Bag Lady

When Terry's cousin died it was decided by his family to wait until now and have a memorial service.  I'm the designated driver in our home now and this would be a long trip to Union WA. It seemed long to me--  Round-trip was 473 miles.  I earned a gold star, self-awarded, for doing the entire trip, memorial service, and a couple of brief breaks in one day!!!  I want to build up driving stamina to put in a 10 hour road trip and not feel like I may need to sleep a month plus not balking at getting in a car again.

Packing involved the possibility of staying overnight plus things needed- no matter whether we stayed over or not.

I'm a bag lady.  Are all women or just me?  I don't mean a designer purse.  In high school we carried small clutch bags and the contents were a wallet with lots of pictures, lipstick, a comb and not much else.  If we drove we had a car key, of course.

Bags really came into play with diaper bags.  With Banky/Bear/Bottle.  and all the other paraphernalia that you take with you just in case.

Packing for this trip reminded me of those times.  Concern for Terry and a long tiring trip. Things for comfort/warmth/snack.  Even forgetting his pillow and making do with a jacket, it all worked out.  It always does, doesn't it? 

I was thinking, while he slept, of the importance of things as necessities/essentials/luxury items.  I was thinking of how much emphasis we put on the acquisition of and tending to our things.  I was thinking that we really won't take anything with us...

1 Tim 6:7 For we brought ^anothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

What will we take with us....what is on the table of our hearts?

Proverbs 3:1-4

1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

 2 For length of days, and ^along life, and ^bpeace, shall they add to thee.

 3 Let not mercy and ^atruth forsake thee: ^bbind them about thy neck; write them upon the ^ctable of thine ^dheart:

 4 So shalt thou find ^afavour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

These foot notes especially on 3 are terrific.

We will take our Intelligence.  Section 130

18 Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.

 19 And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.

Evidently we will take our memory bank... don't you think?  as the Book of Mormon mentions about our thoughts and judgement and actions.  doesn't that bring to mind.... Did I serve?  Do good? Do enough?

So there I was driving in traffic and enjoying thinking about these things.  I appreciate this phase of my life to be able to have quiet time to think, even if I'm driving!

Sunday, in the Ward I visited, the teacher showed a video that I'd not seen about John Tanner.  It's the Doctrine and Covenants/Church History one.  It made me teary and more determined to live better and do better.  So I traveled my 473 miles in one day (and that was with stopping for a memorial and a quick dinner).  John traveled 500 miles, by wagon and it took him 25 days!!  He had 9 children, no money, they were hungry and turned away.  I am so blessed.  I have sufficient for my needs every single day.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

me being whiny!

trying to get ready to go to Union, WA for a funeral for Terry's cousin and time is getting away from me.  I have so much I want to say but my mind is tired and I'm sort of feeling the day is over and my thoughts are mush!  I'm sorry.  You are consistent in your reading my blog and I'm not givng you anything but excuses.  I'll be back here on Monday.  Life should settle down then as travels will be over until July!  McCall!

Plus I'm trying to get ready to go on yet another eating program!!!   And that takes preparation!

This is ridiculous.  I should just say...I ran out of energy and time and my thoughts are to scattered to collect and put in any readable format!

There.  I said the truth.  I'm tired.  Good night!

A step into today's world!!!

So much going on around here that I feel like I'm out of balance!  trying to get settled down.  I really like to have lots going on (well, lots by my definition and that might make others feel...is she even moving at all?  any sign of life?? take her pulse!)  Things have changed in very subtle ways since Terry's stroke and I'm adjusting to those details.  I need to step up to the plate and do more.  He is still in recovery mode strength wise.  He just went to his Sunday full 3 hour block and now it's on to getting stamina for going to Temple.

We totally count ourselves 100% blessed.  Not complaining.  Just changes and adjustments that don't feel totally familiar.  Yet.  Enough of that chatter.  It's our reality right now.

Reality.  Loved having our son home.  Girls seem to always come home to see parents.  Boys...not so often.  I love that our son wanted to come home.  I know he wanted to check on his Dad and be reassured that he's doing okay.

