Friday, August 15, 2014
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Not home yet!
(Wednesday)
Greg...
Morning Mom,
Inspector came by yesterday and found no bugs. Mission President called
this morning and they will be flying home on Friday. Lance called me at
work and was frustrated. Jokingly asked to come get him. He just called
and we are trying to get him home sooner.
***************************************************************
Friday cannot get here fast enough!!!!!!
Me...any word about our Missionary and his travels home?????
Greg...
Morning Mom,
Inspector came by yesterday and found no bugs. Mission President called
this morning and they will be flying home on Friday. Lance called me at
work and was frustrated. Jokingly asked to come get him. He just called
and we are trying to get him home sooner.
***************************************************************
William Edward Norris said:
“If your lips can keep from slips,
Five things observe with care:
To whom you speak; of whom you speak;
And how, and when, and where.
********************************************************
********************************************************
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
In the quiet heart is hidden....
My life spans clear back to include the day Elvis died. I remember it vividly...heading over to the costumer, for our upcoming roadshow, to discuss the Queen of Hearts gown. The radio music was interrupted with the announcement of his death.
When I went in her house and told the seamstress the happenings, she totally went to pieces, and was to upset to even discuss anything about the costumes.
I left...of course. My reaction was different than hers. She went into mourning while I was surprised and saddened by the way he died. He was her hero/superstar/her love- so to speak. When Elvis came on to the music scene years before, my high school friends and I were embarrassed by his hip movements. Our parents were also less than pleased with his vulgarity. In spite of all the newness of the wiggling around, we all loved to dance to his music! I shared blog-wise before about several of us riding on the back of a flatbed truck, swooning over our fellow teen- strumming a guitar/shaking his hips, in his best look alike Elvis imitation. Advertising for the Piggly Wiggly grocery store in Spenard. The only grocery store.
At the time of his death I was a grown woman so my reaction was not from a teen fan.
Over the years there have been many public personalities that have died. Politicians or artists in various fields. I remember several of them and the stir it always caused. Also the questioning and perplexities and the whys be it suicide or assassination.
Now Robin Williams. Genius talent. On interviews he always seemed to be on speed-dial. Lighting quick...Shifting and changing in character and conversation without pause.
There are so many people in the world, both public and private, that I would love to get to know and be friends with but that is not a reality. I'm left with what others say or edited material on celebrities...drawing my own conclusions from pared down journalist interviews.
With Robin Williams as with other famous folks, I did not know the man, but I did know his talent, his ability to entertain, his fine-honed skills. I know how he made me feel when I saw his work and I appreciated it.
So often the most talented seem to suffer the most without relief or cure.
We are blessed with the Gospel and we also know that many in our midst are depressed. some deeply so. For some they are able to find help for this affliction through the combination of medical and spiritual assistance.
How does this happen to our minds? How can we be blue/sad/depressed, know it's going on/not want it to stay and yet have no power to just magically rid ourselves of such a heavy burden?
I have friends that battle depression. I have family that to this day battles depression of varying degrees that range right up to manic/depressive. I have dealt with my own fair share, that at times seemed a bit more than what you would call a fair dose! My heart is tender towards sufferers of depression. To this day there are times that unbidden cloud of grey haze blankets my mind and wreaks havoc with my disposition.
Suicide is even more complicated to deal with as far as understanding how that can happen. I don't think anyone understands it. There are readers of this blog that have had family members take their own lives. It can never make sense no matter how many times you discuss it or try and figure it out.
My heart goes out to all sufferers of mental problems--forming a depressive state in a mind that causes an imbalance that is so out of kilter.
When I first became aware of suicide and questioned what this meant in a gospel sense, I wondered if this was considered murder and breaking one of the 10 Commandments...Thou shalt not kill. How merciful the Lord is and how merciful the teachings of His Church through His Prophets/leaders.
the above is an excerpt from a talk by Elder Ballard in 1988--
Suicide: Some Things We Know, and Some We Do Not
Whatever your struggle, my brothers and sisters—mental or emotional or physical or otherwise—do not vote against the preciousness of life by ending it! Trust in God. Hold on in His love. Know that one day the dawn will break brightly and all shadows of mortality will flee. Though we may feel we are “like a broken vessel,” as the Psalmist says, we must remember, that vessel is in the hands of the divine potter. Broken minds can be healed just the way broken bones and broken hearts are healed. While God is at work making those repairs, the rest of us can help by being merciful, nonjudgmental, and kind.
