Wednesday, December 31, 2014
15...seems to be the number of 2015!!!
This is the time of year that I check and think about my creed list. some past lists here
It's sort of out of hand as I only want 10 or is it 15 that now beckons? A lot of them are truly a guide within myself that surfaces when I'm out of line. Feeling ill will?...like a flash it will pop into my mind...forgive everyone everything...love unconditionally....the Lord looks to the heart. Or asking questions to make certain I understood or more important they understand... I'll do a trust but verify like Ronald Reagan. Not saying I instantly melt into goodness mode but it does pull me up short and helps me to check myself and possibly avoid a foot in mouth experience...awkward to think about and rather embarrassing. Anyhow this year I'm more into changing behavior than managing behavior by dealing with emotions. living and being more the way I should live. actual doing things. does that make sense?
I was fascinated when the Pope spoke to the hierarchy of the Catholic Church. All these men sitting in palace worthy chairs in the Vatican, decked out in their robes, looking forward to the Pope's annual Christmas greeting...Perhaps mentally running a mind-movie of what they have been able to accomplish the last year. Ready for a round of praise, accolades, and joyous greetings of recalling the birth of the Savior. Oh, not this year! Much as naughty boys getting a lump of coal in their stockings...they got raked over the coals!! I was stunned as The Pope listed 15 sins they were guilty of. My shock grew more intense when I self-evaluated myself and realized that I was in the group needing scolding also. Ouch!! Guilty in one way or another, varying degrees of guilt, bits & pieces here & there, or the full brunt, on all 15 counts of his get healthy New Year resolutions.
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VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Francis held nothing back on Monday (Dec. 22) in addressing the ills of the Roman Catholic Church in a blistering critique of what ails the Curia, the church’s central bureaucracy. From the “terrorism of gossip” to “spiritual Alzheimer’s,” Francis has a few get-healthy New Year’s resolutions in mind for his staff:1.The disease: Feeling “immortal” or “immune” or even “indispensible”
The cure: A visit to the cemetery, Francis said, could help us see the names of those who “maybe thought they were immortal, immune and indispensable.”
2. The disease: Excessive activity
The cure: It is the disease of those who, like Martha in the Gospels, “lose themselves in their work, inevitably neglecting ‘what is better': sitting at Jesus’ feet.”
3. The disease: Mental and spiritual “petrification”
The symptoms: It is the disease of those who “lose their internal peace, their vivacity and audacity, to hide under papers and become ‘procedural machines’ instead of ‘men of God.’”
4. The disease: Overplanning and functionalism
The symptoms: “When the apostle plans everything in minute detail and believes that, through this, things progress effectively, they are becoming an accountant. Good planning is necessary — but without falling into the temptation of wanting to enclose or steer the freedom of the Holy Spirit.”
5. The disease: Bad coordination
The symptoms: It is the disease of members who “lose the community between themselves … becoming ‘an orchestra producing undisciplined noise.'”
6. The disease: Spiritual Alzheimer’s
The symptoms: A “progressive decline of spiritual faculties,” making victims live in a “state of absolute dependence on their, often imagined, views.” It’s most seen, Francis said, in those “who have ‘lost their memory’ of their encounter with the Lord.”
7. The disease: Rivalry and vainglory
The symptoms: “When the appearance, the color of vestments and honors become the first objectives of life … it is the disease that leads us to become false men and women, living a false ‘mysticism.'”
8. The disease : Existential schizophrenia
The symptoms: It is the disease of those who live “a double life, a result of the hypocrisy typical of mediocre people and of advancing spiritual emptiness, which degrees or academic titles cannot fill.”
9. The disease: Gossip and chatter
The symptoms: A “serious illness,” the pope warned, that can begin with a simple chat and sometimes end up with “cold-blooded murder.” It is the disease of cowards, who do not have the courage to speak upfront and so talk behind one’s back. “Look out for the terrorism of gossip!”
10. The disease: Deifying leaders
The symptoms: Those who “court their superior,” becoming victims of “careerism and opportunism” and “live their vocation thinking only of what they must gain and not of what they should give.”
11. The disease: Indifference
The symptoms: “When, because of jealousy or cunning, we rejoice in seeing others fall, rather than lifting them up and encouraging them.”
12. The disease: The funeral face
The symptoms: People who are “scowling and unfriendly” with a “theatrical severity” and “sterile pessimism” that are often symptoms of “fear and insecurity.”
