sit down. relax. close your eyes...no. on 2nd thought open your eyes and watch and listen and feel the Spirit.
sending you Christmas love...here
Thursday, December 20, 2018
Friday, December 14, 2018
RIF
"The Valiant 11 Primary class is discontinued." read about it here
I have enjoyed teaching the last class in a program that is soon to be history! loved every minute of it! I know this is needed and is going to be wonderful as things shift and change. It feels strange to think that my calling has been done away with! At the same time it feels exciting to contemplate the good that will be accomplished, in growth of the youth, as this program becomes official in a couple of weeks.
A few weeks ago the Stake asked me to take charge of one hour of teaching/discussing teaching in Primary Stake Leadership training (I think that is what it is called). For those that teach 8-11 year olds. I find it funny that most likely I will not be serving in Primary anymore so it will be interesting to see what they want me to do!
I'm all for change and find it fascinating. How about you?
I have enjoyed teaching the last class in a program that is soon to be history! loved every minute of it! I know this is needed and is going to be wonderful as things shift and change. It feels strange to think that my calling has been done away with! At the same time it feels exciting to contemplate the good that will be accomplished, in growth of the youth, as this program becomes official in a couple of weeks.
A few weeks ago the Stake asked me to take charge of one hour of teaching/discussing teaching in Primary Stake Leadership training (I think that is what it is called). For those that teach 8-11 year olds. I find it funny that most likely I will not be serving in Primary anymore so it will be interesting to see what they want me to do!
I'm all for change and find it fascinating. How about you?
Thursday, December 13, 2018
Loving this season!
What a great time of year! I'm enjoying this year and this season so much! I think because I feel at peace and am happy and excited about being a member of the Church. My love for my children is so tangible and I'm savoring those feelings. Our family has members that are really dealing with a lot of health issues but endurance and faith and hard work, are carrying each forward.
It is cold but no snow and I really want a White Christmas!!! No matter how many times I hear that song...tenderness and tears usually happen and my mind goes back to frigid winters...wood burning stove...children sprawled on the carpet, enjoying that penetrating warmth and me reading a book to them. I loved reading The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder. It was so easy to relate to and had the power to bring you right into the story. It was best read in the coldest of the winter!
Do parents still read to children sprawled on carpets with a fire ablaze in a wood burning stove? I hope so!
These 2 brand new videos, about Temple Endowment and Temple Garments, are beautiful!! How wonderful!!
It is cold but no snow and I really want a White Christmas!!! No matter how many times I hear that song...tenderness and tears usually happen and my mind goes back to frigid winters...wood burning stove...children sprawled on the carpet, enjoying that penetrating warmth and me reading a book to them. I loved reading The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder. It was so easy to relate to and had the power to bring you right into the story. It was best read in the coldest of the winter!
Do parents still read to children sprawled on carpets with a fire ablaze in a wood burning stove? I hope so!
*************
These 2 brand new videos, about Temple Endowment and Temple Garments, are beautiful!! How wonderful!!
Monday, December 10, 2018
a memory....
The Christmas music that I absolutely love and enjoy is what would be termed old-fashioned. I'm not charmed by Granny getting run over by a reindeer and Rudy's red nose is a fun-sort of song with it's own fame, is not my #1 go-to for what I enjoy the most. The Church has Christmas music 24/7 on The Mormon Channel radio. I really appreciate that gift! hours and hours of a great assortment of Christmas music!!
This morning they played the wintry song of The Skaters Waltz. I sat down and relived a memory from long ago. My parents had made great effort to purchase figure skates for Dixie and I. In order for us to have skating lessons, and a place to skate on!, they would drive us from Spenard to Anchorage to the outdoor Hockey Rink. It had wood sides and we clung to the wood until we could venture out on our own. It was freezing cold and even the warm-up shack offered little warmth. Exhaling our breath into myriads of little puff clouds...it felt we were freezing, including our dripping noses.
We were unaware and therefore didn't appreciate the effort and expense that took on my parents part...but we did learn to skate and we enjoyed it so much.
Then came the big day that an ice-show was coming to Anchorage! A real one! With a headliner! To me this was like royalty was going to arrive and we would be in the presence of famous, surely world famous, people. My Mother did not remind me that the group was coming to perform at an outdoor hockey rink with scarce seating for hockey fans.
Our skating club got invited to skate!! We were going to skate with stars! Bliss!
My Mother needed to sew the costumes that Dixie and I would wear. This was real drama! A costume! 2 costumes each! All were different! Mother was a perfectionist on sewing and much like the disgruntled Father, in A Christmas Story, that forever fought his furnace, she would let fly with foul words about the pattern or the fabric or on and on. When she saw the other costumes performance night...she declared they were sloppy. Mother made no mistakes... ever.
It all felt so glamorous and so exciting and as we practiced I dreamed of skating to perfection. The instructor put me in as the last link on a spinning pinwheel. We were lined up as Policemen. (Mother hated making that costume almost as much as the Harem one) The last person to link arms, on that straight line really spinning around, had to be fast. And I was the shortest. They were counting on me! Confidence that I was the one to do the job! They buoyed me up to do the deed!
I stood straight and listened for my cue as to when to leave so that the timing was perfect for my arm grab. Suddenly I was sitting on the ice, legs extended out front, flying across the ice, right into the wooden fence! Horrors! I wanted to die. I knew I'd disgraced everyone by slamming into the fence, and wrecked the number, and destroyed the entire ice show!!!! what to do?
They were still spinning and I got up and started skating furiously and the snippy girl that was to put out her arm for me to link onto wasn't doing it. I yelled at her....give me your arm!!! Next circle...she did. The audience applauded.
Skating off and sobbing my heart out in the deepest embarrassed painful humiliation. I started planning how to never be seen in public for my entire life.
I wanted to take off my costume but was told I had to take a bow with the cast.
Then the Star of the show was at my side. The most beautiful person I'd ever seen-- in her dreamy costume. She hugged me as I sobbed and she confessed she had fallen before and she helped me to survive. In spite of my insisting I'd wrecked the entire show...she reassured me that I hadn't.
At the curtain call...I got an extra boost of applause.
Funny how a young girl can feel an entire ice show, that was definitely not a Holiday on Ice extravaganza, rests on her shoulders.
I don't remember what my parents said afterwards, on the drive home, except they kept trying to get me to look out the car window at snowy trees and snowy roads! Diversion tactics.
Obviously my Psyche is impacted, if at this age I still see the scene in my mind, with such clarity and detail! The memory is now tempered with humor and realism ... also great appreciation for my parents, doing their best, to give Dixie and I some fun!
This morning they played the wintry song of The Skaters Waltz. I sat down and relived a memory from long ago. My parents had made great effort to purchase figure skates for Dixie and I. In order for us to have skating lessons, and a place to skate on!, they would drive us from Spenard to Anchorage to the outdoor Hockey Rink. It had wood sides and we clung to the wood until we could venture out on our own. It was freezing cold and even the warm-up shack offered little warmth. Exhaling our breath into myriads of little puff clouds...it felt we were freezing, including our dripping noses.
We were unaware and therefore didn't appreciate the effort and expense that took on my parents part...but we did learn to skate and we enjoyed it so much.
Then came the big day that an ice-show was coming to Anchorage! A real one! With a headliner! To me this was like royalty was going to arrive and we would be in the presence of famous, surely world famous, people. My Mother did not remind me that the group was coming to perform at an outdoor hockey rink with scarce seating for hockey fans.
Our skating club got invited to skate!! We were going to skate with stars! Bliss!
My Mother needed to sew the costumes that Dixie and I would wear. This was real drama! A costume! 2 costumes each! All were different! Mother was a perfectionist on sewing and much like the disgruntled Father, in A Christmas Story, that forever fought his furnace, she would let fly with foul words about the pattern or the fabric or on and on. When she saw the other costumes performance night...she declared they were sloppy. Mother made no mistakes... ever.
It all felt so glamorous and so exciting and as we practiced I dreamed of skating to perfection. The instructor put me in as the last link on a spinning pinwheel. We were lined up as Policemen. (Mother hated making that costume almost as much as the Harem one) The last person to link arms, on that straight line really spinning around, had to be fast. And I was the shortest. They were counting on me! Confidence that I was the one to do the job! They buoyed me up to do the deed!