This excerpt is from Elder Hollands 2013 talk -- Like a Broken Vessel
When I went in her house and told the seamstress the happenings, she totally went to pieces, and was to upset to even discuss anything about the costumes.
I left...of course. My reaction was different than hers. She went into mourning while I was surprised and saddened by the way he died. He was her hero/superstar/her love- so to speak. When Elvis came on to the music scene years before, my high school friends and I were embarrassed by his hip movements. Our parents were also less than pleased with his vulgarity. In spite of all the newness of the wiggling around, we all loved to dance to his music! I shared blog-wise before about several of us riding on the back of a flatbed truck, swooning over our fellow teen- strumming a guitar/shaking his hips, in his best look alike Elvis imitation. Advertising for the Piggly Wiggly grocery store in Spenard. The only grocery store.
At the time of his death I was a grown woman so my reaction was not from a teen fan.
Over the years there have been many public personalities that have died. Politicians or artists in various fields. I remember several of them and the stir it always caused. Also the questioning and perplexities and the whys be it suicide or assassination.
Now Robin Williams. Genius talent. On interviews he always seemed to be on speed-dial. Lighting quick...Shifting and changing in character and conversation without pause.
There are so many people in the world, both public and private, that I would love to get to know and be friends with but that is not a reality. I'm left with what others say or edited material on celebrities...drawing my own conclusions from pared down journalist interviews.
With Robin Williams as with other famous folks, I did not know the man, but I did know his talent, his ability to entertain, his fine-honed skills. I know how he made me feel when I saw his work and I appreciated it.
So often the most talented seem to suffer the most without relief or cure.
We are blessed with the Gospel and we also know that many in our midst are depressed. some deeply so. For some they are able to find help for this affliction through the combination of medical and spiritual assistance.
How does this happen to our minds? How can we be blue/sad/depressed, know it's going on/not want it to stay and yet have no power to just magically rid ourselves of such a heavy burden?
I have friends that battle depression. I have family that to this day battles depression of varying degrees that range right up to manic/depressive. I have dealt with my own fair share, that at times seemed a bit more than what you would call a fair dose! My heart is tender towards sufferers of depression. To this day there are times that unbidden cloud of grey haze blankets my mind and wreaks havoc with my disposition.
Suicide is even more complicated to deal with as far as understanding how that can happen. I don't think anyone understands it. There are readers of this blog that have had family members take their own lives. It can never make sense no matter how many times you discuss it or try and figure it out.
My heart goes out to all sufferers of mental problems--forming a depressive state in a mind that causes an imbalance that is so out of kilter.
When I first became aware of suicide and questioned what this meant in a gospel sense, I wondered if this was considered murder and breaking one of the 10 Commandments...Thou shalt not kill. How merciful the Lord is and how merciful the teachings of His Church through His Prophets/leaders.
****************************************
The late Elder Bruce R. McConkie, formerly of the Quorum of the Twelve, expressed what many Church leaders have taught: “Suicide consists in the voluntary and intentional taking of one’s own life, particularly
where the person involved is accountable and has a sound mind. …
Persons subject to great stresses may lose control of themselves and
become mentally clouded to the point that they are no longer accountable
for their acts. Such are not to be condemned for taking their own
lives. It should also be remembered that judgment is the Lord’s;
he knows the thoughts, intents, and abilities of men; and he in his
infinite wisdom will make all things right in due course.” (Mormon Doctrine, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966, p. 771; some italics added.)the above is an excerpt from a talk by Elder Ballard in 1988--
Suicide: Some Things We Know, and Some We Do Not
*************************************
Whatever your struggle, my brothers and sisters—mental or emotional or physical or otherwise—do not vote against the preciousness of life by ending it! Trust in God. Hold on in His love. Know that one day the dawn will break brightly and all shadows of mortality will flee. Though we may feel we are “like a broken vessel,” as the Psalmist says, we must remember, that vessel is in the hands of the divine potter. Broken minds can be healed just the way broken bones and broken hearts are healed. While God is at work making those repairs, the rest of us can help by being merciful, nonjudgmental, and kind.
