each other, and have children.
Lust, including homosexual tendencies and actions, are in the scriptures and we are warned about it. The very things we are seeing happen all around us are truly signs of the times.
Paul describes the apostasy and perilous times of the last days—The scriptures guide man to salvation.
2 Timothy 3:1-5
2 Timothy 3:1-5
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, acovetous, boasters,bproud, blasphemers, cdisobedient to parents, dunthankful, unholy,
3 Without anatural baffection, ctrucebreakers, dfalse accusers,eincontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 aTraitors, bheady, chighminded, lovers of dpleasures more than lovers of God;
Rom. 1:26 (26–28)
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
So here we are seeing all sorts of things going on and realizing that we can look at just these few verses alone and recognize them in our everyday world. We are surrounded by it!
*****************************
Sometime in the late 1990's we were serving in the Young Single Adult Branch and I well remember a RS meeting although I don't recall the lesson. I think it was about marriage. I shared that when the Family Proclamation was given that I thought it so basic and obvious that I was surprised they stated...Marriage is between a man and woman....Well, of course it is. We all know that! I said-- as the Gay movement had started picking up that I could see why they had spoken so precisely. so deliberately. so frankly.
Right about then, the sister of the gay young man that is my friend, started actually yelling at me and said I hated her brother and I told people about him etc. etc. I was stunned as was everyone else. I gently told her that wasn't true. She knew I loved her brother. I'd never spoken against him. Anyhow it was awkward and embarrassing but things calmed down. That made me realize that the Family Proclamation totally spoke against homosexuality without specifically mentioning the subject and gays would not like it.
I belong to the Church because I have a testimony it is true. I expect the leaders to receive revelation, because the heavens are not closed, and I fully expect and want guidance and that includes a moral code.
Legalizing something does not make it moral. Legalizing sin does not mean the Lord now accepts it as His law.
My young gay friend thinks that this will just blow over....It's just a wave that will recede. I told him....I think you gays will win this time.
Hopefully he is right and I'm wrong but what if I'm right? I reread the Family Proclamation and it had more power to me than ever before. The Proclamation is to the WORLD! At General Conference and at several recent Ward Conferences, I raised my hand to let all that looked, see that I sustain the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles of the Church as Prophets, Seers and Revelators. In the very first paragraph those 15 men, identify themselves as the Church leaders and Solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children.
I was surprised at how detailed and specific the entire document is keeping in mind the happenings over the last few days.
My heart sunk when I first read...
Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.
Then I felt so thankful that we have been warned. We've had 18 years to absorb this inspired document and there is lots of guidance to be put into effect in our families.
*******************************************
a smidgen of birds and bees talk....
the Family Proclamation reads.... God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.
Handbook 2 states....
| 21.4.4 | Birth Control
It is the privilege of married couples who are able to bear children to provide mortal bodies for the spirit children of God, whom they are then responsible to nurture and rear. The decision as to how many children to have and when to have them is extremely intimate and private and should be left between the couple and the Lord. Church members should not judge one another in this matter.
Married couples should also understand that sexual relations within marriage are divinely approved not only for the purpose of procreation, but also as a way of expressing love and strengthening emotional and spiritual bonds between husband and wife.
|
***********************************
I have tried to copy the Proclamation here and I'm not having any luck. You most likely have one nearby so enjoy reading it. You are in my prayers as you take care of your precious children and teach them truths of the Gospel.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Signs of the Times
"So why no profile picture and just the red window logo on your FB?" --my question to my gay friend.
He explained ... the logo comes from the national symbol of the 'human rights campaign' which is the gay/lesbian lobby group. the logo shows solidarity for the gay marriage cases being heard at the supreme court...
Red for love. Not windows. It's an equal sign. Equality for all citizens including the right to marry any person they choose. Including same sex.
I sat and listened to the Supreme Court dealings for both days. I watched the rally the first day and some of the second. I also listened to arguments of heterosexual vs. gay marriages, watching a young brilliant man, Sherif Girgis, present his stand based on his book...What is marriage: man and woman: a defense. It was so interesting. There was a rebuttal of sorts by an Andrew Koppleman and he also had written a book.
Adults and little children. Signs and banners. Same sex folks holding hands. Chants led by a woman to keep the crowd enthused. Much like a political rally. .I saw protesters and advocates. I heard several first hand stories of how their lives had been negatively impacted by the laws of the land.
