"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...

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.” 

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?

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!

Elder Ronald Rasband

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.

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.

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!

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She hadn't slept for hours and hours but here she is at midnight, Florida airport.  Almost home!  That is her Scott!

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!)

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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


 

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

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!

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.

Desiring to do more with my daily life, in the care and keeping of us, I decided to cash in a blessing coupon.  One of those acts of obedience brings blessing cards.  Even though I have the blessing of lolling about the entire day if I choose...I decided to forego that luxury and bypass that temptation and go for a different approach.  I remember hearing Elder Boyd K. Packer share that he had been taught by President Harold B. Lee, the power of doing this and receiving revelation and guidance in the early hours.

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.

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Zillah Sunrise- 
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.

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

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.

Living our life...

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.

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Our daughter continues her trek on the Camino Santiago.  She expresses her love of a bed with clean sheets being so wonderful.  Sleep is so important and our beds are important and so are the sheets.  In my book they are important.  All of this to tell you ...I got some new sheets.  I've been looking for the perfect sheets for years and I think I may have found them!!  One night of sleeping on them is probably not a fair test but it was bliss!  The fine print on the enclosed packing label says they are Super Soft Hotel Bedding.  They are definitely super soft!!  I ordered them from Cosy House Collection. Just in case you want to take a peek at them.  Maybe you are searching for the impossible dream also!!

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All of these exciting changes--There is so much information to dig into that I'm like a kid in a candy store with free reign!!!!  On second thought it's actually more substantial like the best food ever prepared and I'm invited to the free feast.

Transition/segue to TV dinners!  Now that's a leap of faith.  

Yesterday I was talking to a friend about cooking and we both admitted that we don't enjoy or like to cook dinners anymore!!  (Hopefully we can keep our Temple recommends because of our non-Churchy behavior!)  Both of our hubbies no longer like what we've always cooked for what seems a million years.  

She and I are alike that we could eat homemade soup every day but not our guys.  Her solution...she found that her hubby likes a chicken on a stick and the potato that goes with it and a fountain pop from a nearby gas station.  So that is her cooking for him.  My new found cooking to keep my sweet guy happy?....TV dinners!  Amazing!  I've not eaten a TV dinner in ages but they no longer taste like cardboard.  So far I've tried two kinds...Hungry Man and Marie Callendar.  

I feel good that he likes them and I can add a bowl of salad greens and an apple and guilt and concern are off my back.  Maybe it's the 80th birthday coming up?  It's definitely related to aging as my friend and I both agreed on that fact...so it's for sure.  Taste buds must change or something weird but both fellows had the same response to old tried and true and cooked forever dishes...this doesn't taste like it used to.  

This now frees me to cook those things that he does still enjoy but not have to be wracking my little brain as to what to do on a daily basis.  Just file this thought away for your own future problem solving, of the feeding and care, of the old longtime friend that you happened to be married to!

On board

I love being my age at this time in these last days!  I get such a sense of amazement seeing how things have transpired through changes implemented by the General Church Leadership.

When I joined the Church we did not own any scriptures.  I had a blue child's Bible stories that a Great Aunt had given me at birth (I have no idea where it is.  wish I knew!)  Neither of us were raised with scriptures.  When I went to my Baptist Church meetings I didn't notice people with Bibles.  I know my wonderful Sunday School teacher knew Bible stories and she really knew and loved Jesus.  She bore that witness every single Sunday.  The Preacher, of course, had his Bible right there on the pulpit and he would flip through the pages, he referenced, as he tried to get us to repent and accept his altar call.

When I came into the Church, with a great curiosity for learning about the Gospel...I felt blocked.  I don't know how we ended up with a Book of Mormon.  The only people that I saw with Scriptures, at Church, were men that had been on Missions.  When I did get a Bible and a Book of Mormon, they were so confusing with a strip of references down the center section of the page or at the bottom, that made no sense to me.  Eventually, of course, the Church made learning so available with the simplification and extensive footnotes etc.  I have loved learning and growing and studying.