13. The disease: Hoarding
The symptoms: “When the apostle seeks to fill an existential void in his heart by hoarding material possessions, not because of necessity, but only to feel secure. In reality we can carry nothing material with us … and all our earthly treasures — even gifts — can never fill the void.”
14. The disease: Closed circles
The symptoms: “When belonging to a clique becomes more important than belonging to the Body and, in some situations, than belonging to Christ himself. Even this disease starts from good intentions, but in time it enslaves all its members becoming ‘a cancer’ that threatens the harmony of the body and causes so much illness.”
15. The disease: Worldly profit and exhibitionism
The symptoms: “It is the disease of those people who relentlessly seek to increase their powers. To achieve that, they may defame, slander and discredit others, even in newspapers and magazines. Naturally, that is in order to show off and exhibit their superiority.”
(printed below for you)
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Then I found a current list of 15 things our Prophets say as resolutions for 2015 here(printed below for you)
Don't you find that ironic? The Pope saying 15 things and our Prophets saying 15 things! So last time I did math...15+15=30!! At this time in my life everything is changing and I'm adjusting and trying to figure it all out. I can no more commit to 30 ideals, be it Popes or Prophets than get into the red dress that arrived, in the exact size I ordered, that is well below my current body size!! On the Prophets list of 15-- diet/health/bodies are mentioned! Let's just stack the guilt bricks on my back!
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As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from around the world prepare for the new year, many are setting goals for their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development.
While these goals may be inspired by any number of sources, prophets and other Church leaders mentioned during the October 2014 General Conference some specific changes people can make to improve their lives and their spirituality.
In his address, Elder Elder Quentin L. Cook said, “I encourage everyone, young and old, to review goals and objectives and strive to exercise greater discipline. Our daily conduct and choices should be consistent with our goals. We need to rise above rationalizations and distractions. It is especially important to make choices consistent with our covenants to serve Jesus Christ in righteousness.”
Here are 15 goals from the prophets to help you center your life on Christ during 2015.
1. Avoid contention
Today’s world—especially the online social media world—is fraught with arguments and differing opinions. Church members can emulate Christ by being peacemakers even when they disagree with others.
“On the subject of public discourse, we should all follow the gospel teachings to love our neighbor and avoid contention,” Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught. “Followers of Christ should be examples of civility. We should love all people, be good listeners, and show concern for their sincere beliefs. Though we may disagree, we should not be disagreeable. . . . We should be wise in explaining and pursuing our positions and in exercising our influence.”
The Gilbert Arizona Temple was dedicated in March 2014. (Photo courtesy LDS Church)
2. Find more meaning in temple service
With a new temple set for dedication in Utah County during 2015, now is a great time to recommit to meaningful temple worship. Elder Richard G. Scott taught, “Don’t let anyone or anything prevent you from being there. While you are in the temple, listen to the words of the ordinances, ponder them, pray about them, and seek to understand their meaning. The temple is one of the best places to come to understand the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Seek Him there. Remember that many more blessings come from providing your own family names in the temple.”
3. Take care of your body
Physical well-being is closely connected to mental, emotional and spiritual health.
“Take responsibility for your own physical well-being,” Elder Jörg Klebingat taught. “Feeding the spirit while neglecting the body, which is a temple, usually leads to spiritual dissonance and lowered self-esteem. If you are out of shape, if you are uncomfortable in your own body and can do something about it, then do it! … [P]lease use good judgment in what and especially how much you eat, and regularly give your body the exercise it needs and deserves.“
4. Learn more about the gospel
Before Church members can fully live the gospel, they must understand it. Elder M. Russell Ballard taught this important truth:
“In searching the scriptures and the words of past and current apostles and prophets, we should focus on studying, living, and loving the doctrine of Christ,” he taught. “In addition to developing the habit of personal scripture reading, we need to be like the sons of Mosiah and give ourselves ‘to much prayer, and fasting.’ It seems that these things which are not easily measured are of great importance. Stay focused on these simple things, and avoid becoming distracted.”
5. Be a better parent
Children are the future of our homes, the Church and the world. Therefore, the role of parents is of paramount importance.
“It is my firm conviction that there has never been a period in my many years of life when our Father in Heaven’s children have needed the guiding hand of faithful, devoted parents more,” Elder L. Tom Perry taught. “… We must find within ourselves that same determined spirit and overcome the challenges we face with the same spirit of sacrifice. We must instill in future generations an ever stronger reliance on the teachings of our Lord and Savior.”