I listened to the plight/story by the woman that had brought the DOMA case to light. She was very convincing as an 83/84 year old. Her longtime partner had died, willed her all her estate, and because they weren't married she had to pay $300,000+ in taxes.
Even with gay marriage allowed in States, except for CA, they are not allowed marriage benefits, which according to the Justice's was some 1000 or so allowances/privileges. They talked about the importance to the gays of the label of marriage and being deprived. Some said it was companionship's vs traditional marriages. Some said it was whole milk vs skim.
The first day was about Prop. 8 and the second day was about DOMA. Defense Of Marriage Act. In 1996 President Bill Clinton signed DOMA into law...Marriage is between one man and one woman .
Now- 17 years later, he feels it should be declared unconstitutional and has written and declared that is his wish/desire.
Everyone said that it's a new age, a new world, a new time. Slavery and women not voting used to be legal. Segregation. Interracial marriage was illegal until 1962. Pointing out that lots of things that used to be the norm/acceptable were changed with changing times.
No one could say for sure the impact it will have on children raised by gay parents as there are to few years with that being a reality. They did mention that 73% of 18 year olds feel that gays should be allowed to marry.
It just went on and on. I will be shocked if the Court doesn't rule in favor of gay rights. At least on DOMA. What will that do if it should pass and it's okay according to the law of the land but maybe not in your state? etc. etc. seems to me these 2 items would open it up for a brush stroke across all of America for gay marriage.
My mind can think of all kinds of situations happening and citizens private choice and behavior being declared against the law...who your hire, who you sell to, who you baptize, who you marry as a pastor, and where they marry-Church? and on and on. Those things just seem inevitable. And will this then spread to polygamy and other outlawed forms of relationships? seems it would spread.
True these are the last days so I can brace myself for what we've been told would come. I can watch with interest as it unfolds and marvel that I'm living to witness so many foretold events. This event takes the number one place this week on my List of Last Day Prophecies. Sodom and Gomorrah. right before my eyes!
I think members of the Church will be impacted in many ways. My young gay friend recently had his younger heterosexual brother be denied going on a mission because he can't say that he thinks homosexuality is wrong and can't teach that it is wrong. No Temple and no mission. His brother is shy and I'm really concerned what could be the outcome as he ended up writing his story and as they say in today's world...it's sort of gone viral. They live in our area so it's seems really close to home.
Again, I'm so thankful for living Prophets that share the revelations that they receive. I am thankful for the family proclamation- more than ever! I'm thankful for the Scriptures and my belief that in the very first book of Genesis, the Lord commanded Adam and Eve to multiply and have children. Men & Women are by divine design. Also there are scriptures telling that lustful homosexual acts are sin.
I am to old and not interested in arguing about the rights/wrongs and do a debate but I will say this...it irritates the life out of me when people want the Church to change it's policies. On anything. And when they counsel the Prophets on what should and needs to be done. Or protest for rights like marrying in the Temple etc. then I don't like that. I say....go form your own religion and build your own Temple.
My son is using this quote in a talk he's preparing....
“I will give you one of the Keys of the mysteries of the Kingdom. It is an eternal principle, that has existed with God from all eternity: That man who rises up to condemn others, finding fault with the Church, saying that they are out of the way, while he himself is righteous, then know assuredly, that that man is in the high road to apostasy; and if he does not repent, will apostatize, as God lives.” Joseph Smith Jr
I haven't fully addressed anything in detail about this situation but just had to say something, sort of jumbly, as it's on my mind. The main thing I thought about were the Mothers. the Fathers of course, also. But it's the Momma's. The challenge they will have to teach unconditional love and separating the sin from the sinner. I'm such a champion of all the young Mother's that I know and how conscientious they are and what a job they have to help their little ones and not so little, through this landmine of moral issues and holding on to the rod at the same time. We know that super strong children are arriving and have already arrived with today's youth--along with that they have super strong women for their Mother's. We all need to pray for the Mother's/Father's in our lives, world, and Wards.
In spite of the happenings and the unknowns coming down the road...I feel at peace. We are led by Prophets. We've had that Proclamation since 1995 (18 years!) so we know what the Lord's plan is for us. Time to re-read it again.