He and I didn't get to go to Temple because he forgot his white shirt and his Dad's doesn't fit him.  He ended up wearing a colored shirt to Church and I was glad he went anyhow!  He's a wearer of the white Church shirt as his Dad so that was out of his comfort zone.

It was great to have our 2 oldest children with us.  Unlike the mayhem/fights when they were boys...they were civil/friendly/loving and have ended up great grown-ups!

Big news at our house are these little gems.....his and hers...beauties.....

I thought I was so modern with email and had no intention to ever go anymore into this century.  Then I did my blog (by the way...thanks for being a reader!  It means so much to me to be able to visit with you!) and that was it!  Then I tried FB and that did not settle well with me and gave me indigestion with lack of privacy so I phased out of that.  Actually FB cancelled me because they thought I got hacked.  so I check to see FB pictures but not much else.

Paper is my love.  right next to words--I LOVE words/writing.  I love reading and turning pages and feeling the book or paper in my hand so that was all the modern I had in me...email and my blog.  But then, vanity?  pride?  envy? or was it sensibility?  gratitude?  a monumental step like the first step on the moon?  Practicality?  I'm not sure but this I am sure of...I just love my pretty little tablet with it's wonderful stylus!  I think a part of being sold on it was studying on LDS. org and researching something and it was amazing how much information I could access and how fast it was.  I was smitten.  Also being last in class to find a scripture!  That was irritating-- by the time I turned to it, the teacher was way past the reference! 

I knew my mid-80's Idaho friend, Kathryn, had received a tablet for Christmas and I wondered how she was enjoying it.  I called her and she said she carries her room to room, in her wheelchair, and wouldn't be without it! 

Kipper took me to shop and I got it!  Kipper got me all set up and taught me basics. Terry absolutely cringed at the thought and with Norwegian stubbornness dug his heels in and refused to even peek at one.  not even mine!

Then Greg arrived and as Terry continued his stand-off, Greg walked across the room with my little dandy and said....Dad, touch this key and see what happens.  When General Conference was there before his eyes?.....he was holding it in his hand?....well, a-shopping we did go!

Greg then held classes for us each day and taught us how to access Church sites etc.  he would give us tests. It was not easy for Greg (or us!)

teacher teaching ....student working on assignments!

Terry is sort of like one of those reformed people that is now totally in salesmen mode on the merits of today's technology in devices like his!!  He even took his tablet to Church on Sunday!!  AND he used it!

I visited another Ward and took mine also.  Greg did put a wild picture of his teaching face on mine and I need to have him tell me how to get it off.  Mine turns on and there is this crazed looking creature, all eyes and furled brows and nostrils.  like a fire-breathing frustrated dragon.  I did not like saying ...Yes.  That is my son.

What a marvelous world to live in and the technology is so amazing!  The Church is just heaping reams of information/inspiration for us to have in our lives.  My goal is to really learn how to use my gadget and stay current.  I so appreciate my tablet!!! 

Temple Bound

As all things that happen when family is scattered, and not within easy distance to reach, it's all over to soon!  it was a wonderful time!  A great 8 days!

More on what we did later...I'm in recovery mode and going to do the best thing possible!- heading to the Temple.  Traveling with the expectation of promised blessings for going to the Temple and this today is in my heart....

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… I am satisfied that when persons go into these temples, they do not [leave] without feeling better and with a determination in their minds to do a little better than they have done. That is the feeling we want the Saints to get. …

… Be faithful, brethren and sisters, and persevering; come to the temple and do your work there, and you will enjoy yourselves, and be better prepared to resist the unpleasantnesses of the world.

Those who [enter the] Temple with a pure heart and a contrite spirit [will] not come out of it without receiving peculiar blessings, although these in some, or possibly many, instances might be different from what some might expect. … Some of the Saints might be looking for the appearance of ministering angels … or expect to behold the face of God. It might not be profitable for you to impart such manifestations. The Lord knows what is best for every individual, and will adapt His gifts for the production of the greatest good to those who receive them. It may be safely anticipated that every faithful Saint who enters that House will receive a blessing that will give much satisfaction to the recipient. Before those who would enter the Temple [leave] it, something [will] arise in their hearts and understanding which [will] be serviceable to them in their future lives. To this, as true Latter-day Saints, they [are] entitled. 

