Yakkity-yak!

This early a.m. I was thinking that I would love to have a study group of women that isn't really a study group as much as it's a sharing group.  Just a few women- sharing what impacted them in their scripture study the last week.  Actually maybe that describes the CFM program!  But I don't go to the adult class as I teach once a month- 11-13 year olds.  I don't know how much discussion/sharing goes on in the adult class.  Plus there are so many people.  I'm thinking just 3 or 4 women.  Sharing what we've learned or have been reminded of or gained greater insights from our own scripture study...does it further embed it in our spiritual psyche?  I think so!  And then the expansion of our understanding and growing as we hear how others have been impacted by their own study!  Sounds amazing to me!

Speaking of discussing...I do believe that the Seminary teachers have the best calling in the Church!  I cherish the many years I taught! Next year will be amazing with all the planned discussion going on with the youth.  I would love to see our current Seminary teacher stay and carry on.  He has it down to a rhythm and his heart is in it 100%.  A bit envious. Uh-huh...green eyes are showing! Jealousy is not pretty!

Luke 22!  Wow!
vs 31- made me think of the power or example of leaders and the leaf falling from the oak tree isn't noticed but the falling of the tree is.  we need to pray for our leaders.  the JST footnote clarifies why Satan will work on leaders to endeavor to bring us all down!
vs 32- difference between a testimony and conversion. Reminded me of my "word" that I chose in January...Becoming.  Studying enables my conversion.  I am becoming converted!
vs 44- I remember being fascinated when I learned of the word..Hematidrosis.  I remembered reading that most people would die of the pain.  He lived!!!  and He Lives!  great footnote sources.
We listened to Elder McConkie's fantastic talk from April 1985.  He had cancer and you could see how ill he was and how dry-mouthed he was.  He passed away a week or so later.  I remember being so overcome when I realized this would be the last time we'd see him and what a stalwart he was.  He was 69 then.  I absolutely am so strengthened by General Conference!  here is the talk.  Such a classic talk!

I decided to read the NT, cover to cover, and I got such a kick out of Romans Chapter 14.  I know the discourse was about religious beliefs, of the day, and new doctrine to them, on clean and unclean foods...stages of conversion to letting go of some things and starting anew on others but...vs 1 &2 is just so today!.  a great reminder from vs 15 to the end of chapter in vs 23... keeping a perspective of what the gospel really is and to not judge what others are eating or not eating!  As one that at various times has tried, and continues to embrace all of the Lo here and Lo there ad invites on eating programs/diets...I just loved this Chapter and it's realistic approach on attitudes in today's modern world.  Boo!!! Hiss!!! to the industrial age, that caused WW to teach me that fat was bad and sugar was good and Angel Food cake and CoolWhip would be fine to eat in mass quantity- if I so chose.  In the mirror I look and say...Well, good morning SugarAddict!  Thought question...Does paying someone to weigh me weekly amount to a form of insanity???? 
 could you tighten up my straight jacket, please!?

Have a terrific day!  I will also.  The challenges of life would be impossible for me to deal with if I was without the Gospel!  You too?

(I hope I'm not babbling or prattling!  just a heartfelt sharing!)

Thinking of Dixie

3 years ago today my sister passed away.  There is not a single day that goes by that I don't think of her.  I miss her so much.  I love her so much.  Love is so powerful. 

There were just she and I as siblings and I was older by 2.5 years.  We ended up at some point in our adult life of talking every day on the phone.  Each year for several years we went on a sister trip...planning elaborate travels and always ending up going to the same place- she traveling from Idaho to my house in Washington and then we headed up to Gilman's Village/Seattle and then over to Leavenworth and back to my house and then she headed back to her house.  We enjoyed it so much!!

She was such a beautiful person.  3 years ago I blogged about her.  well, actually during that time I shared a lot.  If you want to see that...go here  When I went back to find that for you and looked at those pictures...it made me cry.  I look forward to our reunion. 

I love my family and I love my friends.

Sometimes our lives intersect in such a way that a special heart reservation...an Always Open sign is there.  Recently I received the sweetest note.  This marvelous woman entered my life when she was 15.  She would leave high school (in the middle of the day!  or whatever struck her fancy!) and show up at my house.  She wanted to talk and talk we did!  Since then we have talked about me feeling no compulsion to send her away or scold her...I was glad to see her and loved her and we loved to visit. 