I stood straight and listened for my cue as to when to leave so that the timing was perfect for my arm grab. Suddenly I was sitting on the ice, legs extended out front, flying across the ice, right into the wooden fence! Horrors! I wanted to die. I knew I'd disgraced everyone by slamming into the fence, and wrecked the number, and destroyed the entire ice show!!!! what to do?
They were still spinning and I got up and started skating furiously and the snippy girl that was to put out her arm for me to link onto wasn't doing it. I yelled at her....give me your arm!!! Next circle...she did. The audience applauded.
Skating off and sobbing my heart out in the deepest embarrassed painful humiliation. I started planning how to never be seen in public for my entire life.
I wanted to take off my costume but was told I had to take a bow with the cast.
Then the Star of the show was at my side. The most beautiful person I'd ever seen-- in her dreamy costume. She hugged me as I sobbed and she confessed she had fallen before and she helped me to survive. In spite of my insisting I'd wrecked the entire show...she reassured me that I hadn't.
At the curtain call...I got an extra boost of applause.
Funny how a young girl can feel an entire ice show, that was definitely not a Holiday on Ice extravaganza, rests on her shoulders.
I don't remember what my parents said afterwards, on the drive home, except they kept trying to get me to look out the car window at snowy trees and snowy roads! Diversion tactics.
Obviously my Psyche is impacted, if at this age I still see the scene in my mind, with such clarity and detail! The memory is now tempered with humor and realism ... also great appreciation for my parents, doing their best, to give Dixie and I some fun!
Saturday, December 8, 2018
found the source!
Regarding my last short post here-- Turns out that 9th Article of Faith comment...the one that really captured my attention...was a special article written for the Church magazines by Elder Holland. I listened to it online but couldn't remember for sure where and whom etc. (or is that who? I need to refresh my mind on that!) Anyhow...it's in the new December Ensign and it is wonderful.
Here is the paragraph that grabbed my thoughts and has kept me pondering... more to come. Those words keep popping up by the Prophet and some of the 12. More to come.
And surely there is more to come. As our ninth article of faith declares, “We believe all that God has revealed”—that’s often the easy part. It takes a special kind of faith to “believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom,” and then to be ready to accept them, whatever they are. If we are willing, God will lead us to places we’ve never dreamed we could go—as lofty as our dreams might already be. His thoughts and His ways are certainly much higher than ours (see Isaiah 55:8–9). In a sense, I suppose we’re not unlike those in Kirtland to whom the Prophet Joseph Smith said, “You know no more concerning the destinies of this Church and kingdom than a babe upon its mother’s lap.”
Here is the article by Elder Holland
I also really enjoyed D&C 124:41. footnote a , check it out!...refers to the 9th Article of Faith! Wowzer! Exciting!
For I deign to areveal unto my church things which have been kept bhid from before the foundation of the world, things that pertain to the dispensation of the cfulness of times.
Here is the paragraph that grabbed my thoughts and has kept me pondering... more to come. Those words keep popping up by the Prophet and some of the 12. More to come.
And surely there is more to come. As our ninth article of faith declares, “We believe all that God has revealed”—that’s often the easy part. It takes a special kind of faith to “believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom,” and then to be ready to accept them, whatever they are. If we are willing, God will lead us to places we’ve never dreamed we could go—as lofty as our dreams might already be. His thoughts and His ways are certainly much higher than ours (see Isaiah 55:8–9). In a sense, I suppose we’re not unlike those in Kirtland to whom the Prophet Joseph Smith said, “You know no more concerning the destinies of this Church and kingdom than a babe upon its mother’s lap.”
Here is the article by Elder Holland
*************************
I also really enjoyed D&C 124:41. footnote a , check it out!...refers to the 9th Article of Faith! Wowzer! Exciting!
For I deign to areveal unto my church things which have been kept bhid from before the foundation of the world, things that pertain to the dispensation of the cfulness of times.
********************************
Back to Christmas! It's cold outside and I love it!!
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
On Board
Recently, Terry and I, listened to a talk that really made me think. I did not jot their name down so I can't remember who it was!! Anyhow...he (whomever/whoever) mentioned the 9th article of faith, in light of the many changes happening in the Church... and said we are okay up to...and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
You know that I believe in boarding that train on the covenant track now and not later. Between that talk and President Nelson, and other Apostles, telling us that more changes are coming, I've thought about that 9th article of faith. This morning as I was pondering about...am I willing?...am I ready?...for whatever else is revealed--I read the footnotes in that 9th article and the one that really grabbed me was D&C 121:26-33 also referencing the TG to Scriptures to Come Forth leads to things to think about.
Sunday, December 2, 2018
One little candle
Today I am not at Church and I miss being there. I need to be here with Terry today plus I'm furiously determined to not let a cold get the best of me.
#Light the World, is all over the place. Lately I've noticed people doing wonderful things for others. I shared a couple on FB. Not people I know but people that I would like to know! The world seems to be feeling the need to heed the call to light it up. Well, at least some of the world is!
I was thinking this morning about Christmas and about star light and Christmas lights and into my mind popped a memory from 1955. I was in high-school and we were living in Anchorage, Alaska. At that time we lived in an area on the outskirts called Spenard. Alaska was new and very pioneering and TV was slow to arrive there. When it did come...3 channels...rabbit ears...get up and change the dial...were all a part of accessing the couple of hours available in the evening. We would sometimes watch the earlier Test Pattern and we weren't alone in that fascination!
None of us had seen TV's and it was viewed as a home movie screen. When it was time to watch the show, we'd bring our 4 kitchen chairs into the living room and line them up. We'd sit there side by side enjoying our movie. No popcorn or snacks as you did not eat in my Mother's living room!
This was the era of musicals and it was marvelous to be in that time period. One of the weekly shows was The Perry Como Show. He had singers and dancers and guests and we loved his voice. The memory I had today was a show that he sang the song...If Everyone Lit Just One Little Candle. You can watch it here.
Before you watch it...I was struck by lyrics and how religious it would be perceived today. and wouldn't ever make it. Modest dresses!
I just found this song so appropriate for the #Light the World campaign.
Enjoy this
#Light the World, is all over the place. Lately I've noticed people doing wonderful things for others. I shared a couple on FB. Not people I know but people that I would like to know! The world seems to be feeling the need to heed the call to light it up. Well, at least some of the world is!
I was thinking this morning about Christmas and about star light and Christmas lights and into my mind popped a memory from 1955. I was in high-school and we were living in Anchorage, Alaska. At that time we lived in an area on the outskirts called Spenard. Alaska was new and very pioneering and TV was slow to arrive there. When it did come...3 channels...rabbit ears...get up and change the dial...were all a part of accessing the couple of hours available in the evening. We would sometimes watch the earlier Test Pattern and we weren't alone in that fascination!
None of us had seen TV's and it was viewed as a home movie screen. When it was time to watch the show, we'd bring our 4 kitchen chairs into the living room and line them up. We'd sit there side by side enjoying our movie. No popcorn or snacks as you did not eat in my Mother's living room!
This was the era of musicals and it was marvelous to be in that time period. One of the weekly shows was The Perry Como Show. He had singers and dancers and guests and we loved his voice. The memory I had today was a show that he sang the song...If Everyone Lit Just One Little Candle. You can watch it here.
Before you watch it...I was struck by lyrics and how religious it would be perceived today. and wouldn't ever make it. Modest dresses!
I just found this song so appropriate for the #Light the World campaign.
Enjoy this
Monday, November 26, 2018
Chuggin' along!
I am still on a natural high from Thanksgiving! We had our youngest son and his wife and 2 boys here plus our oldest son. It was a great mix of personalities and there was a lot of laughing and so much enjoyment! I can't find the words.
They did the entire meal...I best qualify that...at their request Safeway prepared an entire Turkey Dinner plus a Ham Dinner with a variety of different side dishes for each one! Way to much food but it made for great grazing! We ended up making scalloped potatoes and turkey tetrazzini with some of the leftovers. Tomorrow I will make Terry's favorite- ham and Navy beans.
They wanted to help do things. They wanted to work and help us out. And wow!...they worked and did so many odd jobs that it was incredible! One of the fun projects...bringing the 72 hour packs in, from garage, so we could unpack them and regroup. We had a big backpack for each of us plus we had two big dufflebags and then things like a small Coleman stove and all sorts of bulky things to haul along.
