Knock Knock.
Who's there?
Ima.
Ima who?
I'ma going to be a GRANDMA! WOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! I found out about two and a half weeks ago. It has been REALLY hard not to say anything. BUT I promised I would wait.
To say I am excited is an understatement. Jessica told me today that she is going to "share" the news tomorrow in RS during the "happy chatter". So, I will be able to share it.
So, this kingdom is going to grow. Everyone seems to be excited. This is the first grandchild for us, but I think it's the first for Jason's family too...It's wonderful. I know that one day there will be many grandchildren, so this is the start...or rather the continuation!!! They weren't going to find out if it was a boy or a girl, but have changed their minds....so....we shall see.
Their first appointment is the 11th of October...
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Another bit of wisdom about yards and children 11 November 2009
Hope nobody takes ANY offense to this. It isn't meant that way. It was merely an observation I made as I silently worked outdoors.
While working in the yard the better part of the morning, I was mindful of how incredibly alike our yards are to the raising our children.
Plants, in order for them to grow them right and thrive, need MANY things. We put curbing in, of some sort, to keep the grass out of the flowerbeds. We build trellises for climbing plants to climb on. We even attach them so they stay in place and don't go wild. We prune and trim to keep them neat, as well as growing properly. We plant them in places where they will thrive. We water, feed and nurture. Too much of each and there are problems. I even talk to mine. =D We weed, to keep the evil out of the good. Sometimes we must prune back severely when something has been allowed to do it's own thing. Sometimes we transplant. We re-pot. Sometimes we put a cage around a plant to keep things from destroying it, or to help it grow straight. Sometime we use a pole and wires to keep it straight. Some days we come in dirty, with splinters, sore back, blisters, cuts, scrapes, and various other war wounds from "straightening" out our yards, gardens and flower beds. BUT when we do all that we can, then we can look at what we have done, and see the fruits of our labor.
Children are no different. They too need MANY things in order to grow and thrive. We give them rules to guide them and keep them in place. We build things for them to climb and play on. We watch and protect them so they don't fall. We clothe them, bathe them and keep them neat and tidy...well most of the time. They do need to get dirty for mud pies and such. Just as plants thrive in certain places, we take our children to places where they can learn. We allow them to experience life or the lives of others by encouraging them to read, go to museums, zoos, camping, car races, beaches, historic sites, observatories, etc. etc. etc. When we are pregnant, we strive to do things that will help this infant we are carrying. We see that our children are receiving the proper nutrition. Not too much junk. Moderation in all things. =D We talk to them. Listen to them. Help them to figure things out. We guide them around things that can harm them. Weed the "crap" out of their lives by explaining those things that are harmful to them...and those things that are good for them. We teach them the "should nots" in life, not the "can nots". For we can do anything, but sometimes we "should not" do some things. Sometimes severe discipline is necessary...Tough LOVE is the hardest part of being a parent, but worth it. Enabling is so harmful. Sometimes "grounding" is necessary. We have "instruction manuals" that are there to help us, when we don't know what to do. At the end of the day, we may be weary from all the why questions. We may be tired from all the "run-around" that we get. We may have run around doing many things. We may have heartache watching them make mistakes. Heartache that reaches our very souls. We may experience pain as we guide them in the ways they should go...only to have them fight back and resist with greater strength than we possess. We may have battle wounds that are not visible, but more than worth it. For in the end, if we have cared for, taught, disciplined, nurtured and loved them, we will be able to sit back and relish in what we have done. Granted there may not be perfection, but there is joy, there are memories, and there are blessings beyond your wildest imagination. The fruits of your labors are incredible. The hard work is worth it. It's AWESOME!!!
While working in the yard the better part of the morning, I was mindful of how incredibly alike our yards are to the raising our children.
Plants, in order for them to grow them right and thrive, need MANY things. We put curbing in, of some sort, to keep the grass out of the flowerbeds. We build trellises for climbing plants to climb on. We even attach them so they stay in place and don't go wild. We prune and trim to keep them neat, as well as growing properly. We plant them in places where they will thrive. We water, feed and nurture. Too much of each and there are problems. I even talk to mine. =D We weed, to keep the evil out of the good. Sometimes we must prune back severely when something has been allowed to do it's own thing. Sometimes we transplant. We re-pot. Sometimes we put a cage around a plant to keep things from destroying it, or to help it grow straight. Sometime we use a pole and wires to keep it straight. Some days we come in dirty, with splinters, sore back, blisters, cuts, scrapes, and various other war wounds from "straightening" out our yards, gardens and flower beds. BUT when we do all that we can, then we can look at what we have done, and see the fruits of our labor.
Children are no different. They too need MANY things in order to grow and thrive. We give them rules to guide them and keep them in place. We build things for them to climb and play on. We watch and protect them so they don't fall. We clothe them, bathe them and keep them neat and tidy...well most of the time. They do need to get dirty for mud pies and such. Just as plants thrive in certain places, we take our children to places where they can learn. We allow them to experience life or the lives of others by encouraging them to read, go to museums, zoos, camping, car races, beaches, historic sites, observatories, etc. etc. etc. When we are pregnant, we strive to do things that will help this infant we are carrying. We see that our children are receiving the proper nutrition. Not too much junk. Moderation in all things. =D We talk to them. Listen to them. Help them to figure things out. We guide them around things that can harm them. Weed the "crap" out of their lives by explaining those things that are harmful to them...and those things that are good for them. We teach them the "should nots" in life, not the "can nots". For we can do anything, but sometimes we "should not" do some things. Sometimes severe discipline is necessary...Tough LOVE is the hardest part of being a parent, but worth it. Enabling is so harmful. Sometimes "grounding" is necessary. We have "instruction manuals" that are there to help us, when we don't know what to do. At the end of the day, we may be weary from all the why questions. We may be tired from all the "run-around" that we get. We may have run around doing many things. We may have heartache watching them make mistakes. Heartache that reaches our very souls. We may experience pain as we guide them in the ways they should go...only to have them fight back and resist with greater strength than we possess. We may have battle wounds that are not visible, but more than worth it. For in the end, if we have cared for, taught, disciplined, nurtured and loved them, we will be able to sit back and relish in what we have done. Granted there may not be perfection, but there is joy, there are memories, and there are blessings beyond your wildest imagination. The fruits of your labors are incredible. The hard work is worth it. It's AWESOME!!!
Cultures and Crafts and Character...ALL with "flaws" 11 November 2009
After living the first eight years of my life in Hawaii with the Polynesians and their culture, we moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. My mother became fascinated with the Native Americans, and began to collect pottery, rugs, and jewelry. The jewelry was, for the most part, Zuni. Their jewelry is very elaborate in design. The rugs were usually Navajo, but not necessarily. I was always fascinated by the rugs; each different in design and no two alike. Being a "textile" person, even as a child, I wondered about the meanings, if any to the design, and how they were made. It was here and then, as an eight year old child, that I learned something of the beliefs of these Native Americans. Each rug had a "flaw" if you will. Something that made it imperfect. I was told that the Native Americans believe in a higher being. A being who is perfect. When they make their "crafts" they intentionally put a flaw in it, as to pay homage to this great God, who is perfect. This shows that they are not yet perfect, but striving to become like God, who is perfect. They do not want to appear better than God, or perfect. So, they make their "flaw" if you will. These "flaws" as sometimes so small, they difficult to find.
As I craft, in the many ways I find to keep myself out of trouble, I am reminded of this tradition all the time. Many compliment my works. No one may see the "flaws" that are there. I know they are there. I know right where they are. I am reminded of these flaws each time I look at that piece of work. (HAHA. I've heard people say that about some things...or people. What a "piece of work"...sorry...off the track.) Sometimes the "flaws" stick out like a sore thumb. Nevertheless, I continue to craft, to push forward in perfection. The older I get, and the older the piece is, I may forget where these "flaws" are and really have to search for them.
In life, we sometimes miss the beauty of the work, looking for the "flaws" in it. We all have "flaws" in our character. NO one is with out these "flaws", whatever they may be. Sometimes they are more than apparent, other times we can not see them. A friend once said to me, If our faults or flaws "were a colored fog that surrounded us, each of us would have one." Those aren't her exact words, but close. So, as each of us meets another, don't look for the flaws...don't say with sarcasm, what a piece of work. Just look at the beauty. Give a compliment. Enjoy the work that is there. Understand that a work of perfection is in process.
As I craft, in the many ways I find to keep myself out of trouble, I am reminded of this tradition all the time. Many compliment my works. No one may see the "flaws" that are there. I know they are there. I know right where they are. I am reminded of these flaws each time I look at that piece of work. (HAHA. I've heard people say that about some things...or people. What a "piece of work"...sorry...off the track.) Sometimes the "flaws" stick out like a sore thumb. Nevertheless, I continue to craft, to push forward in perfection. The older I get, and the older the piece is, I may forget where these "flaws" are and really have to search for them.
In life, we sometimes miss the beauty of the work, looking for the "flaws" in it. We all have "flaws" in our character. NO one is with out these "flaws", whatever they may be. Sometimes they are more than apparent, other times we can not see them. A friend once said to me, If our faults or flaws "were a colored fog that surrounded us, each of us would have one." Those aren't her exact words, but close. So, as each of us meets another, don't look for the flaws...don't say with sarcasm, what a piece of work. Just look at the beauty. Give a compliment. Enjoy the work that is there. Understand that a work of perfection is in process.
Traditions...old, new, family, etc. 30 October 2009
Traditions can be GREAT...and not so great!
When I was growing up, there are only a few traditions I can remember...or want to remember.
The first eight years of my life I lived in Hawaii. The women in the ward...incredible Hawaiian women/"sisters" would prepare things for the "annual" bazaar. I cam to appreciate Hawaiian applique quilts. Also, hand work such as embroidery, and such. I remember going to the guava fields, when I was small, with these "sisters" and picking guavas to be juiced for Ward Activities and dinners. Every year, for the Fourth of July, the ward would have a parade from the church to the beach. There were outrigger canoe races, fishing nets, roast pig (from the pits), and TONS of food. Then we would watch the fireworks explode from Flat Island and not only shine in the sky, BUT reflect in the water! This is one of my most precious memories!
As a child I don't remember hunting Easter eggs, or anything "Easterish". Christmas traditions were another thing. My dad would put the lights on the tree, my mom the ornaments, and then my dad would patiently hang the "OLD STYLE" foil tinsel. We made gingerbread men and sugar cookies. After decorating them, we delivered them to a few friends in those old sandwich bags made of wax paper! Mailed Christmas cards were opened when my dad got home from work every day. That way we read them together. The night before Christmas we got to pick one gift and open it. We also drove around and looked at the lights. We had Christmas stockings, but they were only for show. They were never filled with anything. A few of our Christmases were spent with relatives on the mainland. I don't remember doing Thanksgiving at all. As a child, I can remember dressing up for Halloween three times and going Trick or Treating. When I was five (a gypsy)...12 (a Hobo)...and 14 (an actress). We never carved pumpkins when I was growing up. I don't ever remember doing this. I rarely had a birthday party. I recall photos of one when I was three and five. I shared my fourth with my favorite cousin, who shares the same birthday. BUT we moved every year, and it was always right around my birthday, so...no festivities. I had a party when I was ten. Another when I was 12 and a family dinner when I was 16. Debbie and I have shared two since then. My kids have had a few parties for me! My 50th was AWESOME and every one since then has been GREAT!
We moved almost every year after that. Some traditions lingered, some disappeared, and new ones emerged.
I took a class at BYU Education Week in August of 2008. It was on Family Traditions and taught by V-Ann Ludlow. (http://newsnet.byu.edu/story.cfm/69214 ) What an incredible class. She told of how as a newlywed, she and her husband had MANY different ideas on traditions and what they were going to do and what they weren't going to do. How they had combined some traditions and how they have created new ones over the years. She was incredible. I took some of her ideas and have incorporated them in our family.
When I got married, Bruce had his idea of "traditions" and I mine.
For New Year's we ALWAYS watched the Rose Parade when I was growing up. That is a tradition I still do. I would love one day to see the floats in person!
On Valentine's day, the kids and I made Valentine's. We had a lot of fun creating cards for each other.
I have been known to make Groundhog day cards too...
We always have Corned Beef and Cabbage for St. Patrick's Day. My dad's birthday was the 19th, and we also celebrated it too.
His family did Easter Egg hunts, so our children grew up hunting eggs...or baskets full of things and eggs. We spent many years going to California for Easter to be with Bruce's Grandmother (GRANNY) and the rest of his relatives. The same for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Birthdays were a BIG thing with our children. They had a whole week of birthday festivities! Birthdays were very special and we made them very special. I recently bought a "birthday" plate, which the birthday person will get to eat off of on their special day.
Fourth of July, we spent at the Silverbowl. Bruce was always doing the fireworks show that the City Firemen put on. The show was ALWAYS spectacular, and the 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays.
Bruce came from a family where they carved pumpkins for Halloween, so...our children grew up carving pumpkins and still do; sometimes they each carve several . Costumes were a BIG thing too. Every year I seemed to create even more fantastic costumes than the last. I love to sew and costumes were elaborate and incredible! We still love to dress up, and sometimes do several parties, just so we can dress up several times!
Thanksgiving was never overlooked! We ALWAYS had food to feed hundreds. The feast was incredible and so good. We always said what we were thankful for too.
When the kids were older, we decided that going to California for Christmas, etc. was getting to be too much. We started our own tradition as a family. We did drive around and look at lights. Hondo Ct. was one of our favorites! It was absolutely incredible. We also had our Nativity story, using the scriptures and the Nativity set. They opened once gift. In the morning, their stockings were filled to the brim. They could open that first, if we weren't up yet, and eat whatever was in there, or play with whatever. After I found out that the kids opened ALL of their gifts while I had gone out, we started a NEW tradition. NONE of the gifts had their names on them. I would choose a movie, and pick characters from that movie to replace each of their names. It was fun and there wasn't so much of, "MINE are BIGGER" or "I have more that you" type of talk. We made tons of Christmas Candy and Cookies. The kids received a new Christmas ornament from their Grandma Griz each year.
New Year's Eve, came and went...I don't remember much of that. Usually fell asleep. In the last few years though I have gotten together with friends and played games...all of us in our pajamas! That's been fun.
All of these traditions have enriched our lives; yet there are others. At church we always have activities for various holidays...Easter, Pioneer Day, Fall/Halloween, Christmas, as well RS functions. Having moved so many times in my life, I have had the opportunity to experience MANY different activities for these special occasions.
I remember my first experience with the Chicken salad (with GRAPES) on a croissant! It seemed as though EVERY time there was an RS function, that was served!!! I always thought, "WHO PUTS GRAPES WITH CHICKEN AND THEN PUTS IT ON A CROISSANT?!?!?!?!?!" GADS!!! I hated it. Well, after 45 years, I can eat it! It's not that bad. Different, but not bad. There have been some AWESOME programs I have witnessed over the years through RS. Fall Socials, Spring Socials...and then the CRAFT day!
Each ward has brought new ideas for parties, and fun. We've had Road Shows! Those were fun. Plays, Talent Shows, and just plain zaniness!!! Each ward having something new and inventive. I am thankful for the variety over the years. Something new...something fun.
When we first went to St. Joseph, they had never heard of "ice blocking!" Now that is a tradition in their ward!
We've had Carnivals for Halloween. One year we did a lip sync thing where each auxiliary had a song they had to dress up for and lip sync. Songs like The Monster Mash, Attack of the Killer Tomatoes, Ghost Busters, Thriller, The Addams Family theme...were just a few of them.
They have an annual football game on Thanksgiving day...The TURKEY BOWL!!! The YM vs. the Elders Quorum and HP Group! (I wanted to say the Old Men, but I fall in to this age group!) It was a lot of fun and even though sometimes it was 32 degrees or less, they still played and had a LOT of fun! It was something the guys looked forward to each year.
We have done MANY a Christmas Pageant or play! Caroling, etc. Never the same thing twice in a row. This year in our ward, we are going to be doing something for others! I am excited and looking forward to giving.
One of the things our family did that was most special, was to pick 15 families and do a sort of "Christmas Surprise." Each night, for ten nights, we would deliver 15 "treats" anonymously to the families we picked out. Bobby would go to the door and quietly leave the "treats" and race back to the car! It was unbelievable fun!!! We picked one family in particular. The mother had cancer and it was her last Christmas. My children learned again the value of giving...
I love traditions...YET, I am also up for new things. I'm thankful for all of the incredible experiences I have had over the years, and look forward to new ones...as well as favorites.
This year we are doing something new for Thanksgiving. Mike and Katie are having it in their home. They have invited ALL the family members. I am looking forward to this new, exciting tradition!!!
When I was growing up, there are only a few traditions I can remember...or want to remember.
The first eight years of my life I lived in Hawaii. The women in the ward...incredible Hawaiian women/"sisters" would prepare things for the "annual" bazaar. I cam to appreciate Hawaiian applique quilts. Also, hand work such as embroidery, and such. I remember going to the guava fields, when I was small, with these "sisters" and picking guavas to be juiced for Ward Activities and dinners. Every year, for the Fourth of July, the ward would have a parade from the church to the beach. There were outrigger canoe races, fishing nets, roast pig (from the pits), and TONS of food. Then we would watch the fireworks explode from Flat Island and not only shine in the sky, BUT reflect in the water! This is one of my most precious memories!