 (this is from lesson 10 in our current manual.  featuring the teachings of President Lorenzo Snow)

Family!!!

Greg is here for a few days!!! 

will post again Tuesday the 23rd! 

What a treat to have him home!

Eighteen years ago?...that long ago?...

September 1995. Yes--Eighteen years ago!  Sitting and listening and enjoying the General RS Meeting.  President Hinckley had talked at length about challenges women have, no matter what age of life they are in.  Stand Strong Against the Wiles of the World

Then he surprised all of us by saying....

"I have touched lightly on some of the serious problems which confront many of you sisters.

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

The Family:A Proclamation to the World

This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

After he read the Proclamation he said...

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

I remember feeling that this was historic for all 15 leaders to proclaim a message to the world.  For everyone!  I also remember thinking it was so neat to have him deliver it at our RS meeting.

I have shared before that I was somewhat abashed with them saying, as the very first statement after declaring their apostolic authority...marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God.  At the time I felt...well, of course it is a man and a woman!

Recently, when I re-read what President Hinckley said, as an introductory preface to this Proclamation, I realized this truly is, as he said--"...a declaration and reaffirmation of standards, doctrines, and practices relative to the family which the prophets, seers, and revelators of this church have repeatedly stated throughout its history..."

Everything we want to know about our Church doctrine on family life and and aspects of relationships is in this document.  I think it's in cement and won't be amended in the near future or even my lifetime and maybe yours also!

To me this document is akin to the 13 Articles of Faith.  Easily understood.  Definitive.  Succinct.

I find myself reading it and pondering it and wondering how it will play out in the world's confusion.  We will be confused also?  Will we feel as one feminist said...."the proclamation on the family is antiquated." 

My testimony is strong on Living Prophets and this Proclamation is powerful in many ways.  15 Apostles are in agreement that this is a viable document.   15 men, the General Leadership, all in agreement.  That makes this more than a paper hastily written and passing it around the table for all to sign.  This is what the Lord wants for us, expects of us, warns us and it is a dissolving factor of confusion on what our Church Doctrine is on Families.

 

 

I believe Prophets...

In 1980 President Ezra Taft Benson gave a talk at BYU.  I figure the average age of the audience was 19+.  So today they would be around 52+ (if my math is right)  Here is what he said to them....

My beloved brothers and sisters. I am honored to be in your presence today. You students are a part of a choice young generation—a generation which might well witness the return of the Lord.

Not only is the Church growing in number today, it is growing in faithfulness and, even more important, our young generation, as a group, is even more faithful than the older generation. God has reserved you for the eleventh hour—the great and dreadful day of the Lord (D&C 110:16). It will be your responsibility not only to help to carry the kingdom to a triumph but to save your own soul and strive to save those of your family and to honor the principles of the inspired constitution of the United States.

In 1981 the talk was printed in the Liahona as The President's Message.  Read it.  Share it at FHE.  Check and see if you are on course yourself.  Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet

He quoted one of my favorite quotes by President Harold B. Lee.  One that has ever stayed in my mind and one I really learned from.  I remember what he said and being shocked at his bluntness when he said it but off the top of my head I can't remember what was going on in the world/Church to warrant him saying...

“You may not like what comes from the authority of the Church. It may conflict with your political views. It may contradict your social views. It may interfere with some of your social life … Your safety and ours depends upon whether or not we follow … Let’s keep our eye on the President of the Church. (Joseph fielding Smith)” (Conference Report, October 1970, p. 152–153.)

True, the Church is the restoration of the original Church of Jesus Christ.  There are those in our midst that would like the restoration to be reorganized.  They want their ideas to be put into play.  With Prophets at the head we can have confidence they will know what needs to be done by the Church as a whole and by us as individuals.  We raise our hands to sustain them.  to support them.  to follow their counsel.  They do not ask for suggestions or write in campaigns or organized rallies etc.