Well, there is no way that I can haul all of that plus help Terry and a walker! We got a huge laugh out of some of the things we'd packed all those years (and years!) ago...a machete! Lots of MRE's that I'm sure even the military would reject! Huge goggle masks that looked like something from a science fiction movie! So many individual water packets that were now nothing but a flat foil pouch with nary a drop of water. We had a lot of fun -making fun of - what we'd packed! We had an assortment of everything imagineable!
After that sorting which was really a fun and games expereince...we opened the boxes from Costco that I bought a couple of years ago... it seems that long ago! And for the first time saw our new, sensible size, individual back packs with 5 days of food/water packets (yes. they have water). we will add some clothing and call it good. So we are ready if we are told to evacuate! Probably 2 blocks down to the Church!
Those two, Ben and Mo, worked like whirlwinds and tackled things that were beyond me right now. I so appreciated all of their deeds of kindness and done with such love. Family is so wonderful and of course I love mine beyond measure!!
I think it's important to try our utmost to do what the Church suggests on things like a pack at the ready and 3 months supply of food in our home pantries (we are overboard on that one). That is also how I feel about embracing this new program in January and, for we women,...finish reading the Book of Mormon by the end of December.
There is a lot of planning to do before the NT program starts. Technically it starts on Dec. 31st. So we need to decide what we want to do, in our home, for the two of us plus me, finishing the Book of Mormon. The nice thing is, once we get going, we have until April General Conference before they would most likely announce any more changes. That makes me feel good to think we can get 3 months experience under our belt with the current newness.
I think it's so vital to hop on board the ChangeTrain because several of the Apostles, including the Prophet, have told us there will be more changes. What on earth? What more can be changed??? That I don't know but this I do know...I don't want to be trying to play catch-up. I just want to give it my best, even if it's wobbly!, and not be overwhelmed with whatever else comes down the Pike!
Elder Holland recently made reference to more changes read entire article here
They did the entire meal...I best qualify that...at their request Safeway prepared an entire Turkey Dinner plus a Ham Dinner with a variety of different side dishes for each one! Way to much food but it made for great grazing! We ended up making scalloped potatoes and turkey tetrazzini with some of the leftovers. Tomorrow I will make Terry's favorite- ham and Navy beans.
They wanted to help do things. They wanted to work and help us out. And wow!...they worked and did so many odd jobs that it was incredible! One of the fun projects...bringing the 72 hour packs in, from garage, so we could unpack them and regroup. We had a big backpack for each of us plus we had two big dufflebags and then things like a small Coleman stove and all sorts of bulky things to haul along.
Well, there is no way that I can haul all of that plus help Terry and a walker! We got a huge laugh out of some of the things we'd packed all those years (and years!) ago...a machete! Lots of MRE's that I'm sure even the military would reject! Huge goggle masks that looked like something from a science fiction movie! So many individual water packets that were now nothing but a flat foil pouch with nary a drop of water. We had a lot of fun -making fun of - what we'd packed! We had an assortment of everything imagineable!
After that sorting which was really a fun and games expereince...we opened the boxes from Costco that I bought a couple of years ago... it seems that long ago! And for the first time saw our new, sensible size, individual back packs with 5 days of food/water packets (yes. they have water). we will add some clothing and call it good. So we are ready if we are told to evacuate! Probably 2 blocks down to the Church!
Those two, Ben and Mo, worked like whirlwinds and tackled things that were beyond me right now. I so appreciated all of their deeds of kindness and done with such love. Family is so wonderful and of course I love mine beyond measure!!
******************
I think it's important to try our utmost to do what the Church suggests on things like a pack at the ready and 3 months supply of food in our home pantries (we are overboard on that one). That is also how I feel about embracing this new program in January and, for we women,...finish reading the Book of Mormon by the end of December.
*********************************
There is a lot of planning to do before the NT program starts. Technically it starts on Dec. 31st. So we need to decide what we want to do, in our home, for the two of us plus me, finishing the Book of Mormon. The nice thing is, once we get going, we have until April General Conference before they would most likely announce any more changes. That makes me feel good to think we can get 3 months experience under our belt with the current newness.
I think it's so vital to hop on board the ChangeTrain because several of the Apostles, including the Prophet, have told us there will be more changes. What on earth? What more can be changed??? That I don't know but this I do know...I don't want to be trying to play catch-up. I just want to give it my best, even if it's wobbly!, and not be overwhelmed with whatever else comes down the Pike!
**************
Elder Holland recently made reference to more changes read entire article here
Elder Holland expressed a wish that members could be with him in the weekly temple meetings of the Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He noted that not all revelation in those meetings is shareable, but he promised that, after a year in which the church has announced multiple major initiatives, more are to come.
"The windows of revelation seem free and open and abundant," he said. "Since the moment he became president of the Church, Russell Nelson has been particularly open, particularly receptive and particularly entitled to revelation that is more public, is more sharable."
*******
“If you think the Church has been fully restored, you’re just seeing the beginning. There’s much more to come.” From the restructuring of Melchizedek priesthood quorums to temple announcements and a change to a more “home-centered Church,” members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are experiencing a rush of revelation from President Russell M Nelson.
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Still here!!
I'm still here!! Plugging along!
yesterday I did something that I honestly can't believe I did it!! I actually threw away my old Ensigns! Now I know, I really do know that all things are available on line, but you know...I'm a paper gal. A hold it in my hand...smooth the pages and relish the moment of reading. Many years ago I pitched all I had as we were moving Stateside. Then I felt lonely for the Ensign so I started saving again. The furthest back they went was to 1971!! only one from 1971 and then one from 1973 and then suddenly, in the '80's, I was on a tear again!
My motivation was the impact that April 2018 and then even more in October 2018 had on me...it was like a whole new life for the Church so I got rid of all those magazines. I'm always thinking...what if...but what if...there was no power and you couldn't get online etc. etc. that has justified my Ensign hoarding. They were picked up with the trash this morning!
I confess to tearing out the centerfolds with the Presidency and the Quorum of the 12 as I find it interesting in some macabre way to look at them and think...Wow! I saw all of these men come and go!
I am always trying to downsize all of this type of hoarding that I do....fabric (I did stop buying fabric and gave away yards and yards but it's still way to much)....books- cookbooks/chilrens' books/health books/Christmas books/how-to books/novels/talks/poems/magazines-Church or not! Just books of any sort...big books...teeny books....it really doesn't matter. I love books and I love having books around (read or unread). I need to glean and clean. so what am I doing?....trying to pawn them off on family members!
two of five have said...thanks but no thanks. My daughter said no thanks but her daughter said...Nana, yes. please. If they don't want them, and I still have to hear from 3 others, then friends will get gifts!
yesterday I did something that I honestly can't believe I did it!! I actually threw away my old Ensigns! Now I know, I really do know that all things are available on line, but you know...I'm a paper gal. A hold it in my hand...smooth the pages and relish the moment of reading. Many years ago I pitched all I had as we were moving Stateside. Then I felt lonely for the Ensign so I started saving again. The furthest back they went was to 1971!! only one from 1971 and then one from 1973 and then suddenly, in the '80's, I was on a tear again!
My motivation was the impact that April 2018 and then even more in October 2018 had on me...it was like a whole new life for the Church so I got rid of all those magazines. I'm always thinking...what if...but what if...there was no power and you couldn't get online etc. etc. that has justified my Ensign hoarding. They were picked up with the trash this morning!
I confess to tearing out the centerfolds with the Presidency and the Quorum of the 12 as I find it interesting in some macabre way to look at them and think...Wow! I saw all of these men come and go!
*************************
I am always trying to downsize all of this type of hoarding that I do....fabric (I did stop buying fabric and gave away yards and yards but it's still way to much)....books- cookbooks/chilrens' books/health books/Christmas books/how-to books/novels/talks/poems/magazines-Church or not! Just books of any sort...big books...teeny books....it really doesn't matter. I love books and I love having books around (read or unread). I need to glean and clean. so what am I doing?....trying to pawn them off on family members!
two of five have said...thanks but no thanks. My daughter said no thanks but her daughter said...Nana, yes. please. If they don't want them, and I still have to hear from 3 others, then friends will get gifts!