As a child I don't remember hunting Easter eggs, or anything "Easterish". Christmas traditions were another thing. My dad would put the lights on the tree, my mom the ornaments, and then my dad would patiently hang the "OLD STYLE" foil tinsel. We made gingerbread men and sugar cookies. After decorating them, we delivered them to a few friends in those old sandwich bags made of wax paper! Mailed Christmas cards were opened when my dad got home from work every day. That way we read them together. The night before Christmas we got to pick one gift and open it. We also drove around and looked at the lights. We had Christmas stockings, but they were only for show. They were never filled with anything. A few of our Christmases were spent with relatives on the mainland. I don't remember doing Thanksgiving at all. As a child, I can remember dressing up for Halloween three times and going Trick or Treating. When I was five (a gypsy)...12 (a Hobo)...and 14 (an actress). We never carved pumpkins when I was growing up. I don't ever remember doing this. I rarely had a birthday party. I recall photos of one when I was three and five. I shared my fourth with my favorite cousin, who shares the same birthday. BUT we moved every year, and it was always right around my birthday, so...no festivities. I had a party when I was ten. Another when I was 12 and a family dinner when I was 16. Debbie and I have shared two since then. My kids have had a few parties for me! My 50th was AWESOME and every one since then has been GREAT!
We moved almost every year after that. Some traditions lingered, some disappeared, and new ones emerged.
I took a class at BYU Education Week in August of 2008. It was on Family Traditions and taught by V-Ann Ludlow. (http://newsnet.byu.edu/sto
When I got married, Bruce had his idea of "traditions" and I mine.
For New Year's we ALWAYS watched the Rose Parade when I was growing up. That is a tradition I still do. I would love one day to see the floats in person!
On Valentine's day, the kids and I made Valentine's. We had a lot of fun creating cards for each other.
I have been known to make Groundhog day cards too...
We always have Corned Beef and Cabbage for St. Patrick's Day. My dad's birthday was the 19th, and we also celebrated it too.
His family did Easter Egg hunts, so our children grew up hunting eggs...or baskets full of things and eggs. We spent many years going to California for Easter to be with Bruce's Grandmother (GRANNY) and the rest of his relatives. The same for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Birthdays were a BIG thing with our children. They had a whole week of birthday festivities! Birthdays were very special and we made them very special. I recently bought a "birthday" plate, which the birthday person will get to eat off of on their special day.
Fourth of July, we spent at the Silverbowl. Bruce was always doing the fireworks show that the City Firemen put on. The show was ALWAYS spectacular, and the 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays.
Bruce came from a family where they carved pumpkins for Halloween, so...our children grew up carving pumpkins and still do; sometimes they each carve several . Costumes were a BIG thing too. Every year I seemed to create even more fantastic costumes than the last. I love to sew and costumes were elaborate and incredible! We still love to dress up, and sometimes do several parties, just so we can dress up several times!
Thanksgiving was never overlooked! We ALWAYS had food to feed hundreds. The feast was incredible and so good. We always said what we were thankful for too.
When the kids were older, we decided that going to California for Christmas, etc. was getting to be too much. We started our own tradition as a family. We did drive around and look at lights. Hondo Ct. was one of our favorites! It was absolutely incredible. We also had our Nativity story, using the scriptures and the Nativity set. They opened once gift. In the morning, their stockings were filled to the brim. They could open that first, if we weren't up yet, and eat whatever was in there, or play with whatever. After I found out that the kids opened ALL of their gifts while I had gone out, we started a NEW tradition. NONE of the gifts had their names on them. I would choose a movie, and pick characters from that movie to replace each of their names. It was fun and there wasn't so much of, "MINE are BIGGER" or "I have more that you" type of talk. We made tons of Christmas Candy and Cookies. The kids received a new Christmas ornament from their Grandma Griz each year.
New Year's Eve, came and went...I don't remember much of that. Usually fell asleep. In the last few years though I have gotten together with friends and played games...all of us in our pajamas! That's been fun.
All of these traditions have enriched our lives; yet there are others. At church we always have activities for various holidays...Easter, Pioneer Day, Fall/Halloween, Christmas, as well RS functions. Having moved so many times in my life, I have had the opportunity to experience MANY different activities for these special occasions.
I remember my first experience with the Chicken salad (with GRAPES) on a croissant! It seemed as though EVERY time there was an RS function, that was served!!! I always thought, "WHO PUTS GRAPES WITH CHICKEN AND THEN PUTS IT ON A CROISSANT?!?!?!?!?!" GADS!!! I hated it. Well, after 45 years, I can eat it! It's not that bad. Different, but not bad. There have been some AWESOME programs I have witnessed over the years through RS. Fall Socials, Spring Socials...and then the CRAFT day!
Each ward has brought new ideas for parties, and fun. We've had Road Shows! Those were fun. Plays, Talent Shows, and just plain zaniness!!! Each ward having something new and inventive. I am thankful for the variety over the years. Something new...something fun.
When we first went to St. Joseph, they had never heard of "ice blocking!" Now that is a tradition in their ward!
We've had Carnivals for Halloween. One year we did a lip sync thing where each auxiliary had a song they had to dress up for and lip sync. Songs like The Monster Mash, Attack of the Killer Tomatoes, Ghost Busters, Thriller, The Addams Family theme...were just a few of them.
They have an annual football game on Thanksgiving day...The TURKEY BOWL!!! The YM vs. the Elders Quorum and HP Group! (I wanted to say the Old Men, but I fall in to this age group!) It was a lot of fun and even though sometimes it was 32 degrees or less, they still played and had a LOT of fun! It was something the guys looked forward to each year.
We have done MANY a Christmas Pageant or play! Caroling, etc. Never the same thing twice in a row. This year in our ward, we are going to be doing something for others! I am excited and looking forward to giving.
One of the things our family did that was most special, was to pick 15 families and do a sort of "Christmas Surprise." Each night, for ten nights, we would deliver 15 "treats" anonymously to the families we picked out. Bobby would go to the door and quietly leave the "treats" and race back to the car! It was unbelievable fun!!! We picked one family in particular. The mother had cancer and it was her last Christmas. My children learned again the value of giving...
I love traditions...YET, I am also up for new things. I'm thankful for all of the incredible experiences I have had over the years, and look forward to new ones...as well as favorites.
This year we are doing something new for Thanksgiving. Mike and Katie are having it in their home. They have invited ALL the family members. I am looking forward to this new, exciting tradition!!!
As Sisters in Zion 26 September 2009
I wrote about the RS several notes ago. Well, tonight was the General RS Broadcast from Salt Lake City. The entire meeting was broadcast by satellite all over the world, through the awesomeness of technology, in over 50 languages to over 150 countries. As I sat there with 390 sisters from my stake, I thought about my "sisters" all over the world. How I love them. I have literally hundreds of sisters all over the world, in places like: California, Utah, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Missouri, Texas, Croatia, New York, and Pennsylvania...and more I'm sure. As we sang, I knew that, you too, were singing the same songs. We share the same beliefs, faith and songs. We have joys, challenges, trials, blessings. We are daughters of God. We are blessed with gifts and talents. We strive to have charity towards one another. We belong to the largest and oldest woman's organizations in the world. We each serve in various callings throughout the church...voluntarily. We give of our time and talents. We serve people we know, and those we may never meet.
I am thankful to have this sisterhood in my life. I know that I am loved, not only by these "sisters" but by a loving Heavenly Father and His son. Our Savior and Redeemer. I am so blessed!!!
I am thankful to have this sisterhood in my life. I know that I am loved, not only by these "sisters" but by a loving Heavenly Father and His son. Our Savior and Redeemer. I am so blessed!!!
What the Sabbath Day means to me 20th September 2009
I work, at the moment, about 60-70 hours a week. More than anything, I look forward to the Sabbath day. The word Sabbath literally means to cease or rest; I take it from our labors of the week. This is my day to rest. I rest from most of the things I do all week. I have chosen to make the Sabbath day different from all of the other days of the week. I strive to make it sacred and holy. These are some of the references I have used to set goals for how I want to observe the sabbath day.
Exodus 20: 8-11 reads--"remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all they work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor they son, nor they daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within they gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it."
Isaiah 58:13 & 14--"If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, thy holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shat thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places on the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it."
So when is the sabbath day...well...in the old testament, it was the seventh day (seven being a sacred number), but no name is given to it, as far as a named day of the week. In the new testament, the sabbath day was changed to the first day of the week in commemoration of the Resurrection of Christ. Acts 20:7--"And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight." Note: There are other references to "the LORD's day" other than just this one.
From the Bible Dictionary(Authorized King James Version with explanatory notes and cross references to the standard works of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, c.1979, pg. 765)--"The importance of a sacred day for man to rest from his temporal labors, contemplate the word of the Lord, and assemble for public worship is a major item in a person's spiritual development. Furthermore, a decay in the national religious life always follows any tendency toward carelessness in the matter of Sabbath observance. The existence of a weekly holy day is a most important safeguard; it leaves a constant reminder to the individual of his need for spiritual sustenance and his duty before God, and serves as a witness to the world that there is such a thing as revealed religion.
The change from observing the last day of the week to the first day of the week is not so important as is the concept and principle of the Sabbath. In either case, the Sabbath was symbolic of the mighty works of God, i.e., the creation of the earth, the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, and the resurrection of Jesus from the dead."
To confuse us even more, some calendars have Sunday as the first day of the week, some have it as the last day of the week. Most Christians and Jews choose Sunday in commemoration of the Resurrection of Christ, while Muslims choose Friday and yet others choose Saturday. It doesn't really matter, in my opinion. A day set aside to worship the LORD is what is important.
As for me, I have chosen a myriad of ways to observe the Sabbath, on Sunday. I don't shop on Sunday. I don't work on Sunday. No laundry. No dishes. No mowing the lawn. No washing the car. No vacuuming, and I think you see the pattern forming here. I don't go out to eat on Sunday; for if I shop or go out to eat, I am, in essence, requiring someone else to work on the Sabbath. Sunday was a family day when my children were growing up. They played with their friends all week long, but on Sunday, they stayed in the house and we were together as a family. They didn't go out and play. If we were camping or something like that, we stayed in camp.
So, what do I do? I go to church for one. Renewing my baptismal covenants by taking the sacrament. Listening and reflecting on the talks, hymns, music and lessons. I write letters. Do genealogy. Rest. Read my scriptures or something church related. Spend time with the family. I don't listen to the radio (local stations) to or from church. If I watch TV, I strive to make it something uplifting; something that won't take away from the spirit. Something religiously based. To me the sabbath day is a very sacred and holy day. It is the LORD'S day. It is the day that I show my love and respect for Him who gave everything for me. Who sacrificed ALL for me. It is my day to sacrifice the things I do all week in thanks and remembrance to Him.
These are my feelings and what I do. They in no way reflect what one has to do. It is what I choose to do. Periodically, I reflect on what else I can do to show my love and thanks. I am always looking for new ways to do this. New ways to show my love, respect, thanks and gratitude.
So that's the scoop from this corner.
Exodus 20: 8-11 reads--"remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all they work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor they son, nor they daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within they gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it."
Isaiah 58:13 & 14--"If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, thy holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shat thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places on the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it."
So when is the sabbath day...well...in the old testament, it was the seventh day (seven being a sacred number), but no name is given to it, as far as a named day of the week. In the new testament, the sabbath day was changed to the first day of the week in commemoration of the Resurrection of Christ. Acts 20:7--"And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight." Note: There are other references to "the LORD's day" other than just this one.
From the Bible Dictionary(Authorized King James Version with explanatory notes and cross references to the standard works of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, c.1979, pg. 765)--"The importance of a sacred day for man to rest from his temporal labors, contemplate the word of the Lord, and assemble for public worship is a major item in a person's spiritual development. Furthermore, a decay in the national religious life always follows any tendency toward carelessness in the matter of Sabbath observance. The existence of a weekly holy day is a most important safeguard; it leaves a constant reminder to the individual of his need for spiritual sustenance and his duty before God, and serves as a witness to the world that there is such a thing as revealed religion.
The change from observing the last day of the week to the first day of the week is not so important as is the concept and principle of the Sabbath. In either case, the Sabbath was symbolic of the mighty works of God, i.e., the creation of the earth, the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, and the resurrection of Jesus from the dead."
To confuse us even more, some calendars have Sunday as the first day of the week, some have it as the last day of the week. Most Christians and Jews choose Sunday in commemoration of the Resurrection of Christ, while Muslims choose Friday and yet others choose Saturday. It doesn't really matter, in my opinion. A day set aside to worship the LORD is what is important.
As for me, I have chosen a myriad of ways to observe the Sabbath, on Sunday. I don't shop on Sunday. I don't work on Sunday. No laundry. No dishes. No mowing the lawn. No washing the car. No vacuuming, and I think you see the pattern forming here. I don't go out to eat on Sunday; for if I shop or go out to eat, I am, in essence, requiring someone else to work on the Sabbath. Sunday was a family day when my children were growing up. They played with their friends all week long, but on Sunday, they stayed in the house and we were together as a family. They didn't go out and play. If we were camping or something like that, we stayed in camp.
So, what do I do? I go to church for one. Renewing my baptismal covenants by taking the sacrament. Listening and reflecting on the talks, hymns, music and lessons. I write letters. Do genealogy. Rest. Read my scriptures or something church related. Spend time with the family. I don't listen to the radio (local stations) to or from church. If I watch TV, I strive to make it something uplifting; something that won't take away from the spirit. Something religiously based. To me the sabbath day is a very sacred and holy day. It is the LORD'S day. It is the day that I show my love and respect for Him who gave everything for me. Who sacrificed ALL for me. It is my day to sacrifice the things I do all week in thanks and remembrance to Him.
These are my feelings and what I do. They in no way reflect what one has to do. It is what I choose to do. Periodically, I reflect on what else I can do to show my love and thanks. I am always looking for new ways to do this. New ways to show my love, respect, thanks and gratitude.
So that's the scoop from this corner.
My GREATEST Treasures 18 August 2009
There are many things that people treasure. Many "things" they seek to have in life. When you are a teenager you want a car. Then it's that guy or girl. What to do after you Graduate. That career or job. Always seeking. The older you get, the more you want to acquire. Money, power, recognition. The older I've gotten, the more I have come to realize that I have had it all...and once it's gone...it doesn't matter any more. I know what my treasures are. They are by far the greatest gifts I have ever been given in my life.
In August of 1976, I knew that I was going to receive my first treasure; this gift would be a boy, and would be born May 28, 1977. When this gift arrived after three hours and twenty minutes of labor, weighing 9 pounds and one ounce, I never realized at that time what an impact he would be on my life. I knew nothing. I babysat for years before getting married, but this gift, this treasure...was mine. He was perfect. He was an incredible baby...and I wanted more. Mike walked at 6 months and when he was one, people thought he was two. Mike became the person the other three children looked up to. When he went off to kindergarten, they would wait. As he would walk up the driveway after school, they would be there at the front door yelling..."Mikey's home, Mikey's home." He brought peace to our home. Doesn't like fighting and wouldn't allow it. At 14, he would get the other kids up at 5:45 for our morning scriptures and prayer. We almost lost him in a horrible motorcycle accident in 2003. I believe that day, and the months that followed were the hardest of my life. He has grown into an incredible man, who is extremely talented, loving and respected. Mike enjoys letting others take the limelight, preferring to be in the shadows. Last year brought Katie into our family. She has become one of us now. She is his limelight. He is a child magnet and will one day make a wonderful father.
Jenny came just short of two years later on May 20th, 1979. The first girl on her dad's side of the family in 47 years. I didn't know how the heart expanded and made more love. Her father was afraid to hold her at first, for fear she might break...being a girl. But at 8 pounds 11 ounces, she didn't. Jenny was tough. Jenny walked at six months also. The first time I put jeans on her, there was a protest. But I continued to put them on her. She still wore dresses, but loved her jeans and red baseball cap...that she wore backwards. Before it was the fashion. She was the one who brought spunk, noise and spitfire into the family. Jenny was cute! She lit up the room when she entered...and still does. When she came home from kindergarten on the first day of school, I asked her, "How was school Jenny?" Her reply was, "My name is Jennifer!" It was several weeks before she became "Jenny" again. When Mike was in the hospital, Jenny was there almost 24 hours a day. Mike's heart monitor would beat faster when he heard her voice. Of all my children, she seems to be the most like me. She has grown into a beautiful woman who has compassion, love and diplomacy. She is gifted and talented. One day she will be a wonderful mother.
Jessica arrived on April 17th, 1981 just shy of Jenny's second birthday and Mike's fourth. She too weighed 9 pounds one ounce. Where Jenny was noisy and feisty, Jessica was quiet and content to just watch the world around her. When she didn't walk at six months, I was worried that something might be wrong. But...I was assured that she was perfectly normal...and at ten months she walked. Jessica shares a love of numbers with me and we have had fun quilting, canning and doing all sorts of things lately. Where she was content to sit back quietly and watch the world as a child, she is not afraid to share her feelings. Jessica is 5'11" and was always taller than all of her friends, including the boys...with a few exceptions. Jessica has grown into a beautiful woman as well, with many talents and gifts. Last year Jessica married Jason and he became a part of our family. They are both excited to someday have children and I know they will welcome many.
Bobby arrived on the 5th of January 1983. He was my smallest at 8 pounds 4 ounces. When he started kindergarten with Mrs. Burns, the same teacher the other three had, on the first day of school, she asked him what name he wanted on his little bear name tag; "Do you want me to write Robert or Bobby or Bob?" He looked at her and said, "You can just call me Spike." So, he was "Spike" for the first month of school. He has always been the child who will question EVERYTHING you say. Not only that, but he will do everything exactly as you ask...no more...no less. If I asked him to gather the garbage because it's trash night, he would gather the garbage. BUT not take it out. Bobby is very exact. Bobby has been the one to push me the furthest. I thought Jenny did, but I was wrong. He challenged me more, tested me more, wore me down...He was the fire. He pushed EVERY button. He was the refiner. Through him, God taught me unconditional love. That we may not love what they do, but we must ALWAYS love them. Nothing he does surprises me. Nothing he says shocks me. BUT, he has a side, that I wish he would allow the world to see more of. THAT is the side which I enjoy the most.
