~ Where Oh Where Has My Mind Gone...Today? ~

A Commentary on Welfare Programs From The Perspective of Two People in The Heart of The Great Depression

2011-08-11T18:04:00.000-07:00

I was looking up documents, journal entries, letters etc...from the Great Depression Era this afternoon. Why was I doing this? Lets just say it seemed applicable to what is happening in the United States today.

Anyways, as I was doing so, I came across these two letters. One was written by an man to his Senator, and another was written by a woman to the then currant US President's wife Mrs Roosevelt. Both letters are powerful commentaries on the Governments Welfare Efforts. Both are very applicable today. Oh and by the way, neither the Senator President Franklin D. Roosevelt or His Wife were Black so this isn't a matter of race. It is clearly a matter of ethics.

Hornell, New York

March 7, 1934

My Dear Senator:

It seems very apparent to me that the Administration at Washington is accelerating it's pace towards socialism and communism. Nearly every public statement from Washington is against stimulation of business which would in the end create employment.

Everyone is sympathetic to the cause of creating more jobs and better wages for labor; but, a program continually promoting labor troubles, higher wages, shorter hours, and less profits for business, would seem to me to be leading us fast to a condition where the Government must more and more expand it's relief activities, and will lead in the end to disaster to all classes.

I believe that every citizen is entitled to know the policy of the Government, and I am so confused that I wish you would write me and advise me whether it is the policy of this Administration, of which you are a very important part, to further discourage business enterprise, and eventually set up a program which eliminates private industry and effort, and replaces it with Government control of industry and labor, —call it what you will: socialism, facism, or communism, or by any other name.

I am not addicted to annoying public office holders with correspondence, but if there are any private rights left in this country, then I would appreciate an early reply to this letter, so that I may take such action as is still possible, to protect myself and family.

With kindest personal regards,

Yours truly,

W. L. C. [male]

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mrs. F. D. Roosevelt,

Washington, D. C.

Mrs. Roosevelt: I suppose from your point of view the work relief, old age pensions, slum clearance and all the rest seems like a perfect remedy for all the ills of this country, but I would like for you to see the results, as the other half see them.

We have always had a shiftless, never-do-well class of people whose one and only aim in life is to live without work. I have been rubbing elbows with this class for nearly sixty years and have tried to help some of the most promising and have seen others try to help them, but it can't be done. We cannot help those who will not try to help themselves and if they do try a square deal is all they need, and by the way that is all this country needs or ever has needed: a square deal for all and then, let each one paddle their own canoe, or sink.

There has never been any necessity for any one who is able to work, being on relief in this locality, but there have been many eating the bread of charity and they have lived better than ever before. I have had taxpayers tell me that their children came from school and asked why they couldn't have nice lunches like the children on relief.

The women and children around here have had to work at the fields to help save the crops and several women fainted while at work and at the same time we couldn't go up or down the road without stumbling over some of the reliefers, moping around carrying dirt from one side of the road to the other and back again, or else asleep. I live alone on a farm and have not raised any crops for the last two years as there was no help to be had. I am feeding the stock and have been cutting the wood to keep my home fires burning. There are several reliefers around here now who have been kicked off relief, but they refuse to work unless they can get relief hours and wages, but they are so worthless no one can afford to hire them.

As for the clearance of the real slums, it can't be done as long as their inhabitants are allowed to reproduce their kind. I would like for you to see what a family of that class can do to a decent house in a short time. Such a family moved into an almost new, neat, four-room house near here last winter. They even cut down some of the shade trees for fuel, after they had burned everything they could pry loose. There were two big idle boys in the family and they could get all the fuel they wanted, just for the cutting, but the shade trees were closer and it was taking a great amount of fuel, for they had broken out several windows and they had but very little bedding.

There were two women there all the time and three part of the time and there was enough good clothing tramped in the mud around the yard to have made all the bedclothes they needed. It was clothing that had been given them and they had worn it until it was too filthy to wear any longer without washing, so they threw it out and begged more. I will not try to describe their filth for you would not believe me. They paid no rent while there and left between two suns owing everyone from whom they could get a nickels worth of anything. They are just a fair sample of the class of people on whom so much of our hard earned tax-money is being squandered and on whom so much sympathy is being wasted.

As for the old people on beggars' allowances: the taxpayers have provided homes for all the old people who never liked to work, where they will be neither cold nor hungry: much better homes than most of them have ever tried to provide for themselves. They have lived many years through the most prosperous times of our country and had an opportunity to prepare for old age, but they spent their lives in idleness or worse and now they expect those who have worked like slaves, to provide a living for them and all their worthless descendants. Some of them are asking for from thirty to sixty dollars a month when I have known them to live on a dollar a week rather than go to work. There is many a little child doing without butter on its bread, so that some old sot can have his booze and tobacco: some old sot who spent his working years loafing around pool rooms and saloons, boasting that the world owed him a living.

Even the child welfare has become a racket. The parents of large families are getting divorces, so that the mothers and children can qualify for aid. The children to join the ranks of the "unemployed" as they grow up, for no child that has been raised on charity in this community has ever amounted to anything.

You people who have plenty of this worlds goods and whose money comes easy, have no idea of the heart-breaking toil and self-denial which is the lot of the working people who are trying to make an honest living, and then to have to shoulder all these unjust burdens seems like the last straw. During the worst of the depression many of the farmers had to deny their families butter, eggs, meat etc. and sell it to pay their taxes and then had to stand by and see the deadbeats carry it home to their families by the arm load, and they knew their tax money was helping pay for it. One woman saw a man carry out eight pounds of butter at one time. The crookedness, shelfishness, greed and graft of the crooked politicians is making one gigantic racket out of the new deal and it is making this a nation of dead-beats and beggars and if it continues the people who will work will soon be nothing but slaves for the pampered poverty rats and I am afraid these human parasites are going to become a menace to the country unless they are disfranchised. No one should have the right to vote theirself a living at the expense of the tax payers. They learned their strength at the last election and also learned that they can get just about what they want by "voting right." They have had a taste of their coveted life of idleness, and at the rate they are increasing, they will soon control the country. The twentieth child arrived in the home of one chronic reliefer near here some time ago.

Is it any wonder the taxpayers are discouraged by all this penalizing of thrift and industry to reward shiftlessness, or that the whole country is on the brink of chaos?

M. A. H. [female]

Columbus, Ind.

While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

2011-05-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

These last few day there have been many who have had something to comment about the supposed set time for the rapture that has now come and gone. Some comments have been lightly teasing. However, many of the comments have bordered on being unchristian in their mockery and scorn of those who believed in the set date for the rapture and gave up all their earthly possessions in expectation of being carried up.

I don't know what the skeptics mocked more, the belief in Christ and His foretold Second Coming, or that anyone could believe that His coming and rapture were to be happening now in our life time (at a set date no less!). As a disciple of Jesus Christ, I know He is real and that his Second Coming is going to happen. However, I also know thanks to the scriptures that no one knows when that Coming shall be.

"Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." -Mathew 25:13

This wise counsel was given by the Savior Himself after having related the parable of the ten virgins and the Bridegroom. I love this parable. In Donna B. Neilsen's book Beloved Bridegroom, she explains that if you want to better understand the scriptures you should learn more about the people they were originally given to. Donna's insight into the culture and traditions of Ancient Israel and how they directly give insight into the New Testament, and especially the parables are both powerful and insightful.

For example, in our day where weddings are planned down to the minute, the idea that the Bridegroom could come at any moment and when He does that is when the wedding will be seems crazy. In reality this was how it was in those days. You see, once the betrothal was in place the bridegroom and bride both had much to do.

The Bride and her family would work industriously to prepare for the wedding and her future life together with her bridegroom. One of her tasks would be to create the special bands that would be used to bind their hands together in their marriage ceremony and then to bind the swaddling clothes of their future babies. While working, she anxiously awaits for her bridegroom to come, relying upon the updates given by the bridegroom's best man on the bridegroom's progress to know when the time for his coming draws near so that she will be ready.

Meanwhile, the Bridegroom was fast at work building their future home or bridal chamber; usually an extension on His father's house. (ie "In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.I go to prepare a place for you." -John 14:2) Because the workmanship of the bridegroom reflects upon the workmanship of His father, his father closely oversees the work and it is he who decides when the work is done to his satisfaction. When this finally happens, not wanting to wait a minute longer, be it day or night the bridegroom sends forth his best man to run through the streets to the home of his bride to announce the bridegroom's coming. The Bridegroom comes the feast begins and the marriage takes place. Beautiful huh?

So what can we learn from this as well as the events that have just past?!?

For me, I was reminded that where I may not know the time of His coming, I do know that it is going to be sooner rather then later. I know because His Best Man (the Prophet) has been giving us updates or warnings of such. I don't need to worry about the exact date of His coming. I just need to make sure that I am ready for whenever it happens. I need to be industrious like the bride preparing for when he comes and so I will be ready for my future life in the mansions of my Father.

My View on the AZ Law and the Immigration Debate

2010-07-16T01:54:00.000-07:00

My Friend Posted this Pictured on her facebook status the other day. With this caption underneath: Arizona: Who do you think you are, passing a law where you can ask ME if I'm illegal if you see me as a "threat." Where's our freedom?!? IGNORANCE isn't the answer. The bill drew harsh criticism from President Obama, who said the law threatened “to undermine basic notions of fairness that we cherish as Americans, as well as the trust between police and our communities that is so crucial to keeping us safe.” I agree with OUR President!

Many people commented. Some stated that the law of checking peoples legal status, only applied to those who were caught in a crime, others with the fact that Arizona has been a part of the United States since the 1800's.

My friend upset at these comments then stated:

Ok...I don't need ANYMORE negative/contrary post on this stupid bill. IF you could go to another country, with better opportunities for your family & for yourself, I don't know anyone who wouldn't take it. "WE" aren't taking ANY jobs you want: working in the field all day, washing/cleaning the toilets at restaurants/hotels & cooking your meals. This country was founded on religious freedom & immigrants with a dream for something better. If you believe in the statement: "go back to your own country," then it's time you book a plane ticket to Wales, Germany or any other country in Europe your family may be from.

Some agreed with my friend stating that as an immigrant they had received a lot of anti-American (racist) treatment. To all this I wrote this reply...

My dear sister. You know me. You know I love you. You know that I do not have a racist bone in my body. I believe that all people are children of God. I understand why you feel the way you do. I am sorry that you have had uneducated and sometimes racist people question your status as a citizen in this country merely because of your race. I am sorry that some have treated you differently because of this belief. That is wrong.

I acknowledge that the main reason people come to our country is because America is know as the land of opportunities and the land of the free. It is true that America is really a country of immigrants. However, what makes this Nation great is that no matter what you were before, or where you came from, once you “join” our nation you are one of us. You are an American. You have the same rights and the same opportunities as any other American. In addition, you are held to obey the same laws and statutes as every other American.

I love our Country! There may be many imperfect people who are a part of our nation, but that still does not negate the fact that our Constitution and our Nation was formed under the direct guidance of Our Heavenly Father.

I whole heartedly welcome all who would seek to become a citizen of The United States of America (according to the laws that have been long established to maintain the freedom and opportunity of all Americans). To come here illegally (as to come to any country in the world) is a crime that harms everyone, and as such must be punished according to the law. The law that you and I are suppose to honor, obey, and sustain.

If I was visiting France, or Germany, or England, or even Mexico and I committed a crime, you bet the first thing they would do in that country would be to ascertain their jurisdiction by first determining my status in their country. If I was to commit a crime in any country in the world and did not have legal documents proving I was in their country legally (ie citizenship, visa, or passport) I would be in a LOT of trouble. Why is this acceptable in every other country in the world except for the United States where it is considered racist?

With that said, I personally feel that the picture you have posted and the sentiment behind it are offensive to me and to the America that my ancestors fought and died to create and protect. The America founded under the divine direction of God. The America that these immigrants want supposedly to be a part of.

Like I said I understand where you come from, on this issues I just hope you can understand where I do.

Small Things...

2010-05-25T13:42:00.000-07:00

It it the small things that make the biggest difference. A joyful laugh can lighten the darkest mood; the right painting or picture can brighten a room, and make it feel more home like; a simple smile and greeting can make a person feel loved and appreciated; and the right music can make you feel energized, happy, peaceful, sleepy, wide awake, and/or inspired.

The latest little thing in my life would have o be my daughter Isabella. She may be small, but she has turned my life upside down (in a good way). Every day there are new challenges, and joys. I can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring!

For Time and All Eternity

2010-05-25T00:49:00.000-07:00

When my husband came home from work today he came over to where I was lying on the couch (reading a book while resting beside my newborn baby girl) and embraced me as if he never wanted to let me go. There was a look in his eye, and a quality to his touch I had only felt and seen once before. That other time had been quite recent actually.

I had just given birth to my precious little girl, and though most people don’t know this part, I had actually almost died in the process. There were complications due to my heart condition and the toxemia I was suffering. I had just gone though 51 hours of labor. My body couldn’t handle any more and I felt myself start to slip away from my pain racked body. My husband who was sitting right behind me (holding me) knew what was happening. He held me tighter and in an agonized whisper pleaded with me not to die and leave him and our little girl (whom I was struggling to bring into the world). In answer to his plea I offered up the most heartfelt prayer of my life to my Father in heaven to let me live. I felt my spirit reenter my body just in time to experience the most excruciating pain in my life. I fought with a strength I didn’t know I had and my little girl finally became unstuck and was born. It was then while they were trying to take care of me and the baby that my husband held me and looked at me as he did today.

Remembering this earlier incident I felt myself fill with fear as I wondered why he was holding me and looking at me that way again. I asked him what was wrong and learned that he had almost lost his life in a near accident that day. He told me that in that moment when He almost lost his life, it was not his life that flashed before his eyes as most claim happens. Instead what he saw was me and our daughter.

I held my husband close to me and assured him that though he had almost lost his life as I had almost lost mine weeks before, that we were alive; which obviously meant we still both had a work to do.

Later as we were discussing the earlier close call my husband had experienced. I asked him why in his opinion he saw Izzy and I in his mind in that instant (instead of his life as most others do). His reply was simple. He said that we meant more to him then his own life. He had waited all his life to have us, and the thought of being parted from us was unthinkable.

I am so grateful for the power of temple sealings, which allow my marriage and family to last not only until death do us part, but for time and all eternities. Because of this I know that even if the worst had happened this morning (which I do not even want to think about.) we would still be bound together, and thus would still be together as a family when we were again rejoined on the other side. I am so grateful to my Saviour, Jesus Christ for making this possible.

Help! The Wolves are Attacking the Sheep...

2009-10-07T15:48:00.000-07:00

I wrote this post in response to some articles, and accusations that have been floating around the nation about certain people who have been endeavoring to sound a warning call to arms...

It never ceases to amaze me that whenever a shepherd boy sounds the alarm that “HELP!!! The wolves are attacking the sheep, come quick to save them!”, that there are always those few who instead of running to the defense of the sheep, stand around arguing that the warning call was too loud and disturbed their meal or entertainment. Luckily, for the sheep (and all who depend on them for their livelihood), that for all of those hypocrites who sit proudly on their moral or intellectual high horses pointing fingers and verbally crucifying the shepherd boy for doing his job, there are others who heeded the call and ran to the aid of the sheep.

I am sure that many complained about passionate Patrick Henry in his time. I mean really, “Give me Liberty, or Give Me Death!” isn’t that just a bit too dramatic and doomsday? Tone down the emotion Mr. Henry, and stop crying out about perceived tyranny. Sure life isn’t perfect, but there are better ways to go about fixing things then starting a revolution! Don’t you know that where you may have gotten through to a simple scholar named Thomas Jefferson, that you also disgruntled many important people at the same time who could have really done something?

Personally, I have more respect for the Henry’s of the world who have the courage to sound the warning call, and the Jefferson’s who have the sense to answer that call, then for all the pompous Hippocrates who stand around arguing how Henry could have better sounded his warning that wouldn’t have offended their sensibilities.

Grand Opening Launch of The Princess Academies Website

2009-07-08T21:24:00.000-07:00

You are cordially invited to celebrate the

Grand Opening launch of

princessacademies.com.

Come check out the site. As you do so, we hope you too will catch the vision that is being caught by young ladies and their mothers, as well as, adult women across the world. Learn about how The Hope Chest Journey and The Princess Academies Circles are helping many women in their quest to rediscover and develop the lost arts of godly womanhood in their lives, strengthen their mother-daughter relationships, and build a community of women who can help enable each other in fulfilling their respective missions.