6. Improve personal scripture study
Prophets have repeatedly counseled that scripture study is essential to gaining a testimony and maintaining the companionship of the Spirit.
“Don’t yield to Satan’s lie that you don’t have time to study the scriptures,” Elder Richard G. Scott taught. “Choose to take time to study them. Feasting on the word of God each day is more important than sleep, school, work, television shows, video games, or social media. You may need to reorganize your priorities to provide time for the study of the word of God. If so, do it!”
7. Serve someone every day
The small acts of service we offer may seem insignificant, but Elder Jeffery R. Holland taught that when we do what we can, our offering will make a difference.
“A journalist once questioned Mother Teresa of Calcutta about her hopeless task of rescuing the destitute in that city,” Elder Holland said. “He said that, statistically speaking, she was accomplishing absolutely nothing. This remarkable little woman shot back that her work was about love, not statistics. Notwithstanding the staggering numberbeyond her reach, she said she could keep the commandment to love God and her neighbor by serving those withinher reach with whatever resources she had.”
8. Have more meaningful prayer
Improving prayer habits can improve every facet of life. Elder Richard G. Scott taught, “Choose to converse with your Father in Heaven often. Make time every day to share your thoughts and feelings with Him. Tell Him everything that concerns you. He is interested in the most important as well as the most mundane facets of your life. Share with Him your full range of feelings and experiences.”
9. Increase your fast offering
When speaking about caring for the poor, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland asked Church members to be “as generous as circumstances permit” in their contributions.
“Cherish that sacred privilege [to fast] at least monthly, and be as generous as circumstances permit in your fast offering and other humanitarian, educational, and missionary contributions,” he said. “I promise that God will be generous to you, and those who find relief at your hand will call your name blessed forever.”
“Because the Atonement of Jesus Christ is very practical, you should apply it generously 24/7, for it never runs out.” —Elder Jörg Klebingat, Of the Seventy
10. Repent daily
Repentance has some negative connotations, but daily repentance helps disciples of Christ become closer to the Savior.
“Because the Atonement of Jesus Christ is very practical, you should apply it generously 24/7, for it never runs out,” Elder Jörg Klebingat said. “Embrace the Atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance as things that are to be welcomed and applied daily according to the Great Physician’s orders. Establish an attitude of ongoing, happy, joyful repentance by making it your lifestyle of choice. … Keeping your eyes on the Savior, care more about what He thinks of you, and let the consequences follow.”
11. Have Family Home Evening
As Church members strengthen their own testimonies, teaching family members gospel truths will increase their understanding and increase the influence of the Spirit in family members’ lives.
“Be cautious not to make your family home evening just an afterthought of a busy day,” Elder Richard G. Scott taught. “Decide that on Monday night your family will be together at home for the evening. Do not let employment demands, sports, extracurricular activities, homework, or anything else become more important than that time you spend together at home with your family. The structure of your evening is not as important as the time invested.”
12. Forgive quickly
People who forgive others relieve themselves of heavy burdens that decrease happiness. Immediate forgiveness increases joy and strengthens relationships.
“Forgive everyone, everything, all the time, or at least strive to do so, thus allowing forgiveness into your own life,” Elder Jörg Klebingat said. “Don’t hold grudges, don’t be easily offended, forgive and forget quickly, and don’t ever think that you are exempt from this commandment. Spiritual confidence increases when you know that the Lord knows that you bear no ill feelings toward another soul.”
13. Maintain a clear vision
As Church members set new goals and resolve to become better, it’s important to keep the end goal in mind. Elder Carlos A. Godoy taught this important principle: “Making decisions that can impact our lives and those we love without having the broader vision of their consequences can bring some risks. However, if we project the possible consequences of these decisions into the future, we can see with greater clarity the best path to take in the present. Understanding who we are, why we are here, and what the Lord expects from us in this life will help give us the broader vision we need. … We have the scriptures, the temple, living prophets, our patriarchal blessings, inspired leaders, and, above all, the right to receive personal revelation to guide our decisions.”
14. Evaluate yourself honestly
As people improve their lives and become more committed disciples, constant self-evaluation helps the process continue. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave this helpful formula for self-evaluation:
“[H]ow can we shine the pure light of God’s truth into our souls and see ourselves as He sees us? May I suggest that the holy scriptures and the talks given at general conference are an effective mirror we can hold up for self-examination. As you hear or read the words of the ancient and modern prophets, refrain from thinking about how the words apply to someone else and ask the simple question: ‘Lord, is it I?'”