Everyday I see children cussed at, abused, mistreated, etc. I am saddened by this. People have babies and think they are so cute...and the cuteness grows into talking, walking, little people and then they are: "curtain climbers," "rugrats," "brats" to name a few that are printable here. One neighbor even referred to one of her children as a "liability." These are my treasures. They were always wanted. I may not have been the perfect mother, but I loved my children. I enjoyed watching them grow and learn. They didn't have "terrible twos." Teens and Twenties were another thing. We made it though some wild times. We experienced every carnival ride that was ever made within the confines of our home. We had excitement, thrills, laughter, crying, tears, screaming, exhilaration, let downs, joys, pains, heartache, and everything in between. And we made it. We are experienced for it. They have inspired me to heights I never knew existed. They have helped me see things I never would have seen. They have pushed me to limits I never would have gone...with out their help. They have been my life. My joy. My gifts. My treasures here and in the world to come. I am thankful they chose me for their mother. I can not imagine my life with out them. They are the best.
Mike and Katie
Jenny and Bobby
Jessica and Jason
Bobby arrived on the 5th of January 1983. He was my smallest at 8 pounds 4 ounces. When he started kindergarten with Mrs. Burns, the same teacher the other three had, on the first day of school, she asked him what name he wanted on his little bear name tag; "Do you want me to write Robert or Bobby or Bob?" He looked at her and said, "You can just call me Spike." So, he was "Spike" for the first month of school. He has always been the child who will question EVERYTHING you say. Not only that, but he will do everything exactly as you ask...no more...no less. If I asked him to gather the garbage because it's trash night, he would gather the garbage. BUT not take it out. Bobby is very exact. Bobby has been the one to push me the furthest. I thought Jenny did, but I was wrong. He challenged me more, tested me more, wore me down...He was the fire. He pushed EVERY button. He was the refiner. Through him, God taught me unconditional love. That we may not love what they do, but we must ALWAYS love them. Nothing he does surprises me. Nothing he says shocks me. BUT, he has a side, that I wish he would allow the world to see more of. THAT is the side which I enjoy the most.
Everyday I see children cussed at, abused, mistreated, etc. I am saddened by this. People have babies and think they are so cute...and the cuteness grows into talking, walking, little people and then they are: "curtain climbers," "rugrats," "brats" to name a few that are printable here. One neighbor even referred to one of her children as a "liability." These are my treasures. They were always wanted. I may not have been the perfect mother, but I loved my children. I enjoyed watching them grow and learn. They didn't have "terrible twos." Teens and Twenties were another thing. We made it though some wild times. We experienced every carnival ride that was ever made within the confines of our home. We had excitement, thrills, laughter, crying, tears, screaming, exhilaration, let downs, joys, pains, heartache, and everything in between. And we made it. We are experienced for it. They have inspired me to heights I never knew existed. They have helped me see things I never would have seen. They have pushed me to limits I never would have gone...with out their help. They have been my life. My joy. My gifts. My treasures here and in the world to come. I am thankful they chose me for their mother. I can not imagine my life with out them. They are the best.
9 August 2009 Just some RANDOM thoughts
Two months ago I became another year older.
It doesn't seem to have affected me mentally. I'm still a little loopy. OH alright...more than a little! When I was in my teens I thought I knew everything. Heck. I knew I knew everything. I wasn't arrogant over it, or think I was better than everyone else, but just didn't feel the need to take any advice from anyone. WHY!!! I graduated! I have one of those memories where I can look at something and remember it. I wouldn't say it's quite photographic, but I do appreciate what my mind can do, and I take no credit for it personally. I marvel at it for the most part and it 's like my mind has a mind of it's own. Like when I play the piano or type and my fingers just play or type. It amazes me to the point that I sit there and ponder...and screw up what I'm doing. LOL!!! It is just something I was blessed with. God did it. My birth parents probably had something to do with it. There are rumors... =D BUT I take no credit for it. I have always loved to read and always had the desire to learn. It helps that I have kept a journal for literally eons...well, at least forty years. That has helped me remember a lot also. Good therapy too.
Physically...well, I haven't gained any weight in the last year, in fact I have lost some. That's a nice thing. Although I have found that the older I get, the HARDER it is to lose those little extra pounds that seem to have crept in here and there. As a teen I weighed in, soaking wet, at 105 pounds; weighing 225 at the birth of each of my children. I always lost the weight, so never dreamed I would not weight 105 for the rest of my life. But life continues on and things change. I no longer weight 105 pounds, soaking wet or otherwise. In fact, I look at some of these young girls, who probably do weigh 105 soaking wet and I find it abhorring. My gosh...I must have looked like a waif! Now I look healthy...maybe a little too healthy. =D
Emotionally...well, here's something that IS constantly changing. The older I get, the weepier I get. As a child I was very sensitive and compassionate. When my brother got in trouble, he never cried. BUT I cried for him. I felt bad for him. I am forever rooting for the underdog. One of the first movies I saw as a child was 101 Dalmatians. I was six. Every time Cruella DeVil came on the screen I ran off to the bathroom. I cried for the puppies. It has only gotten worse as the years have marched on. Right now we are watching The Sound of Music. I first saw this in 1965 when I was 10. I would make an estimated guess that I have seen it at least 50 times since then...and still cry throughout the movie at the designated "cry" parts. Dumbo, Bambi, 7 Brides for 7 Brothers--you name it, I'll bet I cry in it. I cry watching the fireworks during the Fourth of July...as well as during the patriotic songs. I am a weeper. I always have been, I always will be. So sue me! Driving back to Vegas from Missouri, I cried when I saw the Rocky Mountains!!! I'm going home. As I got to Apex and saw the lights of Vegas, I cried. There are commercials that touch me and, yes, I cry. The older I get, the more sentimental I get. Things seem to touch my heart in more ways than they used to. Maybe it's the thought that someday these things may be gone. Maybe it's because I wonder why they don't touch others the same way. I'm not sure. BUT I am more of a weeper than I used to be. This I know.
Spiritually...I can not deny it. As I learn more mentally, and feel more emotionally, I grow more spiritually. It has been a cycle. Situations arise. You learn about it. You ponder it. Pray about it. Get a feeling about it. Make a decision regarding it. If it's right, your spirit is overwhelmed and seems to expand the bounds that before were holding it back. The more situations you are in, the more you grow. It is an incredible process for which, yes...I cry! This spiritual growth is THE most awesome thing. To know that God is there to help you if you just "raise your hand" and ask. HE'S right there. ALWAYS!!! He always wants to help you. He always loves you. You can screw up big time and HE still loves you! I am so thankful for that knowledge. What a blessing! Who better to have on your side. A myriad of things touch my heart more than ever before. Tears come much more easily. I"m not afraid to cry.
Financially...w e l l...alas, I am not one of those people who made their first million by the time I was 30. AND it doesn't look like I'll make it by the time I'm 60! HECK! I don't even think I will by the time I'm 90. I live in Las Vegas...and don't gamble. I've seen more people lose everything they have in life than I care to think about. AND I don't play the lottery. AND Ed McMahon died! So...I'm thankful when my pay check pays what bills are due! That's a blessing I'm sure that's linked to tithing. => Not to mention that material things don't seem to have the worth they did years ago. We had a boat, cars, all kinds of toys, etc. We had it all...but it didn't mean anything. Now I don't have it and have come to realize that family and friends mean more than all the material things in the world.
Life in general to this point...you have to find out your own self-worth, then find someone of equal worth...and don't sell yourself short. AGAIN...I'm not being arrogant, BUT I've been schmoozed by the best, and it's no good. NO more schmoozing. AND even if that isn't a word, I like it and I'm sure there are a bunch of you who can relate! For those of you not willing to look it up, I just did..and it means just what you think it does...
Don't settle. I've been divorced for 18 years. NO, I'm not proud of it. I would have loved to stay married. We would have celebrated our 34th anniversary this last July. Marriage is GREAT. I still highly recommend it. However...I figure since things screwed up the first time, and then there was this relationship that I thought was incredible and turned out to be the biggest disaster of late...Well, I have a list now. Yeah...it got a little long. BUT I know what I want now and I'll just stay single until that special guy comes along.
Know who you are, where you came from and where you are going. Something I've known for as long as I can remember. Some people have no idea who they are. I don't just mean "human" or "woman" or what ever label you stick on yourself, I mean find out who you are. Physically and spiritually. AND by "where you came from"...not where you were born, or where you just moved from. Where did you come from before you came here??? AND Where are you going??? Do you know? Do you care to know. These are things I know. Things I'm thankful I know. I "know what I know." Quoted from someone who knows... =>
Look for the positive in ALL things. Yeah, sometimes life is a drag. BUT so what. BE POSITIVE!!! Look for the lesson. There is a reason for everything. Every thing that happens is for a purpose. There are NO coincidences. In this town of chance, there are no chances...BOLD HUH??? Well, I believe there is a reason for everything. I know there are more skeptics out there that don't believe it, but this is my note. They can write their own.
Don't blame others. There are always three choices in EVERY situation. Sometimes more, but there are always three. Do you want Hot Fudge on your ice cream or not? You may think this is a yes or no questions. BUT there is another choice. NO...I don't want the ice cream...hot fudge or not. A little rash in my opinion, but still a choice.
Pleasure is NOT happiness. Happiness is something that comes from within. Pleasure is fleeting. It's great for the moment...and then it's gone. I've never had an alcoholic drink. I've never done drugs. I've never smoked. I have heard that these are "pleasures" to some people. Whatever. BUT they won't make you happy. YOU have to make yourself happy. No matter what the situation is...only YOU can make yourself happy...or sad. Your choice.
Children. My children mean more to me than anything else. I know people who don't have children that would do anything to have some. I know others who never wanted children and now wish they did. I know others who, from their outward signs, are "stuck" with their children. How SAD I am for them. What a blessing my children have been to me. How they have inspired me to be more. Always "thinking" I am more than I realize I am. They give me hope. They have brought more challenges than I can count. More joys than challenges. More incredible memories than I have time to write. Never would I have thought as a young woman of 21 how having children would change my life. They are awesome. I treasure my children. The older I get, the more they mean to me. WE have an awesome relationship. They have relationships with each other that blesses our family more than anything I could have imagined. I love them. They are wonderful. They are not perfect, but they are darn close...at least in my eyes.
So...these are my thoughts this Sunday evening...August 9th, 2009. And now you know the rest of the story...Yeah! I love Paul Harvey!!! He's cool!
It doesn't seem to have affected me mentally. I'm still a little loopy. OH alright...more than a little! When I was in my teens I thought I knew everything. Heck. I knew I knew everything. I wasn't arrogant over it, or think I was better than everyone else, but just didn't feel the need to take any advice from anyone. WHY!!! I graduated! I have one of those memories where I can look at something and remember it. I wouldn't say it's quite photographic, but I do appreciate what my mind can do, and I take no credit for it personally. I marvel at it for the most part and it 's like my mind has a mind of it's own. Like when I play the piano or type and my fingers just play or type. It amazes me to the point that I sit there and ponder...and screw up what I'm doing. LOL!!! It is just something I was blessed with. God did it. My birth parents probably had something to do with it. There are rumors... =D BUT I take no credit for it. I have always loved to read and always had the desire to learn. It helps that I have kept a journal for literally eons...well, at least forty years. That has helped me remember a lot also. Good therapy too.
Physically...well, I haven't gained any weight in the last year, in fact I have lost some. That's a nice thing. Although I have found that the older I get, the HARDER it is to lose those little extra pounds that seem to have crept in here and there. As a teen I weighed in, soaking wet, at 105 pounds; weighing 225 at the birth of each of my children. I always lost the weight, so never dreamed I would not weight 105 for the rest of my life. But life continues on and things change. I no longer weight 105 pounds, soaking wet or otherwise. In fact, I look at some of these young girls, who probably do weigh 105 soaking wet and I find it abhorring. My gosh...I must have looked like a waif! Now I look healthy...maybe a little too healthy. =D
Emotionally...well, here's something that IS constantly changing. The older I get, the weepier I get. As a child I was very sensitive and compassionate. When my brother got in trouble, he never cried. BUT I cried for him. I felt bad for him. I am forever rooting for the underdog. One of the first movies I saw as a child was 101 Dalmatians. I was six. Every time Cruella DeVil came on the screen I ran off to the bathroom. I cried for the puppies. It has only gotten worse as the years have marched on. Right now we are watching The Sound of Music. I first saw this in 1965 when I was 10. I would make an estimated guess that I have seen it at least 50 times since then...and still cry throughout the movie at the designated "cry" parts. Dumbo, Bambi, 7 Brides for 7 Brothers--you name it, I'll bet I cry in it. I cry watching the fireworks during the Fourth of July...as well as during the patriotic songs. I am a weeper. I always have been, I always will be. So sue me! Driving back to Vegas from Missouri, I cried when I saw the Rocky Mountains!!! I'm going home. As I got to Apex and saw the lights of Vegas, I cried. There are commercials that touch me and, yes, I cry. The older I get, the more sentimental I get. Things seem to touch my heart in more ways than they used to. Maybe it's the thought that someday these things may be gone. Maybe it's because I wonder why they don't touch others the same way. I'm not sure. BUT I am more of a weeper than I used to be. This I know.
Spiritually...I can not deny it. As I learn more mentally, and feel more emotionally, I grow more spiritually. It has been a cycle. Situations arise. You learn about it. You ponder it. Pray about it. Get a feeling about it. Make a decision regarding it. If it's right, your spirit is overwhelmed and seems to expand the bounds that before were holding it back. The more situations you are in, the more you grow. It is an incredible process for which, yes...I cry! This spiritual growth is THE most awesome thing. To know that God is there to help you if you just "raise your hand" and ask. HE'S right there. ALWAYS!!! He always wants to help you. He always loves you. You can screw up big time and HE still loves you! I am so thankful for that knowledge. What a blessing! Who better to have on your side. A myriad of things touch my heart more than ever before. Tears come much more easily. I"m not afraid to cry.
Financially...w e l l...alas, I am not one of those people who made their first million by the time I was 30. AND it doesn't look like I'll make it by the time I'm 60! HECK! I don't even think I will by the time I'm 90. I live in Las Vegas...and don't gamble. I've seen more people lose everything they have in life than I care to think about. AND I don't play the lottery. AND Ed McMahon died! So...I'm thankful when my pay check pays what bills are due! That's a blessing I'm sure that's linked to tithing. => Not to mention that material things don't seem to have the worth they did years ago. We had a boat, cars, all kinds of toys, etc. We had it all...but it didn't mean anything. Now I don't have it and have come to realize that family and friends mean more than all the material things in the world.
Life in general to this point...you have to find out your own self-worth, then find someone of equal worth...and don't sell yourself short. AGAIN...I'm not being arrogant, BUT I've been schmoozed by the best, and it's no good. NO more schmoozing. AND even if that isn't a word, I like it and I'm sure there are a bunch of you who can relate! For those of you not willing to look it up, I just did..and it means just what you think it does...
Don't settle. I've been divorced for 18 years. NO, I'm not proud of it. I would have loved to stay married. We would have celebrated our 34th anniversary this last July. Marriage is GREAT. I still highly recommend it. However...I figure since things screwed up the first time, and then there was this relationship that I thought was incredible and turned out to be the biggest disaster of late...Well, I have a list now. Yeah...it got a little long. BUT I know what I want now and I'll just stay single until that special guy comes along.
Know who you are, where you came from and where you are going. Something I've known for as long as I can remember. Some people have no idea who they are. I don't just mean "human" or "woman" or what ever label you stick on yourself, I mean find out who you are. Physically and spiritually. AND by "where you came from"...not where you were born, or where you just moved from. Where did you come from before you came here??? AND Where are you going??? Do you know? Do you care to know. These are things I know. Things I'm thankful I know. I "know what I know." Quoted from someone who knows... =>
Look for the positive in ALL things. Yeah, sometimes life is a drag. BUT so what. BE POSITIVE!!! Look for the lesson. There is a reason for everything. Every thing that happens is for a purpose. There are NO coincidences. In this town of chance, there are no chances...BOLD HUH??? Well, I believe there is a reason for everything. I know there are more skeptics out there that don't believe it, but this is my note. They can write their own.
Don't blame others. There are always three choices in EVERY situation. Sometimes more, but there are always three. Do you want Hot Fudge on your ice cream or not? You may think this is a yes or no questions. BUT there is another choice. NO...I don't want the ice cream...hot fudge or not. A little rash in my opinion, but still a choice.
Pleasure is NOT happiness. Happiness is something that comes from within. Pleasure is fleeting. It's great for the moment...and then it's gone. I've never had an alcoholic drink. I've never done drugs. I've never smoked. I have heard that these are "pleasures" to some people. Whatever. BUT they won't make you happy. YOU have to make yourself happy. No matter what the situation is...only YOU can make yourself happy...or sad. Your choice.
Children. My children mean more to me than anything else. I know people who don't have children that would do anything to have some. I know others who never wanted children and now wish they did. I know others who, from their outward signs, are "stuck" with their children. How SAD I am for them. What a blessing my children have been to me. How they have inspired me to be more. Always "thinking" I am more than I realize I am. They give me hope. They have brought more challenges than I can count. More joys than challenges. More incredible memories than I have time to write. Never would I have thought as a young woman of 21 how having children would change my life. They are awesome. I treasure my children. The older I get, the more they mean to me. WE have an awesome relationship. They have relationships with each other that blesses our family more than anything I could have imagined. I love them. They are wonderful. They are not perfect, but they are darn close...at least in my eyes.