**********************
We have family coming for Thanksgiving and we are really looking forward to that!! Plus Kim is going to come over next week with the kiddos and baby Jack!!
**********************
To say that I'm excited about all of these changes is way to understated!! Not even close!
Monday, November 5, 2018
Moving along...
Terry and I were talking and I was sharing my efforts to keep up the dog-paddling and plate spinning and the challenges that make up my life...I told him I'd narrowed it down to Health/Home/Money as the headings and I've not even really approached details on those 3. Aren't those 3 on everyone's list? Aren't they main headings and all else falls under one of those categories? I like to think I'm in good company!
So we were jabbering back and forth about that sort of thing and then we started talking about Jeanee's marvelous accomplishment and then we segued into individual lives, yours and mine and ours, and how each are a personal Camino. Difficult/Challenging/Wonderful. With No Quitting and just keep moving one step at a time.
My LifeCamino is sort of whipping on me again but I am still feeling blessed. Had a little tearful heartfelt talk in prayer. Longer than little. Long talk. The Lord is so good and merciful and I ended up feeling at peace...increased faith...and confidence. I can deal with life when I feel peace. I don't know the outcome or the solution formula but I just know that there is an Awareness of my situation and things will work out. I can do this. Life is definitely an ongoing process.
I don't have pictures on my phone like a new Mom but I am almost to that stage that friends might be whispering ...watch out! here she comes with another YouTube of her daughter on her Camino Pilgrimage...yep! that is me!
In this one she is telling what she would take/not take...do/not do. Enjoy! here it is!!!
Friday, November 2, 2018
Reading...
On the 10th of October I posted....
My favorite quote from Saints is found in the preface. We are just getting started with our listening to the book. The quote? Every scene, character, and line of dialogue is founded in historical sources, which are cited at the end of the book.
The back of the book is filled with 71 pages of sources cited. I love the word every. Every line of dialogue! Wow!
I also appreciated and enjoyed hearing the First Presidencies hope, for us that read it...We pray that this volume will enlarge your understanding of the past, strengthen your faith, and help you make and keep the covenants that lead to exaltation and eternal life.
So....here it is the 2nd of November and we just finished reading Saints. We started off reading one Chapter a day but our interest was so keen that we upped it to two a day.
For me- it was quite the ride in reading...both rough at times and then smooth. I found it interesting and informative....raw and real...very comfortable and very uncomfortable...soothing and disturbing...clarifying and confusing. I found myself...understanding events and misunderstanding events... feeling tender and feeling disturbed... un-kinking mis-information I'd absorbed along the way and absorbing information I'd never even heard of. At times I felt -What?!!!....Why?!!!...Really?!!...No Way!!!...You've got to be kidding!!! Decisions were sometimes made and I'd feel/think...That is wrong!/That is right! Often I judged people if I thought they didn't do it my way!! There were liars mixed in with honest men. Deceivers and righteous leaders. It made my head spin!
For he- Kept things more in perspective of it being the History/doings of the Church being restored...the entire 1st Volume only covers 31 years and that was 203 years ago...this is a history and the Church has grown and developed to what it is today. He was caught off guard sometimes and would say...I'll be darned. Didn't know that. Can you believe that? Never heard of that before.
Both- We were horrified at the suffering. Our hearts were sorrowful. Then our hearts would be joyful. and we'd teeter totter back and forth, with whatever was going on. We admired the faith and testimony and determination and bravery of these early Saints. We saw faith diminish in some and grow in others. There was faithfulness and desire along with deceit and lies and slander. We both marveled that they would hold on to their faith, in the midst of such persecution from the outside and then dealing with the newness of the Gospel and varied opinions, at times, on the inside.
Saints was not what I expected and I don't know why I thought it wouldn't be exactly as it is. It's a real History. Every word taken from documents. Remember that part that I said I loved?
Every scene, character, and line of dialogue is founded in historical sources, which are cited at the end of the book. 71 pages of footnotes. It can be a trusted read.
It's a documented History. Not a novel. Perhaps I overlooked that? Truth can be very painful at times. Even with all of that being said...I guess I'm an optimist and maybe a believer in fairy tales mixed with when pigs fly. I wanted that last page to wrap it all up with everyone living happily ever after. I wanted that so bad that I read, on my own sans Terry, the last 3 Chapters...hoping hoping hoping for that ending and it just left me hanging! Without giving me that path blazed with roses...it just left me sitting there rather dumbfounded. This is a history of the Church, the Gospel that I love...why can't it be all pretty? Why all of this stuff? Perhaps in the next 172 years, that is left to tell about...at some point it will get into my comfort zone part that I'm familiar with...the Church that I joined years and years and years ago! I need to wake up and just smell the roses for the reality of this book being the way it was.
Maybe I'm just not cut out for reality??? I came into this BookReading, telling Terry
...they say there will be 3 more Volumes and I wish they had them now. I don't like to read a book series and be held up.
Well, I'll eat those words and now I say
...I need a little breather to absorb what I just read before I read more of the same! I'm glad the other Volumes aren't ready!
We decided to go back and re-read one chapter a day...starting tomorrow. Stay tuned...I may do this 2nd reading and come out all on fire about it!
Hey!! no judging. not nice. no judging me.
My favorite quote from Saints is found in the preface. We are just getting started with our listening to the book. The quote? Every scene, character, and line of dialogue is founded in historical sources, which are cited at the end of the book.
The back of the book is filled with 71 pages of sources cited. I love the word every. Every line of dialogue! Wow!
I also appreciated and enjoyed hearing the First Presidencies hope, for us that read it...We pray that this volume will enlarge your understanding of the past, strengthen your faith, and help you make and keep the covenants that lead to exaltation and eternal life.
**************
So....here it is the 2nd of November and we just finished reading Saints. We started off reading one Chapter a day but our interest was so keen that we upped it to two a day.
For me- it was quite the ride in reading...both rough at times and then smooth. I found it interesting and informative....raw and real...very comfortable and very uncomfortable...soothing and disturbing...clarifying and confusing. I found myself...understanding events and misunderstanding events... feeling tender and feeling disturbed... un-kinking mis-information I'd absorbed along the way and absorbing information I'd never even heard of. At times I felt -What?!!!....Why?!!!...Really?!!...No Way!!!...You've got to be kidding!!! Decisions were sometimes made and I'd feel/think...That is wrong!/That is right! Often I judged people if I thought they didn't do it my way!! There were liars mixed in with honest men. Deceivers and righteous leaders. It made my head spin!
For he- Kept things more in perspective of it being the History/doings of the Church being restored...the entire 1st Volume only covers 31 years and that was 203 years ago...this is a history and the Church has grown and developed to what it is today. He was caught off guard sometimes and would say...I'll be darned. Didn't know that. Can you believe that? Never heard of that before.
Both- We were horrified at the suffering. Our hearts were sorrowful. Then our hearts would be joyful. and we'd teeter totter back and forth, with whatever was going on. We admired the faith and testimony and determination and bravery of these early Saints. We saw faith diminish in some and grow in others. There was faithfulness and desire along with deceit and lies and slander. We both marveled that they would hold on to their faith, in the midst of such persecution from the outside and then dealing with the newness of the Gospel and varied opinions, at times, on the inside.
Saints was not what I expected and I don't know why I thought it wouldn't be exactly as it is. It's a real History. Every word taken from documents. Remember that part that I said I loved?
Every scene, character, and line of dialogue is founded in historical sources, which are cited at the end of the book. 71 pages of footnotes. It can be a trusted read.
It's a documented History. Not a novel. Perhaps I overlooked that? Truth can be very painful at times. Even with all of that being said...I guess I'm an optimist and maybe a believer in fairy tales mixed with when pigs fly. I wanted that last page to wrap it all up with everyone living happily ever after. I wanted that so bad that I read, on my own sans Terry, the last 3 Chapters...hoping hoping hoping for that ending and it just left me hanging! Without giving me that path blazed with roses...it just left me sitting there rather dumbfounded. This is a history of the Church, the Gospel that I love...why can't it be all pretty? Why all of this stuff? Perhaps in the next 172 years, that is left to tell about...at some point it will get into my comfort zone part that I'm familiar with...the Church that I joined years and years and years ago! I need to wake up and just smell the roses for the reality of this book being the way it was.