15. Emulate Jesus Christ
The best goals and resolutions lead Church members toward Jesus Christ. President Thomas S. Monson taught, “As we strive to place Christ at the center of our lives by learning His words, by following His teachings, and by walking in His path, He has promised to share with us the eternal life that He died to gain. There is no higher end than this, that we should choose to accept His discipline and become His disciples and do His work throughout our lives. Nothing else, no other choice we make, can make of us what He can.”
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In my frantic frazzlement state of mind...about all I can attempt to do is...be nice/kind, try to be loving, try to eat clean-2015. Even that is pushing it. Listen, you make your list and I wish you the best. We all need the example of the finishers/the achievers/the racers. I'll wave and cheer you on.
Me?...I will breathe deep and keep the faith the best I can!! that is ALL I can summon up the courage to admit I'll do. Not one other thing!!! End of story.
Monday, December 29, 2014
Mystery box opened...
remember this?.....
here is what my honey gave me...
16"x20"...42#'s...3/4"!!! It's gorgeous! I thought it sweet and romantic and unexpected and nothing on my must have/wish I had/longing for list...he's sentimental. At some point I mentioned that I missed my old marble cutting board that I had in Alaska. I used it for all sorts of things...bread dough, poured candy, rolling pie-crust and I sliced and hacked on it also. When we moved it was one of those last things to be packed...when you are tired and all that sort of thing and for some reason (momentary insanity?) I gave it away! I've sort of watched for one over the years but never really talked about it. Never had it on my desire list and never looked online as you can do nowadays. But my sweet guy did!
and he opened his headset! loves it also. as do I. this headset is a marriage saver when you have one person with hearing loss that likes TV and likes shows that the wife isn't necessarily crazy about...ah, bliss! he can catch up on WW1 and also any other war or historical fact or the world situation and I can choose silence or play music or whatever appeals to me!! It's a winning situation so we are happy campers on the home front.
Terry has had a couple of rough days health-wise. we have been barricaded indoors and some kind angelic soul actually came and put our garbage can up and Kip's!! Talk about angels!! We are blessed!!
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| My Mystery gift box... |
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| A marble pastry board! so light reflective, it's hard to see how gorgeous it is! |
and he opened his headset! loves it also. as do I. this headset is a marriage saver when you have one person with hearing loss that likes TV and likes shows that the wife isn't necessarily crazy about...ah, bliss! he can catch up on WW1 and also any other war or historical fact or the world situation and I can choose silence or play music or whatever appeals to me!! It's a winning situation so we are happy campers on the home front.
Terry has had a couple of rough days health-wise. we have been barricaded indoors and some kind angelic soul actually came and put our garbage can up and Kip's!! Talk about angels!! We are blessed!!
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Friday, December 26, 2014
A great Christmas!
I know. I know. I said I wasn't going to blog for a few days but this Christmas has been so wonderful I just have to blog a bit.
We bought a new vacuum and that was to be our joint present. we weren't going to do any thing else. Then his headset dies and it is so worn out that he will need a new one. So Kipper and I get online and find one and order it. I tell Terry that after Christmas would be a good time as maybe they will be on sale. Then Terry decided to order one so I had to tell him that one was on the way. Long story short. They aren't here yet. In the meantime this large box arrives and he says...don't open it. it's a surprise for your Christmas. then we have that conversation of...but you said...but I thought...that's not fair as I don't have a surprise for you. All that silly immature talk that all adults do at one time or another. So currently- the headset did not arrive. the box is not opened. we will open them both at the same time when his headset arrives. just an extension of Christmas celebrating! He is second guessing himself and wondering if he did overkill on what ever he ordered. maybe size wise? it's pretty big.
My Daddy made the macrame tree and my Mother made me this in 1984...
I love him so much and sometimes it's hard to see changes even in something like giving Christmas houses away. tonight he was standing at the kitchen sink and he'd had Christmas music really loud and filling the room. I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas came on and it was just dreamy beautiful. I missed my children. I thought of the many white Christmases we shared in Alaska and the pioneer experiences we shared and survived. I thought again of the importance of making memories while your children are at home. I looked at Terry and was awash with love for him. I asked him.. feel you can dance a bit? and he quietly said...no. sorry. The song was just so smooth and dance-worthy and I just snuggled to his side and hugged him and we sort of swayed.