So...these are my thoughts this Sunday evening...August 9th, 2009. And now you know the rest of the story...Yeah! I love Paul Harvey!!! He's cool!
A parable shared by Ardeth G. Kapp when she was the General YW President 9 August 2009
TRAGEDY AT RAYAD
Once upon a time there was a little kingdom called Rayad. The tiny people who inhabited this kingdom were call Rayadites. They lived happily, sharing and caring about each other. Life was good to them. There were only a few things they needed to watch out for; for instance, chocolate cake or wearing the color red. If any Rayadite ever ate chocolate cake or wore red, his spirit would become weakened, and he would care less and less about himself and the rules of the kingdom.
Also living in this tiny kingdom was Zynock, an evil person who wanted to destroy the kingdom and all of the people in it. He hated for them to be happy and loving, for that made it harder for him to influence them. He knew what weakened their spirits and made them easier to capture. But Zynock also knew that he could not just offer the Rayadites chocolate cake and have them devour it - they were not that foolish! Nor could he make the most wonderful garment in bright red and expect them to wear it immediately. The Rayadites wanted to be good and strong. They had promised each other that they would help and strengthen each other in time of need. So how could Zynock weaken this people? How could he get them to succumb to him so that he could destroy them and thus the whole kingdom?
"Let's see," he said, "I can't get them to eat chocolate cake right off, but maybe I can get them to develop a taste for chocolate."
That's when chocolate chip cookies were introduced to the kingdom of Rayad. At first the cookies were ignored and scoffed at. Then some commercials and billboards were produced that showed handsome, wonderful-looking Rayadites eating chocolate chip cookies. And nothing happened to them, except they became more popular and sophisticated - at least that's what the message conveyed on the screens and billboards.
It wasn't long before a few Rayadites could be seen eating a chocolate chip cookies every now and then, and they seemed to be doing fine. They were still loving and caring and hadn't changed at all - so it seemed. So more and more Rayadites began eating the cookies. What they didn't realize was that the portion of chocolate chips in each cookie had been doubled. They were getting a double dose of chocolate, disguised in the cookie. You'd hear phrases like these: "That cookie is really good except for a couple of places where it tastes pretty chocolatey. But don't miss the cookie just for those two places. It's too good a cookie, and you can overlook the taste." "I heard that one of our friends has eaten a chocolate chip cookie, and she says it's nothing to be afraid of. It won't ruin your life if you eat it."
That was true: lives didn't seem to be ruined by chocolate chip cookies. Things were pretty much the same as usual. However, some of the teachers and leaders and parents in Rayad suggested avoiding the cookies because tastes for chocolate were being developed.
"Avoid the cookies?" came the cries of surprise. "What for? What's wrong with them? They're not chocolate cake! How stuffy can you get?"
Some who refused to eat the cookies were even laughed at and made fun of. Zynock himself started chuckling. He had no idea his plan would work so well. And Zynock was patient. He didn't care how long it took to destroy Rayad, just so it was destroyed.
Chocolate chip cookies seemed to be moving pretty well. Zynock didn't worry about the words of caution and counsel from the leaders, because his commercials and billboards were so exciting and enticing. He had to make them that way, or the truth of the leaders would have swayed the Rayadites away from the cookies.
Now it came time to introduce a new product of destruction. No, not chocolate cake, not quite yet. Rather, Zynock began advertising spice cake, white cake, yellow cake, carrot cake, any kind of cake but chocolate - but all with chocolate frosting, rich chocolate frosting. More commercials, more billboards, a few songs to hum and sing all day about how wonderful chocolate cake would be, although they're not eating it - yet! Get them thinking about it before they will actually succumb. Then in the kingdom of Rayad, you could hear:
"Have you tried that yellow cake with chocolate frosting?"
"Well, no. Is it good?"
"Oh, yes! Granted, it is chocolatey, but it's not chocolate cake. And it really doesn't have much more chocolate than those cookies we've been eating!"
"But the cake doesn't seem right. I mean, cookies are one thing, but cake?"
"Ah, come on! The important thing is the chocolate, and this is no more than you've already been eating. Everybody's eating it. You can't pass it up and be the only one left out."
In the meantime, the songs were subtly strumming away in the background, singing the praises of chocolate cake. Right, the words were not good, but the beat and the rhythm were so cool that many Rayads listened just for the music. After all, what can music do?
Zynock began thinking again: "One thing that strengthens those Rayadites is when they are together talking to each other. What can I do about that?" Then he reasoned, "Well, it's all right for them to be together. In fact, maybe there is some way I could use their gatherings and parties for my purposes. Aha! I've got it!"
So parties in Rayad began changing. Instead of the Rayadites talking to each other and playing games so they could get to know one another and share their strengths and talents, a new trend began. Everyone who was anyone had the new kinds of parties.
"Have you been to a party over at our Rayad friend's place yet?"
"No, I haven't."
"You should go. It's really cool!"
"Oh? What do you do?"
"Well, it isn't like any other party you've been to. It's pretty cool. All you do is go and sit down and watch stuff on the screen."
"Stuff on the screen? Like what?"
"Oh, exciting, scary stuff that's pretty good. There are a few scenes showing people eating chocolate cake, but no 'biggy.'"
"People eating chocolate cake? But..."
"Oh, it's not bad, and besides, there's nothing anymore without a little bit of that. It's just fun to get together with your friends."
So Zynock stood back and watched his plot unfold. "Let's see now. They're eating chocolate and they're eating cake. They're listening to songs and watching movies about chocolate cake. They're becoming weaker and weaker, although they're not even aware of it yet because they haven't actually eaten it - yet! They are falling into my trap! They think their leaders and parents are square and stuffy. It's very helpful when their friends tell them what I want them to hear. Friends are my greatest asset!"
"Hey!" says a friend Rayadite, "have you seen the latest movie?"
"No," comes the response. "I thought it was C-rated, for chocolate."
"No, it isn't. It's R-rated for Red. There's no chocolate in it."
And so Zynock continues his plotting - this time a gorgeous garment, but not in red...yet. It's a luscious pink color.
by Ardeth Kapp
Our YW Presidency spoke today in Sacrament meeting. Christine Tanner related this parable and I REALLY liked it, so thought I would share it with my "friends" who weren't there....
Once upon a time there was a little kingdom called Rayad. The tiny people who inhabited this kingdom were call Rayadites. They lived happily, sharing and caring about each other. Life was good to them. There were only a few things they needed to watch out for; for instance, chocolate cake or wearing the color red. If any Rayadite ever ate chocolate cake or wore red, his spirit would become weakened, and he would care less and less about himself and the rules of the kingdom.
Also living in this tiny kingdom was Zynock, an evil person who wanted to destroy the kingdom and all of the people in it. He hated for them to be happy and loving, for that made it harder for him to influence them. He knew what weakened their spirits and made them easier to capture. But Zynock also knew that he could not just offer the Rayadites chocolate cake and have them devour it - they were not that foolish! Nor could he make the most wonderful garment in bright red and expect them to wear it immediately. The Rayadites wanted to be good and strong. They had promised each other that they would help and strengthen each other in time of need. So how could Zynock weaken this people? How could he get them to succumb to him so that he could destroy them and thus the whole kingdom?
"Let's see," he said, "I can't get them to eat chocolate cake right off, but maybe I can get them to develop a taste for chocolate."
That's when chocolate chip cookies were introduced to the kingdom of Rayad. At first the cookies were ignored and scoffed at. Then some commercials and billboards were produced that showed handsome, wonderful-looking Rayadites eating chocolate chip cookies. And nothing happened to them, except they became more popular and sophisticated - at least that's what the message conveyed on the screens and billboards.
It wasn't long before a few Rayadites could be seen eating a chocolate chip cookies every now and then, and they seemed to be doing fine. They were still loving and caring and hadn't changed at all - so it seemed. So more and more Rayadites began eating the cookies. What they didn't realize was that the portion of chocolate chips in each cookie had been doubled. They were getting a double dose of chocolate, disguised in the cookie. You'd hear phrases like these: "That cookie is really good except for a couple of places where it tastes pretty chocolatey. But don't miss the cookie just for those two places. It's too good a cookie, and you can overlook the taste." "I heard that one of our friends has eaten a chocolate chip cookie, and she says it's nothing to be afraid of. It won't ruin your life if you eat it."
That was true: lives didn't seem to be ruined by chocolate chip cookies. Things were pretty much the same as usual. However, some of the teachers and leaders and parents in Rayad suggested avoiding the cookies because tastes for chocolate were being developed.
"Avoid the cookies?" came the cries of surprise. "What for? What's wrong with them? They're not chocolate cake! How stuffy can you get?"
Some who refused to eat the cookies were even laughed at and made fun of. Zynock himself started chuckling. He had no idea his plan would work so well. And Zynock was patient. He didn't care how long it took to destroy Rayad, just so it was destroyed.
Chocolate chip cookies seemed to be moving pretty well. Zynock didn't worry about the words of caution and counsel from the leaders, because his commercials and billboards were so exciting and enticing. He had to make them that way, or the truth of the leaders would have swayed the Rayadites away from the cookies.
Now it came time to introduce a new product of destruction. No, not chocolate cake, not quite yet. Rather, Zynock began advertising spice cake, white cake, yellow cake, carrot cake, any kind of cake but chocolate - but all with chocolate frosting, rich chocolate frosting. More commercials, more billboards, a few songs to hum and sing all day about how wonderful chocolate cake would be, although they're not eating it - yet! Get them thinking about it before they will actually succumb. Then in the kingdom of Rayad, you could hear:
"Have you tried that yellow cake with chocolate frosting?"
"Well, no. Is it good?"
"Oh, yes! Granted, it is chocolatey, but it's not chocolate cake. And it really doesn't have much more chocolate than those cookies we've been eating!"
"But the cake doesn't seem right. I mean, cookies are one thing, but cake?"
"Ah, come on! The important thing is the chocolate, and this is no more than you've already been eating. Everybody's eating it. You can't pass it up and be the only one left out."
In the meantime, the songs were subtly strumming away in the background, singing the praises of chocolate cake. Right, the words were not good, but the beat and the rhythm were so cool that many Rayads listened just for the music. After all, what can music do?
Zynock began thinking again: "One thing that strengthens those Rayadites is when they are together talking to each other. What can I do about that?" Then he reasoned, "Well, it's all right for them to be together. In fact, maybe there is some way I could use their gatherings and parties for my purposes. Aha! I've got it!"
So parties in Rayad began changing. Instead of the Rayadites talking to each other and playing games so they could get to know one another and share their strengths and talents, a new trend began. Everyone who was anyone had the new kinds of parties.
"Have you been to a party over at our Rayad friend's place yet?"
"No, I haven't."
"You should go. It's really cool!"
"Oh? What do you do?"
"Well, it isn't like any other party you've been to. It's pretty cool. All you do is go and sit down and watch stuff on the screen."
"Stuff on the screen? Like what?"
"Oh, exciting, scary stuff that's pretty good. There are a few scenes showing people eating chocolate cake, but no 'biggy.'"
"People eating chocolate cake? But..."
"Oh, it's not bad, and besides, there's nothing anymore without a little bit of that. It's just fun to get together with your friends."
So Zynock stood back and watched his plot unfold. "Let's see now. They're eating chocolate and they're eating cake. They're listening to songs and watching movies about chocolate cake. They're becoming weaker and weaker, although they're not even aware of it yet because they haven't actually eaten it - yet! They are falling into my trap! They think their leaders and parents are square and stuffy. It's very helpful when their friends tell them what I want them to hear. Friends are my greatest asset!"
"Hey!" says a friend Rayadite, "have you seen the latest movie?"
"No," comes the response. "I thought it was C-rated, for chocolate."
"No, it isn't. It's R-rated for Red. There's no chocolate in it."
And so Zynock continues his plotting - this time a gorgeous garment, but not in red...yet. It's a luscious pink color.
by Ardeth Kapp
Our YW Presidency spoke today in Sacrament meeting. Christine Tanner related this parable and I REALLY liked it, so thought I would share it with my "friends" who weren't there....
Jumping in the pool 18 March 2009
...I have found that life is sometimes like jumping in a pool. I am a jumper. I have tried the step-by-step method, but it takes to long to accomplish the same end. I've watched others do it, while I am swimming and enjoying the water far longer by just "jumping" in.
Sometimes the water is a little cooler than I thought and there is a little "shock" involved with it; sometimes the water is just right and not a "shock" at all.
Some people are afraid to "let go of the edge" of the pool...while others are afraid to even get in.
Life can be that way too. Many things in life can be that way too.
I was devastated when my marriage came apart. We had been together since Nov. of 1972 and in July of 1986, I wasn't ready to toss it all in the can. I lingered on "the steps" until the divorce was final in August of 1991. The lingering was almost as painful as all the questions I couldn't find the answers to. I still don't have many answers. But, I did linger NOT want to "let go of the edge." I wanted to hold on, hoping against hope that the "water" would be fine. I didn't want to lose all of whatever it was I thought I had. I was safe and felt that "venturing" out was unsafe and too unknown...or known and unwanted or undesirable.
I had the opportunity to experience life on "the steps" again. Eight years on the steps and I "jumped." The lingering on the "steps" for eight years helped me to realize that "jumping" was in order. Letting go of the "edge" may be scary and unknown, but I wasn't getting anywhere by not "letting go of the edge." While "the steps and the edge" are still available, I have gone to the other end where the "boards" are, and jumped. I have ventured out to the depths of the pool and left the "edge." It's not scary. It is different, but enjoyable. I can do what I want. AND there is an "edge" on the other side. There are ALSO "lifeguards" on both sides. I have used the "lifeguards" of life. They are and can be very helpful. The "lifeguards" in my life have been: others who have "jumped" or found the courage to leave the "edge." my scriptures, and prayer. There are other "lifeguards" in life. Yours may be different.
The "steps" still beckon at times, but I will always prefer the "board."
The "edge" is still there for security and comfort.
The "venturing" is always available and I am thankful.
The "boards" are almost always available and at different heights...just for added fun and excitement.
The "lifeguards" are always there too. They bring security, consolation, help, etc. even if you don't need them.
So, if you are stuck on the "steps" or lingering on the "edge" and things aren't the way you thought they would be, JUMP!!! VENTURE!!!! What have you got to lose? There are always "lifeguards" and they just may be cute, helpful, and just what you need.
Well...another thing that just came to mind...
Sometimes we are afraid to leave the "edge," not because of what is out there; the big unknown, but because we are unsure of ourselves. We don't have the confidence we "think" we need. If you have the faith in yourself, you can leave the "edge." Believe in yourself, trust, have faith, and JUMP!
Sometimes the water is a little cooler than I thought and there is a little "shock" involved with it; sometimes the water is just right and not a "shock" at all.
Some people are afraid to "let go of the edge" of the pool...while others are afraid to even get in.
Life can be that way too. Many things in life can be that way too.
I was devastated when my marriage came apart. We had been together since Nov. of 1972 and in July of 1986, I wasn't ready to toss it all in the can. I lingered on "the steps" until the divorce was final in August of 1991. The lingering was almost as painful as all the questions I couldn't find the answers to. I still don't have many answers. But, I did linger NOT want to "let go of the edge." I wanted to hold on, hoping against hope that the "water" would be fine. I didn't want to lose all of whatever it was I thought I had. I was safe and felt that "venturing" out was unsafe and too unknown...or known and unwanted or undesirable.
I had the opportunity to experience life on "the steps" again. Eight years on the steps and I "jumped." The lingering on the "steps" for eight years helped me to realize that "jumping" was in order. Letting go of the "edge" may be scary and unknown, but I wasn't getting anywhere by not "letting go of the edge." While "the steps and the edge" are still available, I have gone to the other end where the "boards" are, and jumped. I have ventured out to the depths of the pool and left the "edge." It's not scary. It is different, but enjoyable. I can do what I want. AND there is an "edge" on the other side. There are ALSO "lifeguards" on both sides. I have used the "lifeguards" of life. They are and can be very helpful. The "lifeguards" in my life have been: others who have "jumped" or found the courage to leave the "edge." my scriptures, and prayer. There are other "lifeguards" in life. Yours may be different.
The "steps" still beckon at times, but I will always prefer the "board."
The "edge" is still there for security and comfort.
The "venturing" is always available and I am thankful.
The "boards" are almost always available and at different heights...just for added fun and excitement.
The "lifeguards" are always there too. They bring security, consolation, help, etc. even if you don't need them.
So, if you are stuck on the "steps" or lingering on the "edge" and things aren't the way you thought they would be, JUMP!!! VENTURE!!!! What have you got to lose? There are always "lifeguards" and they just may be cute, helpful, and just what you need.
Well...another thing that just came to mind...
Sometimes we are afraid to leave the "edge," not because of what is out there; the big unknown, but because we are unsure of ourselves. We don't have the confidence we "think" we need. If you have the faith in yourself, you can leave the "edge." Believe in yourself, trust, have faith, and JUMP!
The Many Uses of Bamboo...23 February 2009
...yeah, that sounds like a great note! BUT...while doing the dishes this morning I was washing a bamboo spoon. I got to thinking about what a versatile plant bamboo really is! It is used for ALL kinds of things. It is actually a type of grass. Some of the things I know it is used for, that I came up with in the short time of doing the dishes, are:
Food--not only do we eat it, but the Great Panda's do as well. I'm sure other animals do to, but I'm not getting a grade for this, so no research has been involved...although I may do some just for fun.
Cooking utensils--I love cooking with bamboo spoons, etc. They are great kitchen tools. Kind of a nice paddle to tap little diapered butts too. :) Not hard, just a little tap. AND Chopsticks!!! For those of you who are in to them!