President Benson...#12 of his 14 points talk...

Twelfth: The prophet will not necessarily be popular with the world or the worldly.

As a prophet reveals the truth it divides the people. The honest in heart heed his words but the unrighteous either ignore the prophet or fight him. When the prophet points out the sins of the world, the worldly either want to close the mouth of the prophet, or else act as if the prophet didn’t exist, rather than repent of their sins. Popularity is never a test of truth. Many a prophet has been killed or cast out. As we come closer to the Lord’s second coming you can expect that as the people of the world become more wicked, the prophet will be less popular with them.

also in his talk he quoted President N. Eldon  Tanner...

 

“The Prophet (President David O. McKay)  spoke out clearly on Friday morning, telling us what our responsibilities are …

“A man said to me after that, ‘You know, there are people in our state who believe in following the Prophet in everything they think is right, but when it is something they think isn’t right, and it doesn’t appeal to them, then that’s different.’ He said, ‘Then they become their own prophet. They decide what the Lord wants and what the Lord doesn’t want.’

“I thought how true, and how serious when we begin to choose which of the covenants, which of the commandments we will keep and follow, we are taking the law of the Lord into our own hands and become our own prophets, and believe me, we will be led astray, because we are false prophets to ourselves when we do not follow the Prophet of God. No, we should never discriminate between these commandments, as to those we should and should not keep.” (CR, October 1966, p. 98.)

I remember hearing these talks, learning, being impressed and now I see they are just as applicable now as then because these statements are pure truth by  Prophets.  They are not outdated.  They are just as valid now as when I first heard them and read them.  They are a part of my testimony foundation of living Prophets.  The Holy Ghost witnessed to me these statements were true then and when I re-read and put these on my blog...again that witness came-- we are lead by Prophets and we need to heed their counsel.

You can relax....I'm not going to forever be blaring through my megaphone about all that is going on but really, I've got to say what I think and what I'm feeling.  so for a bit...just a couple more blogs... I'll probably be in full bore soap box mode!  I think about the current happenings so much.  I may as well get it out of my system.  Get it laid out on the table.  Share my perspective and concerns and testimony and then move on.   Okay?  I hope you don't mind. 

  

Prophets...love them.

There was a period of eagerness in my life to study and learn all that I could about the Gospel. This was before the easy to read Scriptures of today and no one had ever heard the word Internet etc.  Things were slow to come in, in my estimation anyhow.  for instance in 1971-the April Gen. Conf. didn't arrive via Church Magazine until June!  

There were lots of great books, doctrinal/authoritative that I absorbed and enjoyed and could feel the truth seeping into my soul.  Today I remembered an instance that I found so curious as to why it wasn't officially in the scriptures as it had the read of realness to me.  At the end of several pages of reading... I read...

This Vision of the Redemption of the Dead was submitted October 31, 1918 to the Counselors in the Fist Presidency, the Council of the Twelve and the Patriarch, and by them unanimously accepted-Improvement Era December, 1918.  (No need to submit it to the President because he was the one that had the Vision!  Just Counselors.)

I remember wondering why it wasn't placed in the Scriptures.  I read Gospel Doctrine by President Joseph F. Smith, most likely 1965-1970.  The book was published in 1919.  I remember reading that section of his Vision and knowing that I was reading truth.  I wrote in margin notes about it should be scriptures!  and all sorts of stars and comments and explanation points (somethings just don't change to they???!!!)  Today when I looked it up, I was surprised that it's way in the back of the book 472-476.  I loved reading this book!

During April conference of 1976, the Vision of the Redemption of the Dead, was accepted as scripture and approved for publication in the Pearl of Great Price.  I remember being impressed and found it interesting.  It was not added to anything as the new Scriptures weren't yet published.  I think we got a little pamphlet or the likes to put in our scriptures.  I'd have to look that up.

In June 1979 the First Presidency announced that it would become section 138 of the Doctrine & Covenants.  This was really exciting to me because it rang true to me when I first read it.