This excerpt is from Elder Hollands 2013 talk -- Like a Broken Vessel
***********************************************
a year ago I blogged this...
http://acandlestick.blogspot.com/2013/09/2-jars-of-balm-vanishesbanishes-blue.html
************************************
Lord I Would Follow Thee
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Home today????
2 years ago this month, August. First Sunday of the month. Fast Sunday. Our son Greg and our grandson, Lance came to visit us from Kansas....a couple of weeks before he left on his mission to Las Vegas. He had his new missionary suit with him and we got this picture of Grandpa and Grandson after Church. Not the best in the world focus wise but you see and feel the love, joy and enjoyment of being together.
*******************************************
I asked him to serve to the end and not come home early. He asked us to
not die while he was gone. Covering all bases! He served to the end
and we are still earth bound. No early departures for any of us! Last Monday he sent his last letter.....
Hey guys,
Well life is good. They took our car for the last week. :) That stinks
but oh well its only 1 week, and the weather looks great. This week we have
taught some 1st lessons and we had an investigator at church. It was great. We
taught this lady named Sherri. She is from Arkansas with a sweet accent. She
was very interested and she told she would be at church and she actually went.
I have just enjoyed this last part of my mission. We don't have any set things
to do so we just walk and talk to everyone we see. It is great. I love talking
to people. I feel like time is running out and if I get any slight prompting I
go get them lol. Yesterday I ran over to catch a guy on his bike we talked for
like 25 min and gave him a pamphlet and left.
Well lots of mixed emotions. We live 4 miles out of our area. So we get
rides as much as we can. I am happy. It will be sad to leave but 2 years is
pretty tiring. I have seen some of the people I have worked with in the last 2
years. The Lord has blessed me to work with people that have changed their
life. Danielle who got sealed is pregnant with a baby boy. That is exciting.
It is just cool. It feels good to see the impact I was able to be a part of in
peoples life.
Well I love you all, I am hoping to leave a bunch of stuff behind. My
clothes are just destroyed. My shirts are almost see through and I have
different socks now. I am leaving all of my shoes except for the ones I wear.
So I think I will have like 2 pants, a suit, 3 shirts, and some socks.
Love you guys ,
Elder Seljestad
**********************************************
Monday, yesterday, we get this note from Greg? Lorrie?....
I just got an interesting phone call from Lance. Unfortunately, an
missionary who was companions with Lance's current companion ( Elder
Herlin) before the last transfer, had bed bugs and the mission home is concerned
that Elder Herlin may have brought bugs or eggs with him to Lance's apartment.
So they are sending a bed bug sniffing dog over there tomorrow and "bombing" the
apartment or whatever they do to get rid of bed bugs. What that all means is
that he won't be able to come home until Thursday.
Bummer....
**************************************************************
Our son is a trickster/prankster and I'm thinking this is a joke! I'm thinking Greg will privately pick Lance up today at the airport and take him home and surprise the family! I've called them on it and they hold fast to their story! My granddaughter, Britta, even told me it was true. I'm just not buying it!! come on!!..a bed bug sniffing dog????
I don't know the rest of the story BUT when I do...I'll share it! bed bug sniffing dog. oh, yes, that rings true!! Uh-huh.
**************************************
okay. so now I'm repenting. I posted all of the above and I just now got this from Greg. (Way down deep inside, I'm still a doubting Thomas, if the truth be known!)
Sadly no joke. He returns Thursday or Friday depending on if they find
bed bugs or not. He said 22 sets of missionaries are quarantined and
cannot visit investigators or members (or go home). He called last night
with permission to call. All of us talked to him. He said it is tough.
He looks at his packed suitcase. The good members are dropping food off
for them. He and his companion were scheduled to fly home today. There
are four missionaries in their apartment and they are all stir crazy it
sounds.
bed bugs or not. He said 22 sets of missionaries are quarantined and
cannot visit investigators or members (or go home). He called last night
with permission to call. All of us talked to him. He said it is tough.