To better celebrate our website launch with you, we are holding a special drawing for items including a free digital copy of Donna’s Thesis (over 300 pages of foundational information about the lost arts of godly womanhood, and the Hope Chest Journey), various tiaras, free downloads on the site and more.

You can enter the drawing by doing one (or both) of the following:

1- Write a blog post (about how a Princess Academies Circle and/or the Hope Chest Journey can bless or has blessed you and your family) and send us the link either through the contact us section of princessacademies.com, in the discussion section of the Princess Academies Facebook group, or twitter it to us.

2- Go to princessacademies.com. Click on the “What is The Royal Academe Online Monthly Support?” tab (found in the dropdown under the welcome section.) and e-mail us two things offered in the Royal Academe section of our site which you particularly like and/or value.

(There will be only one prize per household awarded.)

Mahalo,
Donna, Julia, and Jennifer

Internet at Last

2009-05-18T12:18:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I have been a bit busy as of late. Rory and I got married on the 14th of March. (Pi Appreciation Day) Our honeymoon was great (well if you don't count the fact that I was sick the whole time...sigh...) We went out to California, stopping at my brother's home in Tehatchapi on the way to Santa Maria. We visited Hurst Castle, Pismo Beach, San Fransisco and more. And we have tons of pictures to prove it.

Rory and I have moved into the loveliest of apartments (in West Jordan within easy walking distance of the Jordan River Temple)which we have worked diligently into turning into a home. Rory is still working for the LDS Print Department, and doing his artwork/graphic designs on the side. I am still working at Classic Books and Gifts as a Store Clerk/P.A., and TJEd Academy, and Prep school as the Love of Learning Mentor teaching the 6-12 year olds. (well until the end of this month that is)

The Princesses Academies (the international Mother-daughter organization started by my mother, sister, and I) has officially become an LLC allowing us to launch our website for better international outreach. We are down to the crunch time to get all the content up for out official launch June 6th.

And oh yeah, I just got Internet service up in my apartment which will allow me to get my work done, and make updates to my blogs. Sigh...Hopefully things will begin to calm down eventually.

Check Out Classic Book and Gifts New Online Community

2009-02-18T20:37:00.000-08:00

Come and Visit Classic Books and Gifts new online community. Share your favorite book insights and reviews, meet other book lovers like yourself, check out the upcomming events, and so much more.

What is the Proper Role of Government?

2009-02-13T11:10:00.000-08:00

Last night I had a dream. This dream caught my attention even after I awoke, for I do not usually dream about political things. In my dream I was at some sort of media event/debate between a handful of people running for office. I am not sure why I was there, other then that I came in someones place.

As I sat amongst the audience of media and organizational heads I felt rather disgusted. The candidates were all saying things which they had no right to say. Let me clarify. They were promising things that they had no power to promise.

Then all of the sudden it became my turn to ask a question. Slowly I arose and approached the microphone. I hesitated for a moment, then asked the question that had been pressing on my mind. I addressed my question to one of the candidates, but asked if it was acceptable to the rest of the audience if all of the candidates would answer.

As I spoke quiet descended, and all awaited to hear the answers from these men and women who all wanted to represent us as a people. I watched as some of the candidates faces fell, some became angry that I would ask such a thing of them, and others became thoughtful.

Sadly I awoke before I could hear their answers. What would they have answered? Would those answers play a major part on whether or not they became elected? I shall never know.

What was the question I asked? Well it was a two part question:

1-Define what the proper role of government and the office which you seek to hold is, and defend your answer.
2-If you are elected, how will you defend, sustain, and if needs be align your office to correctly act in accordance to that proper role?

The more I think about this, the more I wish I could hear these questions answered by our currant political leaders. If they had had to answer these questions in their candidacy, would the last several elections have turned out the same? One would hope not.

A Night to Remember. One Both Bitter, and Sweet...

2009-02-12T21:38:00.000-08:00

For the last year I have been blessed to be able to serve as an ordinance worker in the Mt Timpanogos Temple. Tonight was my last night. Why is it my last night? Well because in a few weeks I shall be marrying the most amazing man (and where that totally wouldn't keep me from working in the temple, moving out of the temple boundaries will.).

As I went through my duties tonight, I was swamped of memories from this last year. My heart became full to overflowing as I realized once more how blessed I am to have had the opportunity to serve in the temple among such amazingly valiant brothers and sisters in the gospel.

Because it was my last night, my parents, unofficially adopted sister, and fiancee decided to plan a special surprise for me. Mother got a hold of my temple coordinator and secretly set it up so that they would be able to go through the last session I would work in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. When they suddenly arrived, I couldn't tell if I wanted to laugh or cry. Since neither of those options were acceptable to me, I settled with breaking out in joyful smiles. Especially when I realized that Rory had driven all the way down from Magna to attend as well (even though he would face a long drive home followed by a really early morning).

I shall miss my temple family, and shall have to visit often in the coming years, and I'll treasure the memories from tonight for the rest of my life.

Elizabeth Anne Walton

2009-02-09T19:08:00.000-08:00

On Friday night my little sister Jenny (who got married last February) gave birth to a baby girl. Her name is Elizabeth Anne Walton. As you can see in the picture, my niece is absolutly adorable.

A Letter to the Editor

2009-02-03T10:10:00.000-08:00

I just received this in an email from one of the members from were I served my mission in North Carolina. I liked it so much I decided to share it with all of you.

Quit the Church

In a local newspaper there had been an ongoing series of articles written by individuals who wanted to persuade LDS Church members to leave the Church. In response to the highly critical and spirited remarks, a local member wrote this rebuttal:

Editor:

I have been thinking of quitting the Mormon Church. Yes, if I can, I am going to get even with that church. As soon as I can find another Church that teaches about the Gathering of the House of Israel; the return of the Ten Tribes and their mission; the return of the Jews to Palestine and why, and how they are going to build the temple; the building of temples and what to do with them; the mission of Elias, the prophet, as predicted by Malachi; the method for the salvation of the people that died at the time of Noah in the flood; the origin of the American Indian; the complete explanation of why Jesus of Nazareth had to have a mortal mother but not a mortal father; the explanation of the three degrees of glory (three heavens) as mentioned by Paul; the complete explanation of why Elias and Moses did not die but had to be translated (since they both lived before the resurrection was introduced by Christ); the restoration of the gospel by modern revelation as promised by Peter and Paul and Jesus himself; the belief in eternal marriage and the family, and the Knowledge and the place to seal for eternity; that teaches abstinence from all harmful drugs and foods; and that sells the best fire insurance policy on earth, for the last days, for only a 10th of my income.

Yes sir, as soon as I can find another church that teaches all that, or even half as much, I will say good-bye to this Mormon Church. The church that I am looking for must also be able to motivate 50,000+ youth, and adults, for the first, second or third time, to leave their homes for two years at their own expense and go to far-away places to teach and preach without salary. It must be able to call, on a frosty day, some 5 or 6 thousand professors, students, lawyers, doctors, judges, policemen, businessmen, housewives and children to go and pick apples at 6 a.m. It must be able to call meetings and get the attention for two hours of more than 150,000 men.

Yes, it must also teach and show why salvation is assured for children who die before eight years of age. Mr. Editor, could you help me find a church that teaches all that and more than hundreds of other doctrines and principles, which I have no room to mention here, and which brings solace and comfort to the soul; peace, hope, and salvation to mankind, and above all, that answers the key questions that all the great philosophers have asked; questions and answers that explain the meaning of life, the purpose of death, suffering and pain; the absolute need for a Redeemer and the marvelous plan conceived and executed by Jesus Christ the Savior?

Yes, as soon as I find another church that teaches that, and also that has the organization and the powers to make that teaching effective, I am going to quit the Mormon Church. For I should not tolerate that "they" should change a few words in the Book of Mormon-even if those changes simply improve the grammar and the syntax of the verses-for, after all, don't you think the Divine Church should employ angels as bookmakers, and clerks, to do all the chores on earth? Don't you think, Mr. Editor, that the Divine Church should also have prophets that don't get sick and don't get old and die, and certainly, that don't make a goof here and there. No, sir! A Divine Church should be so divine that only perfect people should belong to it, and only perfect people should run it. As a matter of fact, the Church should be so perfect that it should not even be here on earth!

So, I repeat, if any one of the kind readers of this imperfect letter Knows about another church that teaches and does as much for mankind as the Mormon Church, please let me know. And please do it soon, because my turn to go to the cannery is coming up. Also, "they" want my last son (the fifth one) to go away for two years and again, I have to pay for all that. And I also know that they expect me to go to the farm to prune trees, and I have heard that our ward is going to be divided again, and it is our side that must build the new chapel. And also, someone the other day had the gall of suggesting that my wife and I get ready to go on a second mission, and when you come back, they said, you can Volunteer as a temple worker.

Boy, these Mormons don't leave you alone for a minute. And what do I get for all that, I asked? "Well," they said, "for one, you can look forward to a funeral service at no charge!"... Do you think you can help me to find another church?

Thomas D. Clark

A call for prayer

2009-01-20T09:29:00.000-08:00

This morning my mother came down to my room and tearfully informed me that my dear cousin Davey and his family needed our prayers very much right now. Apparently this last Friday, my cousin was working on refinishing up his home, when an accident occurred and he cut off all the fingers on one of his hands. He rushed to the Laramie hospital 90 minutes away to try and save his hand. However upon arriving there it took them 4 hours before relised that there was nothing they could do and life lighted him to Denver where a surgical team reconstructed his hand. In the end they were not able to save the middle finger at all, and it is looking like he may end up loosing the rest of his fingers for the blood is not flowing right in them.

This breaks my hear for Davey is a very talented Cellist. Add to all of this two weeks ago he was informed that Wyoming who hires their teachers with money from oil reserves can not afford to renew his contract as a teacher (though he is an extremely talented teacher) this coming year. Lastly his wife is expecting their third Child.

Mother is right, they do need prayers at this time. I invited all who read this blog to join with me and my family in prayer on behalf of my cousin and his family. For there is power in prayer when there is faith and real intent present.

as a side note, we discovered that as soon as my Cousin Joe heard what had happened he grabbed his tools (he is a private contractor) and drove up to Wyoming to finish his brother's home and watch over his family. It warms my heart to see what kind of righteous honorable men my cousins are turning out to be.

I'm getting married!!!!

2008-12-27T22:22:00.000-08:00

For those who are regular followers of my blog, I am sorry for my lack of posts in the last few weeks. I prose to write more soon to fill in the details, but for now here is a brief summery of what has been going on in my life:

-I turned 26 years old on the 6th of November.

-I started dating a good friend that weekend, which soon developed into something a whole lot more then friendship.

-I became one of the Gospel Doctrine Teachers for my Singles Ward.

-I quit one of my jobs (for many reason including ethical differences).

-I started working at a classic bookstore in Lehi.

-I got engaged Christmas Day to my best friend Rory Robert Groves (we have set the date for March 14th. For more info go to http://roryandjulia.blogspot.com/)

Classic Books

2008-12-22T14:59:00.000-08:00

For those who haven't heard Classic Books formerly of Cedar City, Utah has moved to Lehi, Utah as of about 3 weeks ago!!! How do I know this? (well other then the e-mail notice that went out letting everyone know...) I know for I am blessed to work at the new Classic Books and Gifts store. I am in heaven. I love the books! I love the atmosphere! I love the closeness of the location! If you live in the area, and have not stopped by yet, I highly stopping by for a minute or many.... You will be glad that you did so. (btw everything in-stock is 20% right now for Christmas...)

The Bride of White Hair....

2008-12-01T18:16:00.000-08:00

My mother sent me this e-mail and I just had to post it! I love you Mom. Thanks for the advise...

Julia,

When my mom and dad were courting, dad wanted to wait until he could get a new car, house down payment etc. in short he was trying to orchestrate security before marriage. Well, when he showed up with the car, mom thought he did not love her and wanted things. She said she would not marry him. Then an attorney told her that the only way she could keep her son was to marry. So, she accepted the proposal. When my father tried to get me to wait to marry and get done with school etc. I shared this poem with him.

MOM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The bride white of hair stoops over her cane
Her footsteps uncertain need guiding
While down the church aisle with a wan-toothless smile
The groom in a wheelchair comes riding.
Now who is this elderly couple thus wed?
You'll find when you closely explore it
That here is the rare, most conservative pair
Who waited 'til they could afford it!

Childhood pictures, a trip down memory lane...

2008-11-17T07:09:00.000-08:00

Saturday a very dear friend drove down to spend the afternoon/evening with me. Of course while he was here my mother just had to bring out a box (like an apple box) filled with pictures. I groaned, but when my friend showed interest in seeing them, I sat back for the ride down memory. I had to laugh inside when my friend complained to me that there were so few pictures of me, instead they were mostly of my siblings.

Yesterday I was thinking about this, and I figured that the reason that there were so many pictures of my siblings, yet so few of me was that where they have always loved the camera and being in pictures, I have not. I liked pictures of myself till I was about 6, after that I hit that awkward stage, and started avoiding the camera much to my now disappointment.

This conclusion was partially true. When I had hit those awkward years I had avoided the camera which resulted in less pictures of me during that age. However, my mother informed me Sunday morning that the real reason there were so few pictures of me was that mother had accidently grabbed the wrong box. The box she grabbed had mostly pictures of my married siblings for she had gathered their pictures together when they had gotten married. She insisted that there was a box somewhere that contained many pictures of my childhood years.

Last night, when I was about to go to bed, she found the box. I was so filled with curiosity that instead of letting my sleep deprived body get it’s much needed sleep, I started going through this large box (an apple box) full of family pictures. My walk down memory lane was so sweet; I only wish I could have had someone with me to share it with.

I did set aside all the pictures of me that I had found. I intend to scan them in so that I can have some digital copies of them for my personal use. Maybe after I do so I’ll post a few to share.

Among the Noble and Great...

2008-11-11T06:59:00.000-08:00

Sunday Night was the Annual Devotional for the Mount Timpanogos Temple Workers. I looked forward with great expectation from the moment it was announced, and in the end my expectations were far exceeded.

As I sat in the American Fork Tabernacle surrounded on all sides by my fellow temple workers I fell in awe. I felt that I was in the presence of greatness. The opening Hymn was High on a Mountain Top.

As our voices swelled with this song of praise and prayer unto our God, I felt tears fill my eyes. For I recalled the scriptures in Doctrine and Covenants that talk about the noble and great who were assembled in the spirit world to greet their triumphant Lord, and receive there first lessons at His feet right after he broke the bonds of sin and death.

“Among the great and mighty ones who were assembled in this vast congregation of the righteous were Father Adam, the Ancient of Days and father of all,

And our glorious Mother Eve, with many of her faithful daughters who had lived through the ages and worshiped the true and living God.

Abel, the first martyr, was there, and his brother Seth, one of the mighty ones, who was in the express image of his father, Adam.

Noah, who gave warning of the flood; Shem, the great high priest; Abraham, the father of the faithful; Isaac, Jacob, and Moses, the great law-giver of Israel;

Isaiah, who declared by prophecy that the Redeemer was anointed to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that were bound, were also there.

Moreover, Ezekiel, who was shown in vision the great valley of dry bones, which were to be clothed upon with flesh, to come forth again in the resurrection of the dead, living souls;

Daniel, who foresaw and foretold the establishment of the kingdom of God in the latter days, never again to be destroyed nor given to other people;

Elias, who was with Moses on the Mount of Transfiguration;

And Malachi, the prophet who testified of the coming of Elijah—of whom also Moroni spake to the Prophet Joseph Smith, declaring that he should come before the ushering in of the great and dreadful day of the Lord—were also there. . .

All these and many more, even the prophets who dwelt among the Nephites and testified of the coming of the Son of God, mingled in the vast assembly and waited for their deliverance. . .

These the Lord taught, and gave them power to come forth, after his resurrection from the dead, to enter into his Father’s kingdom, there to be crowned with immortality and eternal life,

And continue thenceforth their labor as had been promised by the Lord, and be partakers of all blessings which were held in reserve for them that love him.

The Prophet Joseph Smith, and my father, Hyrum Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, and other choice spirits who were reserved to come forth in the fulness of times to take part in laying the foundations of the great latter-day work,

Including the building of the temples and the performance of ordinances therein for the redemption of the dead, were also in the spirit world.

I observed that they were also among the noble and great ones who were chosen in the beginning to be rulers in the Church of God.

Even before they were born, they, with many others, received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth in the due time of the Lord to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men.” D&C 138: 38-46, 49, 51-56

As I thought of all those great and noble spirit assembled there, I wondered if I was among them in that important assembly. Was I there to receive my Lord when He broke the bonds of sin and death? Did receive my first lesson from the Lord before I was born? Was I called then to serve in His holy temples, and elsewhere in His kingdom? Though my mortal mind cannot remember, my spirit cried out to me that yes I was!