Furniture--There is a LOT of bamboo furniture out there. I even had some for awhile. Makes nice furniture for the lanai...for all of you haole's, that's a patio.
Writing and painting tools--Calligraphy pens and there are other pens that can be used to "paint" Chinese characters. This monk who came in to Michaels was telling me how easy it is, and I think I might like to give it a whirl!
Accessories--handles for handbags, purses, other bags. Picture frames.
Musical instruments--not only the instruments, but reeds for other woodwind instruments!
Baskets--what can I say?
Look at the stick of your umbrella??? OH wait...I bet you have one of those modern metal ones! Oh well.
Cages--I have a bamboo bird cage. It's in storage, but still in my possession.
Toys--I have, and have seen, many toys made from bamboo.
Ceiling fans--Those really cool ones!
Sadly, for all the GREAT things bamboo is used for, it is also used for horrible things...like torture. I have known several people who were tortured using bamboo. It's terrible.
Yes, Bamboo, I've decided, it probably one of the MOST versatile plants that God has created! I'm going to watch for other things made of Bamboo! Let me know if you find anything!
Other comments....
Flooring
Clothing
Bedding
Placemats!
Food--not only do we eat it, but the Great Panda's do as well. I'm sure other animals do to, but I'm not getting a grade for this, so no research has been involved...although I may do some just for fun.
Cooking utensils--I love cooking with bamboo spoons, etc. They are great kitchen tools. Kind of a nice paddle to tap little diapered butts too. :) Not hard, just a little tap. AND Chopsticks!!! For those of you who are in to them!
Furniture--There is a LOT of bamboo furniture out there. I even had some for awhile. Makes nice furniture for the lanai...for all of you haole's, that's a patio.
Writing and painting tools--Calligraphy pens and there are other pens that can be used to "paint" Chinese characters. This monk who came in to Michaels was telling me how easy it is, and I think I might like to give it a whirl!
Accessories--handles for handbags, purses, other bags. Picture frames.
Musical instruments--not only the instruments, but reeds for other woodwind instruments!
Baskets--what can I say?
Look at the stick of your umbrella??? OH wait...I bet you have one of those modern metal ones! Oh well.
Cages--I have a bamboo bird cage. It's in storage, but still in my possession.
Toys--I have, and have seen, many toys made from bamboo.
Ceiling fans--Those really cool ones!
Sadly, for all the GREAT things bamboo is used for, it is also used for horrible things...like torture. I have known several people who were tortured using bamboo. It's terrible.
Yes, Bamboo, I've decided, it probably one of the MOST versatile plants that God has created! I'm going to watch for other things made of Bamboo! Let me know if you find anything!
Other comments....
Flooring
Clothing
Bedding
Placemats!
I belong to the OLDEST, LARGEST Womens Organization in the world!
Well, it’s the end of the month and my visiting teaching isn’t done. I’m not feeling real well about this fact. I had intended to get it done the first week of the month, so that during the month I was free to phone when I felt so inspired, or send a note, or whatever…OH WAIT! There are some of you out there who have absolutely NO IDEA of what I am talking about. Let me give you a quick history…
Visiting Teaching is a commitment we as woman in the LDS church are responsible in doing. Now some people take this very seriously, and others, well let’s face it…sometimes we are slackers. Yes, I said it…we are slackers. Not because we don’t like the women we visit, not because we don’t want to, not because we don’t think it is important, not because we want to be slackers, we just have…yep…excuses! I will not bore you with all of them, nor will I use up that much space to add to your list. :) Oh…in case you didn’t know, LDS stands for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints…and YES we are also called, “The Mormons,” and YES we do believe in Christ…and YES we are Christians.
Visiting Teaching is part of the Relief Society Organization of the LDS Church. Here is some technical information I found online for those of you who are not a member of the Church and are still reading. Any thanks for continuing to read. :)
“The Relief Society is a philanthropic and educational women's organization and an official auxiliary organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Founded in 1842 in Nauvoo, Illinois, USA, the Relief Society today claims more than 5.2 million members in over 170 countries and territories, and is one of the oldest and largest women's organizations in the world.[2] Relief Society - Worldwide charitable and educational organization of LDS women (founded 1842) [2] See List of women's organizations. The Relief Society is one of the largest women's organization in the world.”
By-the-way…I don’t know if you can click on the blue and it will take you to these sites, but if it does I’m thrilled. If not, send me a message and I will help you out. I will also answer any questions you may have.
On Thursday, March 17, 1842, twenty women gathered together in the upper room of the Red Brick Store (Nauvoo, Illinois), and under the direction of the prophet Joseph Smith, were organized into "The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo". Speaking of its purpose the prophet said that this "society of sisters might provoke the brethren to good works in looking to the wants of the poor. http://lds.about.com/library/weekly/previousyears/aa031400a.htm
The motto of the Relief Society, which is found in Moroni 7:46 as well as 1 Corinthians 13:8 is "Charity never faileth".
By 1888, the Relief Society had more than 22,000 members in 400 local wards and branches. The Womans Exponent was the official newspaper of the Relief Society (the womens organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) between 1876 and 1914.
Early Relief Society meetings were held semimonthly. One meeting per month was devoted to sewing and caring for the needs of the poor, and at the other meeting, members received instructions and encouragement from the discussion of elevating and educational themes and bore testimonies. The meeting recorded 16 March 1844 in the Female Relief Society Book of Records was the last meeting held in Nauvoo by the Society. At that time, the Society had grown from a membership of 18 to 1,341. In 1942, membership in the organization was approximately 115,000 women, growing to 300,000 members in 1966. Today, (2006) the Relief Society has 5.2 million female members in over 170 countries. http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Relief-Society
Okay…now that a little light and history has been shed on this subject, we will go back to the Visiting Teaching. The women or “sisters” as we liked to be referred to, in the ward are assigned “sisters” to visit. This is NOT some arbitrary thing. The Relief Society President prays about this and is inspired. “Sisters” are paired up as companions and they “visit” the “sisters” they have been given on their “beat.” ARE YOU CONFUSED YET!!! :) Not to worry. I have a companion, the first one ever. She is young enough to be my daughter, cute, newly married, a wedding planner, as well as a student. We have been assigned four “sisters” to look after. Each of those “sisters” has different schedules. SO, my partner and I try to see when we can go out together, then we see when our schedules fit into our “sisters’” schedules, and that’s when the FUN begins. It is a challenge that we deal with, but it is rewarding. I like visiting teaching because I love to visit. That is not all we are supposed to do. We are to lift, edify, teach, help, console, etc. when ever and how ever we can. I will try to give some examples of how visiting teaching has affected my own personal life.
When I had by babies, my visiting teachers brought over meals for several days.
When I was in the hospital, they brought meals to my family.
When I was in a wreck, they tended to my family…in and out of the hospital.
When I was struggling with family issues, they were there to help.
When I moved to a different state, my new ones took me to lunch in a quaint old Civil War town and we got to know each other.
When I was down for two weeks with kidney stones, my visiting teacher came over and brushed and braided my hair so it wasn’t such a mess.
When I moved this last time, my “sisters” helped me more than words can express; boxing, cleaning, loading, and providing food and showers.
The list is endless. Our “sisters” are just that…or should be. They become part of us. They become part of our lives. They have always been my emotional, spiritual, mental and physical helpers.
As I sit here at the end of the month, I have been contemplating all of this. No one makes us do this. If we don’t do it each month, no one will die over it…EGADS! I hope not anyway. But, I feel an obligation to them because I know they are my “sisters” and in some small way, I may be able to help them. So, here I am at the end of another month, wondering how I can improve. Hoping they don’t think ill of me…which I know they don’t. When you go out the first week of the month, there is a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Then, many times during the month, when I think about these “sisters” and take the time to call them, a lot of the times they have needed me for one reason or another. But, I have found that the longer I put it off, the harder it is. AND again, it’s not because I don’t like them, because I do. The second week, you think, dang…I didn’t get it done last week. Well, I have time this week…I’ll get it done. Then the third week it’s like this dark cloud is following you…there is an ominous foreboding. (I wonder if that isn’t redundant!)
Anyway, meeting the needs of our “sisters” is the whole idea; helping as we can. We should take the time to serve and share our time and talents. My favorite thing to do is make treats and cute spiritual thoughts to take when I go.
I am so thankful to be a part of the oldest and largest women’s organization in the world. To know that there are “sisters” all over the world visiting teaching the “sisters” in their “wards” or “branches.” We have an incredible “sisterhood.”
A few weeks ago I participated in working at the “cannery.” Yes, this is yet another part of the Church. It is part of the welfare and humanitarian organization. This not only benefits people right here, but in other parts of the world. The Church truly is a worldwide organization, taking care of people all over the world. But, that is for another blog.
By the way, I’m sure there are things in here that have some of you, who are not members of the Church, scratching your heads. If you would like to know “Mormonism as a second language” just let me know. It’s fun and easy. :)
Visiting Teaching is a commitment we as woman in the LDS church are responsible in doing. Now some people take this very seriously, and others, well let’s face it…sometimes we are slackers. Yes, I said it…we are slackers. Not because we don’t like the women we visit, not because we don’t want to, not because we don’t think it is important, not because we want to be slackers, we just have…yep…excuses! I will not bore you with all of them, nor will I use up that much space to add to your list. :) Oh…in case you didn’t know, LDS stands for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints…and YES we are also called, “The Mormons,” and YES we do believe in Christ…and YES we are Christians.
Visiting Teaching is part of the Relief Society Organization of the LDS Church. Here is some technical information I found online for those of you who are not a member of the Church and are still reading. Any thanks for continuing to read. :)
“The Relief Society is a philanthropic and educational women's organization and an official auxiliary organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Founded in 1842 in Nauvoo, Illinois, USA, the Relief Society today claims more than 5.2 million members in over 170 countries and territories, and is one of the oldest and largest women's organizations in the world.[2] Relief Society - Worldwide charitable and educational organization of LDS women (founded 1842) [2] See List of women's organizations. The Relief Society is one of the largest women's organization in the world.”
By-the-way…I don’t know if you can click on the blue and it will take you to these sites, but if it does I’m thrilled. If not, send me a message and I will help you out. I will also answer any questions you may have.
On Thursday, March 17, 1842, twenty women gathered together in the upper room of the Red Brick Store (Nauvoo, Illinois), and under the direction of the prophet Joseph Smith, were organized into "The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo". Speaking of its purpose the prophet said that this "society of sisters might provoke the brethren to good works in looking to the wants of the poor. http://lds.about.com/libra
The motto of the Relief Society, which is found in Moroni 7:46 as well as 1 Corinthians 13:8 is "Charity never faileth".
By 1888, the Relief Society had more than 22,000 members in 400 local wards and branches. The Womans Exponent was the official newspaper of the Relief Society (the womens organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) between 1876 and 1914.
Early Relief Society meetings were held semimonthly. One meeting per month was devoted to sewing and caring for the needs of the poor, and at the other meeting, members received instructions and encouragement from the discussion of elevating and educational themes and bore testimonies. The meeting recorded 16 March 1844 in the Female Relief Society Book of Records was the last meeting held in Nauvoo by the Society. At that time, the Society had grown from a membership of 18 to 1,341. In 1942, membership in the organization was approximately 115,000 women, growing to 300,000 members in 1966. Today, (2006) the Relief Society has 5.2 million female members in over 170 countries. http://www.nationmaster.co
Okay…now that a little light and history has been shed on this subject, we will go back to the Visiting Teaching. The women or “sisters” as we liked to be referred to, in the ward are assigned “sisters” to visit. This is NOT some arbitrary thing. The Relief Society President prays about this and is inspired. “Sisters” are paired up as companions and they “visit” the “sisters” they have been given on their “beat.” ARE YOU CONFUSED YET!!! :) Not to worry. I have a companion, the first one ever. She is young enough to be my daughter, cute, newly married, a wedding planner, as well as a student. We have been assigned four “sisters” to look after. Each of those “sisters” has different schedules. SO, my partner and I try to see when we can go out together, then we see when our schedules fit into our “sisters’” schedules, and that’s when the FUN begins. It is a challenge that we deal with, but it is rewarding. I like visiting teaching because I love to visit. That is not all we are supposed to do. We are to lift, edify, teach, help, console, etc. when ever and how ever we can. I will try to give some examples of how visiting teaching has affected my own personal life.
When I had by babies, my visiting teachers brought over meals for several days.
When I was in the hospital, they brought meals to my family.
When I was in a wreck, they tended to my family…in and out of the hospital.
When I was struggling with family issues, they were there to help.
When I moved to a different state, my new ones took me to lunch in a quaint old Civil War town and we got to know each other.
When I was down for two weeks with kidney stones, my visiting teacher came over and brushed and braided my hair so it wasn’t such a mess.
When I moved this last time, my “sisters” helped me more than words can express; boxing, cleaning, loading, and providing food and showers.
The list is endless. Our “sisters” are just that…or should be. They become part of us. They become part of our lives. They have always been my emotional, spiritual, mental and physical helpers.
As I sit here at the end of the month, I have been contemplating all of this. No one makes us do this. If we don’t do it each month, no one will die over it…EGADS! I hope not anyway. But, I feel an obligation to them because I know they are my “sisters” and in some small way, I may be able to help them. So, here I am at the end of another month, wondering how I can improve. Hoping they don’t think ill of me…which I know they don’t. When you go out the first week of the month, there is a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Then, many times during the month, when I think about these “sisters” and take the time to call them, a lot of the times they have needed me for one reason or another. But, I have found that the longer I put it off, the harder it is. AND again, it’s not because I don’t like them, because I do. The second week, you think, dang…I didn’t get it done last week. Well, I have time this week…I’ll get it done. Then the third week it’s like this dark cloud is following you…there is an ominous foreboding. (I wonder if that isn’t redundant!)
Anyway, meeting the needs of our “sisters” is the whole idea; helping as we can. We should take the time to serve and share our time and talents. My favorite thing to do is make treats and cute spiritual thoughts to take when I go.
I am so thankful to be a part of the oldest and largest women’s organization in the world. To know that there are “sisters” all over the world visiting teaching the “sisters” in their “wards” or “branches.” We have an incredible “sisterhood.”
A few weeks ago I participated in working at the “cannery.” Yes, this is yet another part of the Church. It is part of the welfare and humanitarian organization. This not only benefits people right here, but in other parts of the world. The Church truly is a worldwide organization, taking care of people all over the world. But, that is for another blog.
By the way, I’m sure there are things in here that have some of you, who are not members of the Church, scratching your heads. If you would like to know “Mormonism as a second language” just let me know. It’s fun and easy. :)
Faith 21 January 2009
Faith…
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true. Alma 32:21
I just finished watching Fiddler on the Roof. I think I may have seen parts of it years ago. I’ve sung the songs many times. But, tonight I watched it. As I watched it, many things came to my mind. Some of those things were obvious; others not so much. The similarities between this movie and the story, hit very close to home. In the 1830’s through the 1850’s here in America, religious persecution took place. Thousands were forced from there homes in much the same way that Tevye, his family and neighbors were forced from their homes in Anatevka. In some places, Far West, Missouri…Adam-Ondi-Ahman, Missouri…Haun’s Mill, Missouri, nothing is left of the towns where thousands were forced out of there homes in the middle of winter. Beautiful Nauvoo, Illinois has been restored into a wonderful historic site, where at one time it was the largest city in Illinois. Mobs forced the citizens of this town out in the 1840’s, again in winter. The stories of these faithful people are heartwarming and faith promoting. As I watched Fiddler on the Roof, and these people were told they had to leave, I was reminded of the many times the saints were told to leave there homes. They too, packed what they could carry and left. Not understanding why, only knowing that they had to leave; all because of their great faith. As Tevye and his family were preparing to leave, his wife, Golde, went back to sweep the house. Not that it mattered anymore, she would never return, but she couldn’t leave a “dirty” house. I was reminded of the journal entry of Bathsheba Smith in 1846 as she was leaving Nauvoo, Illinois, "My last act in that precious spot was to tidy the rooms, sweep up the floor, and set the broom in its accustomed place behind the door. Then with emotions in my heart...I gently closed the door and faced unknown future; faced it with faith in God and with no less assurance of the ultimate establishment of the Gospel in the West and of its true enduring principles, than I had felt in those trying scenes in Missouri."
I have faith. Maybe not as great as some of these people, but it is great the older I get, and the more I am asked to go through, the more that faith grows. Our faith is tested daily; some believe…others do not. I try to understand this, and only know that it is because we are free to choose. All of us are free to choose. I respect that right to choose. I look at the faith of others who have gone before me. They may or may not have had the same beliefs; Jews, Muslims, Christians…but they had a faith. They possessed a faith which moved them everyday to meet the challenges of being different; having a faith when others didn’t. Many have died because of their great faith. Many have suffered persecution. Many still do. Now, I have not been shot at, or forced from my home or anything like that. I have not suffered great persecution, as others have; but I have been wronged for my beliefs. Oddly enough, because I believe in Joseph Smith, I was denied a job by a prominent “Christian” lawyer in St. Joseph, Missouri. I have been told by other “Christians” that I “am going to hell” because of what I believe. I was told that I am “a horrible mother” because of the way I “brought my children up—brainwashing them into believing what they believe.” I have been ostracized because of my religion. My children had friends who were not allowed to be with them when their friends’ parents found out what church they belonged to. Has this shaken my faith? No, most of the time it has only strengthened it.