SALT LAKE CITY —
He explained ... the logo comes from the national symbol of the 'human rights campaign' which is the gay/lesbian lobby group. the logo shows solidarity for the gay marriage cases being heard at the supreme court...
Red for love. Not windows. It's an equal sign. Equality for all citizens including the right to marry any person they choose. Including same sex.
I sat and listened to the Supreme Court dealings for both days. I watched the rally the first day and some of the second. I also listened to arguments of heterosexual vs. gay marriages, watching a young brilliant man, Sherif Girgis, present his stand based on his book...What is marriage: man and woman: a defense. It was so interesting. There was a rebuttal of sorts by an Andrew Koppleman and he also had written a book.
Adults and little children. Signs and banners. Same sex folks holding hands. Chants led by a woman to keep the crowd enthused. Much like a political rally. .I saw protesters and advocates. I heard several first hand stories of how their lives had been negatively impacted by the laws of the land.
I listened to the plight/story by the woman that had brought the DOMA case to light. She was very convincing as an 83/84 year old. Her longtime partner had died, willed her all her estate, and because they weren't married she had to pay $300,000+ in taxes.
Even with gay marriage allowed in States, except for CA, they are not allowed marriage benefits, which according to the Justice's was some 1000 or so allowances/privileges. They talked about the importance to the gays of the label of marriage and being deprived. Some said it was companionship's vs traditional marriages. Some said it was whole milk vs skim.
The first day was about Prop. 8 and the second day was about DOMA. Defense Of Marriage Act. In 1996 President Bill Clinton signed DOMA into law...Marriage is between one man and one woman .
Now- 17 years later, he feels it should be declared unconstitutional and has written and declared that is his wish/desire.
Everyone said that it's a new age, a new world, a new time. Slavery and women not voting used to be legal. Segregation. Interracial marriage was illegal until 1962. Pointing out that lots of things that used to be the norm/acceptable were changed with changing times.
No one could say for sure the impact it will have on children raised by gay parents as there are to few years with that being a reality. They did mention that 73% of 18 year olds feel that gays should be allowed to marry.
It just went on and on. I will be shocked if the Court doesn't rule in favor of gay rights. At least on DOMA. What will that do if it should pass and it's okay according to the law of the land but maybe not in your state? etc. etc. seems to me these 2 items would open it up for a brush stroke across all of America for gay marriage.
My mind can think of all kinds of situations happening and citizens private choice and behavior being declared against the law...who your hire, who you sell to, who you baptize, who you marry as a pastor, and where they marry-Church? and on and on. Those things just seem inevitable. And will this then spread to polygamy and other outlawed forms of relationships? seems it would spread.
True these are the last days so I can brace myself for what we've been told would come. I can watch with interest as it unfolds and marvel that I'm living to witness so many foretold events. This event takes the number one place this week on my List of Last Day Prophecies. Sodom and Gomorrah. right before my eyes!
I think members of the Church will be impacted in many ways. My young gay friend recently had his younger heterosexual brother be denied going on a mission because he can't say that he thinks homosexuality is wrong and can't teach that it is wrong. No Temple and no mission. His brother is shy and I'm really concerned what could be the outcome as he ended up writing his story and as they say in today's world...it's sort of gone viral. They live in our area so it's seems really close to home.
Again, I'm so thankful for living Prophets that share the revelations that they receive. I am thankful for the family proclamation- more than ever! I'm thankful for the Scriptures and my belief that in the very first book of Genesis, the Lord commanded Adam and Eve to multiply and have children. Men & Women are by divine design. Also there are scriptures telling that lustful homosexual acts are sin.
I am to old and not interested in arguing about the rights/wrongs and do a debate but I will say this...it irritates the life out of me when people want the Church to change it's policies. On anything. And when they counsel the Prophets on what should and needs to be done. Or protest for rights like marrying in the Temple etc. then I don't like that. I say....go form your own religion and build your own Temple.
My son is using this quote in a talk he's preparing....