Maybe I'm just not cut out for reality??? I came into this BookReading, telling Terry
...they say there will be 3 more Volumes and I wish they had them now. I don't like to read a book series and be held up.
Well, I'll eat those words and now I say
...I need a little breather to absorb what I just read before I read more of the same! I'm glad the other Volumes aren't ready!
We decided to go back and re-read one chapter a day...starting tomorrow. Stay tuned...I may do this 2nd reading and come out all on fire about it!
Hey!! no judging. not nice. no judging me.
Thursday, November 1, 2018
The leaving...
Yesterday I attended yet another funeral. This time a 42 year old Mother of 5 children. Her bout with cancer was swift. Her oldest child was 18 and the youngest 9. It's a kindness and very compassionate, at least in my book, that we do not get to choose the time we, or others, depart this life.
I met Kimberlee when I was working in the Stake RSP and she was working in her Ward. She was just so sweet and wonderful. Although I didn't look like, or resemble her Mother, she always wanted a MomHug and I just loved that association.
She mentioned in one of the notes she sent me that the hardest thing to deal with, in knowing she was going to die, was watching her family have to deal with that reality. I wish I could find that note but I did find this one written 9/1/18
Awe! You guys are so good to me! When I was real sick before chemo started I couldn’t read and feel the spirit in the scriptures bc my body was dealing with such a physical thing and my focus wouldn’t work. I felt terrible about it not knowing I had cancer...I remember thinking is this how so many people feel, bc I’ve always been able to feast! I love the scriptures!!! Couldn’t read or focus on anything during my first bit of chemo so a dear friend came and read to me every morning, even when the chemo knocked me out...but I felt the scriptures she read me, I could feel them when I didn’t have to focus so hard to read...she had some struggles too and the spirit prompted me to ask her to do this and it’s been such a gift from the Lord for both of us! My mind is better now and so I can read to myself at night too but we are still doing the mornings during the week.
Before everything hit I had a sacred experience with Heavenly Father and guidance from the spirit! After this tender experience the spirit told me something hard was coming but there would be great purpose behind it. I hang on to the words that there is great purpose behind it and completely trust in the beautiful hands that bear me up...how does anyone do this without the gospel? If my kids come to know their Father in Heaven and Savior personally for life it will all be worth it!!! This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever been through but it has purpose!
I love your thoughts on covenant path, I was invited to go up to girls camp and speak at the end of the faith walk...the tree behind me was decorated like the tree of life and I talked about the love of God and sticking to the covenant path...shared stories about the joy the covenants have brought me throughout my life and that I would hope that they would give it everything to and have my happiness too! It was a sacred experience! My Eliza was there so that made it even better! I love and appreciate you so much! When we first crossed paths I knew you were someone I would just love! Thanks for making me ponder and take time to remember my blessings. Love you dearly! Kimberlee
I will miss her sweetness and goodness and remember with fondness our association.
Kimberlee-- this has to be one of the most beautiful bridal pictures ever.
**********************
2002 -talk by Elder Maxwell- The Holy Ghost here (quote below from his talk)
We do not control what I call “the great transfer board in the sky.” The inconveniences that are sometimes associated with release from our labors here are necessary in order to accelerate the work there. Heavenly Father can’t do His work there, with 10 times more people than we have on this planet, without on occasion taking some of the very best sisters and brothers from among us. The conditions of termination here, painful though they are, are a part of the conditions of acceleration there. Thus we are back to faith in the timing of God, and to our need to be able to say “Thy timing be done,” even when we do not fully understand it.
I met Kimberlee when I was working in the Stake RSP and she was working in her Ward. She was just so sweet and wonderful. Although I didn't look like, or resemble her Mother, she always wanted a MomHug and I just loved that association.
She mentioned in one of the notes she sent me that the hardest thing to deal with, in knowing she was going to die, was watching her family have to deal with that reality. I wish I could find that note but I did find this one written 9/1/18
Awe! You guys are so good to me! When I was real sick before chemo started I couldn’t read and feel the spirit in the scriptures bc my body was dealing with such a physical thing and my focus wouldn’t work. I felt terrible about it not knowing I had cancer...I remember thinking is this how so many people feel, bc I’ve always been able to feast! I love the scriptures!!! Couldn’t read or focus on anything during my first bit of chemo so a dear friend came and read to me every morning, even when the chemo knocked me out...but I felt the scriptures she read me, I could feel them when I didn’t have to focus so hard to read...she had some struggles too and the spirit prompted me to ask her to do this and it’s been such a gift from the Lord for both of us! My mind is better now and so I can read to myself at night too but we are still doing the mornings during the week.
Before everything hit I had a sacred experience with Heavenly Father and guidance from the spirit! After this tender experience the spirit told me something hard was coming but there would be great purpose behind it. I hang on to the words that there is great purpose behind it and completely trust in the beautiful hands that bear me up...how does anyone do this without the gospel? If my kids come to know their Father in Heaven and Savior personally for life it will all be worth it!!! This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever been through but it has purpose!
I love your thoughts on covenant path, I was invited to go up to girls camp and speak at the end of the faith walk...the tree behind me was decorated like the tree of life and I talked about the love of God and sticking to the covenant path...shared stories about the joy the covenants have brought me throughout my life and that I would hope that they would give it everything to and have my happiness too! It was a sacred experience! My Eliza was there so that made it even better! I love and appreciate you so much! When we first crossed paths I knew you were someone I would just love! Thanks for making me ponder and take time to remember my blessings. Love you dearly! Kimberlee
I will miss her sweetness and goodness and remember with fondness our association.
Kimberlee-- this has to be one of the most beautiful bridal pictures ever.
 |
**********************
Here are two quotes that I love...
2002 -talk by Elder Maxwell- The Holy Ghost here (quote below from his talk)
We do not control what I call “the great transfer board in the sky.” The inconveniences that are sometimes associated with release from our labors here are necessary in order to accelerate the work there. Heavenly Father can’t do His work there, with 10 times more people than we have on this planet, without on occasion taking some of the very best sisters and brothers from among us. The conditions of termination here, painful though they are, are a part of the conditions of acceleration there. Thus we are back to faith in the timing of God, and to our need to be able to say “Thy timing be done,” even when we do not fully understand it.
AND
 |
| by Henry Scott Holland (27 January 1847 – 17 March 1918) |
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
"Eat your vitamin pills."
Natalie commented yesterday about being sad she never saw the Hill Cumorah Pageant. Me too! I always thought it would be so amazing! It was and it is and it will be for two more years. I think the Church sets such an example with how they, on many of these changes that impact a lot of folks, like the Boy Scouts, that they give a reasonable amount of time to sort things out and make other plans. Just like Hill Cumorah Pageant.
I wonder how much it costs the Church to put the pageant on? Stopping the production will impact the community with business loss to Hotel/Restaurants/Gas stations/other stores. I like there is compassion in the 2 year heads-up. I also like that Church funds are spent on helping the poor/needy/suffering souls and not doing things for the local economy of private/commercial industry.
Over the years there have been so many activities/policies/procedures changed and now we are seeing really big changes.
I got to thinking how applicable Ecc. Chapter 3 in thinking about these changes...
I wonder how much it costs the Church to put the pageant on? Stopping the production will impact the community with business loss to Hotel/Restaurants/Gas stations/other stores. I like there is compassion in the 2 year heads-up. I also like that Church funds are spent on helping the poor/needy/suffering souls and not doing things for the local economy of private/commercial industry.
Over the years there have been so many activities/policies/procedures changed and now we are seeing really big changes.
I got to thinking how applicable Ecc. Chapter 3 in thinking about these changes...
1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance 6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
Then I got side-tracked and started reading about the Prophets recent trip and boy, was I enlightened. I think the key about some of these cancellations/cessations etc. is found in this amazing talk, new and current, a short talk by his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson. here I think her mentioning the Widow's Mite fits in with some of the changes being made. I just listened to this 5+minute talk and it is just great!! Enjoy!! I love the mention of not cutting the ham to fit the pan just because it's always been done that way!
