A Story of Sweetness

These had sat on the table by the door since April 1st as a requested purchase after the General Woman's broadcast.

7 packages of semi-sweet chocolate chips from Cash & Carry

All of my blog readers know that I have a chocolate stash in my dresser drawer.  A friend checks my personal stress barometer and if she feels it needful she will bring me a little jar of top quality chocolates.  each sort of shaped like a very fancy chocolate chip.  I have no idea where she buys them but she is my supplier without me even requesting them.

My dear friend Myra Faye liked, no she loved semi-sweet chocolate chips.  Our Ward used to have a sister that ordered Ghirardelli chips for making Christmas Candy and Myra Faye would order from her.  In a rather large amount.  several pounds.

I have no idea what year I became her supplier and engaged in intrigue and cunning ways to hide it from the world that she had a chocolate chip habit.  When she drove she would usually buy her own and secret it away.  When Bob retired and they shopped together it became a bit more challenging to buy several bags of chips and never make cookies or candies.  So what are friends for?????

MF-Next time you shop would you pick me up some chocolate chips? 
Me- sure.  one or two?  
MF- Ten.
Me- Ten?

A Sweet Story aka Discreet Sweet-Tooth

(Pictures provided to illustrate the truth unfolding)

I took her requested chips to Bob.  He was puzzled!

I had seen her cup on the cupboard!

 I asked him when he found out and he said the week before she had asked him for some CC and he put some in that cup.

Uh-huh...a few chocolate chips.  That is how she ate them.  A few at a time!

Natural Psyllium Fiber?  NO.  this is where her stash of  CC was kept!

The bag with melted chips at bottom that I tried to hide as Bob was coming into the house!

The few I got sprinkled in before I was nearly caught!

My last CC run delivered to Bob!

At different times I would have a single bag up my sleeve or in my jacket pocket or in my purse if I couldn't bring a full delivery!! 

One afternoon when she was still talking, I was with her while Bob went shopping.  She'd been bed-bound for several hours and decided she wanted to get out of bed and sit up.  So we did that.  I asked her if I could get her anything and she gave me this sort of look with a clue and said...well, uh, just a few chocolate chips.  Just a few.

I then remembered that I'd brought one bag with me of the 8 I'd purchased for her and left it in the car!  I'd been there for a couple of hours or more and it was pretty hot out.  I told her and dashed out of the house, grabbed the bag that felt very warm, hustled in, opened the cupboard and grabbed the stash can from the lazy-susan.  I opened the bag, sprinkled a few on the counter and started filling the can.  I could see that there were quite a few melted at the bottom and was trying to get them out.

I Love Lucy moment as the door opens, Bob steps in and says nonchalantly...hope you found what you need.  I'll be back.  I'm going to unload the car.  

I crammed the entire bag in the can, whisked the loose chips off the counter, zipped down the hall, stage whispered- Hurry!  Bob is home!  She tossed the chips in her mouth, brushed her hand across her front, wiped her mouth and said--Do I have chocolate on my face?

She and I laughed ourselves silly!

The next week when I spent an afternoon with her she was not talking but I knew she was aware of what was happening.  I told her--I told Bob yesterday about the chocolate chips as he needed an uplift. He enjoyed the story.

He and the boys had spent that afternoon taking care of lots of details so it was good to have a bit of a break.  I think it was Steven that asked...are we baking lots of chocolate chip cookies?  and Bob said...there is quite a story about these.

I have no idea if he told them or what happened but I know for a few minutes that Bob was chuckling and enjoying the antics of his sweet wife.  His Myra Faye. 

And now you know the story of mystery, intrigue and the sweetness of friendship.

 

Written Saturday...posted Monday

What connects us to people that we put in the category of - she is my friend?  Today I lost a dear friend.  I'm thinking of our time together and reminiscing.  You don't mind do you?  I want to talk about her.  about us.  about our friendship.  I love my friends and she was a true friend to me.