“I will give you one of the Keys of the mysteries of the Kingdom. It is an eternal principle, that has existed with God from all eternity: That man who rises up to condemn others, finding fault with the Church, saying that they are out of the way, while he himself is righteous, then know assuredly, that that man is in the high road to apostasy; and if he does not repent, will apostatize, as God lives.” Joseph Smith Jr
I haven't fully addressed anything in detail about this situation but just had to say something, sort of jumbly, as it's on my mind. The main thing I thought about were the Mothers. the Fathers of course, also. But it's the Momma's. The challenge they will have to teach unconditional love and separating the sin from the sinner. I'm such a champion of all the young Mother's that I know and how conscientious they are and what a job they have to help their little ones and not so little, through this landmine of moral issues and holding on to the rod at the same time. We know that super strong children are arriving and have already arrived with today's youth--along with that they have super strong women for their Mother's. We all need to pray for the Mother's/Father's in our lives, world, and Wards.
In spite of the happenings and the unknowns coming down the road...I feel at peace. We are led by Prophets. We've had that Proclamation since 1995 (18 years!) so we know what the Lord's plan is for us. Time to re-read it again.
****************************************
SALT LAKE CITY —
In response to media requests, the following statement was issued today by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
Today the Supreme Court of the United States heard arguments regarding the definition of marriage in this country.We firmly support the divinely appointed definition of marriage as the union between a man and a woman because it is the single most important institution for strengthening children, families, and society.We hope the court will agree, and we look forward to the decision on this important matter.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Winged Pig
Last week I attended the last of the RS birthday celebrations celebrated throughout our 10 units in the Stake. It was just a sweet spirit-filled event at a small Spanish Branch. The tables were each decorated honoring the divinity within us as women and the simple meal of sandwiches and program by the sister in charge just made for a great evening.
As we left we were each given a decorated candle, to remind us, to let our light shine in the world.
The evening was filled with a sound I find beautiful...women visiting and enjoying each others company and it felt happy in the large cultural hall. I could not understand the words but I did understand the language. The language of the Spirit. It permeated the room.
Driving home I thought again about I wish I'd been a linguist. (Hebrew, French, Italian, Spanish, ASL & one other that I can't remember right now) Just for the fun of achieving and learning. I wish I'd made sure each of my children had a language or 2 tucked in their minds. My generation didn't think that way and the country was just English speaking. or so it seemed.
A few years ago I had the desire to learn some languages and decided to start with ASL. I found a course offered in Grandview. At the YVCC Branch? I don't remember because it never came to pass as I broke my hand, ended up with surgery and the other arm had injured tendons so speaking/learning sign language was not going to happen. Personally I found that funny that I broke my hand etc. right when I was ready to take a sign language course. So ironic. As the class was the next week.
I was waylaid for quite awhile with 3 months of PT, 3x a week, in a drive to Yakima. I still had the desire to learn a language so I decided to learn Spanish. There are a lot of Spanish speaking people in this area and I was curious as to what they were talking about. Nosy.
So I ordered the highly advertised, rather high-priced, Rosetta Stone with all sorts of glorious build-up of how I could speak with the natives that had Spanish as their mother tongue. Perhaps they did the testing and had the amazing results because the test study was done on young bright people? So I put it back in the box and sighed and couldn't even say drats! in Spanish.
Now that desire is rekindled to learn Spanish. Not for being nosy but because my heart is so tender when I hear these beautiful women speak. I know they are speaking about the Gospel. I to want to speak to them about the Gospel. I want to know about their life and who they are. I know they must cherish their membership like I do and I want to hear their take on RS lessons. I want to talk to them! Communicate in their language.
So I got out my bright yellow Rosetta Stone box and I'm wondering if I can still get into the site after all these years. I'm thinking my brain is slow though. At rehab for Terry they taught us a lot about the brain. I think mine needs some sort of tune-up. So I'm checking out Posit Science. It's sort of like Luminosity. I've done it a couple of times and I think I had a bit of brain freeze but then things sort of thawed and I was able to pick up my speed. I'll choose one of them. When I previously tried my Rosetta Stone course, they got to moving so fast that I felt like I was reading fine print on a race car. Really, it was way to fast for me. I'll try to get my brain in gear!!!
Can you see it now...me speaking Spanish in a talk at both Spanish Branches, bearing my testimony, and conversing with them? It's okay. In all honesty I can't see it either.
My friend Tamera might have that kind of confidence in me as she gifted me with a small crystal winged pig.
Again I take on something, brain exercising for retention, quicker reaction, better memory and I still have a zillion other things to do. The sand is flowing through my years-allotted hour glass so I've got to at least die trying! not being morbid but really I need to get to moving.