With my mind and heart thus prepared, I found that I was greatly edified by the words of our new temple President, President Brown, and also by Elder and Sister Perry. I took many notes with my pen, but even more with my heart.

One Year Older....And Most Assuredly Wiser

2008-11-09T17:14:00.001-08:00

Thursday was my Birthday. Now I am officially one year into my second quarter of a century. Yes this means I am now 26 years old.

At the approach of my birthday many of my friends enquired what I was going to do to celebrate on my special day. I replied that I was going to spend the day working, first at my formal job, then at the temple. Many of my friends were shocked. Why would you want to be working on your birthday? The answer is simple; I have learned that true joy only comes when you forget yourself. So that is exactly what I did (or tried to do). And guess what?!?! It worked. In spending my birthday seeking to think of/serve others, it turned out to be very satisfying.

Incidentally I did end up doing a little celebrating. After work, and before heading to the temple, I had lunch with my friend and fellow coworker. Then later while working in the temple I had a few friends stop by to wish me a happy birthday. One of them is leaving for her mission Wednesday. She just recently went through the temple. While I was working in the initiatory she arranged to be able to do some initiatory work with me. I finished my assignment in the initiatory; two other of my friends were waiting to join me for dinner before I had to go to my next assignment.

Yes, my day was long. However at the end of the day as I prepared to go to bed, I found that I was happy, at peace, and full of gratitude to my Lord.

A Historical FHE

2008-11-04T18:29:00.000-08:00

In February, when my little sister got married, I claimed her husband’s family as my own. This very much included his grandparents (They seemed fine with it). I went from one living grandparent, to five in one moment.

Last night for FHE, the family went to Grandpa and Grandma Walton’s home. They live in a privately created museum. They have collected amazing treasures from all over the world for decades. So, for FHE, Grandpa Walton showed us some items from his collection giving us the history behind each thing (from a 2000 year old alabaster Egyptian carving, to a 100 year old copy of the Book of Mormon.).

I held in my hands a purple heart, a copy of the Millennial Star dating from the 1846, a Guatemalan Carving 700 years old, a piece of an asteroid, antique jewelry, a roman spear head dating back to the time of Christ and so much more.

At the end of the evening before we had our dessert (homemade deep dish apple pie) we were given permission to wander through the house looking (and touching) whatever caught our interest. There was something there for everyone. I was personally in Seventh Heaven. My parents had to practically pull me away from the many treasures I was discovering. I was only able to leave because I promised myself and my new grandparents that I would be back…

Gaurdian Angels

2008-10-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

Years ago I was told in a special blessing that I would basically be blessed with the association of the Angels of God throughout my life. I was also told that I specifically had Guardian Angels assigned to me to watch over me and protect me "from time to time of necessity". At the time the blessing was given I thought that this was really cool, my mother on the other hand was not so thrilled. When I asked her why, she responded, "Why would you need that?!?!"

Why, indeed? I was thinking about this the other morning while driving to work. As I did so numerous incidents where I had been near death or serious injury flashed through my mind. The list was surprisingly long. To give you an idea of what I am talking about, here are just a few incidents on my mental list:

-Twice as a baby I got a hold of Chestnuts which I happen to be deathly allergic to. Both times no one knew what had happened. All they knew was that everything thing in my little body was shutting down. The doctors told my parents on both occasions that this occurred that they needed to say goodbye for there was nothing they (the doctors) could do. Both times I was given a blessing in which they were informed that I was having a severe allergic reaction to chestnuts, and how to save me.

As a Post Script to the above incident I add this note from my mother. Mom, I really didn't mean to make you sound like bad parents for you are anything but that. I was just try to briefly touch on the incident. Anyways...

"...This makes us sound like incompetent parents.

This is what really happened:
Grandpa brought chestnuts to our home for Thanksgiving. I explicitly told him not to give any to the baby (you, one year old) as babies often have allergic reactions to nuts. Well, he thought I was being over protective and gave you some without me knowing. You went down for a nap. I asked granddad if he had given you chestnuts, and he admitted a little. So, I put the nuts, which were mixed with other nuts, above the kitchen cabinet. When you woke you sounded croupy. When you did not respond to standard croup care, we took you to the emergency room. They immediately sent us to children's hospital, where you were put in intensive care. No invasive procedures were permitted and they had no idea what was going on. They put you on steroids every four hours, and in an oxygen tent, because you severe difficulty breathing. They could not use an oxygen mask because you would go into distress and need steroids which they could not give but every four hours. I did climb in the crib with you to keep you calm. When the nurse hassled me, the young doctor came in and told her the alternative was a dead baby and if she did not leave me alone she could lose her job. After no improvement from just after midnight on Friday morning, until afternoon on Saturday you were given a blessing and improved within minutes. Though the doctors had no idea what you were suffering from, the Spirit did. You were released 24 hours later.

About a year later, I discovered the nuts, pushed back from view, and I sat them on the counter as I cleaned the cupboard tops. You reached into the basket and from all the nuts you selected the chestnut. You stuck it in your mouth. I jumped down and removed it from your mouth immediately. You began to have respiratory difficulties with in minutes. Again, I did not yet realize you haqd a chestnut allergy. However, I received an impression to give you Benedryl, immediately. It was not long before you were breathing normally. It was then that the connection was made in my brain between the previous emergency hospitalization, and the chestnuts. Grandpa had actually given you chestnuts, thinking the Thanksgiving snack of his childhood would be safe for you. The trauma of having you in the hospital made me forget and not make the connection at the time. Yes, you were saved by angels through the blessing. Yes, a year later you were saved by angels again as they brought to my mind exactly what I should do. Acting quickly you avoided a second scare in the hospital.

I ask that you update your blog to reflect what really happened.

Love you,
mom"

Ok now back to my original post...

-When I was a 6 or 7 years old living in Colorado I survived a hailstorm (along with my mother, older brother Jon, and baby sister Jenny) where the hail stones were the size of golf balls.

-When I was 8 or 9 years old I fell through the ice while ice fishing with a friend and her father. This accident resulted in my first case of Hypothermia. Apparently, once you have suffered from Hypothermia once it is a lot easier to suffer from it again, along with Heat Stroke which is on the opposite side of the spectrum. That, and every time you do succumb it is much worse then the time before. I have experienced all of this first hand-for a few years later when I was 11 I suffered from a severe case of Hypothermia once more. Only by following the promptings of the spirit did I make it to help before finally collapsing into unconsciousness. And yes, I have also suffered from Heat Stroke twice. The last time I was so sick that I was almost hospitalized multiple times, and I was sick for over a month.

-When I was 10 years old our car was literally followed by a tornado all the way to our home in Loveland, Co from the mall in Longmont, CO. (this was a really cool story. Remind me to write about it sometimes. ) Then when I was 13 (that summer) we had a tornado hit our campground in Nebraska. Then later when we were in the DC area another tornado struck the nearby campground (where we were originally suppose to be staying the night).

-Twice as a teenage I have almost been struck by lightening. On both occasions I felt impressed to move quickly/ jump out of the way. Moments after doing so lighting struck where I had been previously standing. (less then 10 feet away from where I was currently standing)

-When I was at the wonderful age of 21 I was lucky enough to succumb to Chicken Pox (I am not sure if you are aware that chicken pox as an adult is very serious. It can be deadly in fact.) I was almost hospitalized and was seriously sick for over a month.

-I had a number of incidents on my mission. Here are a few:

* I came down with systemic strep (that is where the strep virus gets into he blood stream.) Thanks to a powerful blessing I was able to recover and get back to work.
* The pin holding my skirt in place while I biked snapped, while we were biking down hill on a major highway, causing my skirt to fly over my head. Because of this I narrowly avoided falling right into rush hour traffic.
* My companion and I had a Pit Bull Terrier and a Dalmatian sicked on us (I posted about this before)
* I fell headfirst down two flights of stairs which where covered in black ice.
* My backpack opened while I was biking on main street during rush hour and my sweater fell and got caught in the bike chain causing the bike to size up and me to flip over the handle bars right into rush hour traffic.
* My companion and I tracted right into a major crack den at 11AM on a Saturday morning right as everyone was waking up. We were warned by the spirit to leave just in time.

As I started remembering these and so many more incidents like them, I was overcome with gratitude for how often my life and general health have been preserved. Knowing there must be a reason for this, I find myself humbled and determined to live that this gift may not have been given in vain.

But I thought you were 19!!!

2008-10-23T12:17:00.000-07:00

When my boss came to me a few weeks ago and asked me if I could help by going to Full-time status, I agreed on the condition that I would be able to leave early on Thursdays so that I could continue to make my weekly shift at the Temple. (I have been an Ordinance Worker at the Mt. Timpanogos Temple on Thursday Evenings since Valentines Day.) My boss had no problem with this arrangement. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I work on the same shift as his dad at the temple. I think the real reason is just that I have a great boos, who understand how to properly lead and work with those under him.

So here I am at work, all dressed up so that I co go straight from here to the Temple. One of my coworkers came up to me moments ago and asked to borrow my clearance pass to go and get something from her car or something like that. This has happened before, so without missing a beat I just reached down, grabbed my pass, and handed it to my coworker without missing a beat on the business call I was currently on.

When my coworker returned a few minutes later to return my pass, she asked me why I was all "done up". I told her that today is my temple day. Which means I am leaving strait from work to do my shift at the temple.

After standing there fore about a minute with a strange look on her face, my coworker said in a shocked voice, "You're endowed?"

I informed her that yes I was, I did serve a mission after all.

At this point she made a revelation that shocked me. She said, "I thought you were 19."

So there you have it. Here I am turning 26 in a couple weeks, and I am still being mistaken for a teenager. I hope it is because I look youthful, and not because I act like a teenager.

Hard to say goodbyes...

2008-10-23T07:16:00.000-07:00

So much of my days and therefore my life is spent in solitude. When I at work or just working on a project, it doesn't matter how many people may or may not be around I am still alone. Maybe this is why I value my friends and family so much. They are the ones who pull me out of my solitude, so that for a brief moment I am not alone.

I need to feel that connection with loved ones to keep me grounded, and feeling connected. Not just anyone, or any conversation will do. It has to be someone I care about. With my increasing long hours each day, this need to connect has grown stronger, and yet harder to manage.

Because of this I find myself burning the candle at both ends. I wake up early in the morning in able to get ready for work, and commune with he Lord. Then I spend hours isolated while working. I make sure that I am productive, yet by the time I come home, I feel drained and feeling slightly sick. So as I immerse myself in my projects at home I pray for an interruption of sorts. Not from just anyone. Only certain someones will do. When those interruptions come, I find that my soul becomes revived, at peace.

However then comes the hard part: saying goodbye. I guess I am selfish, for I can't seem to say goodbye/goodnight to these dear friends and loved ones with whom I am coversing. Usually they (noticing the time I have intentionally ignored, or noticing that I am practically falling asleep) have to remind me that I need to go to bed, or fulfill me next responsibility. I really need to work on this I guess. In the mean time I thank my firends for always being there for me when I need them. I can't express how much you mean to me, expecially right now in my life.

A disastrous case of the hiccups

2008-10-22T07:12:00.000-07:00

I don’t get hiccups very often. However, when I do, they always seam to hit me at the most inconvenient time. Like last night for example. There I was getting ready to go out on a date (with a guy I had met only once before, though we had been corresponding for a few weeks. Needless to say I wanted to make a good impression). All I had left to do was put on a touch of mascara, and my toiletry would be complete. However, just as I got the applicator to my eye lashes I started hiccupping (and I am talking violent hiccups that were practically echoing off the walls) and I almost took out my left eye. Due to some quick reflexes, I didn’t loose my eye. I did however; get an annoying black streak across my eyelid and cheek. ~ Exasperated sigh~

I was so annoyed, that I started glaring at the mirror. This created such a hilarious picture that I started laughing at myself. My brother came in to see what was so funny, and when he saw what was going on, he laughed even harder.

Between my laughing and my hiccupping, it took forever for me to clean off my face, start over, and get ready in time to go. It was a close call, but I managed it some how, with no one the wise except for my younger brother.

Ode to a Spelling Checker

2008-10-21T17:23:00.000-07:00

Eye halve a spelling check her;
It came with my pea sea.
It plane lee marks four my revue
Miss steaks aye kin knot sea.

Eye ran this poem threw it
Your sure reel glad two no.
Its vary polished in it’s weigh,
My checker tolled me sew.

A check her is a bless sing;
It freeze yew lodes of thyme.
It helps me right awl stiles two reed,
And aides me when aye rime.

Each frays come posed up on my screen
Eye trussed too bee a joule;
The checker pours o’er every word
To cheque sum spelling rule.

Bee fore wee rote with checkers
Hour spelling was inn deck line,
Butt now when wee dew have a laps,
Wee are knot maid too wine.

Butt now bee cause my spelling
Is checked with such grate flare,
Their are know faults with in my cite,
Of nun eye am a wear.

Now spelling does knot phase me,
It does knot bring a tier;
My pay purrs awl due glad den
With wrapped words fare as hear.

To rite with care is quite a feet
Of witch won should be proud;
And wee mussed dew da best wee can
Sew flaws are knot aloud.

That’s why eye brake in two averse
Cuz eye dew want too please.
Sow glad eye yam that aye did bye
This soft wear four pea seas.

Inwardly Shy

2008-10-20T17:22:00.000-07:00

My friend was shocked and incredulous when he heard that I was shy. "You have to be joking! You are one of the friendliest outgoing people I know...” she exclaimed.

Yes, I am a social creature by nature. I need interaction with others (even if it is in the form of a good book. Yet, the harsh reality is that for me such interaction with anyone other then a close friend/family member is pure torture. Why? Because inwardly I am extremely shy.

However due to the many various roles/callings I have filled over the course of my life (which include: teacher, missionary, mentor, student ambassador, visiting teacher, and over all caring person etc) I have sought diligently to overcome my almost crippling shyness. Only I never quite managed to do so. The best I have managed to do is to hide it from the world. Thus I am truly outwardly outgoing, and still at the same time inwardly extremely shy.

Normally this inward shyness isn’t too much of a problem in my life. It is only in certain areas of my life nowadays that this weakness of mine still holds great power over me. One of those areas is when I am dealing with men. Particularly men I am interested in.

This is causing me a lot of hardship in that sphere of my life. Already I am at an extreme disadvantage when dealing with the opposite sex, because of my inexperience with anything dealing with relationships. Because of this I am horrible at flirting, understanding basic boy-girl signals, and the only way I can tell if a guy is interested in me at all, is if they come out and say it. ~sigh~ Now add my inner shyness into the mixture and you start to understand why I am still single.

I have been told that I just need to ask the guys I like out. And even better reach out and hold their hands. As if I hadn’t tried already. Usually when I try to do so, where my mind is willing the rest of me plain shuts down. That’s right I freeze. I have succeeded a few times in overcoming this debilitating shyness, only to have been shot down majorly. Somehow this only made my problem worse.

Someday I know I will overcome this weakness of mine, for I shall not give up. However, if my rate of progress in this area continues at the speed it has thus far in my life it is going to take God to bring to me a patient, understanding, and bold man to change my single status. My only hope comes from the fact that where I am horrible at initiating things, I am good with following the lead.

A Personality Quirk

2008-10-20T17:06:00.000-07:00

My friend pointed out to me the other day that I have the habit of either talking a lot (which usually happens when I am passionate about something), or not at all (which happens when I am listening intently or just plain have nothing to say.). She pointed out to me that because of this personality quirk of mine, people sometimes misinterpret my actions to mean things they don't, or they just have a hard time to be around me.

For example:

1- When I am passionate and animated about something, I can be a little overwhelming. At these times, those with quieter personality types often find it hard to be around me. Understanding this I try to tone things down when in their presence (though I am not always successful).

2-Some people have mistakenly thought that just because I like to talk that I must be a poor or indifferent listener. This in anything but true. Those who know me know that I am as avid a listener as I am a talker. I truly value what other people have to say, and how they feel.

3- Because I do talk a lot, when I am quiet sometimes people begin to worry that something is wrong. (Again, if I am quiet during a conversation then I am most likely either listening intently to what is being said, or I just plain have nothing of worth to add to the conversation.)

So with that said, if we are having a passionate conversation, and I become a bit overwhelming for your personality, then just let me know (hey my family does it all the time), and I'll try to tone it down. Also know that I do value what you have to say. And lastly if I am quiet...IT DOESN'T MEAN THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG!