“He's not afraid to do something different,” said the prophet’s wife. “If we're really preparing the Church and the world for the Second Coming of the Savior, he is sincere about that. He doesn't want us spending money, time, energy on anything that isn't really focused on that. It's pretty stunning.”
“We're witnesses to a process of restoration,” said the prophet. “If you think the Church has been fully restored, you're just seeing the beginning. There is much more to come. … Wait till next year. And then the next year. Eat your vitamin pills. Get your rest. It's going to be exciting.”
Monday, October 29, 2018
Paring back!!!
Well, this may be the start of a bit of heartache for some folks....sadness....nostalgia...disagreement etc. etc. Announcing 2020 stopping the Hill Cumorah pageant!
Other decisions to follow on remaining pageants.
We know that all of these decisions are not just being spontaneously made. One of the Apostles said that change had been considered for years. Was it the Prophet? Maybe about HT/VT. I'm being lazy and not looking it up.
Just think, they have this master list of changes in Policies and Procedures (not in Doctrine) and it must be long and they just keep doling it out bit by bit. Haven't we all been reeling since the HT/VT with wondering what next?
What would have happened...how would we have reacted if every single change was given at one time? It just keeps coming at us and I wonder what the future holds.
And now this...cancelling some Pageant events that are felt to be missionary tools and uniting families as they participate. Some negativity floating around in some comments I read.
Personally, I'm not surprised as they had already said they were going to be reviewed. Plus I noticed at the dedication of the Temple that was just done...they had no youth production/extravaganza and instead had a youth devotional and it was shared throughout the area via satellite or whatever.
When they say...home centered is the yardstick for Church happenings...they are really sticking to that rule.
The Church is either true or not...we are led by living Prophets-or not?...this is what the Lord wants for His Church?- or not?
Harking back to the family Proclamation...there came a day that we understood the why of that seemingly simple document and were thankful for it's detailed clarity. I'm a thinkin'...at some point we will understand this entire change, in the way the Church operates for families, and somehow or other...it will make sense and we will be thankful.
Read about the Hill Cumorah pageant statement here
Change is really difficult for some people. My hubby is a slow shifter at times. I embrace change, find it exciting, and feel it means refreshing new growth. How about you?
Other decisions to follow on remaining pageants.
We know that all of these decisions are not just being spontaneously made. One of the Apostles said that change had been considered for years. Was it the Prophet? Maybe about HT/VT. I'm being lazy and not looking it up.
Just think, they have this master list of changes in Policies and Procedures (not in Doctrine) and it must be long and they just keep doling it out bit by bit. Haven't we all been reeling since the HT/VT with wondering what next?
What would have happened...how would we have reacted if every single change was given at one time? It just keeps coming at us and I wonder what the future holds.
And now this...cancelling some Pageant events that are felt to be missionary tools and uniting families as they participate. Some negativity floating around in some comments I read.
Personally, I'm not surprised as they had already said they were going to be reviewed. Plus I noticed at the dedication of the Temple that was just done...they had no youth production/extravaganza and instead had a youth devotional and it was shared throughout the area via satellite or whatever.
When they say...home centered is the yardstick for Church happenings...they are really sticking to that rule.
The Church is either true or not...we are led by living Prophets-or not?...this is what the Lord wants for His Church?- or not?
Harking back to the family Proclamation...there came a day that we understood the why of that seemingly simple document and were thankful for it's detailed clarity. I'm a thinkin'...at some point we will understand this entire change, in the way the Church operates for families, and somehow or other...it will make sense and we will be thankful.
Read about the Hill Cumorah pageant statement here
Change is really difficult for some people. My hubby is a slow shifter at times. I embrace change, find it exciting, and feel it means refreshing new growth. How about you?
Friday, October 26, 2018
Best Ever!!!!
Just a couple of hours ago, Elder Rasband, posted about talents. This ranks right up to the top of the list of.... best ever descriptions of talents!!! Just made me sort of happy, giddy and excited all at the same time! I hope you get some sort of a charge out of it, like I did. Spectacular!
As a young man, I didn’t understand well who I was in God’s plan and how my talents and abilities benefited me, my family, and the Church. I suspect you might have some of the same thoughts and concerns.
 |
| Elder Ronald Rasband |
In fact, you may fear that you don’t have any talents—or you may think that because your talents aren’t as developed as the talents of others that they have little value.
Fear not, my friends; the Lord has blessed you with talents.
What are your God-given talents? There are talents that are visible, like being a musician, an athlete, an artist, or even a gardener. These are great talents to develop, but there are so many others that are character driven: the gift of being a good listener, a peacemaker, a righteous example, a compassionate and nonjudgmental friend, a quiet strength, one who is kind and loving.
You see where I am going with this? We must love and revere those talents that are embedded in our very natures, that prompt us to reach out and embrace others and, in the process, help us to become more like Jesus Christ.
Talents are critical underpinnings for our eternal progression. They are like fingerprints, individual and significant. Each of you have been blessed with divine talents by our Father in Heaven. He is waiting for you to identify, develop, and magnify those talents He has blessed you with.
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
She's back home!!!
Video of her at Finisterre here
I for one cannot believe how she did those amazing videos. She told me she would be in her bed for the night and do it then. Hours she could have slept! She made plans to take people along and she wanted to do that. She also knew how she wanted to do the videos for sharing. When I talked to her this morning, she said she'd not yet seen any of the videos. She said she just did them and uploaded them and moved on to the next day. I'm curious what she will think. I told her I was glad she just did them and didn't critique etc. they were totally real and honest and sincere.
Wow! I'm glad she completed her goal. She told me that no matter the age, in the 20's or 70's, that everyone comes expecting/hoping/planning to complete the entire Pilgrimage of their choice and there are lots that aren't able, for whatever reason or injury, to finish it. She felt blessed to have completed it. That would be so heartbreaking/frustrating to come so far and be so near and then have to stop. I was glad she was able to power through her challenges and make to the very end.
She told me she bought me a gift and I wouldn't be able to guess what it was...a shell? and she said....No. there was a Patisserie at the airport and I got a box of the best Macarones for you! I was surprised! She called today and told me she had mailed them and has no idea what shape they will be in but they should still be fresh and it's an assortment. She then broke the news to me that she wanted me to share them with her friend that lives here! As if I would not share!! True, I ate a previous intended gift but that was ages ago so I will make amends and share whatever arrives and however it looks...we will enjoy it!!
I've talked to her several times and it is so great to hear her sweet voice! Love this girl!
*************************
She hadn't slept for hours and hours but here she is at midnight, Florida airport. Almost home! That is her Scott!
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
New understanding...
I recently learned something that to me is just wonderful!! Back story...I love to learn about the Gospel. I shared this before that Grace to me was explained and understood as - I want to get from A-Z and I can only get to L. Grace will then get me the rest of the way. Then I read a talk that just opened my eyes to that concept not really being the way that Grace works. I blogged about it (somewhere!) but it was this man's inspiration that has continued to impact me about Grace....
His Grace is Sufficient for You by Elder James J. Hamula 2014 here
The Divine Power of Grace by Elder James J. Hamula December 2016 Ensign here
So I grew in Grace....
And now I've increased and have a new, different and rings true to me understanding of what taking the Sacrament means to me, as an individual, and what it signifies. I was- taught/picked up/figured out/believed- that partaking of the Sacrament is a renewal of my Baptismal Covenant. I have now changed my viewpoint.
A new Way to Look at the Sacrament That Will Deepen Your Understanding of Covenants and Atonement here
by John S. Tanner, president of BYU-Hawaii | October 20, 2018
(President Tanner's wife, Susan W. Tanner, was the General Young Women's President at one time and his mother-in-law, Barbara Winder, was the General Relief Society President. Many years ago I met his MIL in Alaska... my dear friend and I took her on a picnic, as she was touring and visiting the Church as the RSPresident. I'd met her cousin Ned Winder in Anchorage a few years before. Such great people!)