The most important thing though is living to feel the Spirit and in doing so and increasing my study habits I've been reading teacher manuals. I found this lesson conclusion just jumped out and grabbed me. The language I want to master more than any other!!! The language that can't be purchased at Rosetta Stone. This is fantastic.....
for teacher- Conclusion to lesson
Emphasize that each of us has the privilege and responsibility to become fluent in the language of the Spirit. Encourage class members to make the effort necessary to receive and recognize the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. Testify that as we prepare ourselves and listen carefully, we will receive “revelation upon revelation” through the Holy Ghost (D&C 42:61).
I've found what I want to be my native language!!! I may never speak Spanish but I can speak in the language of the Spirit!!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I've found what I want to be my native language!!! I may never speak Spanish but I can speak in the language of the Spirit!!!!
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Monday Monday
So Monday found us in for the anticipated check up with the Stroke Specialist, Dr. Henderson. She is so great. Terry was delighted to see her and sincerely referred to her as an angel. She really doesn't do cozy talk and the words sort of went thud on the floor. In his happiness at seeing her and wanting to thank her for diagnosing him and literally, to him, saving his life by the care she prescribed, he didn't notice the alphabet soup in a pile but I did. She is an angel, whether she is comfy hearing it or not, and we love her. She knew he'd had a stroke and not a TIA and she knew what he needed to help him heal up. She of course was working in the midst of an ongoing miracle and we are gratefully aware of that.
I'll share the letter I sent our kiddo's when we got home.
oh, and show a picture of my car.
and tell about wanting the pavement to open up and swallow me. it's been a looonnnng day!!!
And...our missionary grandson that seems to be baptizing every living soul he speaks to! Go Elder Seljestad!!!!!
Hi to all of you great children. We always love and miss you. So happy that Greg is coming to see us!!! That will be wonderful!
I'll share the letter I sent our kiddo's when we got home.
oh, and show a picture of my car.
and tell about wanting the pavement to open up and swallow me. it's been a looonnnng day!!!
And...our missionary grandson that seems to be baptizing every living soul he speaks to! Go Elder Seljestad!!!!!
************************************
Hi to all of you great children. We always love and miss you. So happy that Greg is coming to see us!!! That will be wonderful!
Today was follow-up appointment with the Stroke
Specialist Dr. He went in thinking he'd get a clean bill of health, off all
medicines and back to just a normal life after the stroke trauma. It wasn't
quite like that but it's still good.
She was impressed with his coordination progress
especially with his left arm. We learned that 75% of the blood pumped by the
heart goes to the brain. Stroke victims need to watch for signs of heart
attacks....chest pain, left jaw pain and those sort of left-sided body pain.
He asked if he could stop the Rx. said he didn't
want to take meds all his life. and she looked startled and said...No! you
can't stop. The one that makes his blood slippery can be stopped, at her
direction, in 3 months but the other one is lifetime. She said he is
called..."aspirin failure." Meaning...he was taking large amounts of
aspirin and it did not prevent a stroke. He has to take this other Rx to
hopefully prevent a future stroke. She pointed out to him that he was a
possible candidate for a future stroke as are all stroke victims. I think he
thought he was home free.
He told her that he gets exhausted from working
even if he doesn't expend a lot of energy. He hits the wall and simply folds
and fades and has to sit down. She said if he had a broken bone that was cast
and it was trying to heal and you overdid, then your leg would let you know that
you were hurting yourself and you'd stop doing whatever was causing the pain.
The stop signal for a stroke is tiredness/sudden exhaustion and that
indicates...Stop. sit down. no TV. just quiet. nap. rest
until he feels up to going at task again.
She said he will continue healing for 2 years.
She was pleased at all the things he is doing. We try to plan ahead and pace
out things like... he showers Sat. night and goes to Sac. mtg. only. Sat. night
was a tough night and he decided to stay home as he was so tired. He slept
until 1pm so that was a good choice. Not an easy choice but a great choice.
She said he can drive. as long as he's not
tired, doesn't go far, really focuses (as she said stroke brains have a delayed
reaction) also he can use kitchen knives. Driving, using knives are not things
I'm eager for him to do!!!! I know they are separate actions but I don't even
welcome them separately!!
He went in thinking she'd say...good job. no
Rx needed. Get on with your life. and instead she said....come back
in 6 weeks and let's see how you are doing.