I am so thankful for the faith I have. My faith has brought me through some incredibly difficult times. My beliefs are so special to me. My beliefs are what have made me who I am. I know who I am; I know where I came from, and I know where I am going. I know that God lives. I know he hears and answers prayers. I know that I can receive personal revelation. I know He loves me, cares about me and lifts me. I know He has a son who died for me…for everyone…whether they believe in Him or not. I know of the GREAT sacrifice the Son of God paid for me…for you. You don’t have to accept these beliefs. You were given that freedom. But I believe. I have faith. I know. I know Christ lived. I know He died. I know that He rose from the dead. I know we will live and die and rise again…just as He did. I know there is a living Prophet on the earth today. I know God would not leave us with out one. I know that Prophet receives revelations today, just as the Prophets of old. I know that God has a great plan and we are all a part of it. Each of us has a part in that great plan. He knows all, sees all and doesn’t miss a beat. I have seen miracles. I have been a part of miracles. I have a great faith. Yes, I am thankful for the faith I have. I am secure in my faith. Some are skeptical, but I am not. I know. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt. I don’t have to see…I know.
By the way...if you haven't seen Fiddler on the Roof, watch it. It's great!
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true. Alma 32:21
I just finished watching Fiddler on the Roof. I think I may have seen parts of it years ago. I’ve sung the songs many times. But, tonight I watched it. As I watched it, many things came to my mind. Some of those things were obvious; others not so much. The similarities between this movie and the story, hit very close to home. In the 1830’s through the 1850’s here in America, religious persecution took place. Thousands were forced from there homes in much the same way that Tevye, his family and neighbors were forced from their homes in Anatevka. In some places, Far West, Missouri…Adam-Ondi-Ahman, Missouri…Haun’s Mill, Missouri, nothing is left of the towns where thousands were forced out of there homes in the middle of winter. Beautiful Nauvoo, Illinois has been restored into a wonderful historic site, where at one time it was the largest city in Illinois. Mobs forced the citizens of this town out in the 1840’s, again in winter. The stories of these faithful people are heartwarming and faith promoting. As I watched Fiddler on the Roof, and these people were told they had to leave, I was reminded of the many times the saints were told to leave there homes. They too, packed what they could carry and left. Not understanding why, only knowing that they had to leave; all because of their great faith. As Tevye and his family were preparing to leave, his wife, Golde, went back to sweep the house. Not that it mattered anymore, she would never return, but she couldn’t leave a “dirty” house. I was reminded of the journal entry of Bathsheba Smith in 1846 as she was leaving Nauvoo, Illinois, "My last act in that precious spot was to tidy the rooms, sweep up the floor, and set the broom in its accustomed place behind the door. Then with emotions in my heart...I gently closed the door and faced unknown future; faced it with faith in God and with no less assurance of the ultimate establishment of the Gospel in the West and of its true enduring principles, than I had felt in those trying scenes in Missouri."
I have faith. Maybe not as great as some of these people, but it is great the older I get, and the more I am asked to go through, the more that faith grows. Our faith is tested daily; some believe…others do not. I try to understand this, and only know that it is because we are free to choose. All of us are free to choose. I respect that right to choose. I look at the faith of others who have gone before me. They may or may not have had the same beliefs; Jews, Muslims, Christians…but they had a faith. They possessed a faith which moved them everyday to meet the challenges of being different; having a faith when others didn’t. Many have died because of their great faith. Many have suffered persecution. Many still do. Now, I have not been shot at, or forced from my home or anything like that. I have not suffered great persecution, as others have; but I have been wronged for my beliefs. Oddly enough, because I believe in Joseph Smith, I was denied a job by a prominent “Christian” lawyer in St. Joseph, Missouri. I have been told by other “Christians” that I “am going to hell” because of what I believe. I was told that I am “a horrible mother” because of the way I “brought my children up—brainwashing them into believing what they believe.” I have been ostracized because of my religion. My children had friends who were not allowed to be with them when their friends’ parents found out what church they belonged to. Has this shaken my faith? No, most of the time it has only strengthened it.
I am so thankful for the faith I have. My faith has brought me through some incredibly difficult times. My beliefs are so special to me. My beliefs are what have made me who I am. I know who I am; I know where I came from, and I know where I am going. I know that God lives. I know he hears and answers prayers. I know that I can receive personal revelation. I know He loves me, cares about me and lifts me. I know He has a son who died for me…for everyone…whether they believe in Him or not. I know of the GREAT sacrifice the Son of God paid for me…for you. You don’t have to accept these beliefs. You were given that freedom. But I believe. I have faith. I know. I know Christ lived. I know He died. I know that He rose from the dead. I know we will live and die and rise again…just as He did. I know there is a living Prophet on the earth today. I know God would not leave us with out one. I know that Prophet receives revelations today, just as the Prophets of old. I know that God has a great plan and we are all a part of it. Each of us has a part in that great plan. He knows all, sees all and doesn’t miss a beat. I have seen miracles. I have been a part of miracles. I have a great faith. Yes, I am thankful for the faith I have. I am secure in my faith. Some are skeptical, but I am not. I know. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt. I don’t have to see…I know.
By the way...if you haven't seen Fiddler on the Roof, watch it. It's great!
A tribute to the mother who raised me. Hope it comes across that way. 17 January 2009
The woman who raised me, who I have called MOM all of my life, will be 90 on the 22nd of January, having been born in 1919. A cousin asked me this last summer to tell her about all the good memories I have of my mom. Sadly, I couldn’t think of too many. I could think of memories, but…well, they weren’t what most people would call great memories. Sadly, they are just memories.
My mom was born in North Western Wisconsin, a little town named Webster in Burnett County. She was given the name Jolette ArBuelah. She was the second oldest of six boys and another girl. Being the oldest girl, she did a lot of caring for younger brothers and her sister; making a vow to “never have any children.” Her family moved frequently. There are some fun stories about her early life, which I would love to share as they are humorous and interesting, and some are heartbreaking, but that will be for another time. When she was 18, she left Wisconsin, making another vow “never to go back” because of the cold, and went to live with Aunt Mable in Los Angeles, California. The aunt is another incredible story.
There are many stories and pieces of wisdom from this part of her life. Aunt Mable taught her a lot about life and money. Mom dated some great looking guys, and in October of 1944 she married Elmer, a very tall, good looking Texan. He died 9 months later in the war…he was serving in the war at the time. However, his actual death was caused when he was driving his motorcycle (he was an M.P.) through an intersection and a jeep full of drunken soldiers ran a stop sign and hit and killed him. She has hated motorcycles ever since. But it occurs to me that nothing was ever said about “drinking and driving.” Hmmmmm….that will be a question I will have to ask her about.
In April of 1946, she married the man who I have always called, DAD. They built a very nice home in what was then a very nice area of Los Angeles. Eventually they decided they would like to have children, but weren’t succeeding. Maybe the “vow” was a curse?! The doctors said there wasn’t anything medically wrong, and to “just keep trying.” After having no luck, they decided to adopt a baby. They were told of a baby due in May that they could adopt, and prepared the nursery and their lives for this baby. The baby was a boy, and stillborn. I’m sure it was devastating, after waiting and planning. They were told that another woman was having a baby in a few weeks and giving it up. On June 11th, 1955 Dr. Schaeffer delivered me to their home on Athens Blvd. in Los Angeles in his brand new 1955 Thunderbird. I’m sure it was exciting, but I don’t remember a thing. Six months later my mom was pregnant!
Our family moved to Hawaii in April of 1956 when my dad took a District Regional Sales position with Johnson & Johnson. My mother was a VERY social person. My dad was also a golf pro and belonged to the Mid-Pacific Country Club. My mom belonged to the Women’s group, playing golf, and socializing in luncheons, etc. She also went to her Sorority meetings, Garden Club, Bridge Club, etc…She had her hair done once a week and always wore very chic dresses, with matching hats, shoes, gloves, etc.; never a hair out of place and always picture perfect. AND the house was the same. AND we, my brother and I, were expected to be the same way!
To say our family was dysfunctional, is well… it’s quite possible that we put the dysfunction in dysfunctional. In 1961, my parents separated, and later divorced. This was the beginning of many, many moves and challenges. My belief is that she has never had the confidence to stand alone. She has always had someone telling her what to do and how to do it. First it was her father, then her aunt, next her first husband, finally my dad…I believe she is afraid to be alone…to make decisions on her own. So, after dating a few men, she married a man from the states in 1964. They were married three years before divorcing. She took my brother and me to San Diego where my dad lived. They spent the next two years together; together managing a golf course for a year. When it looked like it wasn’t working, she decided to remarry my step-father, who still cared for her. That lasted a year before they divorced and she remarried my dad. Many things had changed in their lives by this time; they were together until my dad died in 2001. They did continue to move, several times in fact. I have lost count because they continued to move after I married in 1975. I moved her again in October, from Utah back to California. I think she made the remark that this was her 40th move. She lives on her own, and for someone 90, that’s remarkable. She swims almost every day, belongs to a singles group, a bridge group and a ladies group.
Sadly, she and I have never really had a very good relationship. I will say that in the last twenty to thirty years it has gotten a little better, but it is far from what I would have liked it to be. Things she finds important, are far from the things I think are important. I love her. I have watched her struggle and go through many challenges in my life, and have heard about the ones that happened before I came along. I have been there for her when she has been deceived. I cried for her about five years ago when she called me to tell me she had been “hurt beyond anything” she had ever been through in her life. In her life she lost her first husband, had been married and divorced several times; she had been hurt many times and in many ways in her life. But this…This was the “worst pain, the worst hurt” she had ever experienced. I couldn’t believe what she was telling me. I couldn’t believe someone would do something like that to her. I was more than appalled. It made me sick to my stomach and I actually hurt for her. Oh how I cried, with her and by myself for her pain. Sadly, she is still grieving over it and there isn’t anything I can do; there isn’t anything that anyone can do. It can never be fixed. The hurt will be there until she dies. But, so like her, she is not bitter even though the hurt is still there.
I like to think that despite everything, she has had a happy life. There are many stories she has told me through the years; dancing with the “Big Bands,” going on a six month honeymoon with my dad. She doesn’t like to wear yellow. She loves the color blue. Her favorite cake is Carrot Cake. She flunked Algebra because she had to stay home and take care of her mother and new little brother. She milked cows every morning on the farm, and her father didn’t care if she missed school. That just meant she could help out at home. In the winter she and her brothers used cross country skies to get to school. She won first place in a beauty contest; one of the judges was Red Skelton. She built a Chinese rock garden in our back yard in Hawaii. She loves roses and at several of our houses, planted rose gardens. I learned a lot about roses from her; how to prune them, their names, where to cut the flower from the stem. This started my love of gardens, plants and flowers. She took a cake decorating class when I was a child. This started my love of baking and decorating. She made clothes for me when I was a child. This fascinated me along with her Haute couture, and started my desire to make and design clothes. She took an oil painting class and painted some very nice paintings. I teased her about becoming another Grandma Moses. When I was pregnant with my second child, she took class and learned to make porcelain dolls. They are wonderful and very special to me. She said she took the class because when she was a girl, she got a doll for Christmas one year. It was her first doll. Within a few hours her brothers had broken it. She never had another doll until she made these. They are her treasures. When we moved to New Mexico, she became fascinated with Indian jewelry, rugs, pots, dolls, etc. From then on, she has always had an “Indian” room in her home.
I think the best memory I have of her, and the most touching was the Christmas Bobby and I drove to Utah and "kidnapped" her. She was so happy she cried! It was absolutely awesome.
She has gone back to Wisconsin…several times to visit family; birthday parties for her relatives who lived past the century mark. It’s quite possible that she could see that; if she doesn’t wither away to nothing. She has been a small woman my whole life. She is 5’2” and weighs about 85 pounds. Since my children are so much bigger than her, they have always called her Grandma Yoda. While some people think this is really funny, and I guess it is, I have come to think of it is a compliment. Yoda was wise and powerful in spite of his size. He trained others to become powerful and believe in themselves; she taught me many things. I in turn have taught my children many things. Yoda lived to be 900 years old. I know with all the things my mom has done in her life; places she has lived, people she has met, experiences she has had, most people couldn’t do that in 900 years. She is a very giving person. She taught me compassion for others. She loves to serve others and it never ceases to amaze me the lengths she will go for others. She is a remarkable woman. I would share more, but that is for another time.
My mom was born in North Western Wisconsin, a little town named Webster in Burnett County. She was given the name Jolette ArBuelah. She was the second oldest of six boys and another girl. Being the oldest girl, she did a lot of caring for younger brothers and her sister; making a vow to “never have any children.” Her family moved frequently. There are some fun stories about her early life, which I would love to share as they are humorous and interesting, and some are heartbreaking, but that will be for another time. When she was 18, she left Wisconsin, making another vow “never to go back” because of the cold, and went to live with Aunt Mable in Los Angeles, California. The aunt is another incredible story.
There are many stories and pieces of wisdom from this part of her life. Aunt Mable taught her a lot about life and money. Mom dated some great looking guys, and in October of 1944 she married Elmer, a very tall, good looking Texan. He died 9 months later in the war…he was serving in the war at the time. However, his actual death was caused when he was driving his motorcycle (he was an M.P.) through an intersection and a jeep full of drunken soldiers ran a stop sign and hit and killed him. She has hated motorcycles ever since. But it occurs to me that nothing was ever said about “drinking and driving.” Hmmmmm….that will be a question I will have to ask her about.
In April of 1946, she married the man who I have always called, DAD. They built a very nice home in what was then a very nice area of Los Angeles. Eventually they decided they would like to have children, but weren’t succeeding. Maybe the “vow” was a curse?! The doctors said there wasn’t anything medically wrong, and to “just keep trying.” After having no luck, they decided to adopt a baby. They were told of a baby due in May that they could adopt, and prepared the nursery and their lives for this baby. The baby was a boy, and stillborn. I’m sure it was devastating, after waiting and planning. They were told that another woman was having a baby in a few weeks and giving it up. On June 11th, 1955 Dr. Schaeffer delivered me to their home on Athens Blvd. in Los Angeles in his brand new 1955 Thunderbird. I’m sure it was exciting, but I don’t remember a thing. Six months later my mom was pregnant!
Our family moved to Hawaii in April of 1956 when my dad took a District Regional Sales position with Johnson & Johnson. My mother was a VERY social person. My dad was also a golf pro and belonged to the Mid-Pacific Country Club. My mom belonged to the Women’s group, playing golf, and socializing in luncheons, etc. She also went to her Sorority meetings, Garden Club, Bridge Club, etc…She had her hair done once a week and always wore very chic dresses, with matching hats, shoes, gloves, etc.; never a hair out of place and always picture perfect. AND the house was the same. AND we, my brother and I, were expected to be the same way!
To say our family was dysfunctional, is well… it’s quite possible that we put the dysfunction in dysfunctional. In 1961, my parents separated, and later divorced. This was the beginning of many, many moves and challenges. My belief is that she has never had the confidence to stand alone. She has always had someone telling her what to do and how to do it. First it was her father, then her aunt, next her first husband, finally my dad…I believe she is afraid to be alone…to make decisions on her own. So, after dating a few men, she married a man from the states in 1964. They were married three years before divorcing. She took my brother and me to San Diego where my dad lived. They spent the next two years together; together managing a golf course for a year. When it looked like it wasn’t working, she decided to remarry my step-father, who still cared for her. That lasted a year before they divorced and she remarried my dad. Many things had changed in their lives by this time; they were together until my dad died in 2001. They did continue to move, several times in fact. I have lost count because they continued to move after I married in 1975. I moved her again in October, from Utah back to California. I think she made the remark that this was her 40th move. She lives on her own, and for someone 90, that’s remarkable. She swims almost every day, belongs to a singles group, a bridge group and a ladies group.
Sadly, she and I have never really had a very good relationship. I will say that in the last twenty to thirty years it has gotten a little better, but it is far from what I would have liked it to be. Things she finds important, are far from the things I think are important. I love her. I have watched her struggle and go through many challenges in my life, and have heard about the ones that happened before I came along. I have been there for her when she has been deceived. I cried for her about five years ago when she called me to tell me she had been “hurt beyond anything” she had ever been through in her life. In her life she lost her first husband, had been married and divorced several times; she had been hurt many times and in many ways in her life. But this…This was the “worst pain, the worst hurt” she had ever experienced. I couldn’t believe what she was telling me. I couldn’t believe someone would do something like that to her. I was more than appalled. It made me sick to my stomach and I actually hurt for her. Oh how I cried, with her and by myself for her pain. Sadly, she is still grieving over it and there isn’t anything I can do; there isn’t anything that anyone can do. It can never be fixed. The hurt will be there until she dies. But, so like her, she is not bitter even though the hurt is still there.
I like to think that despite everything, she has had a happy life. There are many stories she has told me through the years; dancing with the “Big Bands,” going on a six month honeymoon with my dad. She doesn’t like to wear yellow. She loves the color blue. Her favorite cake is Carrot Cake. She flunked Algebra because she had to stay home and take care of her mother and new little brother. She milked cows every morning on the farm, and her father didn’t care if she missed school. That just meant she could help out at home. In the winter she and her brothers used cross country skies to get to school. She won first place in a beauty contest; one of the judges was Red Skelton. She built a Chinese rock garden in our back yard in Hawaii. She loves roses and at several of our houses, planted rose gardens. I learned a lot about roses from her; how to prune them, their names, where to cut the flower from the stem. This started my love of gardens, plants and flowers. She took a cake decorating class when I was a child. This started my love of baking and decorating. She made clothes for me when I was a child. This fascinated me along with her Haute couture, and started my desire to make and design clothes. She took an oil painting class and painted some very nice paintings. I teased her about becoming another Grandma Moses. When I was pregnant with my second child, she took class and learned to make porcelain dolls. They are wonderful and very special to me. She said she took the class because when she was a girl, she got a doll for Christmas one year. It was her first doll. Within a few hours her brothers had broken it. She never had another doll until she made these. They are her treasures. When we moved to New Mexico, she became fascinated with Indian jewelry, rugs, pots, dolls, etc. From then on, she has always had an “Indian” room in her home.