I met her the first night I moved from Alaska at a RS meeting.  I knew the Whites and the Bracketts.  Had never seen Zillah.  Had never seen the place that we rented for 3 months because there was no other way to make sure we had a place to live.  Linda stopped at a store for me to buy a dress to wear to RS.  Myra Faye always remembered what I wore and would remind me...I was impressed that you came to RS after flying and moving.  That is something I would do.

Terry was still at the North Slope and she and Bob would take me to meetings with them and tell me about the Church in this area, about the Toppenish Ward, and introduce me to the Valley and it's produce.  She drove me to someplace in OR? to buy canned fruit and asked them if it was current crop or last years.  I had never heard of such a thing.  Wasn't canned fruit just canned fruit?  was there some difference?  Yes, there is.

We were not alike in so many ways.  She- a city girl from Chicago and me- a pioneer type Alaskan.  She maintained her civility and I was more rogue.

In the 25 years I've known her she has had her hair styled each Friday.  She figured out a way to sleep and maintain that hairdo for the week.  She could swim in her pool that she loved and not muss her hair.  She would be shocked when I would attack my hair with my pinking shears.  She never touched her hair and probably thought the same thing of me!!

She did not color her hair and said that her son John is my living proof.  I gave him my hair color.  With her first round of radiation she said I know it's vain of me but I don't want to lose my hair.  She lost a small section in the back.  With the second battle, against so many unknowns and this time against brain cancer she said I don't care about my hair.  I don't care if I lose it all.  She lost the back but kept all of her curls in the top and sides.  I was glad and told her so.  It really doesn't matter to me. She just wanted to beat the cancer and not think of hair loss. 

Today I looked at my calendar and see the days we went to matinees.  I see Jan 17th I took her for her hair appointment.  She had stopped driving.  Then I see other Fridays I took her.  I'd wait while she had her hair done and I see on Apr. 11 that I wrote MF 10am/ me 11:45.  Missy did us both one after the other.  Her last hair appointment was that day.  

I'm still stunned by the time frame.  4 weeks ago today we were at the Gen. Woman's Broadcast and now, exactly 4 weeks later, she has passed away!  I keep trying to absorb the speed of everything.

While she could still talk and was up we worked on her birthday cards for her children and grandchildren.  We didn't get them all done but I will tell them how important it was to her.  and anniversary cards.  She said she had not got her obituary done and had always wanted to write her own.  I said she could dictate it and I'd write it and type it up.  By the next day that was an impossibility and we never did that.  A loving family member will do that for her and it will be just great.

She was very strong willed and opinionated on things that really mattered.  She was a patriot and loved our country and was very current on politics.  She was intelligent and started reading at a real early age.  She loved to read newspapers.  I was forever canceling the Yakima paper due to such flimsy reporting and poor writing.  Alaska's capital...Juno???  She would call me and ask have you renewed your subscription.  I'd say no.  She'd then tell me to go online and read such and such.  She would clip articles that she thought I'd enjoy.

 She always had stacks of books on all sorts of subjects. One night at book club she had her trunk filled with books to give away.  She loved ordering online.  She would order books for her family and recommend that I do the same.  7 Miracles that Saved America was her last suggestion. She was an avid reader.  One time we were at our bookclub, reviewing the book Snow Flower and The Secret Fan.  The discussion leader asked if anyone in the group had a friendship that was so deep that they would be their Old Same.  (I know this is making no sense to you)  It was a friendship that was a heart connection.   Myra Faye said I have an Old Same.  It's Nancy.  I was very surprised to hear her say that and so deeply touched.  From then on she signed all email/notes as OS and I did to her also.  I will miss my OS.

She had such a sense of standing up for what was right and she would walk out of something she deemed inappropriate.  We both had season tickets at the Capitol Theater but in an effort to attract a younger crowd they started featuring things that were of a "more mature nature".  She walked out of one play that she found offensive.  Neither of us renewed our tickets and they actually called and asked why and she let them know that she would not support their selections by buying tickets.  We both enjoyed theatre and supporting especially the Zillah High School Drama.  I will miss picking her up to go to the play.