Burnt Offerings

2008-10-18T18:12:00.000-07:00

Last night after we got home from Mother’s Graduation, the family went down stairs to watch a movie I rented for them, while I made dinner. It was to be a simple affair. Garden salad, rice, and Teriyaki pork chops.

After starting the rice I went to put the pork chops on the grill. It was dark and I haven’t cooked on a grill in a long time, but I didn’t think I would have much of a problem.

The pork chops were coming along great. I checked on them every 2-5 minutes to turn/rotate them on the grill. They were almost done to perfection. I went inside to grab a knife to check and see if they were done. When I came back out foot high flames were engulfing my pork chops. I didn’t know what had happened. I had been gone just long enough to grab a fork and a knife, and I hadn’t turned the heat up or anything.

Hoping against hope that the pork chops were not burn yet, I ran to the gril and tried to get them off the fire and onto the platter I had brought out earlier. As I was leaning forward to get one of the illusive pork chops the flames burst higher. I realized that it wasn’t a smart idea to be doing this with long hair that was not pulled back, but I had no time. I tried to be as careful as I could be while trying to rescue those poor pork chops.

It wasn’t until I got them inside where I could clearly see them, that I realized that I was too late. In those few precious minutes that I had been gone, and while I was trying to get them off the grill once I had returned, they had been burned to the point that the only creatures who would appreciate them would be a Greek God or Goddess. Of which we had none in residence in our home.

Luckily we had more pork chops in the fridge which we had not put in Ziploc bags yet to freeze. So laughing to keep myself from crying I went to work making more teriyaki sauce and cooking up the second batch of pork chops this time in pans on the stove. Dinner turned out to be 30 later then planned, but all agreed that it turned out great! (That is after they all took the opportunity to mock me for my cooking fiasco first.)

Commencement!

2008-10-17T23:48:00.000-07:00

This Afternoon I was blessed to be present when my mother was awarded her Master's Degree in Classical Education from George Wythe University. This has been a day that I have looked forward to with great anticipation for a long time.

Congratulations Mother, I am so proud of you!

Pictures!!!

2008-10-12T20:33:00.000-07:00

Here are three of the photos that my friend and professional photographer Kay Figueroa took of me at that photo shoot that I did a few weeks ago. More to come.

To Much of a Good Thing...

2008-10-10T20:24:00.000-07:00

We went over to my grandmother’s home again just the other day to get the hutches and move them into my new storage unit. While we were there we went through more things that my Aunt had found throughout the week while cleaning out more of Grandma’s house so that we can sell it.

It seems that every time we clear out more things, then more things come to light in that house. I am unceasingly astounded by what I find every time I go there. Here are priceless treasures which had been buried and even lost in dark corners of the Grandmother's house, which were only brought to light when everything around them had been given away or sold. I thought about this and why this would be.

I shouldn’t be surprised really. Considering that the home was filled with all the things my grandmother has acquired over the years, as well as what was passed down to her from Great-Grandmother and Great-Grandfather, and the things passed on to Great-Grandmother from her mother, and close friends. There are the things that Great-Grandfather inherited from Alice McClosky, the things that Great-Grandmother inherited from her uncle (Great-Great-Grandmother’s brother who was an Attorney in DC), and the things that were left from Grandpa. That is a lot of households’ worth of things all compiled in one house.

I realized that I could compare this to my life. There are many things that I can fill my life with, many good things, treasures even. Yet if I do not take care, I can over fill my life with these treasures. When this occurs, then things get buried, and sometimes the most important things get lost, or damaged.

It is not until I simplify my life as Elder Perry spoke of in this last general conference that I begin to discover the many buried and lost treasures I have been blessed with.

Hence, my 6 month plan. Every six months (more often when necessary) I do my spring cleaning as it were. I pull out all I own and sort through it anew deciding what to keep, what to keep & store, what to give away (to bless someone else) and what to throw away (for it is not worth keeping). In the same manner I review my mental, emotional, and spiritual inventories and do the same thing.

Though this process is sometimes hard for me, (for I don’t like to let go of things that have been with me for a long time) I feel more at peace, and focused, and ready to face the coming days and years when I am finished.

General Conference!!!!

2008-10-04T20:38:00.001-07:00

At the last minute I was given two tickets to attend the Saturday Morning Session of General Conference. So bright and early this morning mother and I quietly got ready and headed for Salt Lake City together. We drove through the rain, and walked through even more rain to make it to the conference center, but it was so worth it. It was wonderful to be surrounded by so many saints who traveled from near and far to come, listen, and learn from the Lord’s chosen servants.

All of Conference was amazing today, and I learned from everyone who spoke, the spirit’s whispers to my heart, and the beautiful music. However some of my favorite moments were:

-The 5 New Temples Announced:
Cordoba, Argentina
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
The Greater Kansas City Area
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Rome, Italy

-How Elder Parry used Walden as his source to explain the principles of simplifying our lives to overcome the stress and anxiety in our lives.

-Elder Anderson Teaching that Faith is not just a feeling, it is a decision. We must choose Faith.

-President Uchdorf’s talk on Hope was amazing!!! It was the perfect follow-up to the talk he gave last week at the General R.S. Conference where he taught us that if we want to be happy then we need to focus on creating, and giving comfort.

-The Mormon Tabernacle Choir was amazing as always, but the children’s choir brought tears to my eyes more then once. Especially when they sang “I am a Child of God” and “We Thank Thee O God For a Prophet”

-Elder Wirthlin’s 4 principles to overcome adversity and be happy:
*Learn to Laugh
*Seek the Eternal
*Understand the principle of compensation
*Put your trust in Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ

-Elder Holland’s talk on Angels was powerful. I loved the story he told about that little boy to illustrate what he was teaching about how God sends us angels to help and comfort us, and how they come from both sides of the veil.

-Elder Christofferson’s talk on Zion, and becoming a Zion people was enlightening. It was good to be reminded about the three things needed for a Zion people:
*Become Unified (one in heart and mind)
*Become a Holy People
*Care for the poor and needy

-Elder Bednar’s 3 Principles for more powerful and meaningful Prayer:
*Prayer becomes more powerful when we counsel with the Lord in all our doings.
*Prayer becomes more powerful as we express heart felt gratitude.
*Prayer becomes more powerful when we pray for others with real intent and sincere hearts.

The Harvest

2008-10-01T06:23:00.000-07:00

Last night Mother and Father prepared for us a beautiful dinner, included in the dinner were many fruits and vegetables harvested from our own garden. As we ate my father instructed us on the law of the harvest, and then asked us to apply the principle to our own lives. I thought about all the things I have planted wisely and not in my life, and all the things I had therefore harvested.

After letting each of us think for a moment my father then asked us to decide within the next few days what we desired to harvest in our lives this coming year. Once we decided, then we are to write it down, following that we need to determine what seeds will lead to the harvest we desire, and what nurturing is necessary.

Later my father will sit down with each one of us individually in a private interview what we have written, and help us to set goal etc to accomplish what we have outlined. I always look forward to these daddy-daughter meetings. They give me strength and direction, and give me the opportunity to seek the guidance of the patriarch of my home.

To end the lesson, and meal we all partook of delicious homemade apple and pumpkin pie which mother had made. The apples in the apple pie were apples we had canned ourselves! Which made it even more of a treat to eat!

Selling Treasures

2008-09-30T06:02:00.000-07:00

This last Saturday we had a great big moving sale for my grandmother’s things. (As I have written before my Grandmother recently moved to a retirement home, and now wants to sell her home) However, even after the family had all claimed the things that they wanted, there was still a ton of things left at Grandma’s house; which we need to clear it all out so that we can sell her home ASAP.

Yet even after that huge sale, there is still so much left. Like a good working organ (a little smaller then an upright piano, beautiful figurines, decorative plates, crystal , cut glass, stamp collection, old luggage, and lots and lots of books.

Since my parents, aunts and uncles had already done so much, I offered some more of my help. Thus, I am now occupied with using the power of the internet. Many of the books I am placing on Amazon.com. The figurines, crystal, cut glass, luggage, decorative plates, organ, etc are going on ebay.com. And as for the stamps…Well I’ll figure that out. Sigh. I foresee many hours spent in this endeavor; but if I can help, then, it is worth it.

Out of the Best Books

2008-09-26T20:25:00.000-07:00

Since my parents, aunts and uncles have mostly finished dividing up the main portion of my grandmother’s estate, I was allowed to go over and see what books were left, and claim any if I was interested.

I was shocked to see how many books there still were at my grandmother’s home. I know that many had already been taken, yet it didn’t look as if my relatives had even made a dent in her collection.

I eagerly went through the remaining books, and found many treasures, which after bring home took me hours to catalogue (in my library thing account) into my personal collection.

Among my bookly treasures are:

A 1967 “Encyclopedia Britannica” set that was in pristine condition
A 1917 Copy of E.B. Howe’s “A Story of a County Town”
A 1897 Copy of Charles and Mary Lamb’s “Tales from Shakespeare”
A 1897 copy of Selections from Chaucer's “Canterbury tales” (Ellesmere text)
A 1888 Copy of Julian Hawthorn’s “Nathaniel Hawthorn and His Wife Vol 1 &2”
A 1913 Copy of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s “Oldtown FolksOldtown Foreside Stories and Sam Lawson's vol 1&2”
A 1901 Copy of Theodore Roosevelt’s “Hero Tales from American History”
A 1906 Copy of Nathaniel Hawthorn’s “In colonial days”
A 1929 Copy of V. M. Hillyer’s “A child's geography of the world” 1st Edition Copy
A 1937 Copy of Edna St. Vincent’s Millay “Conversation At Midnight” 1st Edition 39th copy
A 1909 Copy of Henry Van Dyke’s “The Blue Flower”
A 1914 Copy of Hans Anderson’s “Fairy Tales and Wonder Stories”
A 1928 Copy of Carl Sandburg’s “Abe Lincoln Grows up”

I was shocked that these and many other’s had not been claimed yet. Yet even after I claimed my books, it still looked as if a dent hadn’t been made in Grandmother’s collection.

Now my book collection spans close to 550 books! I am sooo excited. I have a lot of new material to delve into. Thank you Grandmother. I shall ever be grateful for the inheritance I have received from you.

My Photo Shoot

2008-09-23T14:04:00.000-07:00

I'll be the first to admit that I was a cute child, I have the pictures to prove it. Yet something seemed to go wrong when I hit about 6 or 7 years old, and since then it is a very rare occasion that I have actually liked a picture taken of me. ~long drawn out sigh~ In fact most pictures I have of myself make me cringe inside. To make matters worse most of my friends are totally photogenic, so they are always taking cute pictures of themselves and each other.

As I have been shown time and again these oh so cute pictures my friends have of themselves, I have have wished that I could have just a few beautiful pictures of myself. I have thought of having my picture professionally taken, but I never had the money (or I couldn't justify spending my money on pictures that may or may not turn out when there were so many other things of more import that I could buy....like books.)

With all of that said...One of my best Friends (and unofficially adopted sister) happens to be a photographer. She is very talented. Since she graduated with a BFA from Utah State University, I have been acting as her assistant. I have had so much fun in my job!

My friend is currently building her portfolio, and thus she offered as a gift to do a photo shoot of me. I have been hesitant for weeks to do so, but finally give in. So last night after work I went to the UVU photo studio that my friend had reserved for 2 hours and put myself in her hands. It was so much fun. I wont get my pictures back for a couple weeks for my friend is very busy these days, but when I do I will post some of them for y'all to see. I took a sneak peak on her camera, and was delightfully surprised at how many of the pictures taken looked really good. I am soo excited for when I'll set them all back on a CD. I think that I'll print my favorite of my favorites and frame them for my wall. ;-)

A Trip to The Temple Infirmary

2008-09-19T13:20:00.001-07:00

I have noticed over the years that my body will take only so much self inflicted abuse (like lack of sleep, stress, overworking …) before it fights back. Yet even knowing this about myself doesn’t keep me from pushing my limits time again.

Sadly I hit my limit last night in the middle of my temple shift. There I was standing at my station in the Celestial Room, when all of the sudden a wave of dizziness, light headedness, and nausea struck me with full force. I found myself fighting to keep from collapsing. By the time I was relieved to head to my next assignment I could barely stand, let alone walk.

My shift coordinator saw me and in concern asked if I needed to go home. I told her (simplifying things so as not to worry her to badly) what was wring, and informed her that since it was now my study/meal time that I would try to lie down on the couch and see if that helped so that I could finish my shift. It seemed like I had just barely sat down on the couch downstairs when my study/meal time was over and it was time for me to go on to my next assignment. Only instead of feeling better I felt even worse.

There was no way I could finish my temple shift. I sent word that I was heading home, but as I stood up I started to collapse. There was no way I could drive in my condition. I tried to call home for a ride, but mom was up in SLC with Jeremy for the MoTab Christmas Concert Dancing program auditions (since Jeremy preformed with them last year). I ended up being escorted downstairs to the Temple Infirmary.

By then I was scaring a lot of people (myself included for I had no idea what was wrong.) Now not only was I feeling sick, dizzy, and light headed, but my heart was hurting. They had me lie down and to rest on one of the beds (they even gave me an extra pillow and put a beautifully crocheted blanket over Me.), and placed some juice, water, and crackers nearby in case I needed them. I rested for what I thought was 15 minutes, afterwhich I gently sat up feeling a little better, for at least the dizziness and light headedness had begun to subside and drank the juice and water offered. By then I felt ok enough to drive myself home, for I was down to feeling shaky, sick, and a headache (all of which I could handle.)

Imagine my surprise when I discovered that I had not been lying down for 15 minutes, but rather 2 hours. I changed out of my temple dress, and went up to let the assistant temple matron and my shift coordinator know that I was feeling better and going to drive myself home, (for they had arranged for one of the sisters to drive me home if I couldn’t do it myself) and then I headed out the door. Concerned that I wouldn’t make it home they had one of the sister’s follow me home in their vehicle. Thus ends my drama.
P.S. After a night’s sleep that was soooo not long enough, and went to work this morning. I am feeling much better now, though still a little weak. I am glad that I don’t have to work again till Monday.

Miss Mcklosky’s dress

2008-09-17T17:43:00.000-07:00

Wow what a crazy week this has been in my household. As those who have been reading my blog know, my mother has her oral defence to graduate with her master's degree from George Wythe University, and my dear cousin Amanda passed away. However what you may not know is that in addition to all the craziness caused by these two major events, I began a new job, and my grandmother (who recently chose to move into a retirement home in our stake) decided that since everyone would be in town for my cousin's funeral that it was time her adult children got together to divide up the treasures in their home as their inheritance so that she could then sell her home.

Due to the fact that all of Grandmother's children are adults their homes are already long since established. So when they went to divide up the inheritance each of Grandmother's children picked a few things for themselves and then divided up the rest of her things up for us her grandchildren.

Grandma's home is filled with family heirlooms, and antiques. I have been personally cleaning it for her for many years and even I did not know all the treasure she had hidden away. For example, a few nights ago while going through her things mother found a box packed away in the back of a bedroom closet which had written on the outside:The box said Miss Mcklosky’s dress. When it was opened she found a beautiful cream satin ballgown with delicate gold glass bead work intricately hand embroidered. I fell in love with it instantly. As I gently held it in my hands I felt a tangible link to the past. (For this gown was over 100 years old and in amazing condition) I asked my mother to tall me about "Miss Mcklosky" and this is what I found out.

"She was grandpa Tuttle’s (My great grandfather's) mentor at Cornell and first Editor if the Rural School Leaflet. She had left grandpa a lovely brownstone home at Cornell and lots of antiques books."

The more I have learned about Miss McKlosky they more I am in awe. To be one of the first women teachers at Cornell (which was the first Ivy League school in America to admit women students.)She was very feminine, intelligent and religious. It was said that my great grandfather loved her, but never spoke of his love for he didn't believe that a man should do such a thing unless he was in a position to act on it. She died before he could.

I also inherited from Grandmother an antique love seat (like a bench) and matching chairs. They belonged to my great-great-grandmother's brother. It is all made of dark wood with a seats upholstered in cream and blue striped fabric that is just lovely. No one else wanted the set for they didn't appreciate the beauty and history of them, but I have loved them for a long time. Plus they are still is great condition! They are sturdy like they were recently made. They just don't make furniture like they used. Sigh.

And lastly I inherited a china set made in Washington DC over a hundred years ago. It was hand painted by one of my great-great-Grandmother's friends. It is a beautiful 9 person set and in all this time only 2 bowls are missing. There is probably almost 100 piece to this set. I shall cherish it. I have always loved fine things and have wanted my own (real) china set to be able to bring out and use on really special occasions, and now I have one!