We bought a new vacuum and that was to be our joint present. we weren't going to do any thing else. Then his headset dies and it is so worn out that he will need a new one. So Kipper and I get online and find one and order it. I tell Terry that after Christmas would be a good time as maybe they will be on sale. Then Terry decided to order one so I had to tell him that one was on the way. Long story short. They aren't here yet. In the meantime this large box arrives and he says...don't open it. it's a surprise for your Christmas. then we have that conversation of...but you said...but I thought...that's not fair as I don't have a surprise for you. All that silly immature talk that all adults do at one time or another. So currently- the headset did not arrive. the box is not opened. we will open them both at the same time when his headset arrives. just an extension of Christmas celebrating! He is second guessing himself and wondering if he did overkill on what ever he ordered. maybe size wise? it's pretty big.
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| My mystery gift! |
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We received so many love gifts of baked goods and candies. Scrumptious!! Beautiful cards! Speaking of food...we had a delish dinner. Turkey roast, mashed potatoes, gravy, StoveTop dressing, cranberries, olives, sparkling apple juice and mince meat pie. it was such a simple dinner and some of the other things we were going to make we just decided not to. there is something to be said for simple fare that tastes superb! we cooked a winner dinner!!
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Phone calls from all of our children. That was fantastic!!! They all sounded good and happy. Jeanee and her family were with David and his family. They had been trying to do that for a long time and it finally all came together. Jeanee was 8 when David arrived in our life. a hefty 9.9! She was a petite little darling. She had longed for a baby sister but was thrilled when we got the call that a baby brother would arrive as soon as I flew to Renton and picked him up! She did all the things that sisters do for newborns--feeding him, changing him, rocking him, dressing him, baby talking him etc. etc. and she still adores him and he her. Of all the pictures she has sent of the two of them, this is my most favorite.
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Terry and I were alone but things ended up just fine. Next year we
will be better prepared to bring in a few things that we enjoy looking at. I
appreciated Terry making the effort and bringing in a couple more
nativities. They seem to have a special feeling all their own. Here is
how our decorations ended up... |
| this made me nervous when I walked in on this!! I was afraid he'd fall! |
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| success! the tree aired out enough to bring in and rehang! |
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| contemplating how to restring lights inside like my Dad did when he made it. |
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I was surprised when he found a box with some of our nativities. They truly bring such a special feeling to a room. so here is how it ended up with those...My Daddy made the macrame tree and my Mother made me this in 1984...
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Terry brought in a Christmas house to prepare it to give away. Very sentimental. Difficult to do. Reliving and walking down memory lane in his head. Tough to watch from out of sight. Then he started talking about how these houses need to be used and loved the way he has felt about them and his spirit lifted.I love him so much and sometimes it's hard to see changes even in something like giving Christmas houses away. tonight he was standing at the kitchen sink and he'd had Christmas music really loud and filling the room. I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas came on and it was just dreamy beautiful. I missed my children. I thought of the many white Christmases we shared in Alaska and the pioneer experiences we shared and survived. I thought again of the importance of making memories while your children are at home. I looked at Terry and was awash with love for him. I asked him.. feel you can dance a bit? and he quietly said...no. sorry. The song was just so smooth and dance-worthy and I just snuggled to his side and hugged him and we sort of swayed.
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We had a fantastic Christmas and music was a huge part of it. Terry had Pandora Christmas music on so loud that it filled the house but it was glorious (as my late friend Myra Faye would say. I sure miss her). I felt gifted on so many levels and I have to share the most unusual gift I've ever received. A young man that I've known since he was 17, he's probably 40 now, sang me a song on FB!! I was so shocked and so touched. I blogged about him a couple of years ago. He used to be in our old Ward before it was divided. He's has a lot of struggles in his life about being LDS gay. This reduced me to tears. here
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Just had to say hi and share the joy I'm feeling. An abundance for sure!!! Monday, December 22, 2014
Your gift from me...
I have no idea how to post this on my blog but this for you for your Christmas gift... absorb it and revel in the peace of this season and the love we have of the Savior. here
You are loved by me. so much.
You are loved by me. so much.
Countdown....
thing I've enjoyed attending.....
Children's choir with some young friends performing. Sorry I missed a picture of Ava.
attending The Nutcracker.....