In 1963 President Kimball and his wife Camilla co-wrote an article for the Relief Society magazine called The Power of Books. They were talking about the study of the Standard works and having them available in our homes.  They suggested this...How fine if every child could have the New Testament even in early years, and, a little later, his own triple combination of the three books and also his own Bible.

I was reminded of how far we have come in 55 years.  Nowadays it's almost common/ordinary & expected that an 8 year old, at Baptism, will receive a new and complete set of Scriptures.

In reading about the new home-centered learning centers I saw this picture and it reminded me of how far we have come in acessibility of available knowledge and also children that are ready to learn and grow.

Before Conference Terry and I had been visiting about how excited we were to hear the latest word from the leaders.  Terry said...whatever they say we will figure out how to do it. That made my heart happy on several levels...he had a righteous desire to be obedient and for us to do it as a couple...he was leading out even though his health isn't 100% and sometimes Rx dulls his senses so all of it made me thankful and happy!

He also has said for years...we have to get on the train or we will be left at the station.  it's going to leave with or without us.  So we are staying on the train!

At this point for our joint study/discussion- we will keep on listening to two Conference talks a day and listen to one chapter in the new Church History book Saints.  That book really shows how totally different we are.  We each wanted our own book so I picked those up (can you believe $5.75 for such a big book!).  Terry found there is an audio available so that is the route we are going.  Yesterday was our first time of listening.  I got my book and a red pencil.  I asked him...do you want a red pencil for marking?  Taken aback he said...Why would I mark in my new book???  (61 years of doing this marital dance!)

Anyhow it was a great day of companion study!!  They already had the videos on of every single talk.  Ah, the beauty and wonder of technology!

I've been reading about the new way of Church and how this will work.  I happened on this  paragraph and thought...what freedom we are given to study whatever works for us in our situation.

Individuals and families, however, seek inspiration as they choose to study what will best meet their needs. They prayerfully consider options such as the Book of Mormon and other standard works, general conference messages, Church magazines, information available on LDS.org, and other materials suggested by general or local leaders. There is no expectation that members will study all, or even most, of these resources at any one time.

(LDS.org.....wonder what will happen with that on the name needing to be changed?  By the way...I finally figured out how to get the reference to me being a Mormon off of my profile.  Me...being compliant!)

What a time!!!

This morning I realized --I was so amazed by all that was said Sunday afternoon that I said nothing about it!!

I have never heard a General Conference that was so unique.  Well, last April with it's myriad of changes is from the same bolt of cloth.  This particular Conference was absolutely filled with the invitation to come unto Christ...being reminded and taught that He can help in each of our lives.  Speaking of lives...every malady/challenge, known to mankind, was mentioned to make sure we knew, without exception, everything can receive some help.  Not necessarily help that causes erasure of the challenge but strengthened ability to bear your own tough lot in life.  We were reminded that tough things will happen to all of us.  No exceptions.  No passes to a life of ease.  Mortality!!

Not meaning a single shred of disrespect but in my mind, I was taken back to a tent meeting in Anchorage in the mid 50's...a visiting evangelist preaching in a tent, not unlike a circus tent, and inviting all to accept his "altar call"-- come unto Jesus and give Him your life.  I was also reminded of the power of Billy Graham and his crusades. 

The face of the restored Gospel has definitely had a face-lift and we are now invited, by true and living Prophets to come unto Jesus and walk His walk...talk His talk...and embrace direction and counsel from our current President/Prophet and the First Presidency and His 12 Apostles.  I am definitely a believer and desire to be a follower and a disciple.  I am comfortable being labeled a Christian.  Now I just need to live so as to be easily identifiable as such!

Let the work begin!  The introspection...the seeking guidance...the facing things as they really are! 

Treasures!!!!

Early on today- I started reading the information for teaching with this new format.  Of interest to me...my class time for my lesson will be...20 minutes!!  Wow!  I will finish out this year, with my large class of 10 students, and enjoy the luxury of my designated allotted hour with them.