Well I have to go to bed so that I can get up early for work tomorrow. I hope that this next week is a lot more laid back then this last week has been. I an soo tired these day, I really need to get more sleep. zzzzzzzzzzzzz

She Did It!!!!!

2008-09-11T20:41:00.000-07:00

The tension was high as the time drew near for mother’s Oral Defense this afternoon. When the time came I found myself sitting next to my Father, with my sister and her husband sitting in the row behind us. There were also probably 10 -15 others in attendance. Mother walked to the front of the room and it all began. The Oral Defense was only suppose to last for 45 minutes, but ended up going for a whole hour. That’s big. For let me tell you (speaking from my own experience.) that every minute can seem like an hour when under the fire of an oral examination.

The board consisted of three men this time. Which I found ironic considering mother’s thesis was a book about rediscovering the lost arts of Godly womanhood, and her graduate project was creating the Princess Academy Organization (which dealt with the mother daughter journey of developing the mind, the heart, and the hands…).

Dad and I found ourselves holding hands in anxiety and anticipation. There were some unexpected questions and turns that the oral took, yet through it all there were many points where I felt the spirit of the Lord carrying the words my mother spoke to my heart, and in looking around I know that I was not alone in feeling so. Mother did a wonderful job, and passed with an “A” for her Oral Defense and received Honors for her Thesis. I am sooo proud of her.

She Paid The Price...

2008-09-10T23:19:00.000-07:00

Tonight finds me in Cedar City. After a crazy day of last minute arrangements and errands (including my physical Therapy appointment for my ankle) my Mom, my Dad, My sister Jenny, her husband Alan, and I all packed into the van and made the long (3 hours is a long journey for someone like me who get car sick so easily) to Cedar City. We made it to our destination just after 10PM.

Why are we in Cedar City? Well tomorrow is the big day that I have anticipated for many years. My mother is defending her Master’s Thesis!!!! I am just so grateful that I am in the position to be here to support her in this great achievement.

I know mother is still a little stressed after all it is not over till it is over, she still has to pass her orals tomorrow to graduate, but I feel confident that she will not only pass, but do so with flying colors. Why do I feel this way? Simple… First: My mother has always sought to better herself. There has never been a time I can remember that she has not been actively learning something of great value. Second: Her thesis is a culmination of a lifetime of experience and research. Even more, it is an inspired work. All who have been privileged to read even a portion of it have felt this. My mother has paid the price. So when she finds herself standing in front of the esteemed board, which will administer her Oral Defense and determine whether or not she gets to walk down that aisle to receive her Master’s of Education, My mother will find that she does not stand alone. For the Spirit of God will be with her to clear her mind, send peace to her heart, give her the words that she should say, and carry them into the hearts of all who have ears to hear.

Tonight Jenny and Alan are staying with good friends. Mom and Dad were invited to stay there also, but opted to get a hotel room for they weren’t sure how late they are going to be up. I hope that they don’t stay up too late, for Mom will need to be refreshed is she is to be clear headed, and receptive to the spirit tomorrow. I am spending the night sleeping on the most comfy couch in the house I lived in when I was an on campus student back in 2006-2007.

As I sit here in the quiet of a sleeping house typing up this post, I find myself thinking of the many trials and blessings which have led to this defining moment to be. As I do so I find myself humbled, and more grateful than I can ever fully express to my Father in Heaven. I can see now, how by the Tender Mercies of God, that even when we felt the hellish flames licking all around us, we were never burnt, but rather found ourselves time and time again tempered, transformed, and purified. Thus we were prepared to be instruments in the hands of the Lord.

I Love You Amanda

2008-09-09T22:56:00.001-07:00

Tonight my cousin Amanda, who was just a few months younger then I am, passed away. The suddenness of her death came as a shock to my whole family. No one knows why she died; only that she laid down for a nap this afternoon, and never woke up. I love my cousin so very much, and the pain I feel at her passing is only increased when I think of the pain her sister, and parents are all feeling right now.

I have found personal comfort in the knowledge that her parents were married in the temple (and have lived faithful to their covenants) which means she is sealed to them and to God for time and all eternity. I picture her at this moment surrounded by all of our family who have already passed through this life to the spirit world.

In the mean time I pray for Amanda’s immediate family that the Lord will send peace into their hearts, and give them the needed strength and courage to face the coming days.

Cooking Under Pressure

2008-09-02T21:22:00.000-07:00

Today while shopping at the local Macey's store we learned that there was going to be a free class on pressure cooking tonight. Mom and I were both interested so we signed up to attend. I am so glad that we did. I love to cook and am always on the look out for new recipes and ways to cook. I was amazed at how you could make a stew in 12 minutes, mashed potatoes fresh in just 5 minutes, and much more.

The recipes used tonight were delicious. I can't wait to try them out myself. Mom and I picked up the needed ingredients for the stew that was made so we will see what the family thinks tomorrow night.

I have decided that a pressure cooker is next on my list to acquire for my hope chest. For it will be a great asset in my future home.

GWU Monticello Ground Breaking

2008-09-02T21:21:00.000-07:00

This last weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to be in attendance for a monumental event. The Groundbreaking of George Wythe College’s (Now George Wythe University) Monticello Campus.

I drove down with my parents, my sister and her husband. The five hour drive down to Monticello passed more quickly then I would have thought, though due to the fact that I get car sick on long drives I felt not so good by the time we reached our destination.

First thing Mom and Dad did was take us to our future home (well our future home if our home up here in Orem sells in time that is.). It looked nice from the outside. The owners have already moved, and I felt too lousy to get out of the van and walk around the house so I settle with looking out my window.

Friday consisted of tours of the property which George Wythe University will be built upon. It was great to drive/hike all around the property and see the posters with the blueprints of the future building where they will someday stand.

The day was topped off by attending an outdoor social put on for all the people who had come down for the groundbreaking ceremony the next day. There was food, music, and lots of socializing. That night I spent the night with my Friend Manike who was in charge of planning this whole event. I haven’t seen her in ages, so I was glad we were able to spend some time together. (Especially since she is getting married in a few weeks.)

Saturday began at 5AM for me, since I had offered to help me friend out. We got up and prepared for the Sunrise service given by a local Seminary teacher which was to take place at 6:30AM. The service was awesome, and the cinnamon rolls delicious. Then I went around and set up things for the groundbreaking. Do to a series of events they were short handed for the tours, so I was given a job to direct people for the final part of the tour and to the are where the main event was to soon take place. I also gave out water to those who needed it. I stood at my post for about 2 ½ hours during which time the wind picked up and blew down the small canopy I was standing under, so I ended up standing in the sun most of that time.(which was one of the reasons I ended up with such a bad sunburn. Lol)

The ceremony itself was wonderful. I have been waiting for this day to come for many years. I am so grateful that I was blessed with the opportunity to be there to see it. The MC for the event was Diane Thomas. She did a good job. We then heard from George Wythe University's President, as well as the presidents for the upcoming GWU Monticello Campus (for which this was the groundbreaking) and the GWU Cedar City Campus where I attended School. The Land and school were dedicated by the LDS Monticello Temple President, and the ground was officially broken to build the campus.

After all the official stuff was done we went down to the Lloyds Lake for food and Fun. I helped referee the games which included (sack races, water balloon tosses, and 2 man log sawing) I also took many pictures for the school and myself.

We all had lots of fun, however soon it was time to get back in our van and drive the long 5 hours home. I am glad I went though I am still recovering from it all.

Scrapblogs

2008-08-28T14:06:00.001-07:00

Though I enjoy doing crafts (For I grew up in a very artistic home), scrapbooking was never my thing. Oh, I have always enjoyed looking at nicely done scrapbooks, and have pictured in my mind how I would do my own (for my family pictures, or mission pictures, or someday wedding pictures...)if I should ever attempt such a thing. I have just never gotten around to trying to make one. Until now...

I found a free online scrapbooking program Scrapblog.com so that I could make a computerized scrapbook and put it as a link on my blog. They have lots of fun options to really make your online scrapbook fun and personalized. I have been experimenting by working on a scrapbook for my little sister's wedding, one for my growing up years, and one for my unofficially adopted sister Kay. When I am finished I'll post them on this blog so y'all can see.

I am reminded that we all need to keep records for our personal history. Scrapbooking is one way to accomplish this.

Education Week Highlights

2008-08-28T12:25:00.000-07:00

Over the last week I have gone over my notes from Education Week. I was blessed to be able to attend some powerful classes on many different subjects. Some of my favorite classes were:

Donna Nielsen - (Author of Beloved Bridegroom) - She spoke about the symbolic meaning of the parts of the body, gestures, and clothing in the scriptures. The content of this lecture series gave me some amazing insights into the temple ordinances.

Matthew O Richardson - (Author of The Relationship Seasons) - He spoke about the psychological, doctrinal aspects of the different seasons (friendshiping, dating, courtship, engagement, and marriage) along with the behaviors, activities, and goes of each season. The lecture series was based off of the information in his book. It was very insightful, and I recommend it to any who are in any of these season, or have someone close to them who are (that means everyone.)

Barbara Barrington Jones - (Author of the Incredible Gifts of Women) - The lectures I attended of hers dealt with the importance and power of encouragement, the incredible gifts we as women are born with, and the importance and development of personal refinement, and grace.

John F Hall - (Head of the BYU New Testament Commentary Project) - His lectures were on the history of the forming of the New Testament, The Translation issues and findings from the new ancient New Testament Texts, and about the BYU New Testament Commentary which will be released a book at a time starting Spring/Summer 2009 (one volume for each book in the New Testament).

Edified and Inspired

2008-08-22T22:16:00.000-07:00

I just got back from attending my last class at BYU’s annual Education Week. I have been going every year (except for my mission) since I was a youth teenager. I love the many different classes offered, which stimulate my mind, edify my spirit, and inspire my imagination. However, as is always the case at the end of the week I am mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically drained. I think I’ll write more tomorrow about some of my favorite classes.

As a quick side note, Thursday evening I skipped out on Education Week to do my regular temple shift at the Mount Timpanogos Temple. While I was there, I was privileged to serve a sweet sister who was 104 years old! She had come to support her great grand child who was going through to receive her Endowment in preparation of getting married. As I helped this sister, I was touched and inspired by how well she knew her temple ordinances. It was apparent that she has gone often for many years though now she cannot stand without help.

How Come You Don't Have Kids?

2008-08-17T23:04:00.000-07:00

On my last evening in California, my almost 4 year old nephew came up to me with a very serious expression on his face and asked, "Auntie Ooju, how come you don't have kids?" I replied that I have no kids, because I am not married. Not satisfied with my answer little Jonny asked me why I was not married.

Now this was a loaded question, but since I was talking to a almost 4 year old I simplified my answer with, "Because I have not found someone special, like your mommy found your daddy." At this my nephew became really quiet for a few moments. Then he broke out with a big smile upon his face and announced, " I HAVE FRIENDS!!"

YSA Council Meeting

2008-08-17T22:59:00.000-07:00

A few Sundays ago I was given the opportunity join in on a Young Single Adult (Y. S. A.) Council Meeting for the Californian Stake my brother and his family life in. There was a Y. S. A. Fireside that night and the only person I could get a ride with had to go early to attend the meeting. Since I was there, they invited me to join in.

Having lived my entire Single Adult life in Utah (with the exception of my mission) I had never participated in such a meeting before. I am grateful to have had this experience.

Since there weren't enough Single Adults in the stake to make up an actual singles ward, the singles either attended their family wards or traveled an hour away to the city and attended one of the two singles wards there. However, even though there may not be a singles ward in my brother's stake there are still many Young Single Adults with whom the church is aware of, and cares a lot about, hence, the necessity of the Y. S. A. Council.

The Council was made up of the Stake President, the High Councilman assigned over the Y. S. A. program for the stake, two Single Adult representatives (one male, and one female) from each ward in the stake, and a few adult members from various wards. Every month they all get together for an hour long meeting set to take place an hour before that months stake Y. S. A. Fireside.

In this meeting they discussed: their past Y. S. A. activity. They asked questions such as: Was it Effective? Who attended? They have a tri-stake activity every month. Each stake is in charge of planning and hosting the tri-stake activity every third month. They also have smaller stake Y. S. A. activities. The planning, and review of all these activities take place in this monthly meeting.

After the past activities were discussed, and the future activities were planned, we started talking about the needs of the singles in pertaining to what content to center the upcoming firesides on. We decided that the next three firesides would tie into each other. Next month we would have a fireside about finances. The following month about life and career planning, and lastly on the third month we would have a fireside on spiritual planning and preparedness. I am only sorry that I will not be around to participate.

The last part of the meeting was spent in discussing the issues, and concerns pertaining to the Young Single Adults in the stake, and discussing activation efforts for struggling singles in each of the wards.

What touched me most, about this Y. S. A. Council Meeting, was not that nothing was just discussed in broad terms, but rather in terms of the individuals. This was especially true for the last part of the meeting when needs, and concerns, and activation efforts were discussed. Each Representative had a list of people in their wards whom they were lovingly concerned for. They discussed them, one by one, sharing what they were doing to help, and asking for advice. None of this had to do with numbers. It was about people. It was about love.

On To Oregon...

2008-07-15T14:49:00.000-07:00

Monday morning was crazy as Jenny and Alan headed out east to Navoo, IL for the summer, and I headed out west with Jon and his family. Jen and Alan were able to get an early start, however since we were dealing with two little kids (a 3 1/2 year old, and a 1 1/2 year old) , we still needed to pack up the car, and I had to go to the Doctor for another check up on my foot and ankle...We didn't get out until early afternoon. Jon and Tiff were seated in the front and I was sandwiched between my two nephews. It was a tight fit, but it worked.

The camp out I had been invited to join was actually a Cragun family (my sister-in-law's family) event. It was suppose to last from Monday to Saturday. However last minute we found out that some of the Cragun's wouldn't be able to make it. So, we decided to change plans and spend the first part of the week in Oregon (where Tiff's family lived) and then go camping with whoever could make it for the last half of the week.

I am glad that we did so, for it was great fun spending time with Tiff's family (Despite my horrible allergies which were in full force because of the season...sigh) whom I claimed as my own the minute Tiffany married my brother. After all family is family, and I claim all that I can get. hehehe

Tiffany's older brother Michael was in town with his wife Rosie and his four children. He works for the state department so they just got back from being stationed in Cuba. Next month they head out to Mexico (Michael is the #3 guy in the embassy, making sure that everything runs...) The last time I had seen them was at Jon and Tiffany's Wedding almost 5 years ago.

Since my nephews really wanted to be camping, and The house (Tiffany's Parent's House) was full of relatives we set up the tent and slept out back. It reminded me of when I was a little kid. During the day I was busy playing with the kids and talking to the other adults. At night before bed, we played games, and on Wednesday night we celebrated Sister Cragun's (Tiffany's Mother) Birthday! First we went to have pizza at a fun pizza place where the kids could play on the play equipment, then we came home for presents and Cake...

However the time in Oregon passed all to quickly, and before we knew it we were packing up once more to head for the redwoods...

Independence Weekend!!!

2008-07-15T14:34:00.000-07:00

My older brother Jon and his family came to visit for the 4th of July. The whole family was excited for this visit for we don't get to see them often with them living in California and all. A few days before they arrived I was talking on the phone to my Sister-in-law Tiffany (Jon's wife) and she invited me to join them on their camp out tot he redwoods and then come and stay with them for a few weeks in Tehachapi. I quickly said yes!!!

With all the problems with my ankle; what with tearing the ligaments, fracturing the ankle bone (which they didn't discover till 5 weeks into the recovery), and dislocating a handful of bones in my ankle and foot...I have been mostly tied to the house for the last few months. Thus I was excited for this adventurous vacation with my brother's family.

So our house was full of people the weekend of the 4th of July. Jenny and her husband Alan were staying upstairs in my old room. They had temporarily been staying with us for the past month. Mary had moved to the boys old room, the boys were downstairs in my old room which has been used as a stained glass studio since my first semester at college. Jon, Tiffany, and their two boys took over the downstairs living room, and I slept on the upstairs couch. (Mom and Dad were in their usual room of course.)

The 4th was fun, but our big family get together happened the next day, when Adam and his family could join us from Salt Lake. We also had Alan's family, and his aunt's family over that day. It was great to have the family all together like that. There were different conversations going on in every room, kids running every which way, and lots of good food.

Prince Caspian

2008-05-21T21:07:00.000-07:00

Monday night for Family Home Evening, we all went out to our secret garden, and lit a mini bonfire. We had smores, and I opened C.S. Lewis's classic tale, "Prince Caspian" We all got so caught up in the tale, that when it became too dark to read, my little brother brought out a lamp. I finished 100 that sitting. We decided that I would finish the 220 page book the next morning, and then we would head out as a family to see the movie together.