Are you ready for Christmas? I am. It's as good as it's going to get around here and I'm okay with that. The tree is still outside and still slightly stinky. We think we will bring it in tomorrow. I had fun with my Laurel class on our Christmas lesson. Have received love gifts. Loved our Ward Christmas program and also a wonderful Sacrament meeting. It's a beautiful time of year! Have gone to several different Christmasy events and loved them! And yet.....
Sorry. Rude to do a blog and then not blog! Sifting and sorting and having a bit of unraveling in my mind. I seem to have a million things to do and woefully lack accomplishment. I need to do some brain tweaking (right there.... that description shows that I need to get a grip!!) So...I'm going to gift myself with a very luxurious sabbatical of sorts!! Not going anywhere. Just stopping full force all the scatteredness of my mind which seems to be on overload with my to do list. Conservatively it's like a full mile long!! Not going to just shift gears but am getting out of the vehicle and mentally walking away.
Going to look at the realities of my life...figure out where the leak is in the wall...dismantle what needs to be changed and move ahead. I will gift myself with unlimited time to think and ponder and read the last few pages of Elder Scott's book and when the new book by Elder Holland arrives, I will get right into it. Delving deeper into the Scriptures. Love that feeling!
The temple will be a spot that I will frequent as it's a place of peace and personal revelation. It seems to me that I lack the Spirit in the intensity that I enjoy. So spiritual questing will be my gold mining project. I expect to figure out more balance, with the necessities of mortality taking less time, and more of the scale being balanced and if it's heavy on one side to let it be spiritual. Can you ever overdo that personal spirituality aspect in your life? I don't think so!
I will also be checking over my Creed List. So on and on I go. If it sounds jumbled...that is why I'm going to do a sort and evaluate of my life. I will be back here blogging in 10 days. Please, don't think I need rescuing. I just need to figure out how to feel content with the direction I'm headed. Only I can do that for myself. Just like all of us.
This is what mortality is all about...figuring out how to live so you feel your life counts, in your estimation, to the point you feel in control of it (well, mostly!) My Patriarchal blessing will be studied and do some redirecting with that beautiful document. It's such a nice one.
Endure it Well by Elder Maxwell.... here
We find that experience can produce a high spiritual yield. (See D&C 122:7.) Laban, for instance, was reluctant for Jacob to leave his employ, “for I have learned by experience that the Lord hath blessed me for thy sake.” (Gen. 30:27.) The modern Church even today is instructed to “wait for a little season” to build up central Zion. Why? So that we “may be prepared … and have experience.” (D&C 105:9–10.)
We gain knowledge through particular experiences, but only incrementally, “in that thing.” (Alma 32:34.) Hence the ongoingness of it all, and perhaps we can be forgiven for wondering, “Is there no other way?” Personal, spiritual symmetry emerges only from the shaping of prolonged obedience. Twigs are bent, not snapped, into shape.
Without patient and meek endurance we will learn less, see less, feel less, and hear less. We who are egocentric and impatient shut down so much of our receiving capacity.
Children's choir with some young friends performing. Sorry I missed a picture of Ava.
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| Lydia (we are BFF's) |
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| Michael and Lydia |
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| Leea |
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| Noa & Luca |
attending The Nutcracker.....
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| Michael and Lydia |
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Are you ready for Christmas? I am. It's as good as it's going to get around here and I'm okay with that. The tree is still outside and still slightly stinky. We think we will bring it in tomorrow. I had fun with my Laurel class on our Christmas lesson. Have received love gifts. Loved our Ward Christmas program and also a wonderful Sacrament meeting. It's a beautiful time of year! Have gone to several different Christmasy events and loved them! And yet.....
Sorry. Rude to do a blog and then not blog! Sifting and sorting and having a bit of unraveling in my mind. I seem to have a million things to do and woefully lack accomplishment. I need to do some brain tweaking (right there.... that description shows that I need to get a grip!!) So...I'm going to gift myself with a very luxurious sabbatical of sorts!! Not going anywhere. Just stopping full force all the scatteredness of my mind which seems to be on overload with my to do list. Conservatively it's like a full mile long!! Not going to just shift gears but am getting out of the vehicle and mentally walking away.
Going to look at the realities of my life...figure out where the leak is in the wall...dismantle what needs to be changed and move ahead. I will gift myself with unlimited time to think and ponder and read the last few pages of Elder Scott's book and when the new book by Elder Holland arrives, I will get right into it. Delving deeper into the Scriptures. Love that feeling!