I will go from teaching 4 hours a month to teaching 1 hour 20 minutes a month!  From 1 hour a week to 20 minutes a week!!

Next year I will have two students so that will be a small class to learn-- the best way to emphasize what they have studied at home the past week...unless I misunderstood and it's prep for the coming week.

Whatever...I'm excited and game for the challenge and support the change with all of my heart.

Yes.  I believe in our Prophet.

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I've been thinking about the Women's General Conference Session yesterday and what I want/need to do to do the 4 challenges/requests

1. Media.  So far I've decided to stay off of FB with one exception.  I get an email notice when my daughter has posted something on YouTube (remember she is doing that 556 mile Camino Santiago in Spain).  I want to see her and hear how she is faring.  I will check that and then share it on FB.  that is my one exception.

I will read and use my email as it is not a source of random reading out of curiosity etc. but a staying in touch with kiddos, friends and stuff!

I'll continue my blog.

I admit to hauling my smart phone around in case my daughter does a duo call.  it's early in the morning and very brief to let me know she arrived to her destination.  some days she doesn't call (no service or poor service) so then I keep it near me.  

I'll read LDS.org things, of course.  (by the way...wonder what and how that name will be adjusted?)

I may think of more things or adjust this but it's just for 10 days so this is doable and adequate so I'll start now.  when I post this...I'll start and then see how I feel on October 18th

2. Daily read Book of Mormon.  On track for that.  I will list blessings he mentioned as I love knowing blessings are in the mail!

3. I will keep the effort going on Weekly Temple attendance.  I will list the blessings he mentioned that are associated with this act of obedience.  love those promises.  I need to work on taking family names to Temple.  I'm still stuck in the bog and thrashing about!

4. Relief Society.  I've been once in 5 years and for two years have felt totally out of the loop as far as the happenings.  At first, when the Prophet said to fully support RS... I was like...well, I'm teaching etc. etc.  then I was reading this morning and RS will only meet 2x a month and they will have the current (?) Conference talks for lessons.  And then Sunday School will be along the lines of my Primary lesson as far as subjects.  So....I was thinking that my last Primary boy is going into YM in a couple of weeks and I could go through Dec. but then I realized that I would walk in when things are half-over.  Whichever way it goes...I will read what the RS is teaching about.  which CR talk has been selected.

More thinking to do but I definitely will be doing all 4.  I'm thinking every single woman I know, and even don't know, if they heard this talk...we will all be doing it!!

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Sunday Morning

Wow!!!  again!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed, loved, what Elder Ballard shared about Joseph F. Smith.  How he was prepared to receive the 138th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants.  I got out my old book Gospel Doctrine by JFS.  I remembered reading of that vision and wondering why it wasn't scripture.  It was so amazing.  I then wrote in the margin that it was added to the Pearl of Great Price in 1976.  Then in 1981 it was published in the new Triple Combination.  Today my question as for why it wasn't printed earlier was answered by Elder Ballard.  Made my heart happy!

Loved the "our tendency to bring brownies" statement by Sister Cardon

Was there ever such a great talk on forgiveness/forgetfulness as by Elder Holland?  ..."tranquility to the soul" 

Elder Anderson.  Wow and ow!!  "...your soul will be wounded..."    "...be ready..."    "when you are wounded and help others, you are an angel..."

President Nelson...I've never heard a Prophet defend/explain something he has declared as needful action because  "...the Lord impressed upon my mind the name..."  he was so sweet and patient and I just wanted to jump through that screen and hug him and tell him that I support and believe what he is saying.  (also I'd tell him that I can't figure out how to get Mormon off of my blog profile but...I'm aware and will get it done)  He mentioned again..."...blessing on your heads...."  going to make another list!

These Conference talks yesterday and today, were just fantastic and motivating and I will do my best to improve.  I was so happy when Terry said...We have a lot to study these next 6 months.  

I feel blessed and buoyed and excited and challenged and amazed at the mentions, again, about getting things ready for the 2nd coming. The final gathering.  Amazing that we are here for it!!

Wow!!!