After Dad returned from his weekly temple trip I resumed my reading. I actually finished the last 10 pages in the car as we headed to the theater. It was great fun! We all really enjoyed the movie, (and I know that I want to add it to my collection when it comes out on DVD) but by far the best part was that we did it together. I love doing things with my family. I keeps me focused on what really matters.

We decided that from now till we finish the series that I'll read a chapter or two of the Narnia books every night. Since this is the first time going through the series for Mom and Dad (and Mary was too young the last time I read them to the kids to remember) I have to remind my two younger brothers to not give it all away. ;-)

A random update...

2008-05-19T14:31:00.001-07:00

It has been ages since I last wrote a post. So here is my random update of some of the highlights of this last month…

Mostly I have been laid up because of my ankle. The recovery is going slow, but it is happening. I have finally been given permission from my doctor to remove the walking cast (a month after my accident. Sigh) My ankle is still damaged as shown by the swelling and the pain; however I can walk on it with the aid of my trusty crutches.

On Friday the 25th and Saturday the 26th I drove my Grandmother up to Salt Lake City (yes even though I had just hurt my ankle the week before) as her companion to the annual Daughter’s of the American Revolution Utah State Convention. (I am in the process of becoming a member at the moment.) It was fun being there. The national president of the DAR was in attendance, she was such a refined elegant woman, with a gracious bearing and kind heart. I sang in the choir which was fun. The only draw back was that being up so much those two days, my ankle swelled up really bad and I suffered a little extra for the following few days. (However it was worth it to make my grandmother so happy.)

May 7th was mother Birthday. She is now another year older, wiser and more beautiful. I love my mother so very much. I know that I am indeed very blessed to have her. There is not a day that has gone by in my life that she hasn’t influenced me fore the better. She is an example of who I wish to become someday.

As for Mother’s Day…. I had a horrible night before, so I didn’t get much sleep. Because of this I was feeling sick when I woke up. The family tried to get me to join the family special breakfast made, but I couldn’t get up. Feeling concerned, mother brought me breakfast in bed. I cannot tell you how I was touched by this motherly action. I finally did get up, and ready in time for my home teachers to visit. They were kind enough to drive me to church, for there was no way I could have walked. In getting to church early I was invited to join a special choir who was to sing “I Often Go Walking” in Sacrament Meeting for Mother’s Day. As we were practicing before Church began, I wished I had known enough in advance to tell my mother so she could hear me sing to her. Moments after that thought occurred, I looked up and saw my mother standing in the doorway. She was walking from her Sunday School class to Relief Society Class and heard the singing so she glanced in. Seeing her there, I turned just a bit and sang right to her. I was told later by the second counselor in our bishopric that was standing right next to mother in the doorway that as we sang my mother began to cry. I wanted to go down and give her a hug, yet when the song was over she disappeared as quietly as she entered.

For the first two weeks after my injury I had to find sisters to sub for me at the temple for I was ordered off my feet. The third week after talking to my doctor I was given permission to again work in the temple as long as I was careful. I told my supervisor, and she was kind enough to rearrange the schedule to give me a light shift. I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to be back in the House of the Lord. I had missed working in those holy walls so very much. And though it took a lot out of me to be there, it was worth it!

On the 15th I had to find another sub for my temple shift for mother and I were driving to Las Vegas. We had been invited to speak at the Las Vegas 1st annual Statesmanship Family Forum to take place on the 16th. On the drive up and back I read out loud to mother the classic stories by C.S. Lewis, “The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe”, and “Prince Caspian.” We had all been challenged to read them again in preparation to watching “Prince Caspian” newly released in the movie theaters.

I was very nervous to be speaking at the forum. I spent many hours thinking of, praying about, and going over the lecture I was to give. I had never spoken at a conference before, and I really wanted to help these youth to better understand the concept of Statesmanship in their lives. I wanted them to be inspired. When the time came, I was impressed with the youth I was working with. It was a joy to be there.

After speaking at the conference, mother and I turned around and drove straight back to Orem. It was a long drive. Mom tried to drive the whole way, but at Nephi She had no choice but to pull off and let me take over driving. (Luckily it was my left foot in the cast and not my right foot.) We made it home at about 1 am. Yawn…The next afternoon, Mother and I went to the monthly Blogger Babes Luncheon. It was fun to talk to these amazing women who love to write as much as I do.

Right now I am in the process of preparing to speak to the youth at the upcoming UHEA (Utah Home Education Association) Conference. I was asked to speak about Women of Virtue throughout the ages. I am so excited to talk about these great women from history, share their stories, and why they had influenced my life so much.

I'm alive, just not kicking

2008-04-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since last I posted. My only excuse, is that I find it difficult to concentrate on writing coherently when I am in a lot of pain necessitating in take pain medication. Why am I in such pain? ~sigh~

Well, basically last Friday I was playing with my new 6 year old brother (he is the youngest brother to my my sister's new husband.) , and I fell. I landed on my left ankle with all my weight, and as I did so felt a horrible pop. After which I collapsed in agony.

Basically I have a borderline level 2/ level 3 sprain. Or another wards I severely (but not completely) tore the ligaments in my left ankle. (which means pain, but hopefully not surgery)

So now I am off my feet for at lest a week (using a set of borrowed crutches for when I do need to carefully get around) and will be wearing a sporty black walking cast for the next few weeks.

At least I have more time to read, write, and correspond with good friends (when I can concentrate enough to do so) during my recovery.

Tagged again!

2008-04-10T11:04:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since anyone has tagged me; I guess it was about time for it to happen again. My good friend Lauren (whom I work with at the Temple) tagged me. So here it goes…

1. 10 years ago:
I was 15 years old. Mother was so severely morning sick with her pregnancy of my youngest sister Mary that she was confined to her bed. Adam and Jon my two oldest brothers were busy with college, and Dad was busy with work. That meant that I did the cooking, cleaning, laundry, homeschooling of my three younger siblings (and myself), and took care of my sick Mommy. It was a very educational time of my life.
2. 5 things on my to-do list today:
-Make breakfast for the family (personal omelets)
-Write posts for ldsblogs.com
-Orchestrate the cleaning and packing of my little brother’s room
-Help with the planning of the my little sister Jenny’s Wedding Reception (which is Saturday)
-Work at the Mount Timpanogos Temple. (I am an Ordinance Worker there on Thursday nights.)

3. Snacks I enjoy:
-Fresh fruit (especially berries yumm…)
-Vegetables (hmm… like sugar snap peas, celery, carrots, cucumbers, or broccoli)
-Chocolate (mostly milk chocolate, but depending on my mood dark chocolate is most welcome.)
-Gold fish (when I want to feel like a kid)
-Homemade breads
-Cereal (I don’t have it in the house often, but when I do I prefer it as snack food vrs. Breakfast food)

4. What I would do if I were suddenly made a billionaire:
First I would give back to the Lord 10% as Tithing, and then I would give 10% in various philanthropic causes. 10% would be set aside for short-term savings, and another 10% would be set aside into long-term savings (retirement). Out of the remaining 60% I would buy/pay off/or update (depending upon when this sudden wealth came to me) a house, a car, emergency preparedness items/toys, short-term and long term food storage, and all other household items. Then I would invest a large portion of the remaining amount of money. Lastly I would go to some places I have always wanted to go, and do things I have always wanted to do. (I.e. travel to various parts of the world, and take classes to learn certain talents/skills)

5. 5 places I have lived:
-Denver, Colorado
-Loveland, Colorado
-Orem, Utah
-Cedar City, Utah
-Assorted counties in Virginia and North Carolina (If you count my Mission)

6. 5 jobs that I have had:
-Research Assistant for a local screenplay writer/Author
-Sales and Customer Care Specialist for Handspring (handheld computer company)
-Collections Agent for DiscoverCard
-Teacher/Mentor at Moorhouse Academy
-Writer for LDSBLOGS.COM

7. 5 Random Things people don't know about me:
-Most people don’t know that I was talking at 5 ½ months and walking at 6 ½ months, and that by the time I was a year old (though I weighed less then 16 pounds) I could walk a mile on my own and hold full conversations.

-I was a halting reader till the summer between my 3rd and 4th grade year when I finally got fed up with my inability and taught myself how to read. (For those who don’t know me very well, since that summer I have become such an avid reader I usually go through a few books a week.)

-Though I work hard to be socially outgoing, I am really inwardly shy. I have the hardest time talking to people I don’t know very well.

-Though I am 25 years old, I have never had a boyfriend (or even half seriously dated anyone in my life).

-I have never kissed or been kissed. (I haven’t even held hands with anyone outside of family)

8. People I tag: Donna, Ki, Chani, Amber, Candace, Jeremy

New Posts on LDSBLOGS.COM

2008-04-10T10:52:00.000-07:00

Check out my new posts on Singles at LDSBLOGS.COM:

Women Are Like Apples on Trees

Where Does Our Tent Face

Who Wants to Speak To You

A Courtship Founded On Friendship

Patience With Parents

FHE Conference Trivia Part 1

FHE Conference Trivia Part 2

Preparing to Hear God's word for me...

2008-04-09T12:39:00.000-07:00

I am so grateful for General Conference. In the weeks leading up to each Conference, I cannot help but think of another conference that took place long ago among the Ancient Nephite people. (See Mosiah 2-) I imagine myself there with my family and visualize journeying with them as we gathered together at the temple. I imagine us pitching our tents with the door facing that most holy house of the Lord, where there was a tower erected upon which would hold up the Prophet of God. I imagine the sacrifices made to prepare our minds and hearts to receive the word of the Lord. and I imagine the anticipation that would have thrummed in my soul to hear the messages that God had prepared for His servants to give.

As I pondered about that long ago Conference and visualized myself preparing to attend it, I found myself similarly preparing to do the same in my day. I found myself going to the Temple, re-pitching my tent with the door toward the temple (or re-aligning my life with the teachings, and covenants received and made therein). I found myself making sacrifices (like a broken heart and a contrite spirit) to prepare my mind and heart to receive the word of God. And I found myself eager to know what message(s) God had prepared for me, to bless my life.

I am so thankful that I did so for, when God spoke to me this last weekend, I heard His words to me. And I rejoice in the hearing. For His message was so sweet to my heart, mind, and soul. I love my Lord, and I honor his Servants who are so willing to stand high on their towers to deliver His word to all who would receive.

New School Prayer...

2008-04-02T10:59:00.000-07:00

I just received this from a young friend in an e-mail. I thought that it was a sad, but true commentary on our times.

Since the Pledge of Allegiance and The Lord's Prayer are not allowed in most public schools anymore because the word 'God' is mentioned.... A kid in Arizona wrote the attached

NEW School prayer :

Now I sit me down in school

Where praying is against the rule

For this great nation under God

Finds mention of Him very odd.

If Scripture now the class recites,

It violates the Bill of Rights.

And anytime my head I bow

Becomes a Federal matter now.

Our hair can be purple, orange or green,

That's no offense; it's a freedom scene.

The law is specific, the law is precise.

Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall

Might offend someone with no faith at all.

In silence alone we must meditate,

God's name is prohibited by the state.

We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,

And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.

They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.

To quote the Good Book makes me liable.

We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,

And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.

It's 'inappropriate' to teach right from wrong,

We're taught that such 'judgments' do not belong.

We can get our condoms and birth controls,

Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.

But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,

No word of God must reach this crowd.

It's scary here I must confess,

When chaos reigns the school's a mess.

So, Lord, this silent plea I make:

Should I be shot; My soul please take!

Amen

New Posts on LDSBLOGS.COM

2008-03-31T15:01:00.000-07:00

Check out my latest Singles Posts on LDSBLOGS.COM:

The Better Part

Financial Stewardships

Playing With Fire

Prayer...The Doorway to Peaceful Sleep

Choose Your Own Adventure

Check out my posts on Book of Mormon on LDSBLOGS.COM:

Weak Things Made Strong

A farewell to a good friend.

2008-03-31T10:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I woke up early in the morning to get ready and then drive up to Ogden, Ut in time for a 9:00 am sacrament meeting. Why? Because someone I love very much is leaving to serve a full-time mission for the church. Yesterday was his farewell.

I am so glad that I did. For I shall not be able to see this dear friend of mine for another two years. His little sister Jordana preformed a beautiful musical number on the harp (Joseph Smith's First Vision" While listening to her play my soul took flight, and it was as if I was in the presence of many heavenly friends.

Then my friend spoke to us. His talk was centered around the 6 keys of a simple yet powerful testimony. He hit it right on. I know he will be a wonderful missionary, for he already is one.

After church we all went across the street to my friends home. There we talked, reminisced, and enjoyed the company of all who were present, while eating the most delicious food. Then before I had to leave with my family, many of us gathered around the piano. One of my friend's sisters played the piano, while the other accompanied us with her violin, and we sang the hymns of Zion. Of course the last one we sang before I had to leave was, "God be with you till we meet again."

With tears that had not yet escaped my eyes, I gave my parting to my friend whom I shall greatly miss, and to his siblings whom I also love greatly and hope to see again soon. The drive home found me either singing, or last in thought. (reminiscing upon the many memories I have of this dear friend whom years ago I unofficially adopted as a little brother.)

As a side note mother and I both ate something we were allergic to. We were in a hurry so we decided to get blessings when we got home. I prayed that we would make it, and as I struggled to sing in the van, a thought of inspiration came to my mind so clearly. Apparently I had to tablets of allergy medication in my purse which I had forgotten I had. I gave on to mother and took the other myself. This inspiration helped us to make it home without worry. I am so thankful for the inspiration of the Lord which always blesses my life when I listen.

How much is your blog worth?

2008-03-25T17:55:00.000-07:00

I have have a large handful of friends who have blogs. Reading them is a way to stay connected and uptodate with wht is going on in their lives, when we don't have the oppertunity to get togther and talk.

However lately I have fallen greatly behind in reading these blogs. I took the oppertunity to do so this afternoon, and I am glad I did, for there was a lot written.

On my sister-in-law's blog Bare Joyfoot she had a post earlier this month about how much your blog is worth. I was curious as to what my blog would equate to. So here it is...

My blog is worth $5,080.86.
How much is your blog worth?

Not bad, eh? lol whatever this really means.

Writing, writing, and more writing.

2008-03-25T17:46:00.000-07:00

This last month, what with my sister's wedding, getting really sick, then managing the Easter Bunny (for two weeks for a friend), my writing has suffed by being placed on the back burner of my priorities.

Now that is not to say that I have not been writing at all. You will almost always find some sized notebook on my person, just ready in case a thought should pop into my head that begs for recording.

What has suffered has been my book, and my different blogs. Sigh. To make up for this I have spent the last two days making up for lost time. I love to write. It is an expression of my soul. If I can't write using my computer, then I use notebooks. If I don't have a notebook on hand then any sort of scraps of paper will do. If I don;t even have that, then I find myself writing encrypted notes on my actual person.

Now that I am finally starting to feel more caught up in my writing, I need to pull out my books, and get back into reading. I feel the lose in my life when I am not engaged in the world of at least one book. (more often then not it is multiple books)

New Posts on LDSBLOGS.COM

2008-03-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

Check out my latest Singles Posts on LDSBLOGS.COM:

The Power of Appearance

The Lord Will Prepare a Way

Establishing Traditions

Focusing on What God Has Given Me

I Will Forever be Grateful to These Four Amazing Men

A Time to be Proactive

One Crazy Weekend.

2008-03-24T10:07:00.000-07:00

Where I was happy to help out my friend by managing the Easter Bunny in the mornings at Valley Fair Mall these last two weeks, I am glad that I am done. It was great fun spending all that time working with all those adorable little children, but I found myself getting a little too baby hungry. Which does me no good for I don't have all the prerequisites to have some of my own yet (namely a husband...~sigh~) Also during these last two weeks I have fallen a bit behind on my writing among other things. It will be good to get my life back to it's usual schedule.

Late last Thursday night my little sister Jenny and her husband came into town for the weekend. We had her bridal showers (post wedding) set for Friday. I missed the ward/friends one for it was scheduled while I was working (Easter Bunny). I did make the family one that night though, for which I am glad.

Also Friday I had five friends from George Wythe arrive for the weekend. One of them had a wedding to attend (a cousin was getting married in the Timpanogos Temple), and had some business to attend to and they all needed a place to stay. Needless to say we had a full house. With My sister and her husband taking over my youngest sister's room, I was sleeping in the downstairs living room with four other girls, and we had two young men on the couch/floor of the upstairs living room.