He looks at his packed suitcase. The good members are dropping food off
for them. He and his companion were scheduled to fly home today. There
are four missionaries in their apartment and they are all stir crazy it
sounds.
Just re-read what Greg sent. Beginning to think this is true.
Monday, August 11, 2014
PS to last blog post....
In conjunction with my last blog post here
I just kept thinking about the compassionate service rendered and two pictures stayed in my mind. I contacted my daughter and ask her if she would crop those two pictures, to insure privacy of the Mother/baby, and allow me to share them with you. She agreed.
In the first picture, Jeanee has just arrived, and the baby was in the hospital blanket.
In the second picture, is the little sweater bunting she made him.
I just kept thinking about the compassionate service rendered and two pictures stayed in my mind. I contacted my daughter and ask her if she would crop those two pictures, to insure privacy of the Mother/baby, and allow me to share them with you. She agreed.
In the first picture, Jeanee has just arrived, and the baby was in the hospital blanket.
In the second picture, is the little sweater bunting she made him.
Friday, August 8, 2014
Tip of the Iceberg
thinking about gifts that reside within us. I really enjoy these two quotes....
Elder Bruce R. McConkie taught: “Spiritual gifts are endless in number and infinite in variety. Those listed in the revealed word are simply illustrations” (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, 371).
Elder
Marvin J. Ashton of the Quorum of the Twelve said some
“less-conspicuous gifts” include “the gift of asking; the gift of
listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; … the
gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; … the gift of
seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the
gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the
gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of
offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift
of receiving the Holy Ghost” (There Are Many Gifts--in Conference Report, Oct. 1987, 23; or Ensign, Nov. 1987, 20).
People are so fascinating, don't you think? We only see and know and understand each other by how much we choose to share...to reveal. Sometimes we learn things about each other, that we had no idea about, and it surprises us. Usually we just see the tip of the iceberg in each other. The visible part. The Lord sees what is hidden to others. He sees our hearts and knows our private deeds.
Once in awhile we get a glimpse of what lies below the water line....way beyond the tip of the iceberg. I recently saw such a thing... a true deed of heavenly-ness.
My heart is so touched by my beautiful daughter and a service that she did. I didn't ask if I can share this but I will be discreet in the telling. My daughter is my rose amongst the thorns...2 boys. her. 2 more boys. She was born a peace maker. Is gentle and quiet. Very talented. Very loving. Very compassionate.
She has had an adventuresome life but has always remained kind and people just love to be around her.
She always wants to alleviate suffering. She loves babies. She loves people.
She is a photographer amongst other interests. Below is a recent picture she took. Isn't it gorgeous???
She also does pictures that are not necessarily gorgeous but are heart wrenching but they are such a gift to the recipient. No pictures of that deed will be shown here.
Recently she was called to the Hospital as a woman was in labor to deliver a stillborn. Jeanee was going to take a picture of this less than one pound baby boy. The night before she had taken a sweater, cut the cuff and sewed the teeniest of knit hats. The sweater sleeve would hold the baby like a bunting.
She arrived right at the time of birth and was steeled for the scene with all her tears held back for later.
She took the baby, put his little hat on, nestled him in his Mother's arm and posed the picture. She took his incredibly small hands and had him hold his Mother's finger. The Mother was adoring this wee little child. She captured that emotion in her picture. The Mother, hospital gowned, exhausted, in the bed where she had just given birth. Looking in wonder and tenderness at this tiny little boy, exuding the love that Mothers feel.
She thanked Jeanee over and over.
She left her the little hat and bunting.
The delayed reaction has hit Jeanee now and she has cried. She cries off and on as she edits the pictures. I admit I have cried also.
Her-Thank you Momma. I was editing today, and listening to sweet music and just started silently crying....
Elder Bruce R. McConkie taught: “Spiritual gifts are endless in number and infinite in variety. Those listed in the revealed word are simply illustrations” (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, 371).
People are so fascinating, don't you think? We only see and know and understand each other by how much we choose to share...to reveal. Sometimes we learn things about each other, that we had no idea about, and it surprises us. Usually we just see the tip of the iceberg in each other. The visible part. The Lord sees what is hidden to others. He sees our hearts and knows our private deeds.