Our daughter's Pilgrimage is pretty much over. She arrived in Santiago and then did her final desire...sunset at Finesterre! She is now in Paris and heading homeward to Florida...an extremely long flight. She was so great at checking in with us, along the way, to reassure us that she was okay. Makes me almost ready/willing to really embrace more technology. Remember my SmartPhone, that I didn't want? Well, I'm so thankful for it. I got to duo and see her sweet face. Last I heard from her she was exhausted/exhilarated...her body wants to walk...her appetite is gone (after eating vast quantities of food daily!)...and, would you believe this?....she got a spider bite on her face. She went to a Pharmacist and got some salve etc. and he said he could see two punctures!!! Good grief!! I'm looking forward to hearing about these Pharmacies that you evidently just go in and get some sort of medical care? She will get home and have to re-acclimate to her regular life!
I enjoyed reading comments from people on her YouTube vlogs? videos? posts?- whatever they are called. Several people would say Buen Camino. I knew that mean Good Camino. One man would say... Ultreia Camino. I ended up loving that phrase when I found out the meaning....
The word ‘Ultreia’ (also ‘ultrella’ or ‘ultreya’) comes from Latin and it means ‘beyond’. Ultreia is another pilgrim salute, like the more popular ‘Buen Camino!’. While ‘Buen Camino’ literally means ‘have a good journey, a good Camino’, the meaning of ‘Ultreia!’ goes a bit deeper, implying encouragement to keep going, reaching ‘beyond’, heading onwards. It is also believed Medieval pilgrims used to greet each other with ‘Ultreia, Suseia, Santiago’, meaning something like ‘beyond,upwards, Santiago’. Other sources suggest ‘Ultreia’ was used in the same way as ‘Hallelujah’, once pilgrims finally reached Santiago de Compostela.
here is her entry into Santiago. I love this one. I cry each time I watch it. Yes...I binge watch her videos! here
His Grace is Sufficient for You by Elder James J. Hamula 2014 here
The Divine Power of Grace by Elder James J. Hamula December 2016 Ensign here
So I grew in Grace....
And now I've increased and have a new, different and rings true to me understanding of what taking the Sacrament means to me, as an individual, and what it signifies. I was- taught/picked up/figured out/believed- that partaking of the Sacrament is a renewal of my Baptismal Covenant. I have now changed my viewpoint.
A new Way to Look at the Sacrament That Will Deepen Your Understanding of Covenants and Atonement here
by John S. Tanner, president of BYU-Hawaii | October 20, 2018
(President Tanner's wife, Susan W. Tanner, was the General Young Women's President at one time and his mother-in-law, Barbara Winder, was the General Relief Society President. Many years ago I met his MIL in Alaska... my dear friend and I took her on a picnic, as she was touring and visiting the Church as the RSPresident. I'd met her cousin Ned Winder in Anchorage a few years before. Such great people!)
************************
Our daughter's Pilgrimage is pretty much over. She arrived in Santiago and then did her final desire...sunset at Finesterre! She is now in Paris and heading homeward to Florida...an extremely long flight. She was so great at checking in with us, along the way, to reassure us that she was okay. Makes me almost ready/willing to really embrace more technology. Remember my SmartPhone, that I didn't want? Well, I'm so thankful for it. I got to duo and see her sweet face. Last I heard from her she was exhausted/exhilarated...her body wants to walk...her appetite is gone (after eating vast quantities of food daily!)...and, would you believe this?....she got a spider bite on her face. She went to a Pharmacist and got some salve etc. and he said he could see two punctures!!! Good grief!! I'm looking forward to hearing about these Pharmacies that you evidently just go in and get some sort of medical care? She will get home and have to re-acclimate to her regular life!
I enjoyed reading comments from people on her YouTube vlogs? videos? posts?- whatever they are called. Several people would say Buen Camino. I knew that mean Good Camino. One man would say... Ultreia Camino. I ended up loving that phrase when I found out the meaning....
The word ‘Ultreia’ (also ‘ultrella’ or ‘ultreya’) comes from Latin and it means ‘beyond’. Ultreia is another pilgrim salute, like the more popular ‘Buen Camino!’. While ‘Buen Camino’ literally means ‘have a good journey, a good Camino’, the meaning of ‘Ultreia!’ goes a bit deeper, implying encouragement to keep going, reaching ‘beyond’, heading onwards. It is also believed Medieval pilgrims used to greet each other with ‘Ultreia, Suseia, Santiago’, meaning something like ‘beyond,upwards, Santiago’. Other sources suggest ‘Ultreia’ was used in the same way as ‘Hallelujah’, once pilgrims finally reached Santiago de Compostela.
here is her entry into Santiago. I love this one. I cry each time I watch it. Yes...I binge watch her videos! here
Thursday, October 18, 2018
Soul Food...
In my quest to re-arrange our life, with the newness of the reality of my darling guy aging and feeling the effects, which impacts both of us, I have been thinking of the poem--
If, of thy mortal goods,thou art bereft,
And from thy slender store two loaves
alone to thee are left.
Sell one and from the dole,
Buy Hyacinths to feed the soul.
I'm going to give us something gorgeous to see and enjoy on a regular basis. Create something beautiful and set a still life, maybe even plural, that will feed our souls. I started yesterday and know this is the right thing for us! I say us but actually it's for me/myself/I.
I state that because I set the stage yesterday with a fall wreath hanging right where it's very visible plus a pumpkin and some fall leaves under the TV and brought Terry's attention to it. His wreath response...it's time for Christmas things? My response...It has apples and pears and pine-cones. it's a Fall wreath. His pumpkin response...flowers. that's nice. My response...It's a beautiful pumpkin nestled in fall leaves. So you get the picture here!
I got a leaf garland at the Dollar Store and the gorgeous Pier One velvety pumpkin, that came all dolled up with gorgeous leaves, didn't complain when I filled in the bottom with my $1 leaves! The wreath is just gorgeous! As is the purdy little punkin'! Oh, yes!! I'm feeling happy!!
I am not bothered in the least that he doesn't get it or appreciate it like I do! His life will be better though because I'm feeding my own soul!! Happy wife=Happy life!!
Seasons are just so enjoyable to me so I'll go 4 seasons and then add little touches of special holidays etc. I really don't do Halloween so I'm going Fall and that will carry me through to Thanksgiving and then I'll do Winter and Christmas. I'm going to buy at least one thing that speaks to me, to my soul, that gladdens my heart, pleases the eye....to just thoroughly enjoy and celebrate the season.
Deciding to do this is unleashing a bit of creativity as I'm prone to same ol' same ol' even though I like my same ol' same ol' All-Season bits and pieces. My gorgeous tulips and paper whites are fine in season but a bit hard to swallow in freezing weather but I love them and keep them out year round so now I'm going to put them away until Spring time. Well, I'll put them away when I find something Fall to put in their place. Wait...aren't Paper Whites given as gifts at Christmas? Whatever.
I'm going to learn how to use my new phone and share pictures. I know you want to see this loveliness! You probably already do this sort of seasonal magic!
Speaking of phone. This morning I talked to my darling daughter. Duo! I loved seeing her precious face. She hasn't been able to download her videos about her journey so was going to try once again today. She is only 10 miles from her goal of Santiago!!! She is excited and wondering how she will feel when she arrives. I wonder also. I'm so happy for her!!
So about the phone. I'm going to stop talking about it and try to facetime some family...like grandkids. Jeanee and I are going to use it even when she gets home. I carried that silly phone with me, from room to room- in this little tiny house, until she called in the morning. When the time for her calling was gone...then I stopped hauling it around. I'm still not into all of the digital stuff.
I did go on that 10 day fast of social media, which for me was FB. I received an e-mail notice about Jeanee's vlog or blog or whatever. So I can check FB out today. I realized I enjoy seeing pictures of people that I know and am held hostage by some family members. I also know that I still don't know what the Rules of Decent Manners on PM etc. It's mostly shorthand speech and I'm long-winded detail speech. I also totally value my freedom and privacy in my personal life and will continue to live a life that is practically devoid of bells/rings/churrps/dings/vibrations. I also re-affirmed the reality that I actually like talking to people and need to be more social in that respect. That will be another project to take on!! I'll look at FB today and see how the rest of the world is faring!
Speaking of the world...Canada! Oh, WOW! Nationwide legalization of recreational Marijuana!! Crazy!!! I am only for legalized Medical Marijuana. This is scary to me! oh boy! here
Life is challenging but it sure is a good challenge. Here are some hyacinths just for you! xoxo
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Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Rolling along!
This weather is just so marvelous. I never tire of the seasons here. I love the changes of each one. These leaves are beyond description and the briskness and coolness of the air...refreshing and rejuvenating. The sky!