I think the best memory I have of her, and the most touching was the Christmas Bobby and I drove to Utah and "kidnapped" her. She was so happy she cried! It was absolutely awesome.
She has gone back to Wisconsin…several times to visit family; birthday parties for her relatives who lived past the century mark. It’s quite possible that she could see that; if she doesn’t wither away to nothing. She has been a small woman my whole life. She is 5’2” and weighs about 85 pounds. Since my children are so much bigger than her, they have always called her Grandma Yoda. While some people think this is really funny, and I guess it is, I have come to think of it is a compliment. Yoda was wise and powerful in spite of his size. He trained others to become powerful and believe in themselves; she taught me many things. I in turn have taught my children many things. Yoda lived to be 900 years old. I know with all the things my mom has done in her life; places she has lived, people she has met, experiences she has had, most people couldn’t do that in 900 years. She is a very giving person. She taught me compassion for others. She loves to serve others and it never ceases to amaze me the lengths she will go for others. She is a remarkable woman. I would share more, but that is for another time.
Mom getting ready to go to Mike and Katie's wedding on Sept. 21, 2008
Dancing with Bobby.
With me, Sept. 21, 2008
With Mike, June 7th, 2008
With Jessica, Jenny and Katie at the Bellagio, Christmas 2005
The beginning of the "kidnapping" episode. Christmas 2005
She was so happy...
Bobby was a GREAT...but skinny Santa!
15 January 2009....HEY YOU GUYS!!!!
Hope you are all enjoying a GREAT new year. Get excited over something. Reach a goal. Do something for someone else. Use your talents. Smile. Be brave. Take a risk. Think happy thoughts. Love life. Forgive others. Read a good book. Watch a good movie. Pray...not just for yourself, but others. Create something. Be there for someone. Call someone you love and tell them you love them. Learn something new everyday. Tell your family you love them. Take time to play. Stop and smell the roses. Bloom where you are planted. Have a great year.
Children 12 January 2009
I have four. Two boys, Mike and Bobby. Two girls, Jenny and Jessica. They were/are perfect. Not angels, just perfect. Yes, I'm biased and so I can say that. They aren't children anymore, per se. They are all adults, with lives of their own. They have taken what life has handed them and made the most of it. Life was very kind to them in the beginning, but shortly thereafter, took a huge turn. They hung on, took the white knuckle ride and made it...They didn't always keep their arms or legs inside the vehicle. In fact, more often than not, they stuck them out on purpose just to see what would happen. Sometimes it worked out...sometimes not. That's when the little joy ride became the ride from hell and back. Yeah...we had several of those. But, we made it. They were rarely the children who tested the water...NO! They were the ones who jumped in no matter what. They still are. Sometimes it scares me to death. But, I have learned to live with it.
As little children, they had everything. I don't think they wanted for anything. They had more toys than Toys "R" Us and their friends were always at the house. There were always children cavorting in and around our home. As they grew, their friends still liked visiting our home. They even had friends who would come over whether they were there or not. Just to talk to me...because, "they could talk to me where they couldn't talk to their mom." I always found that interesting. They would tell me all sorts of things and I would just sit and listen. I was always glad that their friends felt comfortable in our home and around me.
All of them have been blessed with many talents and gifts...I am sure they inherited them from both parents as their dad and I were both blessed with many talents and gifts...thus passing on the legacy. I'm not boasting, or bragging. God did bless me, or rather made me a steward of many talents. I have used them extensively in raising my children and helping others.
Except for Jessica, they are afraid of nothing. Well, nothing that I know of. Although I don't think any of them do scary movies. But, I could be wrong. They have enough self-confidence in themselves to do things others only wish they could do. They are not afraid to try. If they bomb...they get up and figure out what went wrong and fix it.
As a very (and I mean VERY!) biased mother, I am going to say the girls are VERY beautiful and the boys are incredibly handsome. They do not see what I see. They only see what they see. I see them not for what they look like on the outside. I see far more than that. I know there hearts. I rarely see the outside anymore. I see it, but it is not my focus. I look further than that. I look beyond each physical being. When you carry a child for nine months, or longer, as I did, you know that child. You know everything about them. You know every move and sound each one makes. Each one comes in the door differently; opens the cabinets differently. Slams things differently. Sneaks up on you differently. Oddly enough, each has their own silence. There are sounds that they don't even realize they do, and I know who it is. Each has their own spirit that I can feel. I see and feel what no one else does. I can tell when something is wrong. I can tell when they are upset. The eerie thing is, I could tell when I was several states away. It is a sense that only a mother has. I could be thinking of one of them, and they would call. Or I would be thinking about one of them and call them. They would answer and say they were thinking about me. A mother can and does have another sense when it comes to her children. The bond is incredible.
I might add that I legally gained two other children this year. Another very beautiful girl, Katie and another handsome guy, Jason. Another handsome guy, John, is waiting in the wings. I don't know if he is afraid to join our incredibly zany, crazy family or what. But none-the-less, he quietly watches us. At times I wonder what he thinks, and then there are times when I can pretty much guess what he's thinking and really do not want to know. I couldn't love these three any more than if they were my own. They have been equally wonderful to me. I am so glad they are a part of my life.
My children have truly been the biggest blessing in my life. OH, there have been challenges. Huge challenges. But they are always outweighed by the joys and blessings. I have never regretted having my children. A neighbor said to me one time when talking about her daughter and my youngest son, "I know what it is like to have a child who is a liability." I was dumbfounded. I have never thought of any of my children as a liability. I was sad for her. I was sad for her daughter. I wrote to the daughter and told her how impressed I was that she has struggled with choices and was working hard to make things right. So, yes, I have been through many challenges and trials with my children. They have taught me more than they will ever know. They are still teaching me...and I am still teaching them.
I watch them and at times wonder if they really know just how important they are. If they realize and understand their purpose. I watch them when they are together and marvel that they get along so well, and always have. Yes, there were squabbles now and then, but they always hug each other. They always tell each other, "I love you" and you can tell they truly do. They care about each other. They would do anything for each other.
If they read this, which I'm sure a couple of them will, I want them to know that I love them. I love them more than anything or anyone. I am glad they chose to be my children; that they picked me to be their mother. I am grateful for the things they so willingly do for me. For their generous nature. For their compassion and their kind words. I know I am not the easiest person to be around. I may be a lot of fun, but I am "trying." I try their patience to the breaking point and beyond. Sometimes the more I try not to be trying, the more trying I become. So, to you my children, THANKS! Thanks for loving me and allowing me to love you. You are the best! You are awesome! You are beautiful!
As little children, they had everything. I don't think they wanted for anything. They had more toys than Toys "R" Us and their friends were always at the house. There were always children cavorting in and around our home. As they grew, their friends still liked visiting our home. They even had friends who would come over whether they were there or not. Just to talk to me...because, "they could talk to me where they couldn't talk to their mom." I always found that interesting. They would tell me all sorts of things and I would just sit and listen. I was always glad that their friends felt comfortable in our home and around me.
All of them have been blessed with many talents and gifts...I am sure they inherited them from both parents as their dad and I were both blessed with many talents and gifts...thus passing on the legacy. I'm not boasting, or bragging. God did bless me, or rather made me a steward of many talents. I have used them extensively in raising my children and helping others.
Except for Jessica, they are afraid of nothing. Well, nothing that I know of. Although I don't think any of them do scary movies. But, I could be wrong. They have enough self-confidence in themselves to do things others only wish they could do. They are not afraid to try. If they bomb...they get up and figure out what went wrong and fix it.
As a very (and I mean VERY!) biased mother, I am going to say the girls are VERY beautiful and the boys are incredibly handsome. They do not see what I see. They only see what they see. I see them not for what they look like on the outside. I see far more than that. I know there hearts. I rarely see the outside anymore. I see it, but it is not my focus. I look further than that. I look beyond each physical being. When you carry a child for nine months, or longer, as I did, you know that child. You know everything about them. You know every move and sound each one makes. Each one comes in the door differently; opens the cabinets differently. Slams things differently. Sneaks up on you differently. Oddly enough, each has their own silence. There are sounds that they don't even realize they do, and I know who it is. Each has their own spirit that I can feel. I see and feel what no one else does. I can tell when something is wrong. I can tell when they are upset. The eerie thing is, I could tell when I was several states away. It is a sense that only a mother has. I could be thinking of one of them, and they would call. Or I would be thinking about one of them and call them. They would answer and say they were thinking about me. A mother can and does have another sense when it comes to her children. The bond is incredible.
I might add that I legally gained two other children this year. Another very beautiful girl, Katie and another handsome guy, Jason. Another handsome guy, John, is waiting in the wings. I don't know if he is afraid to join our incredibly zany, crazy family or what. But none-the-less, he quietly watches us. At times I wonder what he thinks, and then there are times when I can pretty much guess what he's thinking and really do not want to know. I couldn't love these three any more than if they were my own. They have been equally wonderful to me. I am so glad they are a part of my life.
My children have truly been the biggest blessing in my life. OH, there have been challenges. Huge challenges. But they are always outweighed by the joys and blessings. I have never regretted having my children. A neighbor said to me one time when talking about her daughter and my youngest son, "I know what it is like to have a child who is a liability." I was dumbfounded. I have never thought of any of my children as a liability. I was sad for her. I was sad for her daughter. I wrote to the daughter and told her how impressed I was that she has struggled with choices and was working hard to make things right. So, yes, I have been through many challenges and trials with my children. They have taught me more than they will ever know. They are still teaching me...and I am still teaching them.
I watch them and at times wonder if they really know just how important they are. If they realize and understand their purpose. I watch them when they are together and marvel that they get along so well, and always have. Yes, there were squabbles now and then, but they always hug each other. They always tell each other, "I love you" and you can tell they truly do. They care about each other. They would do anything for each other.
If they read this, which I'm sure a couple of them will, I want them to know that I love them. I love them more than anything or anyone. I am glad they chose to be my children; that they picked me to be their mother. I am grateful for the things they so willingly do for me. For their generous nature. For their compassion and their kind words. I know I am not the easiest person to be around. I may be a lot of fun, but I am "trying." I try their patience to the breaking point and beyond. Sometimes the more I try not to be trying, the more trying I become. So, to you my children, THANKS! Thanks for loving me and allowing me to love you. You are the best! You are awesome! You are beautiful!
Happiness 8 January 2009
So, I’ve been thinking about this for awhile. I guess it’s because of what I hear, as opposed to what I know. I hear things like, “He’d make me happy,” “I’d be happier if I was married,” “I would be so happy if I had _____,” “If I had a different job,” and I’m sure you get the drift. People confuse “happiness” with “pleasure.” Happiness sought through pleasure…isn’t lasting. Pleasure is fleeting. Happiness is eternal. If you are not truly happy from within, changing those things will not bring happiness, at least not lasting happiness. It will only bring momentary pleasure. Until you are not happy with the changes and want something/someone else.
Happiness comes from within. If you are generally happy, then the rest doesn’t matter. What do I know about this? Well, I have been dealing with depression for over 40 years. Despite the fact that as a teenager, friends called me “smiley” because I smiled all the time, I was hiding the depression. In 1986, my world started to crumble, and my depression hit an all time high; to the point that I was suicidal for years. During that time, I found an awesome, incredible therapist. I told him that if my marriage could just be put back together, I would be “happy.” To which he said, “Only YOU can make you happy. Just as you control your other emotions, you control you. YOU make YOU happy.”
Happiness isn’t just handed to you. It comes from within and YOU have to make it. I had to start each morning by telling myself I was “happy” and then going from minute to minute actually, consciously being “happy.” It took effort, lots of effort. Each challenge, each trial, each difficulty, HAD to be met with a smile; HAD to be met with some positive concept. There is always something, someone…who will try to rob you of your happiness. DON’T let it. DON’T let them. There will always be “that boss,” “that co-worker,” “that person,” “that job.” Don’t let your surroundings deprive you of your happiness. Make your surroundings happy. YOU be the “happy” in your surroundings. YOU bring the happiness to life. “Bloom where you are planted.”
Sometime you have to learn to accept your circumstances…no matter what they are. Because of life and choices, sometimes beyond my control, I have had to “make the most” of the situation. I’ve had jobs I didn’t like, but had to have because I needed to pay the bills. Do I want to work? NO! I’d love to sit home and bake, or quilt, or sew, or knit, or maybe travel, or a million other things. I would love to have someone hug me, or watch a movie with, or play a game. At the moment my life is what it is…and I am not able to change it at the moment. I am thankful I have a job, especially when so many people are without one. I am glad that I enjoy it. I’m glad I can pay my bills. I’m happy. I have had many co-workers say, “I love working with you…you are always so happy. It makes coming to work fun.” Is my life perfect…NO! BUT, I’m happy. I choose to be happy. I make the most of each part of my life and each part of my day. What ever I’m doing, I choose to be happy doing it.
I have learned these challenges, trials, difficulties in life “will give us experience and will be for our good” and “they come to pass.” Life goes on. Don’t look for reasons as to WHY you aren’t happy, learn to be happy.
I heard an “old” song at work today; from my high school days and I thought it fit this topic. So I’m including it. If you don’t know the tune, check it out on the web. It’s a great song and quite apropos…
BEAUTIFUL….by Carole King
You've got to get up every morning with a smile on your face
And show the world all the love in your heart
Then people gonna treat you better
You're gonna find, yes, you will
That you're beautiful as you feel
Waiting at the station with a workday wind a-blowing
I've got nothing to do but watch the passers-by
Mirrored in their faces I see frustration growing
And they don't see it showing, why do I?
You've got to get up every morning with a smile on your face
And show the world all the love in your heart
Then people gonna treat you better
You're gonna find, yes, you will
That you're beautiful as you feel
I have often asked myself the reason for sadness
In a world where tears are just a lullaby
If there's any answer, maybe love can end the madness
Maybe not, oh, but we can only try
You've got to get up every morning with a smile on your face
And show the world all the love in your heart
Then people gonna treat you better
You're gonna find, yes, you will
That you're beautiful as you feel
Happiness comes from within. If you are generally happy, then the rest doesn’t matter. What do I know about this? Well, I have been dealing with depression for over 40 years. Despite the fact that as a teenager, friends called me “smiley” because I smiled all the time, I was hiding the depression. In 1986, my world started to crumble, and my depression hit an all time high; to the point that I was suicidal for years. During that time, I found an awesome, incredible therapist. I told him that if my marriage could just be put back together, I would be “happy.” To which he said, “Only YOU can make you happy. Just as you control your other emotions, you control you. YOU make YOU happy.”
Happiness isn’t just handed to you. It comes from within and YOU have to make it. I had to start each morning by telling myself I was “happy” and then going from minute to minute actually, consciously being “happy.” It took effort, lots of effort. Each challenge, each trial, each difficulty, HAD to be met with a smile; HAD to be met with some positive concept. There is always something, someone…who will try to rob you of your happiness. DON’T let it. DON’T let them. There will always be “that boss,” “that co-worker,” “that person,” “that job.” Don’t let your surroundings deprive you of your happiness. Make your surroundings happy. YOU be the “happy” in your surroundings. YOU bring the happiness to life. “Bloom where you are planted.”
Sometime you have to learn to accept your circumstances…no matter what they are. Because of life and choices, sometimes beyond my control, I have had to “make the most” of the situation. I’ve had jobs I didn’t like, but had to have because I needed to pay the bills. Do I want to work? NO! I’d love to sit home and bake, or quilt, or sew, or knit, or maybe travel, or a million other things. I would love to have someone hug me, or watch a movie with, or play a game. At the moment my life is what it is…and I am not able to change it at the moment. I am thankful I have a job, especially when so many people are without one. I am glad that I enjoy it. I’m glad I can pay my bills. I’m happy. I have had many co-workers say, “I love working with you…you are always so happy. It makes coming to work fun.” Is my life perfect…NO! BUT, I’m happy. I choose to be happy. I make the most of each part of my life and each part of my day. What ever I’m doing, I choose to be happy doing it.
I have learned these challenges, trials, difficulties in life “will give us experience and will be for our good” and “they come to pass.” Life goes on. Don’t look for reasons as to WHY you aren’t happy, learn to be happy.
I heard an “old” song at work today; from my high school days and I thought it fit this topic. So I’m including it. If you don’t know the tune, check it out on the web. It’s a great song and quite apropos…
BEAUTIFUL….by Carole King
You've got to get up every morning with a smile on your face
And show the world all the love in your heart
Then people gonna treat you better
You're gonna find, yes, you will
That you're beautiful as you feel
Waiting at the station with a workday wind a-blowing
I've got nothing to do but watch the passers-by
Mirrored in their faces I see frustration growing
And they don't see it showing, why do I?
You've got to get up every morning with a smile on your face
And show the world all the love in your heart
Then people gonna treat you better
You're gonna find, yes, you will
That you're beautiful as you feel
I have often asked myself the reason for sadness
In a world where tears are just a lullaby
If there's any answer, maybe love can end the madness
Maybe not, oh, but we can only try
You've got to get up every morning with a smile on your face
And show the world all the love in your heart
Then people gonna treat you better
You're gonna find, yes, you will
That you're beautiful as you feel
Silver and the Silversmith
Below is a wonderful explanation of this verse. Hope you enjoy it as I did.
Malachi 3:3 says..."He will sit as a Refiner and purifier of silver."
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.
One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver."
She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully Refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it". If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.
Malachi 3:3 says..."He will sit as a Refiner and purifier of silver."
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.
One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver."
She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully Refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it". If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.
This is NOT by me, BUT I love it!!! SO, I'm posting it!