Once in awhile we get a glimpse of what lies below the water line....way beyond the tip of the iceberg. I recently saw such a thing... a true deed of heavenly-ness.
My heart is so touched by my beautiful daughter and a service that she did. I didn't ask if I can share this but I will be discreet in the telling. My daughter is my rose amongst the thorns...2 boys. her. 2 more boys. She was born a peace maker. Is gentle and quiet. Very talented. Very loving. Very compassionate.
She has had an adventuresome life but has always remained kind and people just love to be around her.
She always wants to alleviate suffering. She loves babies. She loves people.
She is a photographer amongst other interests. Below is a recent picture she took. Isn't it gorgeous???
She also does pictures that are not necessarily gorgeous but are heart wrenching but they are such a gift to the recipient. No pictures of that deed will be shown here.
Recently she was called to the Hospital as a woman was in labor to deliver a stillborn. Jeanee was going to take a picture of this less than one pound baby boy. The night before she had taken a sweater, cut the cuff and sewed the teeniest of knit hats. The sweater sleeve would hold the baby like a bunting.
She arrived right at the time of birth and was steeled for the scene with all her tears held back for later.
She took the baby, put his little hat on, nestled him in his Mother's arm and posed the picture. She took his incredibly small hands and had him hold his Mother's finger. The Mother was adoring this wee little child. She captured that emotion in her picture. The Mother, hospital gowned, exhausted, in the bed where she had just given birth. Looking in wonder and tenderness at this tiny little boy, exuding the love that Mothers feel.
She thanked Jeanee over and over.
She left her the little hat and bunting.
The delayed reaction has hit Jeanee now and she has cried. She cries off and on as she edits the pictures. I admit I have cried also.
*********************************
Me- oh, boy. oh, my. rather haunting. you can see the love just coming from the
Mother. what a startling, shocking scene for you to come into. you rendered
such great service. that Mother will look at that picture and be so thankful
for what you did. you were the hands of Christ and I’m so thankful for you.
very tender and wonderful service you did. I don’t know of anyone else that
could do that.Her-Thank you Momma. I was editing today, and listening to sweet music and just started silently crying....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thursday, August 7, 2014
working on the balance beam...
My sister called yesterday and she was talking about receiving an invite that had where the couple was registered for gifts. Perhaps it's not a modern thing anymore. Maybe it's old school. She, and me too, are still not totally thinking it's great. It is practical.
We talked in our lifetime about the anticipation/surprise/delight that would come from gifts that the giver thought the recipient would enjoy. A lot of time the recipient hadn't even thought of or heard of such an item. It was a happy, very personal time, a celebration for everyone.
My Mother would make Dixie and I sit down and write out a specific thank you. We had to state the gift given/appreciation for it/and sign it. it was then mailed. Somewhere or other she had bought some little bread and butter note cards. Little thank you notes.
Of course you know that I enjoy the Royals and how they do things! (maybe I was a Queen on another planet??) Well, when I read about Princess Diana and her life that ended up so tragically, I did pick up this tidbit, for those of you in the always busy social group--When she was going to some grand soiree, before the gala she would address her thank you note envelopes, place them on her writing desk and when she got home, no matter how late, she wrote her note--
thank you for the lovely visit at your lovely Palace and the lovely imported Japanese Wagyu beef was simply divine. HRH
It was posted pronto, perhaps delivered by a horse drawn gold carriage, and her deed was done.
Maybe those notes are for days long past when people weren't doing everything lightning fast? I enjoyed that savoring/contemplating time of writing the note. At one time I even bought some stationary with my name on it!! Is that Royal or uppity or what? I love paper and stationary and note cards. Nowadays I'm more prone to give some e-cards that I really find beautiful and I seldom send a paper note. Seldom mail it either. Hand it to them!
So I find myself having lived most of my life in a more proper time that was molasses slow in movement, and we all pretty much had the same standards of etiquette. So my earth time has been lengthy but my mind time, even as old as my body age, has managed to embrace some of the newness of this era. Only some!!