The temple will be a spot that I will frequent as it's a place of peace and personal revelation. It seems to me that I lack the Spirit in the intensity that I enjoy. So spiritual questing will be my gold mining project. I expect to figure out more balance, with the necessities of mortality taking less time, and more of the scale being balanced and if it's heavy on one side to let it be spiritual. Can you ever overdo that personal spirituality aspect in your life? I don't think so!
I will also be checking over my Creed List. So on and on I go. If it sounds jumbled...that is why I'm going to do a sort and evaluate of my life. I will be back here blogging in 10 days. Please, don't think I need rescuing. I just need to figure out how to feel content with the direction I'm headed. Only I can do that for myself. Just like all of us.
This is what mortality is all about...figuring out how to live so you feel your life counts, in your estimation, to the point you feel in control of it (well, mostly!) My Patriarchal blessing will be studied and do some redirecting with that beautiful document. It's such a nice one.
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Endure it Well by Elder Maxwell.... here
By
itself, of course, the passage of time does not bring an automatic
advance. Yet, like the prodigal son, we often need the “process of time”
in order to come to our spiritual senses. (Luke 15:17.)
The touching reunion of Jacob and Esau in the desert, so many years
after their sibling rivalry, is a classic example. Generosity can
replace animosity. Reflection can bring perception. But reflection and
introspection require time. So many spiritual outcomes require saving
truths to be mixed with time, forming the elixir of experience, that
sovereign remedy for so many things.
We find that experience can produce a high spiritual yield. (See D&C 122:7.) Laban, for instance, was reluctant for Jacob to leave his employ, “for I have learned by experience that the Lord hath blessed me for thy sake.” (Gen. 30:27.) The modern Church even today is instructed to “wait for a little season” to build up central Zion. Why? So that we “may be prepared … and have experience.” (D&C 105:9–10.)
We gain knowledge through particular experiences, but only incrementally, “in that thing.” (Alma 32:34.) Hence the ongoingness of it all, and perhaps we can be forgiven for wondering, “Is there no other way?” Personal, spiritual symmetry emerges only from the shaping of prolonged obedience. Twigs are bent, not snapped, into shape.
Without patient and meek endurance we will learn less, see less, feel less, and hear less. We who are egocentric and impatient shut down so much of our receiving capacity.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Monday, December 15, 2014
Decorations...
Last year, Terry had said, that he might not have the get up and go to
do all the decorating. He put the boxes where he could get to them
just in case he could still muster up the oomph. We made one huge
mistake. True we were prepared that it might not work out BUT we did
not prepare a minimal box. One that had a garland, the nativities and a
couple of other things that we enjoy. IF we had a single box, just
for minimal decorations, we would have had a much easier time,
preparing for Christmas the way we like to do it, in a more abbreviated way. the year from 2013 to now?...the boxes are buried! somewhere!
so we have been doing a lot of thinking and a lot of talking and Terry has been doing a lot of struggling (in a brave way! with a lot of neuralgia pain this last week which renders him sleep deprived). He is unable to do what he wants to do.
Those are things that we needed to address. We have job descriptions and divvy things up. He is rather adamant that what is his to do, is his, and not mine. I'm not to touch anything on his to do list!! (Viking thing!)
So he rakes the leaves and I'm not to help. Actually it's more like he starts to rake the leaves, I'm not to help, with what didn't get finished, because he will do it. It's his to do etc. etc. He moves the chairs off the front porch but I'm not to move the tables or rug or leaves as he is going to do it, because it is on his list.
The big vacuum cleaner box will be moved. By him. Also the tools over by the fireplace that were used on the heater repair. And the two big boxes the air filters came in...that need to go to the garage. Don't touch them. Oh, did I mention he does ALL the dishes?? Still! But...if he's not able to do them...might I take care of that??? Uh, no. He will do it.
Inside or outside. Hands off.
So...it was getting a bit smoky in here. Not high heat with flames but a bit scorchy. He was in bed for the morning after a sleepless night and I hauled and carried and moved and did dishes and just sort of general tidied up things that had been quite a bit of time piling up.
When he woke up...he did not run and buy me flowers and thank me for helping. So the Missourian Mule and the Nordic Viking had a rather animated word battle. Not pretty. Thank heavens for being empty nesters and no one here to witness such rude behavior and loud voices.