Saturday

Soooooo exciting!!!!  2 hours!!  wonder how much time I will get out of 50 minutes to teach my Primary class?  I'm glad I still get to teach them every week!  I wonder if they will still do sharing time?  I wonder about it all but I'm excited about it all!  talk about an overhaul!

I read that the pilot program, for the two hour meeting, was tried for 4 years...35 Stakes...7 countries!  So it's been tested!!

German Shepherd!...wasn't that funny?!

Women's General Session

I'll be going soon.  wondering if men will try to get in meeting like those women tried to get into the Priesthood session?  a thought that makes me smile!!

President Nelson

Ready and set to go!!

Thoughts are racing through my mind like a team of wild horses!!  Truly I cannot slow them down to focus on one thing and one thing only.  Hmmm...there is one prevailing thought though that all else hinges on...tomorrow is the beginning of the grandest happening (since 6 months ago) General Conference!!!!

We are ready!  If excitement/anticipation is a qualifying trait...we are there!!

So amazed and so grateful for modern technology that brings it right to our TV screen.  Every single word.  Every single song.  Every prayer.  What a day to live in!!  We know that it can be seen later but we like to watch it unfold right before our eyes!

Surely, the Primary will be a major focus!  Surely they will say that these children need personal experiences with the Holy Ghost and we as teachers need to assist the parents in bringing that about. Surely, what we will teach and how we will teach will be advanced to meet the challenges of the world today!  Surely!!!

Surely, we will see President Kimball's prophecy mentioned/quoted and happen right before our eyes about we women in the last days!

Surely, we will see newness come into play with some announcement that catches us off guard OR will last CR continue to be enough for the present?

Oh, what do I know???  well, I do know this...whether everything remains status quo or a newness in areas not thought of- I love and believe and look forward to whatever is shared and it will become a part of my personal scripture study and our joint daily study.  That joint study consists of daily listening to two CR talks.  We enjoyed every talk from last CR and did as President Nelson asked...listened to them several times.  I'm a footnote lover so for my own personal study I'll be checking those out.

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As I have gained a testimony that the heavens are still open and also testimony of living apostles- I just enjoy/love learning from them.  In 1973 was the first time I heard that the CR talks should be our walk and talk for the next 6 months by Harold B. Lee.

President Harold B. Lee's final Conference talk...  October 1973
Now, you Latter-day Saints, I think you have never attended a conference where in these three days you have heard more inspired declarations on most every subject and problem about which you have been worrying. If you want to know what the Lord would have the Saints know and to have his guidance and direction for the next six months, get a copy of the proceedings of this conference, and you will have the latest word of the Lord as far as the Saints are concerned. And [also] all others who are not of us, but who believe what has been said has been "the mind of the Lord, the will of the Lord, and the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation." (See D&C 68:4.) 


Later I found that he had actually had given the same sort of counsel in 1946- long before I joined the Church...
President Harold B. Lee said: “As the Latter-day Saints go home from this conference, it would be well if they consider seriously the importance of taking with them the report of this conference and let it be the guide to their walk and talk during the next six months. These are the important matters the Lord sees fit to reveal to this people in this day” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1946, p. 68).

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At last Aprils CR Elder Anderson talked about asking Elder Oaks a question, years ago, about preparation for Conference talks.

Viewing the general conference sessions with our family is not sufficient to bring a love for the prophets. On one occasion some years before my call as a General Authority, I conducted a meeting presided over by one of the Apostles. After the meeting, I asked him about his stake conference talks. “Do you prepare something specific for each stake conference?” I asked. He replied that he generally did not, but relied upon promptings received just prior to and during the conference. But then he added, “But my general conference talk is very different. I will normally go through twelve to fifteen drafts to be certain that it is what the Lord would have me say.” Many times since then I have asked myself, If an Apostle will go through twelve to fifteen drafts, is it pleasing to the Lord if I listen to or read his message one or two times? I don’t think so.