She spoke in a refined manner and was the only person I've ever known that used the word glorious in her everyday speech.  I might say something was magical or stupendous.  Her descriptive word was glorious. She was so musically talented and could hear every single note, both those on and off key! She was a champion of youth singing or playing or dancing or acting.  She was an artist that believed in the arts.  She also painted and was planning on getting back into it again after treatment was over and her health regained.

Will our Ward ever get used to her not being at the organ???  Years ago she wrestled with what type of music she would accompany singers, if it was in the Chapel.  She decided if it was modern and not what she deemed sacred that she would not do it.  She really stewed over it and finally decided she needed to take a stand.  She held no judgement against what others chose but she took a stand for what worked for her.  People understood her choice and respected her for it.  She loved music playing in her home.

She believed in being on time to meetings, going to all meetings if physically possible, and studying the scriptures.  She startled me in a SS class one day when a teacher taught a bit of false doctrine.  She raised her hand and politely said...reference please.  I still laugh over that and told her I would borrow it for my own use!!  The teacher was not ready with the reference but I bet he was on other lessons he taught if she was there.

She took seriously any Church calling she had.  When they got called to work in the Temple she just crossed out any Friday events as they worked early Saturday mornings.  I can think of just a couple of things they went to.  she wanted to be rested and ready to serve.  That was sad when she couldn't do it anymore.

She was rather regal and believed that people should strive for being refined.  She was a good example of that trait.

We would go to the place for lunch in Toppenish and eat beans and rice and pico de gallo.  We would discuss our children and our grandchildren...how they were doing.  what are hopes were for them.  what concerns we had.  and then just like- what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas- we'd hold those confidences in trust.  We both knew that time changes a lot of things,most things, for the better.  Even people we love!

She clipped coupons for restaurants and taped them on her cupboard by her stove with the date written as to when to use them.  She enjoyed finding new places to eat whether locally or when they traveled.

She loved to take trips...small or large.  Her favorites were with her family at their reunions during Thanksgiving and summer get-togethers.  She had fun when they rented a house big enough for all to stay in.

It's the sharing of life, the getting to really know each other that makes for friends.  The sharing heartache and joy.  I have an assortment of treasured friends that I love, women that have won my heart with trust.  Today?...I just lost a most glorious friend.

Friendship

Oh, the comfort--the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person,

Having neither to weigh thoughts,

Nor measure words--but pouring them

All right out--just as they are--

Chaff and grain together--

Certain that a faithful hand will

Take and sift them--

Keep what is worth keeping--

And with the breath of kindness

Blow the rest away.

                                                                                  by Dinah Maria Mulock Craig

Sunday Night

Sacrament Meeting was so special!  The theme was Love at Home!  To see Bob and his sons and one DIL, Judy, sitting in their pew just brought tears to my eyes.  I have to admit that I wondered if they would come Church or not.  Bob said- this is where Myra Faye would want us to be.  I agreed.  You could feel a very special strong spirit and that started in full when Linda said the opening prayer.  She so beautifully expressed what we all felt.

Kaitlyn spoke on FHE and did a great job sketching the history of it and her family experiences.  Then Justin and Celise spoke on achieving peace in our homes and marriages and used Conference talks.  They are a sweet "ideal" couple expecting their 3rd baby.  Young and just getting started on marriage and family and trying to figure it all out.  Celise is such a conscientious, down to earth person ( raises goats, bees etc.)  Her family is her priority.  Justin ( a former Seminary student of mine, who was such a winner then and still is.) with his gift of speaking brought such reality and wisdom to the meeting.  He ended it with reading a quote about service and also referenced part of Linda's prayer about service and tied it in with Myra Faye.

He told of the service that she gave the Aaronic Priesthood boys by instructing them on the importance, of the music being played and blessing on sacrament being timed, and for them to be alert.  He recalled her teaching him that refinement about 20 years ago.  Also he mentioned the Spirit in the Earl home and the peace within.