My porch did not really get much use this year. I seemed to never quite get it up and spiffy and fixed like I wanted. Yesterday, I just made a clean sweep and moved the furniture and am determined next year to do the sprucing up that didn't make my list this year!
I continue to enjoy these early quiet hours and feel more in control of my life. Admittedly, it doesn't seem outwardly to have made a difference but inwardly, where it really counts at the heart of peacefulness and joy, it really is enhancing. I do feel more in control/management of my life as it slowly shifts into complications of sweetheart-care. I can do all things...(Phillipians 4:13)
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The more I read the Book of Mormon, the more I enjoy it and the feelings of it's truthfulness grows and thus my testimony increases. I appreciate this experience that happens on a continuous loop IF I daily read.
We are told that all Scripture is for our profit and learning. I have learned so much about life in general and life specifics through these ancient teachings. I am strengthened and it helps me to endeavor to not get tripped up and fall off the covenant path in all of it's straight straitness.
I've recently enjoyed...(3 Nephi 23:6-14 & Matthew 27:52-53)
The attention to details and taking nothing for granted. sort of a trust but verify situation. (my favorite creed quote. credit to President Ronald Reagan.) When the Savior said to Nephi..Bring forth the record which ye have kept. He checks them over. Asks if he remembers being told of Samuel's testimony. Nephi remembers. He then asks...How be it that ye have not written this thing...? Nephi remembers that it had not been written. Jesus again commands that it should be written and it was written.
What a marvelous example of attention to details and follow-up and accountability and even repentance/forgiveness and honesty and kindness and humanness plus the attention to detail of the record, kept and reserved for our day, plus another witness of what would happen at the time of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ ...many saints who should arise from the dead, and should appear unto many, and should minister unto them. We know that did happen and we also gain additional knowledge ...they did minister unto them. the NT account just says they appeared. I like knowing they ministered. (Modern, huh?) A plain and simple and interesting truth restored!
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There used to be an Apostle named Elder Neal A. Maxwell. I loved his talks. He's been gone a long time now but this popped up and it's so neat. Just had to share it!
Monday, October 15, 2018
Small+Simple=Great!!
In the throes of retiring and aging at the same time plus personal desires of what you want to do with your time and your life, comes a lot of decision making. Actually that is just what happens with all of us...all the time. Whether a person is on an extended vacation or in my situation with a lot of luxuries...like no one bossing me around...freedom to get up when I want and even go to bed when I please. To do or not to do...whatever...every day! In this revamping stage of my life I decided I needed more discipline and not so many of just letting life happen...not a strict discipline, which would immediately bring total failure for my life.
Terry's health sometimes causes a restless/sleepless night for both of us. Much like any disruption of sleep, you desire to sleep in or catch up on those lost zzzzzzzzzz's.
My goal is no matter the night challenges....I will get up very early (very early for me. now your concept of very early might make my very early seem like noontime!)
I was so exhausted during the day that I was sleepy. Then I got the prompting that the one of my problems was actually the Melatonin that I was taking to go to sleep! So I stopped that and regained feeling better during the day and that really helped me move ahead with my desired plan.
So a couple of weeks ago I started...One hour earlier than my average get up time with not much go in the giddy-up. Then I upped it to 2 hours earlier and unbelievably to me...it's now 3 hours earlier! Sounds impressive even to me but it's not like I'm up at midnight!!
No matter what time I get to bed...I force myself to get up when that timer dings! The desire I had was for total silence and total time without one single solitary interruption...time to think and study and ponder and plan different elements in my life...write notes and letters (still working on that one!). It has worked out wonderful!
A big test came Friday night when I went to a play and was out late and got to bed late...knowing that I had a Temple appointment early Saturday morning. Even the thought of getting up that early made me more tired. Right then I decided --on late nights from being gone not just because I chose to stay up late at home...I'd set the alarm for an extra hour of sleep. So I did that very thing but Wow!..I ended up pleased and surprised and happy next morning...I automatically woke up at my new time! My body is adjusting and is starting to wake up early (for me) on it's own. So thankful.
I enjoy every minute of this totally private time. There is no traffic or people or the sound of cars being unlocked or anything. It's all hushed and dark and still out there. The world slumbers and I'm cocooned in the stillness. Bliss. No pings/dings/rings. Silence.
5a.m. Heaven! The stirrings of invigorations are felt!!
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Make hay while the sun shines!
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The early bird gets the worm!
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Early to bed. Early to rise...
Makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise!
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(I sang this in grade school. did you?)
Little drops of water,
Little grains of sand,
Make the mighty ocean
And the pleasant land.
Little deeds of kindness,
Little words of love,
Help to make earth happy
Like the heaven above.
Make the mighty ocean
And the pleasant land.
Little deeds of kindness,
Little words of love,
Help to make earth happy
Like the heaven above.
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Zillah Sunrise-
October 15th - 7:15a.m.
October 16th - 7:21a.m.
October 15th - 7:15a.m.
October 16th - 7:21a.m.
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Thomas Jefferson....
"I Rise with the Sun"
The Alcove Bed in Jefferson's Chamber
A typical day for Jefferson started early, because, in his own words, "Whether I retire to bed early or late, I rise with the sun." He told of a fifty-year period in which the sun had never caught him in bed; he rose as soon as he could read the hands of the clock kept directly opposite his bed.
Friday, October 12, 2018
a little habit.
Thinking-wise...I am a minimalist trapped in a hoarder-like body. Not the kind that has a bunch of trash (although I realize that one man's treasure is another man's trash)...no food and mice and etc. around but to much of what I would term a good thing. I'm forever trying to downsize/toss out/ give away extra things. The magnetic pull for me is the...I just might need this someday...you just never know when that might come in handy....someone might need that someday. Lots of mights & somedays! I never give up and always try and come back for another go at being more orderly and trying to convince myself that less, truly, is more!
So...I signed up for a free month long, daily reminder of becoming a minimalist. A couple of days ago, one of the contributors talked about the power of gratitude. Now that I can get on board with. No problem with that. I believe that thoughts/words will bring more of whatever those thoughts/words are. If I constantly sing the blues about my woes they will be magnified and multiply.
I do believe that even Job understood the power of thoughts when he said....
For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. Job 3:25
This goes along with ...
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.... Proverbs 23:7
President Kimball talked a lot about this in his book The Miracle of Forgiveness. He recommended the reading of-- As a Man Thinketh by James Allen.
At one time I was into studying... developing Joy and being Happy. Interconnected with those two choices of feelings are the actions of expressing Gratitude and Thanksgiving. I believe in those two powerful emotions, that are fueled by thoughts and words, expressed along those lines.
All of this to say...in that quick read course about simplifying/minimizing was the worth of developing gratitude. Here is the quote that I wanted to share and maybe you can do it along with me. I'm aware of the power and goodness available through those marvelous expressions of thankfulness and gratitude but I never thought of this little way of making a difference in my life and developing a great habit...
The Daily Gratitude Habit
So...I signed up for a free month long, daily reminder of becoming a minimalist. A couple of days ago, one of the contributors talked about the power of gratitude. Now that I can get on board with. No problem with that. I believe that thoughts/words will bring more of whatever those thoughts/words are. If I constantly sing the blues about my woes they will be magnified and multiply.
I do believe that even Job understood the power of thoughts when he said....
For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. Job 3:25
This goes along with ...
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.... Proverbs 23:7
President Kimball talked a lot about this in his book The Miracle of Forgiveness. He recommended the reading of-- As a Man Thinketh by James Allen.
At one time I was into studying... developing Joy and being Happy. Interconnected with those two choices of feelings are the actions of expressing Gratitude and Thanksgiving. I believe in those two powerful emotions, that are fueled by thoughts and words, expressed along those lines.
All of this to say...in that quick read course about simplifying/minimizing was the worth of developing gratitude. Here is the quote that I wanted to share and maybe you can do it along with me. I'm aware of the power and goodness available through those marvelous expressions of thankfulness and gratitude but I never thought of this little way of making a difference in my life and developing a great habit...
The Daily Gratitude Habit
The habit is super simple. Here it is…
When I sit down to eat dinner, I say one thing that I am grateful for happening today.
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