WE ALL ARE MORMONS....by Rabbi Shifren
We are living in an era of insanity! Witness the latest attempt to remake the nature of our country, founded and established on certain principles that have been the envy of the entire world. The latest assault on our country and its values comes in the form of vicious and criminal violence against the Mormon church in Westwood, California
Interesting how the selective self-righteous indignation on the part of the radical Gay activists is played out here: they bewail the blow to freedom and justice! But I thought we just had elections, where the majority of Californians expressed their views in a free and open manner. Are we not a nation of laws? Dare we relive the McCarthy era, where Americans were harassed and threatened with the loss of their jobs for believing in a certain way? If the Gay radicals should have their way, untold numbers of Americans would live under the threat of the Gay-Lesbian "thought police," where individuals that reject the Gay lifestyle would be sought out and have sanctions brought against them.
It's bad enough for those working in the entertainment industry here in Los Angeles, where a fog of political correctness and a bending over backwards to accommodate, even promote Gay lifestyle is in full gear. Let none dare say that this type of activity is anathema to our country, our morality, and the debauchery of our young people.
Let it be stated unequivocally: The radical Gay attack on the Mormons is the shot over the bow against the United States of America. There was a time when what a man did in his bedroom was sanctified between himself and G-d. Now we are being served an "in-your-face" smorgasbord of smut and licentiousness as being between people who only "want their civil rights."
Hogwash! We are dealing with the equivalent of a moral takeover of the country that has as its bedrock a belief in G-d and His promise for humanity. They don't want civil rights! What they desire is quasi Gay/Lesbian hegemony, where a huge "bookburning," reminiscent of the Nazis, will purge any remnants of the "Christian, White, mainstream America" that has given ALL AMERICANS the most profound scope of freedom, liberty, and justice that Mankind has yet to experience.
People have perhaps wondered: why the Mormons? Answer: they are a small, yet vocal Christian minority. They have been selected by the mobs as vulnerable, a group that might not have such massive support among America's Christians.
We who are friends of the Mormons, their patriotism, their family values, will not falter in our continued support of these dear Americans. Let us recall the Christian minister Niemoller, whose admonition during those dark years of Nazi Germany moved us to our core:
"When they came for the gypsies, I said nothing, because I wasn't a gypsy. When they came for the homosexuals, I said nothing, because I wasn't a homosexual. When they came for the Jews, I said nothing, because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the Catholics, and I said nothing, because I wasn't a Catholic......then they came for me, and there was no one left to defend me."
My fellow Americans, in the coming battle for the heart and soul of America and everything we cherish, may this call to arms be the mantra of every concerned patriot:
"WE ALL ARE MORMONS!"
We are living in an era of insanity! Witness the latest attempt to remake the nature of our country, founded and established on certain principles that have been the envy of the entire world. The latest assault on our country and its values comes in the form of vicious and criminal violence against the Mormon church in Westwood, California
Interesting how the selective self-righteous indignation on the part of the radical Gay activists is played out here: they bewail the blow to freedom and justice! But I thought we just had elections, where the majority of Californians expressed their views in a free and open manner. Are we not a nation of laws? Dare we relive the McCarthy era, where Americans were harassed and threatened with the loss of their jobs for believing in a certain way? If the Gay radicals should have their way, untold numbers of Americans would live under the threat of the Gay-Lesbian "thought police," where individuals that reject the Gay lifestyle would be sought out and have sanctions brought against them.
It's bad enough for those working in the entertainment industry here in Los Angeles, where a fog of political correctness and a bending over backwards to accommodate, even promote Gay lifestyle is in full gear. Let none dare say that this type of activity is anathema to our country, our morality, and the debauchery of our young people.
Let it be stated unequivocally: The radical Gay attack on the Mormons is the shot over the bow against the United States of America. There was a time when what a man did in his bedroom was sanctified between himself and G-d. Now we are being served an "in-your-face" smorgasbord of smut and licentiousness as being between people who only "want their civil rights."
Hogwash! We are dealing with the equivalent of a moral takeover of the country that has as its bedrock a belief in G-d and His promise for humanity. They don't want civil rights! What they desire is quasi Gay/Lesbian hegemony, where a huge "bookburning," reminiscent of the Nazis, will purge any remnants of the "Christian, White, mainstream America" that has given ALL AMERICANS the most profound scope of freedom, liberty, and justice that Mankind has yet to experience.
People have perhaps wondered: why the Mormons? Answer: they are a small, yet vocal Christian minority. They have been selected by the mobs as vulnerable, a group that might not have such massive support among America's Christians.
We who are friends of the Mormons, their patriotism, their family values, will not falter in our continued support of these dear Americans. Let us recall the Christian minister Niemoller, whose admonition during those dark years of Nazi Germany moved us to our core:
"When they came for the gypsies, I said nothing, because I wasn't a gypsy. When they came for the homosexuals, I said nothing, because I wasn't a homosexual. When they came for the Jews, I said nothing, because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the Catholics, and I said nothing, because I wasn't a Catholic......then they came for me, and there was no one left to defend me."
My fellow Americans, in the coming battle for the heart and soul of America and everything we cherish, may this call to arms be the mantra of every concerned patriot:
"WE ALL ARE MORMONS!"
Excuses...just say NO! 7 December 2008
Okay, here's the deal. People have meetings they are supposed to go to, OR they are invited somewhere ,OR someone asks them if they are going to to some event...
Instead of saying, "no, I'm not going," they have to give you some dopey excuse. Why do they feel an excuse is necessary? No song and dance. No need to make someone feel better by giving an excuse. Just no.
The same thing is true when someone asks some people to do something for them. Out comes the list of excuses.
I've learned this concept. I can say no. If someone asks me to do something I don't really want to do, or just plain don't have the time, or want to take the time, I just say "no." If they have the huevos to ask why not, I tell them, "my planner won't let me. I have an appointment"...they don't need to know it's with my pillow and a book. :) Absolutely none of their beeswax.
Try it. Free yourself from being over stressed and free others from an excuse that really just means no.
Instead of saying, "no, I'm not going," they have to give you some dopey excuse. Why do they feel an excuse is necessary? No song and dance. No need to make someone feel better by giving an excuse. Just no.
The same thing is true when someone asks some people to do something for them. Out comes the list of excuses.
I've learned this concept. I can say no. If someone asks me to do something I don't really want to do, or just plain don't have the time, or want to take the time, I just say "no." If they have the huevos to ask why not, I tell them, "my planner won't let me. I have an appointment"...they don't need to know it's with my pillow and a book. :) Absolutely none of their beeswax.
Try it. Free yourself from being over stressed and free others from an excuse that really just means no.
No room in the inn...7 December 2008
I was again reminded tonight by our living Prophet Thomas S. Monson that many years ago, an innkeeper told a travel weary couple "There is no room for you." The husband explained that his wife was tired and ill...she needed somewhere to rest. The innkeeper insisted he had no room for them. They found a manger in which to rest, where she gave birth to the Savior.
In our homes we have bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, exercise rooms, play rooms, sewing rooms, craft rooms, T.V. rooms, computer rooms, bathrooms, laundry rooms, game rooms, home theatre rooms, garden rooms, family rooms, and rooms for our cars and other toys; we have rooms for just about every thing. Daily we make room for even more things. But is there room in our lives for Christ? Have we made room for the Savior in our home? With the Christmas season upon us, now would be a good time to start. Give yourself a gift now and forever. Make room for the Savior in your life.
In our homes we have bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, exercise rooms, play rooms, sewing rooms, craft rooms, T.V. rooms, computer rooms, bathrooms, laundry rooms, game rooms, home theatre rooms, garden rooms, family rooms, and rooms for our cars and other toys; we have rooms for just about every thing. Daily we make room for even more things. But is there room in our lives for Christ? Have we made room for the Savior in our home? With the Christmas season upon us, now would be a good time to start. Give yourself a gift now and forever. Make room for the Savior in your life.
28th move in my life and counting! 15 November 2008
I will try to keep this short...no long stories...just facts...well, maybe a few explanations. I'll try to remember as many as I can sitting here this morning. Okay...GO!
1. 8 June 1955 - born in Torrance Memorial Hospital, in Torrance, Calif.
2. 11 June 1955 - delivered by Dr. Schaeffer to my new parents (I was adopted!) in a 1955 Thunderbird to their home on Manchester Blvd. in the Athens section of Los Angeles.
3-5. April 1956 - my first plane ride (something like 17 hours...before jets) took us to Hawaii (it was a territory of the US then, DUH!) where we lived in The Royal Hawaiian Hotel until we could move into our house at 177 Kuukama St. In 1960 I started Kindergarten at Kailua Elementary School with Mrs. Courtney. I also went to first grade at Kailua Elem...and in Torrance. Why? Read on. Oh. I went to second grade here also and had Mrs. Cross.
6. 1962 - Popola Rd. My mother, brother and I lived for just a few months as my parents divorced.
7. 1963 - 1050 Koohoo Rd. in Lanakai, Oahu, Hawaii. ABSOLUTELY the most awesome house I have ever lived in. On a hill that overlooked the ocean. You could see from Kaneohe Air Base (Kailua Bay)to Waimanelo Bay. So beautiful. Still just the three of us. I went to the 3rd grade at Lanakai Elementary School where I had Ms. Shimoda. I walked home along the beach. I went to this school when JFK was shot and remember it well.
8. April 1963 - Garcia St. NE. My mother remarried. This took us to Albuquerque, New Mexico. A tough word for a third grader. I finished the third grade at Eubank Elementary School with Mrs. Bumpkins. I also had to wear shoes! Something I hadn't had to do much of before.
9. June 1964 - 1409 Gretta NE. My mother loves to move. Fourth Grade at Accoma Elementary with Mrs. Foley...she let me watch it snow one day. The first time I had ever seen snow.
10. June 1965 - Sierra Vista Estates in the Sandia Mountains (we had a PO Box...I don't remember the address). Fifth Grade with Mrs. ? and Mr. Salazar. He was my awesome math teacher and would bring his snakes to school.
11. June 1966 - Forum St. in San Diego, Calif. My mother divorced my step-father. This is where my dad lived here. Fifth grade at Lindbergh Elementary school with Mr. Smudzin.
12. June 1967 - 29329 Jaffery St. in Torrance, Calif. My parents bought a golf course. My dad was a PGA pro and taught golf...played real well too. Seventh grade at Stephen M. White Jr. High. The colors were red and white! My history teacher was born on Feb. 29th!
13 & 14. June 1968 - We lived in an apartment in Grand Junction, Colorado until our house at 2245 Tiffiany Dr. was ready. My mom remarried my step-father. I attended the 8th grade at Orchard Mesa Jr. High. We didn't move, but the school boundaries changed, and I attended Fruita Jr. High for the 9th grade. My mom divorced my step-father and remarried my dad in July of 1969.
15. June 1970 - 1409 Gretta NE. My mom never sold this house, and we moved back. Manzano High School -- home of the Monarchs is where I spent my Sophomore year. Colors...Purple and white! YUCK!
16. Sept. 1971 - My dad, brother and I preceeded my mom in moving to Calif. again. We lived at Lake Sherwood with my Aunt, Uncle and cousins. I went to Agoura High School; home of the Chargers (where our colors were Blue and Gold) in Agoura (now Agoura Hills) California.
17. Late 1971 - 23 (later changed to 29307) S. Lakeshore Dr. at Malibou Lake Country Club. I think this was the second most awesome house. I finished my Jr. year here and my Senior year as well. In fact I lived here until I got married.
18 & 19. July 1975 - A motel in Wichita Falls, Tx. we lived there until we found a house to rent, which was on 1907 Perigo St.
20 & 21. August 1976 - We transferred to Las Vegas, NV. We lived with another Aunt and Uncle until we found an apartment...2828 Marlin St. Apt. B...now in the HOOD!
22. Oct. 1977 - Our house is finished and we moved in. 3709 Lighthouse. This was the longest I have ever lived in the same house.
23-25. Aug. 1996 - I took a chance...made a sacrifice and did a foolish thing. Jessica, Bobby and I moved to St. Joseph, Missouri. Mike had already graduated, and Jenny was in her senior year at Las Vegas High School. Not fair to her to move her. We lived at the Pony Express Motel, which was torn down a few years ago...thankfully, and an apartment at 519 N. 24th St. until we could move into our new home at 2802 Frederick Ave.
26. 1 June 2008 - 392 S. Main St. in Payson, Utah where I was impressed upon by others to move.
27. 22 August 2008 - 4421 Summer Glen Ln. in N. Las Vegas, NV. where I am presently living with my youngest daughter. I am "home" now.
28. ? - Only time will tell as well as other variables...
I have had a "rich" life and have learned much from these moves. Customs, people, experiences, etc. that have enriched my life and given me a wealth of knowledge.
Well, this has really helped me. My mind just raced through so many memories that will help with my personal history. Did I mention I've kept a journal since the 1960's...well there are volumes now! Another story for another time.
1. 8 June 1955 - born in Torrance Memorial Hospital, in Torrance, Calif.
2. 11 June 1955 - delivered by Dr. Schaeffer to my new parents (I was adopted!) in a 1955 Thunderbird to their home on Manchester Blvd. in the Athens section of Los Angeles.
3-5. April 1956 - my first plane ride (something like 17 hours...before jets) took us to Hawaii (it was a territory of the US then, DUH!) where we lived in The Royal Hawaiian Hotel until we could move into our house at 177 Kuukama St. In 1960 I started Kindergarten at Kailua Elementary School with Mrs. Courtney. I also went to first grade at Kailua Elem...and in Torrance. Why? Read on. Oh. I went to second grade here also and had Mrs. Cross.
6. 1962 - Popola Rd. My mother, brother and I lived for just a few months as my parents divorced.
7. 1963 - 1050 Koohoo Rd. in Lanakai, Oahu, Hawaii. ABSOLUTELY the most awesome house I have ever lived in. On a hill that overlooked the ocean. You could see from Kaneohe Air Base (Kailua Bay)to Waimanelo Bay. So beautiful. Still just the three of us. I went to the 3rd grade at Lanakai Elementary School where I had Ms. Shimoda. I walked home along the beach. I went to this school when JFK was shot and remember it well.
8. April 1963 - Garcia St. NE. My mother remarried. This took us to Albuquerque, New Mexico. A tough word for a third grader. I finished the third grade at Eubank Elementary School with Mrs. Bumpkins. I also had to wear shoes! Something I hadn't had to do much of before.
9. June 1964 - 1409 Gretta NE. My mother loves to move. Fourth Grade at Accoma Elementary with Mrs. Foley...she let me watch it snow one day. The first time I had ever seen snow.
10. June 1965 - Sierra Vista Estates in the Sandia Mountains (we had a PO Box...I don't remember the address). Fifth Grade with Mrs. ? and Mr. Salazar. He was my awesome math teacher and would bring his snakes to school.
11. June 1966 - Forum St. in San Diego, Calif. My mother divorced my step-father. This is where my dad lived here. Fifth grade at Lindbergh Elementary school with Mr. Smudzin.
12. June 1967 - 29329 Jaffery St. in Torrance, Calif. My parents bought a golf course. My dad was a PGA pro and taught golf...played real well too. Seventh grade at Stephen M. White Jr. High. The colors were red and white! My history teacher was born on Feb. 29th!
13 & 14. June 1968 - We lived in an apartment in Grand Junction, Colorado until our house at 2245 Tiffiany Dr. was ready. My mom remarried my step-father. I attended the 8th grade at Orchard Mesa Jr. High. We didn't move, but the school boundaries changed, and I attended Fruita Jr. High for the 9th grade. My mom divorced my step-father and remarried my dad in July of 1969.
15. June 1970 - 1409 Gretta NE. My mom never sold this house, and we moved back. Manzano High School -- home of the Monarchs is where I spent my Sophomore year. Colors...Purple and white! YUCK!
16. Sept. 1971 - My dad, brother and I preceeded my mom in moving to Calif. again. We lived at Lake Sherwood with my Aunt, Uncle and cousins. I went to Agoura High School; home of the Chargers (where our colors were Blue and Gold) in Agoura (now Agoura Hills) California.
17. Late 1971 - 23 (later changed to 29307) S. Lakeshore Dr. at Malibou Lake Country Club. I think this was the second most awesome house. I finished my Jr. year here and my Senior year as well. In fact I lived here until I got married.
18 & 19. July 1975 - A motel in Wichita Falls, Tx. we lived there until we found a house to rent, which was on 1907 Perigo St.
20 & 21. August 1976 - We transferred to Las Vegas, NV. We lived with another Aunt and Uncle until we found an apartment...2828 Marlin St. Apt. B...now in the HOOD!
22. Oct. 1977 - Our house is finished and we moved in. 3709 Lighthouse. This was the longest I have ever lived in the same house.
23-25. Aug. 1996 - I took a chance...made a sacrifice and did a foolish thing. Jessica, Bobby and I moved to St. Joseph, Missouri. Mike had already graduated, and Jenny was in her senior year at Las Vegas High School. Not fair to her to move her. We lived at the Pony Express Motel, which was torn down a few years ago...thankfully, and an apartment at 519 N. 24th St. until we could move into our new home at 2802 Frederick Ave.
26. 1 June 2008 - 392 S. Main St. in Payson, Utah where I was impressed upon by others to move.
27. 22 August 2008 - 4421 Summer Glen Ln. in N. Las Vegas, NV. where I am presently living with my youngest daughter. I am "home" now.
28. ? - Only time will tell as well as other variables...
I have had a "rich" life and have learned much from these moves. Customs, people, experiences, etc. that have enriched my life and given me a wealth of knowledge.
Well, this has really helped me. My mind just raced through so many memories that will help with my personal history. Did I mention I've kept a journal since the 1960's...well there are volumes now! Another story for another time.
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