It was just fantastic to be in Sacrament meeting, as I went to Church hoping they would skip the talks and say...let's have a testimony meeting and honor our friend, Myra Faye, today.  It was sheer inspiration, not coincidence, on the assigned subject and it was just so comforting, so familiar, so special to just worship as we always do.

The closing hymn was, of course, Love at Home.

At the beginning of the meeting Br. Cozzens, in his conducting, read in the records of his recently married son and wife.  Then sustained the love birds to work in Primary.

There was something so full circle with a teen, a young married couple with little ones and then another, just married in the Temple, couple on the program.  It reminded me that they are all just beginning their lives and my friend, my Myra Faye, has just completed hers.

It's not in our timing nor preference but Our Father's timing is never in err.

There is a time and a season......yes.  there really is. 

Sunday Morning

I awoke teary and nauseated.  I can wipe my tears away but they just keep coming in a slowly seeping manner.  My vision is puddled with the build-up.

Very thankful that Church is today.  

Last week I took this picture of the loves of Myra Faye's life...

The Earl men------Bob & Steven & John & Wayne

She's gone

She just left.  I will miss her and always love her and she will always be my friend.  Someday I will see her again.  I know that.  For right now...I'm going to cry.

This song made me cry....

(Tamera used to live here and is a friend of Myra Faye.  We all love Tamera and miss her in our Ward.)

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

Nancy,

I don't know if you know that my mother-in-law is well  known here in Utah for her music. She is a classically trained opera soprano and has worked, performed and written music for and with Michael Ballam.

I am sending the words to a song she wrote several years ago when her Mother died.  I have not been able to get it out of my mind. I have felt that I need to send it to you- and if you feel it appropriate share it with Earl family and read it to Myra Faye for me?

Also, please tell Myra Faye I loved her laugh when she cracked up. I will miss her insights in Relief Society- she has a wonderful way of clarifying subjects. Even though I have not attended the Zillah Bookers for over a year- I sit in my new book club and wonder what she (and each of you) would have to say about the book we have been reading.

Please let me know if the document arrives okay- I can mess up easy things....

Love you!

Tamera

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

(This is so beautiful.  I shared it with the Earls but I just had to share it with you also!!!   Myra Faye is in a deep coma.) 

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

http://www.jentlejungle.com/files/SelflessHeart/08_See_You_in_the_Morning.mp3

Here is the link to the PDF http://www.jentlejungle.com/files/SelflessHeart/08_See_You_in_the_Morning.pdf

SEE YOU IN THE MORNING

How do you say good-bye

In the light of the setting sun?

How do you let each other go

When it’s clear the time has come?

This parting is but a rain drop

In a life-time of sunny skies,

And when the clouds have parted

I will look into your eyes.

See you in the morning,

When The Son is shining bright,

So I won’t say goodbye, love,

I will only say goodnight.

How do you say, “I love you,”

And put all the meaning in?

A lifetime of things we’ve said and done,

Tell me how should I begin?

There is so much that I should tell you.

You’ve filled the corners of my heart.

But I’ll just kiss you one last time,

Then we two must part.

See you, see you in the morning, when The Son is shining bright,

So I won’t say goodbye love, I will only say goodnight. See you in the morning.

Words and music by; 

Susan Ames

                                                                                                                           Arranged by; 

                                                                                                                           Glen Ames

thoughts on weeping...

Myra Faye was very peaceful and relaxed Thursday evening.  I thought of the tears her family and friends have shed and will yet shed.  I feel that tears are on this side of the next existence.  Tears are of this world.  We cry for those we won't have association with.  for those we love and care about.  that is the price we pay for love.  it's sad for us when we are separated but worth the price of loving.  We are told to love to the point that we do weep when they leave us.

Thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die....
Doc.&Cov. 42:45

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

Question:  IF Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting then our death is an awakening and  a remembering????  I think so.