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Last April CR President Nelson mentioned it also!  I was glad to be reminded to study in depth the current counsel.  There is so much available and we were watching all sorts of things.  It was powerful to us to do that very focused study as a base for whatever else rolled our socks up as a personal interest.

from President Nelson's closing remarks April 2018...
I exhort you to study the messages of this conference frequently—even repeatedly—during the next six months. Conscientiously look for ways to incorporate these messages in your family home evenings, your gospel teaching, your conversations with family and friends, and even your discussions with those not of our faith. Many good people will respond to the truths taught in this conference when offered in love. And your desire to obey will be enhanced as you remember and reflect upon what you have felt these past two days.

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I've always been impressed that these talks are in cement.  there is no opportunity for them to say...you know what? I don't really feel that way anymore and I should have said such and such.  No allowance made for do-overs!

Above all...to me it is Scripture!

68:3 And this is the ensample unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost.

4 And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation.

For sure.....

                                           

Thoughts stacked up!

Another thought...procrastinated and now have a back log of thoughts so I'll do a mini-book of ...

My Stack of Thoughts--- Essays (just 3!)

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Emotions can vacillate (duh!)

I really enjoy learning from the scripture- examples of life situations/life realities,that go up and down, just by thoughts that are thought.  Even just thinking about the good and the bad in one extended thought can arouse emotions.  We learn that thinking is not always level and can vacillate back and forth and our emotions do the same up/down sad/happy scenario.

For instance, in proving my case in court....Mosiah 25:8-11  Alma 62:1-2  2 Nephi 4:16-36 (lament)

Mosiah 25:8 For they knew not what to think; for when they beheld those that had been delivered out of bondage they were filled with exceedingly great joy.

9 And again, when they thought of their brethren who had been slain by the Lamanites they were filled with sorrow, and even shed many tears of sorrow.

10 And again, when they thought of the immediate goodness of God, and his power in delivering Alma and his brethren out of the hands of the Lamanites and of bondage, they did raise their voices and give thanks to God.

11 And again, when they thought upon the Lamanites, who were their brethren, of their sinful and polluted state, they were filled with pain and anguish for the welfare of their souls.

ALMA 62

1 And now it came to pass that when Moroni had received this epistle his heart did take courage, and was filled with exceedingly great joy because of the faithfulness of Pahoran, that he was not also a traitor to the freedom and cause of his country.

2 But he did also mourn exceedingly because of the iniquity of those who had driven Pahoran from the judgment-seat, yea, in fine because of those who had rebelled against their country and also their God.

So there you go.  Those tears aren't always hormonal!  The vacillating emotions that put us on our own private/personal roller coaster of our lives...it's okay!

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Another way

Sometimes I will hang on to an idea of a needed action like a dog on a bone!  Because I feel it's the right thing and this is the right way to accomplish whatever I'm facing- I just persist in banging my head against a brick wall.  Refusing to even consider that perhaps, just perhaps, there is a way to actually move ahead that isn't my determined way.

I was reading a story about 2 missionaries.  One of those...and then we went down this street that we weren't going to go down... and they met the right person etc. etc.  I got to thinking about my narrow mindedness sometimes on really accomplishing what I want to do and not meeting with the goal in mind.

Another Way.  My Dad used to occasionally say...There's more than one way to skin a rabbit. I have no remembrance of what he would be doing to voice that but he did say it.  My Hubby would find use of that phrase if we was perhaps Duct Taping, a floor joice or a ceiling beam together!  or some such feat!

Back on subject.  I see so much personal application to the counsel of Alma.  He was on this challenging (to say the least) mission and arrived in Ammonihah.  The people let him know that they knew who he was and they knew about "thy church" and "we do not believe in such foolish traditions".  They then pummeled him and booted him out of the city.  He was "weighed down with sorrow" and anguish. In the midst of his grief an angel comes to him and tells him to "lift up thy head and rejoice".  Not only that but he was commanded by the angel to return to the city.  He "returned speedily".  Now this is the part that really grabbed me and caught my full attention..."he entered the city by another way"!

(This of course brought Amulek into his life and from there one of the greatest missionary companionships ever! - came about.  and you know that story and have read of their Mission experiences.)