Saturday was even more hectic then Friday. It was my last day working with the Easter Bunny, then I spent time with friends, including looking at bookstores, watching fun movies (including "Oscar"), and shopping. (we were up till about 4 am that night)

Sunday was Easter, as well as one of my friend's Birthday. We all attended church with my family, then I skipped the family ward's Relief Society meeting with one of my five friends to sing in my Single Ward's Sacrament meeting. We made it home just in time for me to go on a walk with one of my friends so we could talk a bit alone, before dinner.

Easter Dinner was crazy fun. We had not only my friends and little sister and hubby over for dinner, but also my oldest brother and his family, grandma, and my Aunt with two of her grandchildren. Ahhh, you know what they say, "The more the merrier!!"

Then we had our easter hunt. A small but fun affair which the children loved. And lastly we ended the events with a reading of the Easter Story discussing why we Celebrate this day.

Now all our guest are gone, and our house is much more quest. This morning is study/work time, then this afternoon we have more packing to do. Now if I can only stay awake and be productive. I have been spread so thin these last few weeks I haven't gotten anywhere near the proper amounts of sleep.

Say Cheese!

2008-03-16T22:31:00.000-07:00

About two weeks ago there was a knock on my door. It was a good friend in need. Every year for as long as I can remember my friend has managed the Easter Bunny and Santa Clause set up at near by malls for kiddie kandids. This year she was called last minute and told she had another mall to manage.

Most of her employees are in school so she has a difficult enough time staffing the mall she had let alone another one. Since I had worked for her years ago and had experience she asked if I would help her by overseeing the morning shift at this new mall. Unable to see a friend in need and not help if I could I said yes. Since I work at home, my schedule is quite flexible, so this was easily done.

All of last week my morning to mid days have been spent running the Easter Bunny at valley Fair Mall. Now I only have one more week to go (my last day being Saturday the day before Easter). Where I will be happy to get my life back on schedule after this week, I am glad I could help. Besides I get to work with little kids all day, and when things are slow I have my trusty notebook on hand to write.

To Sing With the Tongue of Angles

2008-03-16T22:13:00.000-07:00

This last month has been very crazy busy for me. After my sisters wedding I became very sick. However my responsibilities did not go away. ~Sigh~ Somehow I managed, and now I am back to being healthy again.

When it became known that I would survive this illness (though others did not doubt this I did a time or too, just because I was so miserable.), I was asked to prepare a musical number in Sacrament Meeting. They have been trying to get me to sing a solo in church for months, it just has never worked out...till now.

The theme of the Sacrament meeting that Sunday (Last Sunday to be exact) was on following the Voice of the Spirit. So I chose a song printed in the New Era a long while ago written by Janice Kapp Perry entitled, The Voice of the Spirit.

The message of the song was powerful, as was the music itself. As I sang that Sunday afternoon, I felt the spirit swell around me and I felt as if I was singing with the tongue of angels.

I felt as I often felt when guided by the spirit on my mission. I cannot express what feeling this meant to me. So though I still have a hard time getting up in front of people, I am so thankful for this opportunity.

The Castle Builder

2008-02-28T10:28:00.000-08:00

The Castle Builder
by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

A gentle boy, with soft and silken locks,
A dreamy boy, with brown and tender eyes,
A castle-builder, with his wooden blocks,
And towers that touch imaginary skies.

A fearless rider on his father's knee,
An eager listener unto stories told
At the Round Table of the nursery,
Of heroes and adventures manifold.

There will be other towers for thee to build;
There will be other steeds for thee to ride;
There will be other legends, and all filled
With greater marvels and more glorified.

Build on, and make thy castles high and fair,
Rising and reaching upward to the skies;
Listening to voices in the upper air,
Nor lose thy simple faith in mysteries.

I love this poem by Longfellow. Whenever I hear or read it I imagine a father and his child discovering the inspiring reams of the imagination together.

Cough, Cough, Sneeze

2008-02-28T09:07:00.000-08:00

Just about the only thing worse then being sick, is being sick in a house full of sick people. For when everyone arond your feels as horrid as you do, the sympathy level is really low. ~Sigh~ I'll survive. Actually the worst part of being sick right now is that I have to miss my Temple shift tonight. No way would I risk giving this vasty virus to any of the sweet old ladies I work with.

I was hoping that I would be over it by now. I was doing so much better yesterday in time for the Princess Academy Luncheon (where we discussed the princess diary of Cleopatra, A Little Princess, and I gave a short vignette on Madam Curie). By that time I only had a little cough, and bad headach. However as the day progressed so did the virus. By last night I was absolutly miserable. Oh well, I am starting to feel a little better. I hope to be recovered by this weekend for the TJED Forum.

Temple Blessings

2008-02-22T21:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my second week working at the twmple (For those who don't know I work every Thursday night from 4- closing). I am learning so much. I am so thankful for this oppertunity. Not to mention how much fun it all is. Last night was also the night my sister received her Endowments. When I let my Superviser know this I was allowed to finish my shift early so as to go through the temple session with my sister.

This afternoon we were back to the Temple. My little sister was sealed for time and all eternity to Allen W. Allen's Grandfather I. is a sealer in the Navoo Temple, and he received special permission to preform the sealing. It was such a beautiful cerimony. I am so happy for my little sister.

Now I have a new brother, and by extension three more brothers, a sister, new parents (mom and dad W,), aunts, uncles, great aunts, great uncles, and 4 more grandparents!!!! I love family. My philosophy is...The more the merrier! Once I claim them they are claimed for good. I look forward to visiting Grandma and Grandpa I. in Navoo, and Grandma and Grandpa W. in Provo. Daddy W. has invited me to audit his writing class at BYU, and my new little brother Patrick is fun to sing with. Sigh.

One of the blessing of a large family is how much family I get to claim through marriage. hehehe...

New Posts on LDSBLOGS.COM

2008-02-19T10:16:00.000-08:00

Check out my latest Singles Posts on LDSBLOGS.COM

Family Home Evening is For Singles Too

A Hundredth Part

Marriage...

2008-02-19T09:48:00.000-08:00

My Little sister is engaged. Even more she is getting MARRIED this Friday! I know it is all happening so fast, but when it's right, it's right. My father always counseled us to date as long as we felt we needed untill we knew for sure, but then to keep the engagement short. Jennifer and Allen have taken his counsel to heart. They got engaged Sunday and are getting Married in the Mount Timpanogos Temple on Friday. I am so happy for the two of them, and pray that the Lord will bless them and this union in every way.

A Valentines Day to Never Forget

2008-02-18T12:15:00.000-08:00

Thursday I was not given lots of candy, or flowers, and I didn't have a fun or romantic date with a special someone. Yet this past Valentines Day is a day I shall never forget. For it was my first day serving as an Ordinance Worker in the Mount Timpanogos Temple.

I was surrounded, and filled with the purest of love. I felt as if I had come home. The six hours of my assigned shift flew by as I worked to learn and serve both those on this side of the Veil and those on the other side.

I forgot myself, my worries, doubts, and fears, for I was so focused on giving, serving, and loving those around me. I believe that that was the key. For only when I fully let go was I prepared to fully receive .

New Posts on LDSBLOGS.COM

2008-02-11T12:23:00.000-08:00

Here are my latest posts for singles on LDSBLOGS.COM

Following the Counsel of Our Leaders

For Time and All Eternity -- The Power of Temple Sealings

Foreordination -- A Work To Do

Pop Corn and Hot Tamales

2008-02-11T12:09:00.000-08:00

For weeks I have been trying to get together with a dear driend of mine. (incidentally she is also one of the sister's I am assigned to Visit Teach). Due to both of our crazy scheduales, we have only managed to see each other in passing. Each time (usually at church) I see my friend we have tried to set up a time to get together, but it jsut never happened. Well, that is untill last Friday night.

I had so much fun. First we went out to eat. Because of what happened to my tooth just that morning, I was in the mood for something soft to eat, so my friend took me to eat at Noodles and Company. I loved it! The food was just great, and the prices werent that bad either.

After eating we went to rent a movie, then went back to my firnd's apartment. When we got to her place, one of her roommates was finishing up a movie, so we went into the kitchen, and my friend who is newly engaged pulled out her wedding planner book and started showing me her ideas for her wedding reception.

Then after her roomate had finished what she was watching and had gone to bed, we popped some popcorn, added some hot tamales (I know pop corn and hot tamales? It sounds wierd, but it actually was really good. Imagine that.) and started the movie. The Movie sadly turned out to be very poorly done, which just gave me more of an oppertunity to talk to my friend. It was sort of fun to critique the movie as we were watching it.

All in all I am glad we got together that night, even though I wasn't feeling very well at the time. I realize that I need to take those oppertunities to make connections with the people in my life. Otherwise I get so caught up in my busy little world that I disconect.

The Wrong Kind Of Crown

2008-02-08T13:07:00.000-08:00

When I think about crowns, I think about Royalty. I don't normally think about teeth. Yet that is all I can think of today. A couple hours ago, I was eating grape nuts when I felt something no one wants to feel in their mouth. I felt one of my teeth crack. OUCH! I immediately tried calling my dentist to get it taken care of, but they are out of the office today.

I was able to get in to another dentist, for which I am very grateful for. Now normally I avoid dentists and doctors like the plague. However, desperate times call for desperate measures. The long and short of it is, I had to get a crown put on my tooth. Well actually I had to have a temperary crown put on, the real one wont be available for two weeks. Sigh. Though I am not happy for this to happen, I am grateful that I could get it taken care of.

New Posts for LDSBLOGS.COM

2008-02-06T17:00:00.000-08:00

Check out my new "Singles" posts on LDSBLOGS.COM:

The Crossroads of Dating

Arise My Sons...And Be Men

You Are Leading Lady Material

A New Adventure

2008-02-06T16:39:00.000-08:00

The Temples of God have always been important to me. In a way you could say that they are at the very center of my life. Since I was a small child I have dreamed about being able to go inside and to the sacred work done there in. It has also been a dream of mine to work int he temple. A dream I didn't expect to be fulfilled for many years.

I cannot express to you fully then, the feelings that went through my mind
when the letter showed up the other day from the Mount Timpanogos Temple Presidency requesting an interview.

Mother went to the interview with me. One -- Because I don't own a car, and needed a ride. Two-- For moral support. I am glad she did, for that meant that when at the end of the interview I was set apart to be an ordinance worker, mom was able to come in and be there.

I am so excited for this new adventure, and a little nervous. This is a great responsibility and stewardship which I will seek to magnify as God would have me. For those of you who are interested I shall be working the Thursday evening sift at the Temple (4pm till closing). My first Day will be February 14th. That's right, Valentines Day!

Blogging for LDSBLOGS.COM

2008-02-04T13:29:00.000-08:00

President Thomas S. Monson the 16th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

2008-02-04T10:39:00.000-08:00

I just finished watching the news conference announcing our new Prophet and First Presidency.

The Prophet :President Thomas S. Monson

1st Councilor :President Henry B. Eyring

2nd Councilor: President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

It was wonderful to watch their faces, and listen to them as they made their official statements, and then answered the question put forth by the press. I know that they are all called of God, and the this is still His Church, and is in His hands.

The passing of a dear friend

2008-01-29T14:08:00.001-08:00

I may not have ever spoken to him face to face or shaken his hand, but the Prophet Gorden B. Hinkley was a man I consider one of my dearest friends. When the news came Sunday night informing me of President Hinkley's death, my first response was sadness. I shall miss his forthright optimism, and practicality. I shall miss the feeling of energy and excitement that filled everything he did. I shall miss his council, which always applied to me whether I wanted it to or not. I shall miss his smile, and twinkling eyes. I shall miss him.

Then following that sadness that comes of loosing someone you greatly care about, I felt happiness. For he was 97 years old, and tiring. I knew his time was drawing to a close and so did he. I saw it in his intense need to finish the race running. And now he is with his wife and dear friends who have all passed on before him. He is at peace, and he is filled with joy, and so to am I.

Feeling "Swell" and Colorful...

2008-01-28T21:42:00.000-08:00

Saturday night I went Ice Skating for the first time in almost 10 years. I went with my Singles Ward (and a good friend from Cedar City that I brought home with me for the weekend). It was a lot of fun, and I did pretty well. That is except for the accident. Yes I had a mishap on the ice. I took a turn a little too quickly to avoid another skater who was too close, snagged my toe pick in the ice, slammed my right knee and my left hip with bone jarring fore into the rock hard ice, and then slid superman stile a few feet. After this amazing show of clumsiness I promptly picked myself up and went to sit down carefully working my knee till the fires shooting through it lessened. Then applying the "fall of a horse" rule, I careful got up and got back on the ice. If not who knows if I could have done so again.

Come the next morning however (Sunday) My body was so bruised, and hip and knee so swollen that I couldn't stand let alone walk. This mean having to stay home from church, a rare occasion for me, since I need that weekly renewal of covenants and spiritual uplift that comes from attending church.

The good news is that even though I am still filled with pain, the swelling has gone down a bit, which hopefully means I didn't seriously damage anything. As long as I am careful for the coming week I should be able to return to the gym soon. Yey!

A Random Update from Cedar City

2008-01-24T12:15:00.000-08:00

Well as many have guessed I am still out of a computer, which has hampered my blogging a bit. The other reason is that I am currently out of town visiting my sister and many school friends down in Cedar City, and have been really busy. Luckily my friend is letting me use her computer to write this post, and catch up with my correspondence.

As a scattered update, Last week I finally got around to getting a gym pass to go work out with the family. Mom, Dad, and I are taking a water aerobics class in the morning, and then Mom, the kids, and I go again in the afternoon to use the equipment. Of course I haven't been going with them this week for I am out of town, but I was told by Dad that the rest of the family have been going every day even without me. I am so proud of them. It is time to be healthy, and ft.

This week has been so much fun! I am staying with my good friends (unofficial family) Melissa and David. While down here I have been running every which way torn between spending time with this friend or that (and being with my sister while not keeping her from her school work)... Where I am having lots of fun, I must admit that I am exhausted.

Today is Dad's Birthday. I called him this morning to sing to him. I love my father so very much. He is an amazing example, strength, and protection to me. I am truly blessed.

I am hoping to kidnap my friend Jocelyn (my friend sister, and 8 month roommate from last year whom I never get to see) for the weekend. She should be coming up north as well, so I have talked her into staying at my place and having a fun sleepover. I am sooo excited; for other then a few hours the other night we haven't seen each other in almost a year.

Though I am on vacation, I couldn't step away from all my responsibilities while down here. I have been keeping in touch with my younger brother whom I am mentoring in his studies. I brought some books I am reading on Marie Curie whom I am giving a vignette on this next week at the Princess Academy. Lastly, I am also working on finishing a crocheted Afghan for my hope chest.

Well I should have more updates soon. I shall find a way to post more faithfully even though I don't have my computer, and don't know when I will have it back...

Blogger Babes Luncheon

2008-01-11T14:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterdays Afternoon Mother and I attended the monthly blogger babes luncheon. This Month we met at the Brick Oven. He food was absolutely wonderful, but the company and conversation was the highlight for me. I have enjoyed getting to know my fellow blogging babes. They are all intelligent, funny, charming women who have much to give the world.

Mother and I were the Spotlighted bloggers this month so we each gave a not so brief personal introduction then presented the grand prize gift of the month. A gift box with a sublimated Remember my mug (showing the blogging babe trademark), a can of Stephens hot cocoa, a bag of worther's original candies, and a hand crocheted scarf... It was fun putting it all together with mother.

As a fun side note, for those more interest in joining the Beautiful Bodacious Babbling Blogging Babes, staying up to date with us and our events, or just checking out who and what we are then come and check out our new blog http://blogger-babes.blogspot.com/

The Keystone of our Religion...

2008-01-09T13:34:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to be studying the Book of Mormon in Sunday School this year. After having just spent the last two years studying the Old and New Testament, I am ready to delve into the Book of Mormon another Testament of Jesus Christ once more in class.

For those who may not be familiar with the Book of Mormon here is an explanation of the Book of Mormon as found in the Introduction of the Book of Mormon...

"The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fulness of the everlasting gospel.

The book was written by many ancient prophets by the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Their words, written on gold plates, were quoted and abridged by a prophet-historian named Mormon. The record gives an account of two great civilizations. One came from Jerusalem in 600 B.C., and afterward separated into two nations, known as the Nephites and the Lamanites.

The other came much earlier when the Lord confounded the tongues at the Tower of Babel. This group is known as the Jaredites. After thousands of years, all were destroyed except the Lamanites, and they are the principal ancestors of the American Indians.

The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after his resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come.