QUOTATION:	Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting: The soul that rises with us, our life’s star,     Hath had elsewhere its setting,       And cometh from afar.     Not in entire forgetfulness,     And not in utter nakedness, But trailing clouds of glory, do we come     From God, who is our home: Heaven lies about us in our infancy.
ATTRIBUTION:	Intimations of Immortality. Stanza 5.
WORKS:	William Wordsworth Collection.  (1770-1850)

Progression

What a blessing for my friend....  As she prepares to move to the next sphere of life, that we as believers know exists, I see so many blessings coming her way.  She is in her own home, not suffering pain, surrounded by her sons and her husband, 2 grandchildren visiting, relaxed in her very own bed.  Phone calls from family members and friends.  Visitors dropping by expressing love...  wanting to help in any way they can.  Meals prepared, for her family, by women that love her.  Sentiments and affection and experiences expressed to the family.  Strengthening them.  Buoying them.  Comforting them.

One day after things started to go down hill she said...I never thought my life would end up this way.  Knowing the inevitable was out of her control we talked about the good life she had.  The many blessings she has experienced....the Gospel-her childhood-her husband-her children & their children-her friends-her musical talents-her life experiences in health challenges that have taught her much and on and on the list went.  She mentioned her home and how she was glad she got to decorate it and make it hers. She felt comfortable and loved her home.  She also mentioned- so many things I didn't get done.  I questioned what she meant and she said- sorting stuff.  We both agreed that at that point it really didn't matter anymore!

She is being faith-filled and I'm thankful for that.  I'm also thankful that Wednesday was her day to rally and a good day on many levels for her family-- Opening her eyes and responding somewhat meant the world to everyone.

I believe in the Master Plan as it is His Plan.  I have faith that dying is a part of living.  Today I was thinking again of the analogy of how hard a woman labors to give birth and no one can do it for her.  I watch my friend labor to leave and only she can do this work.  I can standby and encourage her and sustain her with my love and prayers but that is about it.  Those beyond are the ones with the power to help her journey to a newness of life.  I believe they are near to comfort and encourage her.

Fading Away....

Remember when I asked you to please pray for my friend, Myra Faye?   here

Here she is at the General Woman's Broadcast, on March 29th, at the Toppenish building.  In treating her brain cancer, the Radiation took her hair off the back of her head...thus the hat and scarf.

Hailey- Sherry- MYRA FAYE- Heather  3/29/14

Hailey- Sherry- MYRA FAYE- Heather  3/29/14

March 29-April 22 is 24 days.  24 days!!  That picture was taken 24 days ago!  She could walk.  She could talk. After the Conference we visited for a long time.  We planned to go to a couple of movies mid-week.  Go for beans/rice/salsa on Saturday. None of that transpired.  Her health just caved in.

This morning she was changed from her few days of Home Health Care to Hospice care!!!!  I have never seen anyone plummet downward at such a pace!!  I'm reeling from the speed and wake of devastation washing over my friend and her family.

just a few days ago...she could visit with me...  here

We know The Plan

This picture just pretty much says it all, don't you think?  The comfort of the resurrection is pictured in this empty tomb.

Sunday night and I'm tired.  I put on some lipstick and thought of my friend that is exiting this life and realized she will not do that simple act again-- of looking in the mirror and fixing her make-up.  Friendships are precious, priceless and each very unique. I treasure what she and I have--  soon to be changed to...what we had.  Past tense.  Over.  Gone.  Hard to wrap my mind around what is coming.

I believe in Christ and the Plan of Salvation.  Death is a part of that plan but is so sorrowful to experience, to such a degree--Scripturally we are told, we will love and weep and mourn at the passing of those we really know.

We know the Plan. 

I Believe in Christ

First Presidency Easter Message

SOURCE: LDS CHURCH NEWS

Photo from Deseret News

Jesus Christ was the promised Redeemer of the world, the Savior of mankind, the Son of the living God. He was with His Father before He came to earth in mortality, the Creator of the earth upon which we stand.