It is so impressive to me...another way.  The original attempt definitely did not work out.  The plan was right but the approach, the method, was not right.  I many times will regroup when something is not going as planned and I know it needs to be done but there are times, many times, I refuse to consider doing things another way and by that action/inaction I do not succeed at my attempted deed/goal/desire.

If at first you don't succeed, try- try again...we've all heard that saying but maybe, my not always succeeding, is because I need to try another way? 

Maybe it's just my version of insanity?  According to Albert Einstein...the definiton of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results!

(these Scriptures have been in my Pondering Pot...Just simmering and bubbling and feeling so good to breathe in the optimistic hope. Alma Chapter 8)

13 Now when the people had said this, and withstood all his words, and reviled him, and spit upon him, and caused that he should be cast out of their city, he departed thence and took his journey towards the city which was called Aaron.

14 .....an angel of the Lord appeared unto him, saying:

16 And behold, I am sent to command thee that thou return to the city of Ammonihah, and preach again unto the people of the city; yea, preach unto them. Yea, say unto them, except they repent the Lord God will destroy them.

18 Now it came to pass that after Alma had received his message from the angel of the Lord he returned speedily to the land of Ammonihah. And he entered the city by another way, yea, by the way which is on the south of the city of Ammonihah.

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Knowledge of the Truth

I am still just enjoying the moment of seeing that prophecy by President Kimball come to pass right before my eyes. 

I know we were challenged to become Sister Scriptorians. In my lasting enjoyment of seeing this start to come about in such magnificence, with such strong and beautiful, and as he mentioned articulate women, I've given a lot of thought to the power and goodness that can come about if one is armed with the knowledge of truth.  

The first time I remember reading and being impressed by that phrase was reading of Alma's prayer for his son.  Recently, in my excitement about women and that Prophetic prophecy, I read again about the impact and what could be accomplished if one had that knowledge of truth.

When the angel appeared unto Alma the younger...  the angel said: Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God, that the prayer of his servants might be answered according to their faith.( Mosiah 27:14)

We see that power lasting and extended to his friends that at one time he'd been a rabble rouser with..Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God..Alma 17:2

As missionaries they had those same desires...And it came to pass that they journeyed many days in the wilderness, and they fasted much and prayed much that the Lord would grant unto them a portion of his Spirit to go with them, and abide with them, that they might be an instrument in the hands of God to bring, if it were possible, their brethren, the Lamanites, to the knowledge of the truth, to the knowledge of the baseness of the traditions of their fathers, which were not correct.
Alma 17:9

And we read that thousands were converted by being brought to the knowledge of the Lord. Alma 23:5 

Those that were brought to the knowledge of the truth were the ones that buried their weapons!  Alma 23:6, 13 also they were the fathers of the stripling warriors. 

I believe that at the upcoming General Conference, the afternoon session, the Woman's session, will feature women that have come to the knowledge of truth.  Their very own personal knowledge of truth and we will see and hear amazing things.  You and I can come to our knowledge of truth also.

The power of having a knowledge of truth is so strong that Nephi gave up the judgment seat to  preach the word of God For the rest of his life! plus his brother Lehi did also.  (Helaman 5:4)  that reminds me of Alma doing basically the same thing 53 years earlier and in the same land location of Zarahemla....giving up the judgment-seat...seeing no way that he might reclaim them save it were in bearing down in pure testimony... (Alma 4:18-19)

This is so exciting to me, to see this unfold, after wondering and watching all of these years as to how will this happen?  It's happening!!! 

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My thoughts went on and on and then I went back to CR Oct. 2017 to see references to President Kimball's talk and right out of the chute at the Gen. Women's Conference was Sister Eubanks and then her footnotes, #1...incredible!  Including one by President Nelson from 2015

Elder Pingree referenced President Kimballs talk about us!  PAGE32

It's everywhere!!  this is the day!!  ....articulate women...sister scriptorians.  Here we go!!!

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2 more essays coming....My Primary Class ...Personal Study habits.