I just did one that still has me thinking that I'm so with it, so modern, so savvy. I did not renew my Deseret Church News!! You read it right!! Not renewing!! I have subscribed to it for as long as it was available and have loved it. I realized that I'm actually reading it online and I already know the paper contents when it arrives. I found myself first scanning for something new and then just stopping even looking through them. So I made the big decision. Not renewing my Church News!!!
I see more and more the Church pulling me into being modern. I don't have a cell phone. I therefore don't text and all the other twitter and tweet and on and on. I just started FB and the jury is still out on how to really use it and if i really enjoy it. I do my blog. I remember starting email and thinking I'd arrived. Nowadays I'm thinking that is quickly getting outdated. Prophets have FB. We are encourage on all counts to embrace the technology of todays world. Even missionaries are using tablets. Oh, yes I have my tablet! if a device can be adorable then that one is my adorable device! I enjoy it and am amazed at it!!
Manuals are not really printed anymore! Here comes the wave of the future or has the wave already crested?
Yesterday from Deseret Book--
Our New eCatalog is Available! 40 new products including David Archuleta & "The Peter Potential"
The Church recently released a major update for the LDS Tools mobile app, incorporating a variety of requests based on member feedback --here
The manual for Young Women (and Young Men) is all online...Come, Follow Me is designed to help youth leaders pattern their teaching after the Savior’s methods, with the goal of helping youth become more converted to the gospel. Learn more by exploring the links below.
Blogging. Publishing your life through a blog can be an excellent
way to share with the world what being a member of the Church means to you.
We talked in our lifetime about the anticipation/surprise/delight that would come from gifts that the giver thought the recipient would enjoy. A lot of time the recipient hadn't even thought of or heard of such an item. It was a happy, very personal time, a celebration for everyone.
My Mother would make Dixie and I sit down and write out a specific thank you. We had to state the gift given/appreciation for it/and sign it. it was then mailed. Somewhere or other she had bought some little bread and butter note cards. Little thank you notes.
Of course you know that I enjoy the Royals and how they do things! (maybe I was a Queen on another planet??) Well, when I read about Princess Diana and her life that ended up so tragically, I did pick up this tidbit, for those of you in the always busy social group--When she was going to some grand soiree, before the gala she would address her thank you note envelopes, place them on her writing desk and when she got home, no matter how late, she wrote her note--
thank you for the lovely visit at your lovely Palace and the lovely imported Japanese Wagyu beef was simply divine. HRH
It was posted pronto, perhaps delivered by a horse drawn gold carriage, and her deed was done.
Maybe those notes are for days long past when people weren't doing everything lightning fast? I enjoyed that savoring/contemplating time of writing the note. At one time I even bought some stationary with my name on it!! Is that Royal or uppity or what? I love paper and stationary and note cards. Nowadays I'm more prone to give some e-cards that I really find beautiful and I seldom send a paper note. Seldom mail it either. Hand it to them!
So I find myself having lived most of my life in a more proper time that was molasses slow in movement, and we all pretty much had the same standards of etiquette. So my earth time has been lengthy but my mind time, even as old as my body age, has managed to embrace some of the newness of this era. Only some!!
I just did one that still has me thinking that I'm so with it, so modern, so savvy. I did not renew my Deseret Church News!! You read it right!! Not renewing!! I have subscribed to it for as long as it was available and have loved it. I realized that I'm actually reading it online and I already know the paper contents when it arrives. I found myself first scanning for something new and then just stopping even looking through them. So I made the big decision. Not renewing my Church News!!!
I see more and more the Church pulling me into being modern. I don't have a cell phone. I therefore don't text and all the other twitter and tweet and on and on. I just started FB and the jury is still out on how to really use it and if i really enjoy it. I do my blog. I remember starting email and thinking I'd arrived. Nowadays I'm thinking that is quickly getting outdated. Prophets have FB. We are encourage on all counts to embrace the technology of todays world. Even missionaries are using tablets. Oh, yes I have my tablet! if a device can be adorable then that one is my adorable device! I enjoy it and am amazed at it!!
Manuals are not really printed anymore! Here comes the wave of the future or has the wave already crested?