In 1981 it appeared in the newly published with footnotes etc. Doctrine and Covenants and for some reason I loved seeing it in print.  It was so real to me when I first read it and I'd really felt it should be a part of our scripture base.  I wanted that.  Most likely it was already, with the acceptance by the authorities, but I was still learning and didn't connect the dots back to 1918.

and the rest, as the saying goes...is History.

So the math adds up like this...

Shared Vision- October 1918
Accepted 2 weeks later by Quorum 
Published 8 weeks later in Church Magazine
58 years later from that Vision..approved as Scripture/part of Pearl of Great Price
63 years from that Vision- became Section 138 of D&C 

This Vision expanded the Saints understanding of what happens after death and it certainly did mine also.  I still find it fascinating.

“I have been undergoing a siege of very serious illness for the last five months. … I have not lived alone these five months. I have dwelt in the spirit of prayer, of supplication, of faith and of determination; and I have had my communication with the Spirit of the Lord continuously” --President Joseph F. Smith (in Conference Report, Oct. 1918, 2).

He died the next month. Nov. 19, 1918.

I share this because I love the thoroughness of the fact-check by the Church Leaders.  They don't rush to judgement.  They receive their counsel and guidance from above and will not move an inch until details are in alignment and they get the green light of revelatory approval.  The stability this gives our religion is wonderful.

Being a recovering co-dependent...I am surprised in a way that I didn't write and suggest they put it in the Doctrine & Covenants!  My litmus test for the Church receiving revelation is from the top down and not vice versa.  I know I've said that a million times lately but that has never failed me.  Thus far.   

Can you even imagine trying to keep a world-wide Church on the same page so that it truly is one Lord/one Faith/one Baptism?  So that it is the same everywhere????






 

Loved it!!!!

Now that is what I call a fun time-- to enjoy hours of Conference plus great shorts in-between sessions and also watching/reading the following.....

1)2013 RS Auxiliary Training Meeting-  view it here

 2)SALT LAKE CITY — 

The general presidents of the Relief Society, Young Women and Primary organizations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently participated in a conversation covering a number of topics relating to women in the Church. In the video, Sister Linda K. Burton, Sister Elaine S. Dalton and Sister Rosemary M. Wixom provide insights into their roles in Church leadership, describe the power of the priesthood in people’s lives and provide answers to questions of interest.   view it here

3)Sherry Dew speaks What do LDS Women Get?  

4)Hot off the press!!!! New role for Sister Missionaries

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Still soap-boxing a wee bit... Sister prays in Gen. Conference.  Can we please be sensible and look at this as ....evidently it was time for that to happen and thus it did?  I so wish the LDS feminists hadn't been doing their best to "make" it happen.  The Church said the assignments were already made.  All things happen on the Lord's timetable.  Through His Prophets. 

I think the marvels of today's technology stir the pot, keep it boiling and keep attention on whatever the opponents, to the Church way of doing things, is not fair to them.  Probably these women are to young to remember that 20 some years ago a woman had never spoken at General Conference.  None of us were in a flap over that fact.  When the first woman spoke, it was noted, accepted as a new part of General Conference and things just moved on.  In 1978 (same year as all worthy males can receive priesthood) President Kimball also made another official statement ...women could pray in Sacrament meeting.  Up to that time it was never done.  I remember there even being chatter about should they say opening or closing prayer?  I remember being in Church when it happened that first time. I never remember any movement organized to make it happen.

What a time to be alive!  I have enjoyed seeing all sorts of changes in my lifetime.  Changes don't bother me as I consider it growth....as long as the course direction comes from above and not from the ground up...I don't like that forcing it on me kind of talk!

 There have been all sorts of changes in the arena of Church policies but not principles.  The way things are done in the Church from the time we joined until now are not exactly the same but...every basic principle is still firmly in place.  When we joined we kept to ourselves, not really involved in our communities, we went to Church meetings all week long!  Then suddenly...a 3 hour block.  There are people reading this that can't even imagine that much Church to go to.  but go we did!  We use to take the Sacrament twice on Sunday...at SS in morning & Sac. meeting in afternoon.  Now it's one time but we still hear the same prayers etc.  I could go on and on but I won't!  at least not right this minute!