He is doing remarkable and she is impressed with
how he is doing compared to Jan. 21
Actually it's miraculous!
Just wanted to fill you in.
take care and know that you are loved.
Mom
Oh, and he can't drive when it's dark.
************************************
I am starting to enjoy my little car! She has great traits! Need to go to a class to learn how to get in with ease. Vans are just a hop aboard vehicle. This is a fold and go car. I can only fold so much! Here is My Beauty.....
Here is what I had to let go of........My Many Miler
I'm not a fair weather friend and she was awesome for those 150,000 miles!!
**********************************
Grandson and his companion
Elder Barton on left. Elder Seljestad on right.
recent baptism!!
********************************
Blame it on the hot water heater spouting forth cold water for my dilemma. Or how after Church on Sunday, visiting another Ward, I was visiting with Laura and Heather and so enjoyed it. I'm of the age to be Older Mom/Great Grandma to them. I think I'm the same age as any woman I visit with!
On the way home I was thinking of how many wonderful women there are in our Stake and I hardly know any compared to the ratio but those I know are so great! So I was thinking of Heather and Laura and how special they are to me and how great they look. That's all it took. The tailspin started! I thought they looked so fit and they must be on some fitness program and lifting weights or maybee running races or something. I thought for myself...nothing changes if nothing changes...that's in my creed. Get busy, girly!! At the same time I wished a friend that had earlier slipped me a delish chocolate morsel, in between our meetings, was riding in the passenger seat and I could convince her to get out her stash from her Church bag.
Then after I got Terry home from Dr., and settled, I decided to run to Costco for a flower pot as I'd just ordered to flowers that would each need a pot. I looked at the Easter Candy and then decided I would buy some chips. Whole grain chips. Healthy. right? so I opened them to do a taste test and had them on passenger seat.
Came home and got out of car and Bishop's wife, a friend, came jogging down the sidewalk. She is a small sized friend. Very small. Tiny? Teeny? She came over to say the right things about Beauty and to see the interior opened the passenger door. Uh-huh...crumbs (I'm sure!) and wide open bag. I could only say...Chips. plus I could feel flax seed and black sesame seeds stuck in my teeth and was trying to quickly pick at them when she looked at car. Rolodexing my mental storage vocabulary and there it was...Seeds. My one word explanation as I was picking. That is when I wanted to explain I wasn't inhaling the chips, just tasting them etc. etc. and the perils of being way to big and on and on. But I didn't! so I'm doing better on my co-dependency!!
I was wishing for the pavement to swallow me though.
So just when I'm thinking pretty good thoughts about myself, no matter my not so good food choice, I decide to tell you! Now it's out and over. The end.
*********************************
 |
| My Hero!!! Fixing hot water heater!!! |
Monday, March 25, 2013
Regular
(This is such a fun site to look at! 3-D renderings of so many Temples. Enjoy and share with your kiddo's! here )
Regular Temple attendance. That means something different for each of us. There does seem to be a connection with regular Temple attendance, and enjoying/receiving blessings with our name stamped on them, to help us on our mortal trek.
Regular-(adj)---acting or recurring or done in a uniform manner or constantly at a fixed time or interval. Usual, normal, habitual.
The temple is a place of revelation. The Lord may here give revelation, and every person may receive revelation to assist him in life. All knowledge, all help come from the Lord, directly or indirectly. Though He may not be there in person, He is there by His Holy Spirit and by earthly men holding the priesthood. By that Spirit they direct the Lord’s work here on earth. Every person who enters this sacred place in faith and prayer will find help in the solution of life’s problems.
--by John A. Widtsoe
...members of the Church who absent themselves from Temple attendance, where it is possible for them to attend, are denying themselves rich blessings.
As we study the scriptures, we learn that the doctrine of the temple requires...frequent attendance for personal spiritual benefit
A Temple recommend is one of the highest accolades we may receive. To use it regularly permits us to participate in the choicest gifts within the keeping of the Church.
One of the great revelations of the Temple to those who go often, is the reality and nearness of the spirit world....We should go to the temple often...But we cannot have it's spirit if we don't go regularly.
I promise you that, with increased attendance in the Temples of our God, you shall receive increased personal revelation to bless your lives as you bless those who have died.
Regular Temple work can provide spiritual strength.