Her life ended up with lots of heartache with losing her parents and all sorts of drama that would challenge the best of folks.  We have laughed together and shared life sporadically.  Many years ago she was sorting through a box of books and found a paperback Book of Mormon that I'd given her and written my testimony in it.  Those shared memories came back and she reached out again and we've stayed in touch since then.

her note:
Dear Nancy,

I was dreaming this morning and although I rarely remember dreams, I remember this one.  You and I were on a phone call and you told me you had cancer and that you may not be around much longer. I was saddened and wanted to see you.  I didn’t get to, but I came to be with your family and you were gone.  I know it doesn’t mean anything, but it made me want to tell you that I love you and look forward to seeing you in the next chapter because I seriously doubt I’m going to get to see you again in this one.  So whoever gets there first has to remember to come running when the other arrives.  Okay?  I’ll be looking forward to that. 

I’ll be 63 this year. Can you believe it? 
                                    Suzy

Love always wins out.  Whether it is daily contact with someone in the family or infrequent contact with a friend.  When a relationship is power-packed with a constancy over the years- that keeps that love line active enough to be of great worth.  Frequently or infrequently...it all works as long as we keep in touch!!

Suzy was 15 and I was 32 when we became friends.  Now we are 63 and 80!  48 years ago!!

At this point in my life I really need to be more consistent in staying in touch with family and friends.

IF you read this blog...can that count that we are in touch?  Will you feel that I'm thinking of you and talking with you?  I hope so!!!!

  

Re-group/reboot/moving along!

Life in general, mortality, just keeps on keepin' on.  My own personal life also continues on and I continue to be grateful for the years I've lived and what I've learned.  The learning process never ends with life experiences!  

The last few weeks have been filled with introspection and a review mentally of how things were years ago and pulling me up to how things are now.  Life is every changing.  As Terry battles his own challenges health-wise...I am, seemingly always, feeling the necessity of changing things up in caring for the two of us so we can remain independent and live at home until that cemetery time.  As to when that time will be?  Who knows?  I'm now amongst those saying...I think I may still be here on earth when the 2nd coming occurs!  

One big change for me is seeing that there are things I plan on doing, as far as going somewhere or attending something or keeping a commitment that I end up a no-show...I have cancelled a Temple visit, and also last minute did not attend a farewell party- for a family that I love.  Those sorts of things.  very last minute backing out of something. There are times, like unexpected stormy weather, that things change around here without much warning.  Every time I think I have it figured out...it lasts for awhile and it shifts yet again.

I feel my Saviors love and the power of prayer and the blessings of going to the Temple assist me on so many levels.

Terry and I continue to enjoy the NT study.  I hope you are also!

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It was enlightening to be reminded that Christ asked for this cup to be removed but was still willing to accept His Father's will.  Such a specific request!  I LOVE this line from Elder Oaks...though the Son's request was denied, his prayer was answered.  Isn't that the best thought ever????  How often does that happen to us?  Do we recognize it in our lives?

(2 great paragraphs)....The Savior gave us the model for that kind of faith and trust. Remember how he prayed to the Father in the agony of Gethsemane? This was the culminating event of his life, the climactic fulfillment of his mission as our Savior. The gospel of Luke, as corrected in the inspired translation of the Prophet Joseph Smith, describes how he knelt down and prayed: “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done” (JST, Luke 22:42).

Here we see the Savior’s absolute faith and trust in the Father. “Nevertheless,” he said, “not my will, but thine be done.” The Father’s answer was to deny the plea of his Only Begotten Son. The Atonement had to be worked out by that lamb without blemish. But though the Son’s request was denied, his prayer was answered. The scripture records: “And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him” (JST, Luke 22:43).

His full talk- Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ here

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Also Elder Faust talked about the varying intensity of prayer. But, of necessity, some prayers are more intense than others....Prayers vary in their intensity.

(a great paragraph!)...Jeremiah counsels us to pray with all our heart and soul.⁸Enos recounted how his soul had hungered and that he had prayed all the day long.⁹ Prayers vary in their intensity. Even the Savior “prayed more earnestly” in His hour of agony.¹⁰Some are simple expressions of appreciation and requests for a continuation of blessings on our loved ones and us. However, in times of great personal hurt or need, more may be required than mere asking. The Lord said, “You have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.”¹¹ Blessings sought through prayer sometimes require work, effort, and diligence on our part.

full talk- The Lifeline of Prayer here

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As always- I'm in re-vamp mode!  I may never fully succeed in all the things I desire for my life but I will always be called up for a gold star awarded for never giving up/always trying!