I  think it's so interesting that the LDS Feminists, that started their hand-carried/delivered letter writing request/campaign in January, actually feel that their 1600 letters changed the course of  history!!  Come on!!!  Are you kidding me??

So the Feminists are now working towards their goal of women receiving the Priesthood and are buoyed by their "success" in bringing about prayer change and the Gays are viewing these two prayers as progressive and...inching forward. positive feelings of hope for my community.

 General Conference talks for both days, let both the discontented/disgruntled LDS Feminist women and the LDS discontented/disgruntled Gays know....that's not going to happen.  Priesthood was totally explained and reaffirmed...it is a male ordination.  Period.  End of wondering about it.  Marriage is between a man and a woman.  No same gender marriages.  End of story.  The talks were wonderful and really laid it on the line in both cases.

I loved the no pussy-footing around.  Just straight forward to me.  Such fantastic messages.  I loved the power and strength and confidence and firmness and love and reminders to follow Christ.  I don't remember ever hearing so many strong talks!!!  Scriptures quoted, lots of Bible quotes, and the entire Conference was so very Christ centered. Such amazing counsel on everything in life!!

I sat like a sponge that started off with some dry hard places and ended up just saturated with tears of tenderness and feeling the Spirit.  I've never heard so many men feel the Spirit so strong that their emotions caused their voices to break.  They were so on fire!!

Terry wasn't able to go to the Priesthood meeting and I was so sorry about that as he always takes notes and tells me about them as they don't usually become available on line for several days and then you usually can only read them.  It was 9pm and I thought that I'd just check and see when they'd have something on.  I utterly gasped...every single Saturday session, including Priesthood!, was available for viewing!!!!  I loved each talk given and Elder Uchtdorff's was one of the most powerful talks for men, I've ever heard.  I remember the last one I felt like that was when President Hinckley spoke to the men about times to come and being prepared.  Elder U.'s  talk was unlike any I've ever heard.  It will be interesting to see how the men react.

And Br. Falabella!!!  Isn't that one of the most terrific marriage talks you've ever heard???  If a man can be rated adorable on the speaker platform then he's in the running!!

Talk after talk just grabbed my heart.  I'm sure you felt the same way.  How could a person not be touched by the Spirit?  Right now I'm just in savor mode!!   

This age of technology is so incredible.  so amazing.  within hours people were putting wonderful quotes from talks or videos of favorite talks.  There is so much available that it's like an avalanche!

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PS-My heart goes out to all of the Mothers that have chicks still in the nest.  Your work is cut out for you and we all need to help you the best we can.  You are up to it and I look at you and see why you were born when you were....you are prepared for the task.  You can do it!!!  

Still bothering me!!!!

My friend, Carol, just got back from Utah- she said it was on the TV every time she turned around!!!

Mormon group pushing for women in the priesthood - CacheValleyDaily.com : News

General Women Leaders speak about  about Priesthood Power

Sherry Dew speaks What do LDS Women Get?  

Hot off the press!!!! New role for Sister Missionaries

Finally....it's time for General Conference!!!!!

What a treat to hear the RS Auxiliary Training right as it was happening through Live Stream!!  It was so nice to meet the new General RSP.  I love their approach and was thrilled with so much of what they said.  I felt they really taught ideally and used their scriptures (which they obviously really know and use).  It was all about living the Gospel and helping others to join us on the Gospel road.  Sharing blessings and helping each other.  My heart was so filled with gratitude and love for the women I know that enrich my life and that would include each of you!!  I just sat and shed a few quiet tears of gratitude for my life and all that I have been blessed with.  Watch it when you get a chance.  It just makes you thankful to be a woman.

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So here we go...the party is about ready to start!  General Conference!!  Remember that you can get revelation for yourself through General Conference.  Go back and read Chapter 1 in the current RS manual- President Lorenzo Snow.  It's just filled with promises.  promises from a Prophet so you know that is the truth.  Give your personal life questions a dusting off, pray about them and claim this Chapter 1 promise.....