Come to the Temples worthily and regularly.
---Elder David B. Haight 1999
Regular Temple attendance. That means something different for each of us. There does seem to be a connection with regular Temple attendance, and enjoying/receiving blessings with our name stamped on them, to help us on our mortal trek.
Regular-(adj)---acting or recurring or done in a uniform manner or constantly at a fixed time or interval. Usual, normal, habitual.
******************************************
The temple is a place of revelation. The Lord may here give revelation, and every person may receive revelation to assist him in life. All knowledge, all help come from the Lord, directly or indirectly. Though He may not be there in person, He is there by His Holy Spirit and by earthly men holding the priesthood. By that Spirit they direct the Lord’s work here on earth. Every person who enters this sacred place in faith and prayer will find help in the solution of life’s problems.
--by John A. Widtsoe
Do we return to the temple often to receive the personal blessings that come from regular temple worship?
...President Ezra Taft Benson 1988
...members of the Church who absent themselves from Temple attendance, where it is possible for them to attend, are denying themselves rich blessings.
---Elder David B. Haight 1990
As we study the scriptures, we learn that the doctrine of the temple requires...frequent attendance for personal spiritual benefit
---Elder W. Grant Bangerter 1982
A Temple recommend is one of the highest accolades we may receive. To use it regularly permits us to participate in the choicest gifts within the keeping of the Church.
---Elder A. Theodore Tuttle 1982
One of the great revelations of the Temple to those who go often, is the reality and nearness of the spirit world....We should go to the temple often...But we cannot have it's spirit if we don't go regularly.
---RS Manual 1983 Harold Glen Clark
I promise you that, with increased attendance in the Temples of our God, you shall receive increased personal revelation to bless your lives as you bless those who have died.
---President Ezra Taft Benson 1987
Regular Temple work can provide spiritual strength.
---Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin 1992
Come to the Temples worthily and regularly.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Buh-bye my van (so special to me!!)
Thursday was a day that was busy from morning until evening. Terry found the car that he wanted to buy so we had to clean my wonderful van all up to get it ready for trade-in. (me feeling teary!) Ridiculous to like a van so much that I feel I could make commercials or just give a spiel at a car lot. That van has been so incredible and it's taken me/us on nearly 150,000 miles. We bought it new in 2002 although it was 2nd hand. I felt like I abandoned a lifeless object that somehow felt lifelike. Kooky. I know.
I even told the car salesman that I loved my van and it was hard to let it go. He nodded with understanding but was that a sly glance at his watch on the downward bob? Was he holding back a yawn, as he held out a pen for us to sign on the dotted line, when I was feeling so tender? Was he sincere when he said he was sure someone somewhere somehow would enjoy my van and yet spewed out to Terry that there was no way he could give Terry what he wanted as a trade in with, uh, um....nearly 150,000 miles on it? Insinuating it was past it's prime, old, and getting run down. True--when Terry recently changed the oil (with me protesting he couldn't do it because of his stroke. Him doing it and then being totally exhausted for a day. or was that 2 days?) Anyhow when he changed the oil a little icon lit up on my dash board and signaled something was wrong, somewhere in hidden recesses.
Terry is precious. I didn't realize that he was that concerned about me traveling alone at night to visit other Wards or even taking a run up to the Temple. Even feeling he is precious didn't stop me from lamenting about my van longing...the space...the windows...the this. the that. blah. blah. blah.
Now it's the end of the day and time to let the van go and look to the brightness of having a lovely safe car that will take me wherever I desire to go and not cause Terry a bit of stress. How precious is a man that cares about his wife's safety and buys a car to take care of her.
I'm grateful for my car, my husband, my life and so thankful that I feel more centered in my spiritual self. More at peace. More on course. More aware of the necessity of doing what I know I need to do and do it on a regular routine basis.
All of life's challenges are covered by the atonement and that gift needs to be accessed in my own life. I used to think that the Atonement covered sin and all the sub-titles of sin. I was happy when I learned that the Atonement covers all pain/challenges/adversities. My taking that unplanned break time from what needs to be done in my spiritual upkeep made that Atonement fact sort of fade away. Now it is back and I'm glad. I need to keep working and pick things up a notch. I repented in the Temple for my spiritual neglect and that felt good. The Atonement brings power into our lives. It's restorative.