In His mortal ministry He walked the dusty roads of Palestine, healed the sick, raised the dead, taught His gospel, gave His life on Calvary's hill, and rose on the third day, a perfected, resurrected being, breaking the bands of death for us all, thus becoming "the firstfruits of them that slept."

Read the rest of this story at ldschurchnews.com

Greg is here!!!

Our son Greg has surprised his Dad and arrived.  I'll be back here on Monday.
Enjoy your family!!

I'm so excited about my new calling!!!  my very own class!!!  Bliss!!!

Out of the blue!!

Life has suddenly taken a new turn for me.  I have a new calling!!

Callings are the lifeblood of the Church as far as all of us experiencing life in a Ward.  Just like jigsaw puzzles of various sizes, depending on the size of the Ward, you either have lots of pieces with lots of detail that fill in and create programs or smaller, scaled down basic versions .  Our Ward, right now, isn't huge but all programs are in play.

At my age, you have usually run the circuit and like an old glue factory candidate, former prancer-like filly, you get to munch on that grass that not only looked greener but seems rather appealing as gear-downing sets in.  It's a quiet time and cud chewing with other similar age creatures is the activity of the day/days.

With our recent duo of health issues at our place, energy deprivation, that causes our life to change.  It made sense a change might be made....I admit that we weren't surprised when the Stake President called and wanted to see both of us.  Phone calls like that mean some sort of shift and in our case we felt it was me being released.  It's only been 3 years or so.  4?  A release for health reasons, most likely.  Anyhow...

We went for the meeting and he explained- I am extending a release from the Stake Relief Society to you.  We talked a bit about RS and I expressed how much I'd enjoyed the calling, visiting Wards, VT Conferences, working with Margie and Kathy, loved the women I'd met, doing the Woman's Conference that was in my mind for awhile and all that sort of reminiscing.  That sort of chitchat is normal.

He then surprised both of us and said that our Bishop had been asking for me to be released from the Stake, for some time, to work in the Ward!!  (What?????!!!)  And he was doing it.  He would not tell what the calling was.  Only said that I would be busy.

Terry and I figured that maybe a Gospel Doctrine teacher, Institute Leader, Facebook organizer for the Ward.  I was so hoping that I'd be given one more chance to have my own class.  Maybe one of the RS teachers?  Just to be able to talk about the Gospel and teach it would be heaven-sent.

Bishop was at General Conference.  When he got back, he called and came over (and you will be as shocked as me) he called me to be the LAUREL ADVISER!!!!

What on earth????!!!!

What darling young woman wants a Granny for their Laurel Adviser????  I HopeHopeHope that my class does!...'cause they have one!!

In the midst of tears, I just felt so happy/thankful/grateful, for such a precious opportunity!!!  I am just thrilled to pieces!  This calling is like one of the greatest callings I've ever had.  It's out of the blue!!  Not even thought of!!  What a blessing I have been given!!!!!

Love my Laurels!!!  I really do!!



 

7 Days to Easter (getting family ready!)

get your children ready for Easter. lots to prepare and fun to do...  7 Days to Easter here

We can help each other with our gifts...

Everywhere I look I see people doing this.  My friends live this way.  It's in their DNA.  I have been the recipient of so much kindness, goodness and love in my life.  I am so blessed.

I see the reaching out to so many sufferers with their natural inclination to administer their own favorite brand of Balm of Gilead.  Dispensing what they do best.  Doing what is most natural to them.  Going about their own personal mission and touching and lifting the lives of many.

I want this in my life!

Conference....

Visit with a friend...

Monday I spent a bit of time with my friend, Myra Faye.  We have had health things going on here for a few weeks and they have many more, long ongoing health issues, than us.  Not wanting to give her germs or maybe somehow or other pick one up, as I strive to get a clean bill of health on my pneumonia bout, we have talked on phone, but haven't really seen each other very much.

She was in her bed and I was sitting in a chair very nearby and we were talking.  I wanted to help her in some way...wash your face?  comb your hair?  pull the blankets up?  No thank you- on each.