 What I want of the Latter-day Saints is that during this conference, as the Elders shall arise to address us, our faith and our prayers may be exercised for each one who speaks, that he may say such things, and that we may have the spirit to receive such things as shall be beneficial to all. This is our privilege and our duty. We have not come here accidentally; we have come in this conference expecting to receive something that will be advantageous to us.


^{You should ask the Lord to let [the speakers] say something that you want to know, that they may suggest something to you that will be of some advantage. If you have any desire to know certain matters that you do not understand, pray that [they] may say something that shall enlighten your mind in reference to that which troubles you, and we will have a grand and glorious Conference, a better one than we have ever had before. Strange as it may appear, our last Conference always seems the best, and may this be the case; and you brethren and sisters, let your hearts rise up to the Lord and exercise faith while our brethren are talking to you. We will not be disappointed, and you will not go home, you will not retire from this Conference, without feeling you have been greatly and abundantly blessed.}

No Sense/Nonsense--just OUR Normal!

Sometimes I think we don't have a grain of sense between the two of us.  Not even a single grain!  I don't know if it's the weather, the spring colors or just 2 seniors having a moment that borders on lunacy?  He needs to build stamina.  Anything he does, any physical action, is considered therapy and will help his brain and the movement etc. will increase fine motor skills.  So we decide the ideal project to get him out of the house, something to work on, something creative, fresh air etc. is gardening!!


I think gardening would be fine if we'd been doing it all along.  I wasn't raised gardening.  We didn't live in the Matanuska Valley/ Palmer area when I was a child.  We were in Anchorage and not one of my parents friends had a garden and no one talked of it.  Years later it was a different story but not in my brief childhood.  Really- that is neither here nor there.  There is such marvelous produce here and I have friends that generously share their bounty and a fantastic nearby produce stand.

I admire the gardeners and love to hear Shannon talk about her love of gardening and know she could live in her garden and be happy.  Celise just brings a smile to my face when I hear her talk about her garden with it's happy bugs and worms. I love to see her little ones with their outdoor healthy look.   And her sweet Mother-in-law, MaryLynne, and all that she does with her garlic.  The list goes on and on in our Ward gardeners- with the likes of Emma...a new baby! and yet she's out there doing her thing!

These gardeners are young, experienced, and know their stuff.  Terry thinks he knows a lot about growing things.  I know that I know nothing much and I'm suspicious on his self-professed encyclopedic data that he is so sure of. 

That being said, and yes, he has planted some things in the past and had some success.  On the amount of success, on the judgement bar being Major or Minor...the jury is still out! I've grown flowers at different times and I ususally do cherry tomatoes and for a long time I had golden raspberries galore but that is the extent of my attempts at gardening.

So in the midst of all our perpetual mess, of one sort or another, we are now going to garden.  Try.  We are going to try.

He is going to grow veggies and I'm going for some flowers and fruits.  Surely we could have dug a hole and just put a seed in but oh, no....we decide to do more work than that....although at this time everything, planning wise is in our minds, we do have some things to get us going.....

Two potential raised beds (sensible amount!)

One potential visqueen-like walk-in Greenhouse

Potential greenhouse coming to life!

Potential Greenhouse taking maze-like shape!

Potential homes for blueberry plants (nesting in pristine past garden area!)

Blueberries  awaiting release from garage clutter to more into their new homes.

 (ready to eat in 2-3 years!)

Fantastically beautiful Ranunculus flowers needing to be put in a pot!

Flowers that I took pity on and thinking I can rescue them!!  (ever the co-dependent!)

available strays strewn all over!

My style!  Phony baloney flowers that are dust covered/un-arranged!

Long handled Dandelion Digger!!  Brand new! Never used! (salad greens. bush tomato. in box)

Victims await their dreaded fate in a field of fellow dandelions!

This is not a practical venture but we will try to get this plane off the ground and into the air.

                                                                  Terry is my hero!!!

My very own gardener! 

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Doctrine and Covenants 28:2, 6–7; 43:2–4. (We receive revelation according to our stewardship and responsibilities.)

