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!!!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
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!
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