Sometimes it's such a helpless feeling, isn't it, when you would just give anything to make everything better?  And it's even a more helpless feeling when you realize there is not one single thing you can do.

Prayer.  Of course.  But it's that desire to actually do something tangible.  something hands on.  just to show you care.  you feel.  beyond a casserole.

Sitting there looking at her, I was so overcome with love and compassion, even now I tear up.  I told her...I wish right now that I could just scoop you up in my arms and hold you cuddled on my lap.

She smiled and said...I feel that.

I gently stroked her arm and said...I'm glad.

That extreme compassionate feeling , that spot of extreme tenderness, is lodged in my heart.

Wedged in there for the peeking.  Somehow tender and soothing to me.

Now shared with you.

On Point. For sure!!!!

What a fantastic weekend!!!  Watched it all and enjoyed it all and everything said was so timely and wonderful!!  On the last couple of speakers, the thought popped into my mind, that this is sort of like a family reunion and very reminiscent.  I felt I really knew the majority of speakers from reading/seeing them many times before and I so enjoyed hearing from them and then those that were new to me, many with beautiful accents.  The subjects and quotes used were familiar and I loved hearing the inspired take and twists that were so beautifully explained.  Loved the object lessons stories!  Felt encouraged and grounded and secure as I heard these brothers and sisters speak with power and confidence.  To hear over and over about the Savior helped my testimony to grow stronger yet.  Each speaker has their own unique style and it's recognizable.  Again, that familiar homey feeling.  Soothing.  Comforting.  Inspiring. Strengthening.  Makes me want to do better and be better.  Desire to improve in all aspects of my life.

We enjoyed ourselves for both days.

 All that pre-conference talk about food and what to eat and what to prepare and all that chit-chat?  We ended up doing nothing in advance! and just ate what was on hand.  Leftovers and some soup from the freezer and Terry also had some Campbell soup!  We both felt excited but tired so we just really paid no attention to any sort of menu BUT we did focus on the spiritual feast!!

I also followed what the feminists were up to.  Will share that tomorrow.  Nothing new except my attitude which I've been contemplating where/what/when/how and even if I'm on or off the track.  Lots of thoughts going on.

Well, you can't say anyone soft pedaled their messages but they were so straightforward/to the point/filled with boldness and made for great self-evaluation.

What a great two days!!!!  Sigh.

Let the good times roll!!!!

Well, ready or not...let's get this show on the road!!  Saturday and Sunday will be spent watching hour after hour of speakers.  Not just ordinary speakers but those with authority to relay messages that are timely for today!!  True messages.  To think we can see it right here in our own home is just amazing to me.  Enjoy yourself and I will too.  Back here on Monday!!!  Let the fun begin!!

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

"When you are assigned to speak at the end of the final session of general conference, you listen to every word, wondering which parts of your talk will be given before your turn comes. There are no assigned subjects, no collaboration of themes. The Lord’s way, of course, is always the best way. He takes the individual prayerful efforts of each speaker and orchestrates a spiritual symphony full of revelation and power. Repeated themes, principle building upon principle, prophetic warnings, uplifting promises—the divine harmony is a miracle! I testify that in this conference we have heard and felt the mind and will of the Lord."

 above excerpt by Elder Anderson --Tell me the stories of Jesus.  here

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

Number expected is 500 this year.

I've been mentally/emotionally/spiritually sorting through all this sort of stuff and figuring out how I want to conduct myself.  When I read this I actually go teary.  Made me feel so sad.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/57765886-78/women-lds-church-priesthood.html.csp

more on this next week.

We will feel/know when Truth is spoken!!!

Are you ready?  I'm excited and still thinking of what we want to have cooked ahead of time.  I'm thinking homemade Mac & Cheese.  I know.  I know.  Not the healthiest but maybe meatloaf  and a salad with it.  Maybe chicken soup?  I don't know.  something simple and familiar.  Cozy. (do only largesse-size folks think of food as cozy and comforting and tasty???)  We never lack for food!

remember those 2 special quotes here absolutely a couple of the most promising, exciting sentences around!!  Whatever you are struggling with or questioning or confused about?....do what they said!! Did you read the 2 talks that the quotes are taken out of?  take a bit of time and read them.