Calming down, you have to do that to endure each other and make that eternal marriage goal, we regrouped and it turned out marvelous. The Lord is so good to all of us as we plod/plunge through mortality, don't you think?
We decided to just be thankful. Just be grateful for whatever got done. Not wish it was more. Accept with gratefulness whatever got done by whoever could do it. If one of us couldn't step up to the plate and hit a homer then the other would pinch-hit. We would both just be totally thankful that one of us was up to the task at hand. No selfish talk of ...but that is mine to do! not yours! We aren't fighting over toys here or who is right and staking out territory and putting yellow crime scene tapes to set a trap. We are partners and we want to work together. In harmony. Can you hear the little bluebirds of happiness twittering/tweeting over here??
We hugged and kissed and got back in our somewhat rickety wagon, for our sometimes very bumpy mortal ride.
Then we had a stupendous event happen!!
We were so moved by the monumental shift we had made in who does what, and just expressing gratitude to each other, that we decided to watch a Hallmark Christmas movie! Saving the North Pole. We both, in our tenderness, were feeling teary. Yes. Teary over the North Pole!! And right then a loud knock got our attention.
Imagine my surprise...no one was there BUT this precious gift of love! So then we were tearful over 6 cookies with a sweet note!! I'm sure others got some but no one could possible be as thankful for that sweet thoughtful gesture as us. I cherish the plate!
***********************
The tree still hasn't passed the sniff test and is still hanging out back. True it has improved but not enough to warrant a permit slip for entry indoors.
*******************************
One wreath smelled so good and we usually have two...one indoors and one on the front door...so I bought another but forgot to pick up the hangar as the regular ones are buried in the garage so Terry hung it on the doorknob and I think that is it! I put the two nativities out and the rest are also buried in the time capsule aka our garage. We feel the Spirit and that is what matters.
***************************************
so we have been doing a lot of thinking and a lot of talking and Terry has been doing a lot of struggling (in a brave way! with a lot of neuralgia pain this last week which renders him sleep deprived). He is unable to do what he wants to do.
Those are things that we needed to address. We have job descriptions and divvy things up. He is rather adamant that what is his to do, is his, and not mine. I'm not to touch anything on his to do list!! (Viking thing!)
So he rakes the leaves and I'm not to help. Actually it's more like he starts to rake the leaves, I'm not to help, with what didn't get finished, because he will do it. It's his to do etc. etc. He moves the chairs off the front porch but I'm not to move the tables or rug or leaves as he is going to do it, because it is on his list.
The big vacuum cleaner box will be moved. By him. Also the tools over by the fireplace that were used on the heater repair. And the two big boxes the air filters came in...that need to go to the garage. Don't touch them. Oh, did I mention he does ALL the dishes?? Still! But...if he's not able to do them...might I take care of that??? Uh, no. He will do it.
Inside or outside. Hands off.
So...it was getting a bit smoky in here. Not high heat with flames but a bit scorchy. He was in bed for the morning after a sleepless night and I hauled and carried and moved and did dishes and just sort of general tidied up things that had been quite a bit of time piling up.
Calming down, you have to do that to endure each other and make that eternal marriage goal, we regrouped and it turned out marvelous. The Lord is so good to all of us as we plod/plunge through mortality, don't you think?
We decided to just be thankful. Just be grateful for whatever got done. Not wish it was more. Accept with gratefulness whatever got done by whoever could do it. If one of us couldn't step up to the plate and hit a homer then the other would pinch-hit. We would both just be totally thankful that one of us was up to the task at hand. No selfish talk of ...but that is mine to do! not yours! We aren't fighting over toys here or who is right and staking out territory and putting yellow crime scene tapes to set a trap. We are partners and we want to work together. In harmony. Can you hear the little bluebirds of happiness twittering/tweeting over here??
We hugged and kissed and got back in our somewhat rickety wagon, for our sometimes very bumpy mortal ride.
Then we had a stupendous event happen!!
We were so moved by the monumental shift we had made in who does what, and just expressing gratitude to each other, that we decided to watch a Hallmark Christmas movie! Saving the North Pole. We both, in our tenderness, were feeling teary. Yes. Teary over the North Pole!! And right then a loud knock got our attention.
Imagine my surprise...no one was there BUT this precious gift of love! So then we were tearful over 6 cookies with a sweet note!! I'm sure others got some but no one could possible be as thankful for that sweet thoughtful gesture as us. I cherish the plate!
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