How does it work? I have no idea. I only know when you repent and ask for the gift/blessings of the Atonement to help you, then in the Lord's timing it will work.
"Since not all human sorrow and pain is connected to sin, the full intensiveness of the Atonement involved bearing our pains, infirmities, and sicknesses, as well as our sins. Whatever out sufferings, we can safely cast our 'care upon him; for he careth for us' (1 Peter 5:7)" --by Elder Neal A. Maxwell 1988
"Some Church members feel weighed down with discouragement about the circumstance of their personal lives, even when they are making sustained and admirable efforts. Frequently, these feelings of self-disappointment come not from wrongdoing, but from stresses and troubles for which we may not be fully to blame. The Atonement of Jesus Christ applies to these experiences because it applies to all of life. The Savior can wipe away all of our tears, after all we can do...
"The Savior's atonement is...the healing power not only for sin, but also for carelessness, inadequacy, and all mortal bitterness. The atonement is not just for sinners." --by Bruce C. Hafen 1990
I even told the car salesman that I loved my van and it was hard to let it go. He nodded with understanding but was that a sly glance at his watch on the downward bob? Was he holding back a yawn, as he held out a pen for us to sign on the dotted line, when I was feeling so tender? Was he sincere when he said he was sure someone somewhere somehow would enjoy my van and yet spewed out to Terry that there was no way he could give Terry what he wanted as a trade in with, uh, um....nearly 150,000 miles on it? Insinuating it was past it's prime, old, and getting run down. True--when Terry recently changed the oil (with me protesting he couldn't do it because of his stroke. Him doing it and then being totally exhausted for a day. or was that 2 days?) Anyhow when he changed the oil a little icon lit up on my dash board and signaled something was wrong, somewhere in hidden recesses.
Terry is precious. I didn't realize that he was that concerned about me traveling alone at night to visit other Wards or even taking a run up to the Temple. Even feeling he is precious didn't stop me from lamenting about my van longing...the space...the windows...the this. the that. blah. blah. blah.
Now it's the end of the day and time to let the van go and look to the brightness of having a lovely safe car that will take me wherever I desire to go and not cause Terry a bit of stress. How precious is a man that cares about his wife's safety and buys a car to take care of her.
I'm grateful for my car, my husband, my life and so thankful that I feel more centered in my spiritual self. More at peace. More on course. More aware of the necessity of doing what I know I need to do and do it on a regular routine basis.
All of life's challenges are covered by the atonement and that gift needs to be accessed in my own life. I used to think that the Atonement covered sin and all the sub-titles of sin. I was happy when I learned that the Atonement covers all pain/challenges/adversities. My taking that unplanned break time from what needs to be done in my spiritual upkeep made that Atonement fact sort of fade away. Now it is back and I'm glad. I need to keep working and pick things up a notch. I repented in the Temple for my spiritual neglect and that felt good. The Atonement brings power into our lives. It's restorative.
How does it work? I have no idea. I only know when you repent and ask for the gift/blessings of the Atonement to help you, then in the Lord's timing it will work.
"Since not all human sorrow and pain is connected to sin, the full intensiveness of the Atonement involved bearing our pains, infirmities, and sicknesses, as well as our sins. Whatever out sufferings, we can safely cast our 'care upon him; for he careth for us' (1 Peter 5:7)" --by Elder Neal A. Maxwell 1988
*****************************
"Some Church members feel weighed down with discouragement about the circumstance of their personal lives, even when they are making sustained and admirable efforts. Frequently, these feelings of self-disappointment come not from wrongdoing, but from stresses and troubles for which we may not be fully to blame. The Atonement of Jesus Christ applies to these experiences because it applies to all of life. The Savior can wipe away all of our tears, after all we can do...
"The Savior's atonement is...the healing power not only for sin, but also for carelessness, inadequacy, and all mortal bitterness. The atonement is not just for sinners." --by Bruce C. Hafen 1990
***************************************
"I testify that no one has or ever will experience any set of circumstances, be they disappointments, betrayal, pain, persecution, suffering, or whatever, that cannot and is not swallowed up in the Savior! You can feel no hurt, emotional or physical, that He has not already felt. There is no combination of human emotions or physical illness or suffering that cannot find refuge in the Savior's sacrifice for us. He knows how to help us. He wants to help us. Please let him."
--by Elder John H. Groberg 1994
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