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “It is contrary to the economy of God for any member of the Church, or any one, to receive instruction for those in authority, higher than themselves” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 21).

Shortly before his call as an Apostle, Dallin H. Oaks explained: “Our Heavenly Father’s house is a house of order. … Only the President of the Church receives revelation to guide the entire Church. … The person who receives revelation for the ward is the bishop. … Individuals can receive revelation to guide their own lives. But when one person purports to receive revelation for another person outside his or her own area of responsibility—such as a Church member who claims to have revelation to guide the entire Church or a person who claims to have a revelation to guide another person over whom he or she has no presiding authority according to the order of the Church—you can be sure that such revelations are not from the Lord” (“Revelation,” New Era, Sept. 1982, 45–46).

Get ready! Decide what works for you....enjoy!

Each of us does our very best to incorporate the Gospel into our daily life and living.  We each have different things going on and sometimes we can't really do all that we want, in spite of our desire.  And that's okay.  We just do our best.

I'm a General Conference nut!  I believe these people have worked and prayed and fasted and listened intensely to the Spirit and what they say is true.  I can hold on to those words and claim the mentioned blessings or try new approaches to old things that I've tried and not been successful in or obtain an entirely new perspective of a situation in my own life that I'm seeking solutions/direction for or an unexpected tender mercy of the unexpected remark/scripture/comment that just grabs my heart and tenderness just washes over me.

I enjoy hearing of changes in callings and sustaining the General Authorities and hearing where new Temples are going to be built and hearing all the stats that pertain to all sorts of goings on.  I look forward to seeing how they approach the happenings in the world and how much talk time they give to discussion or lack of discussion, of the corruption/lack of morals etc. in the world. 

I'm a believer.  I like the continuity of things and yet I also enjoy hearing of changes that are new/far-reaching/ and improve the way things are done or handled.  I like the comfort of consistency and the old-fashion-edness of so many things.

With that being said...I like the stability of Priesthood in charge and conducting and yes...it's fine with me if they say all the prayers.  IF a woman did say a prayer at General Conference...it would not bother me.  It would not be a "big deal" to me.  It would just be interesting to note that I heard that first prayer when that changed in who says prayers.  It used to be that women did not say prayers at Sacrament meetings.  Now they do.  Change is interesting and keeps the Church alive, and on course, with what the Lord desires.

My struggle/frustration/irritation is knowing these women that want this, women-to-pray at- conference,  have an agenda.  They want women to have the Priesthood and do everything-now a responsibility of men with the Priesthood.  This bothers me because changes in the Church come from the top down.  Not the bottom up.  No matter how high the designer shoe with it's stiletto heel, they are still only a few inches elevated.  That mere smidgen of elevation is still minuscule/totally irrelevant in giving revelation to the entire Church.  Any time changes/supposed advances in Church procedures, comes at demand/request, from the wearer of those high heels then it's skewed.  I heard that the feminists hope, in 2 years, for women to have the Priesthood.  I'm not sure which LDS feminist group said that.  Joanna Brooks?

Anyhow that is not the Lord's way.  Protests/rallying/personal agendas/forming groups-- will never open the heavens for revelation for the entire Church.  It's not in the plan.  The authorities receive revelation and don't spend time poring over suggestions/grievances/petitions, to base making overall changes.

Revelation....how amazing and awesome and wonderful!!!!

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http://acandlestick.blogspot.com/2012/12/knicker-knots.html
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Who receives revelations and commandments for the entire Church today?
 
President Joseph F. Smith and his counselors in the First Presidency taught: “The Lord has … appointed one man at a time on the earth to hold the keys of revelation to the entire body of the Church in all its organizations, authorities, ordinances and doctrines. The spirit of revelation is bestowed upon all its members for the benefit and enlightenment of each individual receiving its inspiration, and according to the sphere in which he or she is called to labor. But for the entire Church, he who stands at the head is alone appointed to receive revelations by way of commandment and as the end of controversy” (in James R. Clark, comp., Messages of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6 vols. [1965–75], 4:270)

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How to prepare for General Conference