Yesterday from Deseret Book--
Our New eCatalog is Available! 40 new products including David Archuleta & "The Peter Potential"
The Church recently released a major update for the LDS Tools mobile app, incorporating a variety of requests based on member feedback --here
The manual for Young Women (and Young Men) is all online...Come, Follow Me is designed to help youth leaders pattern their teaching after the Savior’s methods, with the goal of helping youth become more converted to the gospel. Learn more by exploring the links below.
Handbook 2: Administering the Church
This handbook is a guide for members of ward and stake councils. It provides a doctrinal foundation for the work of the Church, as well as instructions for administering priesthood quorums and auxiliaries. PDF version
Gospel Library App
Blogging. Publishing your life through a blog can be an excellent
way to share with the world what being a member of the Church means to you.
************************************************
and this excellent talk by Elder Ballard....Be Still, and Know That I Am God
ELDER M. RUSSELL BALLARD
OF THE QUORUM OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES
CES Devotional for Young Adults • May 4, 2014 • San Diego, California
First is the use of technology. In 2007 and 2008, I spoke to the graduating students at BYU–Hawaii and BYU–Idaho. On those occasions I said, “We cannot stand on the sidelines while others, including our critics, attempt to define what the Church teaches.”1 At that time I urged the graduates to use the advances in technology to become involved in the worldwide conversation about the Church. I thought I was rather up to date when I suggested that they share their views on blogs. Since then, I have been introduced to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, Google+, Instagram, and then my secretary told me, just as I was leaving, something about Snapchat. Wow! It seems like the world of technology cannot stand still for even a few minutes.
My cell phone is amazing! Smartphones are truly smart! They provide us so many wonderful opportunities, including accessing information, getting map directions, sharing photos and messages, and even once in a while actually talking to someone.
The modern world in which we now live is ever changing, which in some ways is good and in some ways can be not so good.
************************************
Yesterday I had the sweetest thing ever happen about my blog. A sister, a friend, stopped by and encouraged me to keep blogging. She had no idea, that in my quest for balance and figuring out tweaking a life course correction-- by attending Temple, praying, immersing myself in Scripture study etc....that blogging was one of many questions in my mind. Should I continue blogging? I felt yes but she was the confirming factor. Just like President Kimball said...the Lord many times answers our prayers through others. Blogging is not the #1 concern on my list. it takes time. it brings in some self-doubt of what do you know/who cares what you think and other little devilish ideas that I don't like to even mention! I was just wondering if I should keep on. I am. I admit to loving to blog and loving the readers!! xoxoxox
In my study I found this about balance....
In my study I found this about balance....
I
realize, brothers and sisters, that other suggestions could be added to
these. However, I believe that when we focus on a few basic objectives,
we are more likely to be able to manage the many demands that life
makes on us. Remember, too much of anything in life can throw us
off-balance. At the same time, too little of the important things can do
the same thing. King Benjamin counseled “that all these things are done
in wisdom and order” (Mosiah 4:27).
Sometimes
we need a personal crisis to reinforce in our minds what we really
value and cherish. The scriptures are filled with examples of people
facing crises before learning how to better serve God and others.
Perhaps if you, too, search your hearts and courageously assess the
priorities in your life, you may discover, as I did, that you need a
better balance among your priorities.
Not long ago, one of my children said, “Dad, sometimes I wonder if I will ever make it.” The answer I gave to her is the same as I would give to you if you have had similar feelings. Just do the very best you can each day. Do the basic things and, before you realize it, your life will be full of spiritual understanding that will confirm to you that your Heavenly Father loves you. When a person knows this, then life will be full of purpose and meaning, making balance easier to maintain.
Not long ago, one of my children said, “Dad, sometimes I wonder if I will ever make it.” The answer I gave to her is the same as I would give to you if you have had similar feelings. Just do the very best you can each day. Do the basic things and, before you realize it, your life will be full of spiritual understanding that will confirm to you that your Heavenly Father loves you. When a person knows this, then life will be full of purpose and meaning, making balance easier to maintain.
M. Russell Ballard, “Keeping Life’s Demands in Balance,” Ensign, May 1987, 13–16
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