My take is...write it down.  listen to the talks and write down what you feel.  those feelings are your answers.

I'm still working on my 30 year plan.  deadline is May 7th.  I'm going to put that on my list...what should I be working on or even what is one thing to be doing in my time span!!!!

Get ready for a great spiritual experience!!!  Do your part!

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

Looking for ways to prepare your family???  check this out...here

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

Promises Promises

Need personal spiritual guidance to your very own life?????  The Answer?---General Conference!!! 

 An Apostle shares his thoughts.....

" If we teach by the Spirit and you listen by the Spirit, some one of us will touch on your circumstance, sending a personal prophetic epistle just to you.” —Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

enjoy his talk here

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

Two witnesses establish a truth so here is one more for you.....

" I promise that if you will listen, you will feel the Spirit well up within you. The Lord will tell you what He wants you to do with your life. In conferences we can receive the word of the Lord meant just for us." —Elder Robert D. Hales

Enjoy his talk here 

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

The  last few days have been so remarkable and I've learned so much about living and most especially living my own life.  I just couldn't contain myself after that General Woman's Conference and put that heartfelt note on Terry's FB not expecting an response.  I just wanted to tell all the people I've ever associated with, since I joined the Church those many years ago, that I love them.  They impacted my life.  Created everlasting memories.  The response amazed me.  It was so sincere and so personal to me.  Tonight I took them all down, saved them and will treasure them always.  

Several of them don't know I do a blog so I'll send that info to them.  My blog is my total comfort zone.  Ironically I do a blog and then tuck it away but you know how co-dependent I am at times.  Anyhow...maybe some of them will peek here in my creature comfort zone and that would be fun.  Fun for me at least!

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

Are you pretty much ready for General Conference?  It will be absolutely wonderful.  Draw strength from those two quotes at the beginning and take advantage of what they say is available.  Make it work for you!

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

I'm thinking/planning the next phase of my life and I'm quite excited at some of the things I want to do.  30 years.  my 30 year plan.  Perhaps the Lord will return in the midst of all my plans!!  Hmmmm.  Could be!?  Lots of details to wrap up.  Will have my plan in place on May 7th.  My personal deadline.

 

Soul Food

Sometimes things happen that are so unexpected and wonderful and you just soak it up.  I just had that happen.  I was so moved with sentiment about the many people I've had such wonderful association with over so many years and all because we are amongst the believers in the Church.  I'm not a FB person but somehow or other I just decided to express my love, in a very compressed spontaneous way, on that medium.  I expected nothing.  I hoped that some would read it that had shared that time with me but didn't expect any response.  I just wanted to share my heart.  My love.  My gratitude for our association.  I was startled when so many responded and expressed their joy also for that shared time.  Absolutely beautiful!

As I thought about it and the time period of most people that I heard from, it was a period from 1971 to 1990.  About 20 years.  What I would call the Homer years.  Then there was sort of like an overflow and on to current life.  I found it interesting how powerful that 20 years was and the impact it had on my life.  It has given me a lot to think about.

At this point in my life, I am figuring out what I want to do with the next 30 years.  I had no idea of the joy I would feel in looking to this past segment of my life.  More on that later.

I feel like I've been blessed with an entire garden of Hyacinths.  Given to me.  No purchase necessary!!  My soul has been fed. Joyous memories fill my heart!!!  Thank you friends...new ones and old ones!!!

Hyacinths to Feed Thy Soul

If of thy mortal goods thou are bereft,

And from the slender store two loaves alone to thee are left,

Sell one, and with the dole

Buy hyacinths to feed thy soul.

Sweet scented beauty!!!!

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

Still so looking forward to a weekend filled with General Conference.  Getting ready!! 

PERSONAL GUIDANCE AVAILABLE!!