After Mormon completed his writings, he delivered the account to his son Moroni, who added a few words of his own and hid up the plates in the hill Cumorah. On September 21, 1823, the same Moroni, then a glorified, resurrected being, appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith and instructed him relative to the ancient record and its destined translation into the English language.

In due course the plates were delivered to Joseph Smith, who translated them by the gift and power of God. The record is now published in many languages as a new and additional witness that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and that all who will come unto him and obey the laws and ordinances of his gospel may be saved.

Concerning this record the Prophet Joseph Smith said: “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.”

In addition to Joseph Smith, the Lord provided for eleven others to see the gold plates for themselves and to be special witnesses of the truth and divinity of the Book of Mormon. Their written testimonies are included herewith as “The Testimony of Three Witnesses” and “The Testimony of Eight Witnesses.”..."

I just love the scriptures! They are much more then a mere influence in my life, they are the standard and guide to all I am and hope to become. The more I can learn about my Savior Jesus Christ, his teaching, his gospel, the happier (and confident) I am in my life. I feel very blessed to have this other testament of Christ in my life.

Years ago while serving a mission for my Church (really for God), I came across a beautiful promise given by Elder Marion G Romney:

Promised to those who daily read the Book of Mormon.

"You will be with the power to avoid deception and resist temptation.
The spirit of reverence will increase in your home.
It will bring Spirituality into your life.
You will be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Reading the Book of Mormon will heal your soul.
Mutual respect and consideration for family members will grow.
The spirit of contention will depart from your home.
Your ability to understand the teachings of the Book of Mormon will increase.
You will be able to counsel your children with greater love and wisdom.
You will be fortified against the evils of our day.
Your children will become more responsible and submissive to your counsel.
You will develop a closer relationship with Christ.
You will be blessed with added power to endure in righteousness amidst the growing onslaught of wickedness.
Your ability to teach and preach will be magnified.
Your ability to receive personal revelation to bless the loves of other's will increase.
Faith, Hope, and Charity will abound in your home.
You will experience Peace, Joy, and Happiness."

Why can Elder Romney promise such amazing things for those who daily read the Book of Mormon? Because there is power in the word of God; and when you exercise your agency to seek the word of God and apply it within your life, then you can have greater access to the Holy Spirit of God in your life as well. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I have read it many times (as I have read the bible). I have prayed to receive confirmation of it's truthfulness (which I have received many times), and I have applied the teachings in my life (and seen the effect thereof).

I encourage all to take the opportunity to prayerfully study the Book of Mormon with me this coming year. Watch and see the miracles that occur when you receive the Word of God more fully into your life, and when you finish this powerful book of scripture whether it be for the first of the hundredth time I would exhort you to take the Prophet Moroni's challenge...

" Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."

If you do do, I promise that you will receive an answer (or confirmation of the answer you received when you first took this challenge) of it's truthfulness, and thus power.

Having no computer makes posting difficult...

2008-01-09T13:17:00.000-08:00

On top of the usual craziness that is my life (which has limited the number of posts lately), my laptop broke last week. This is tragic considering how much of my work revolves around my computer at the moment. With all the research and writing I have to do...sigh...Good thing I have my notebooks to still write down important epiphanies. I just pray that I can get my computer back soon, for I really need to get back to the books I am working on.

On the bright side, I have been able to spend more time with my siblings (which is good for I oversee my 16 year old brother's studies...), and help mom finish the Princess Primer (for mothers. Rediscovering the lost art of Godly Womanhood...) while starting a crochet afghan (which I am over half way finished in just two days) at the same time...

I am looking forward to the blogging babes luncheon tomorrow afternoon. Mother and I are being spotlighted and have put together the grand prize gift basket. I have only made it to one on the blogging babe luncheons, but the women I met were amazing. I hope to get to know them all better.

Welcome to a whole new year!

2008-01-01T16:22:00.000-08:00

Another year has passed into the next. Though surrounded by many other people at that magical moment of midnight, I felt as if I was completely alone. Time slowed and for just a moment, I saw all that this last year had brought with it, and a few precious glimpses of what this coming year would bring. Since that moment I have been bombarded with so many thoughts and feelings which I had to sort out alone with my maker. Luckily my family sensing this need has left me to myself this day to do so.

I oh so needed this, and now find myself filled with renewed purpose, and direction for this coming year. There are many things I must continue, and even more I must change if I wish to be the person I seek to be and do the things which I greatly desire to do. (of which there is so very much.)

I must have become more quite and introspective then I thought last night for I have since been contacted by a good friend (who was at the New Years Celebration) who feared something was wrong and thinking that I was incredibly sad...I must admit that for a time I was (this sometimes occurs when painful truths are finally accepted). However since I have also been filled with acceptance, determination, hope, and at last peace. (A tender mercy that...)

At the turning of every year or at any major turning point of my life I find myself turning to Alma's council in Alma chapter 5. It is my self inventory chapter. As I read I personal ask myself the questions which this long ago prophet asked those whom he was teaching. In seeking to answer them I am given a clear picture of where I am in my life in regards to where I need to be. Then I find my self making lists (both in my head and on paper) which I then check with the Lord before applying to my life. If I don't clean house spiritually as well as temporally on a regular basis I find that I loose sight of what is really important, and I drift.

With all said and done, I can now honestly say I am thankful for what/where this last year has brought me, and I look forward to all this coming year shall bring. I pray that all of you are given this same blessing to be able to do so as well. Happy New Year!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

2007-12-29T17:11:00.000-08:00

Today is my mom and dad's 30th Wedding Anniversary. In a world where divorce is ever more prevalent, it is comforting to have the example of my parents to know that marriage can work. I love you Mom and Dad thanks for being such a powerful example to me in my life.

The Annual Christmas Musical Sacrament Meeting

2007-12-23T23:04:00.000-08:00

I love Sunday. It is a time for renewal in so many ways. One of my favorite parts of Sunday is Church. It is just 3 hours long, and yet it has such an affect on my coming week. First you have the Sacrament meeting where you renew your baptismal covenants by partaking of the sacrament, then you are edified through talks given be fellow members and of course the music itself. Then you have Sunday school. I usually go to the gospel doctrine class. This year we have been studying the New Testament. I love the bible so much, and have loved going over it again this year. Then last of all we have Relief Society (for the women 18 + which I am. Men go to priesthood, youth go to young men or young women's, and the children go to primary.) In Relief Society this year we have been studying the Teaching of the Prophet Spencer W. Kimball, and the latest General conference talks...All in all the 3 hours is packed full of spiritual edification...

This Sunday was no different. In fact it was sooo much more. Because it was the week of Christmas we had a musical Sacrament meeting( which is my favorite Sacrament Meeting of the year!!!). After the sacrament was blessed and passed the program began. My friend Megan played a achingly beautiful piano solo: Silent Night/Still Still Still Still Medley. Then Nate sang the first verse of: It Came Upon A Midnight Clear, after which he was joined by the ward Choir (of which I am a part) for the following two verses. Next the Ward Choir sang: Was I There (such a beautiful piece asking the question: Was I there with the choirs of angels singing the at the saviors birth?). Then Our dear bishop spoke to us. He spoke of the gift of the Saviors birth, and how the wise men came from afar seeking the Christ Child. He said that we are to seek the Christ as well. Then Bishop shared a few beautiful Christmas stories to illustrate that when you seek the Savior you are filled with Charity, gratitude, and are willing to sacrifice all things...After the bishop finish speaking the choir sang: The Carol of the Bells (which is quite beautiful) then for the closing song we sang Silent Night (one of my favorite hymns) First two of my friends sang verse 1 in German (it's original language), then a friend and I sang verse 1 in Spanish, followed by two friends singing it in English. The choir sang the second verse, and the choir and Congregation sand the third verse. Throughout it all the spirit of the Lord was so very strong. I can understand why.. for isn't the song of the heart a prayer unto God?

The rest of Church continued to be as wonderful as the beginning. Then I went home and Mom, Jennifer and I put together out goodie tins, and I went to deliver my holiday goodies to some dear friends. All in all it was a busy day, and though I feel tired, I also feel renewed, and at peace. I am so excited for Christmas eve, and Christmas day this week! Tomorrow I shall have to write about some of my favorite family traditions for this wonderful season...

Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

2007-12-14T15:15:00.001-08:00

A Few Months ago one of my students, a beautiful young lady named Portia, asked me if I knew any young men aged between 15 and 20 who knew how to dance. I immediately thought of my younger brother Jeremy. When I told her that yes I did, then asked her why, she informed me that she was preforming in the MoTab Christmas Concert and that they needed a few more young men. She gave me the information and I later asked Jeremy if he was interested in trying out. (He had no formal dance training, but he loves to ballroom dance for fun.) Jeremy said that he was interested, so a few days later found him up in Salt Lake at the try outs.

To make a long story short Jeremy was selected to preform in the concert, and for the last two months has been working hard to prepare for the big event. (For those interested in knowing...One of the main numbers for the concert was the classic carol, "The Twelve Days of Christmas". My young student Portia was chosen to be the partridge in the pair tree, and Jeremy was chosen to be one of the 12 drummers drumming.)

Since he was preforming Jeremy was given two tickets. He generously gave them to me, so last night I went with a good friend to the much awaited Concert. What an amazing early Christmas Present! The stage was beautiful, the music heavenly, and the dancers were amazing. For those who don't have the opportunity to go see it this year, I urge you to watch it when they broadcast it next year, for it is surely worth it.

And God gave us music that we might pray without words...

2007-12-11T16:38:00.000-08:00

This Sunday was the annual Christmas Choir Concert that my Stake has had every year for the last 25 years. I look forward to this event every year. Due to school, and my mission this year was to be my first time in four years to attend/participate.

Due to how sick I have been I was worried that I couldn’t participate this year, but again the lord blessed me so that my voice came back just in time to sing. Each ward choir in the stake presented a musical number (the number sang by our singles ward was entitled “Was I there”. It is such a beautiful song…), then the whole congregation joined a stake youth orchestra and sang three chorus’s from Handel’s Messiah (including the Hallelujah Chorus) interspersed with two solo’s from the Messiah.

It says in the scriptures that the song of the heart is a Prayer unto God. I truly felt that was so in that simple chapel Sunday night. The Music was beautiful, edifying, and inspiring. I am so thankful to have been able to be a part of it.

Arise from the dust, my sons, and be men...

2007-12-11T14:57:00.000-08:00

Today was the monthly Adult meeting of The Princess Academy. I look forward to the mother daughter meeting tomorrow. The luncheon was wonderful we had homemade Chicken Noodle Soup and Salad, followed by some wonderful conversations.

After the meeting we were discussing a contest being held by our good friend Candace Salima on her blog: Dream just a little more. The Contest is entitled: Best Husband in the World. Women from all over submitted a short essay on why they think their Husband deserves this award. It had been narrowed down to 6 finalists.

Skyler Brimhall
Jim Browning
Kennon Crane
David Cross
Donald Hush
Robert Reese

As I read and I admit cried through the essays submitted by the wives of the 6 finalist, a scripture went through my mind over and over. It is a scripture which I have used as a measuring tool for every male in my life. What scripture is it you ask. 2 Nephi 1:21 “And now that my soul might have joy in you, and that my heart might leave this world with gladness because of you, that I might not be brought down with grief and sorrow to the grave, arise from the dust, my sons, and be men…”

Sadly where there are many good guys in the world today, there are few that I could call “Men”. This is a really discouraging thing for a single young woman looking for an Eternal Companion. Yet in reading about these 6 individuals I am given hope that they are still out there. I encourage all who read this post to go and read about these 6 amazing examples of Manhood, and cast your vote today.

Now what does it take for me to consider someone a "Man" vs a "Good Guy"? Well that will have to be the subject for another post…

Looking forward to the Holidays...

2007-12-07T20:36:00.000-08:00

I know that I haven't posted much lately. The truth is that I was caught up in having my family all in town for Thanksgiving, then after that I got really sick. And I just haven't been in the mood to blog because of it. Sigh...

The good news is that I am starting to feel better. Sadly I had to cancel my scheduled musical number for Church this Sunday, for even if I do finally get my voice back (yeah I have spent the last week without a voice ~shiver~.) in time, I haven't been able to practice. I am hoping that my voice will be recover in time to sing Sunday night in the Christmas Choir Concert put on my our stake every year. I have been practicing with out ward choir for weeks for it. Oh I just love to sing. Music has such power to influence the soul...

Tonight I was able to pull myself off the downstairs couch (my currant bed) long enough to dress myself up (enough to hide how sick I feel), and attend a Sisters Appreciation Night hosted by the Elders Quorum in our Singles Ward. They made us a wonderful dinner, gave us each a beautiful rose, and sang to us (Carols mostly). It was so sweet, but I think I over did it tonight. I am soo exhausted now. Sigh. Well as long as I don't get sick again.

I am soo ready for the Christmas Holidays to begin. This is my favorite time of the year. It is a time of Tradition, a time of Charity, a time of service, and of cherishing loved ones. I look forward to caroling, going to see and enjoy the lights and decorations all about, baking delicious goodies, and then share them with friends. With friends coming in town, friends leaving town, and family all about I am going to have one amazing Christmas holiday.

The Price of Greatness…

2007-11-30T22:23:00.000-08:00

-“…It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us…”Maryanne Williamson
We were all created for greatness, in some form or another. We know that greatness is within ourselves, and we also know that it comes at a price. How many people in seeing the price that those who give their all are asked to pay, decide they would rather hold a portion of themselves back, in order to be just good enough to ease their conscience, while avoiding the price paid by those who give their all.

Do you think God will accept our justification in our accounting of our life when we say, “Well, I wasn’t bad. In fact I did a lot of good things. Isn’t that enough?”

When we choose to not be all that we were created to be, and do all we were created to do, then we are going against the very nature of our creation, and are thus at war with ourselves, with God, and with all creation. That probably explains why when we do so; it feels as if there was a black spot on our hearts, which leaves us felling empty, and dark…

- Those who pay the price to be all that they were created to be, and to give all that are able to give; are then in the position to receive all that is possible to receive.

Have you ever watched another person go though something horrendously unbearable and asked yourself, “How can he/she be so strong? How can he/she make it through?” It seems impossible and yet they do it. How?

Fist according to my core book I must acknowledge that, the Lord will not give us more than we can bare. Second, the Lord always supports His people. Whether by making the burden light, by taking away the pain, or by giving strength, peace, and love…It is in this way that those who give everything are blessed. Though the price is high, it is well worth it. (p.s. this means that there is no reason to fear to lose ourselves, for when we do so we allow God to then find us.)

Thanksgiving Day Proclamation of 1789

2007-11-22T11:38:00.000-08:00

President George Washington:

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor, and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint committee requested me to "recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanks-giving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many single favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the Service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be. That we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks, for His kind care and protection of the People of this country previous to their becoming a Nation, for the single and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of His providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war, for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed, for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, of the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have to acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge and in general for all the great and various favors which He hath been pleased to confer upon us.

Chocolate, Pies, Humming, Words, and Kissing…

2007-11-18T22:33:00.000-08:00

I love Chocolate. Most people would call me a choc-a-holic I love it so much. SO imagine my delight when our good friend Candace gave mother and me two free tickets to attend the Utah Chocolate Expo. Hmmm…Yes I was in 7th Heaven. While there I found the perfect Christmas present for my good friend and fellow chocolate lover Kim. And though I am sure that I ate too much chocolate (if that is possible) I enjoyed myself immensely.

For as long as I can remember I have been a Pie not cake fan. Oh I love to make and decorate cakes for other people; I just don’t care to eat them… For my birthday every year I opt for Pink Lemonade Pie instead of the traditional cake and ice cream. Why am I writing about this? Well yesterday for our monthly Singles ward activity we made pies. Everyone was to bring our own pie tin, filling, and measuring/ mixing supplies. Provided was the ingredients and recipe for the crust. So once there we all got together making beautiful pies. I was at a table with two sweet sisters who don’t cook and had thus never made pies before. So While making my pie, I was also helping them make theirs. It was a lot of fun. I made a deep dish apple pie (my great grandmother’s recipe). For the top instead of a traditional crust top, or a crumbly Dutch top I did something a little different. I rolled out the dough and cut out (with a nifty little cookie cutter) maple leaves which I layered from the outside in till I covered the whole top of the pie. The result was something else. I think I liked it. Everyone else sure did. We ate it tonight as a family and with good friends. (The best way to eat an apple pie.)

Last night I went to a good friend’s house to play games and or watch a movie. Games didn’t happen; mostly we sat around and talked. I did gat a section of a puzzle finished which has been in the process of completion for the past few weeks…The movie that was chosen was shall we say … interesting? I was not happy with the language. I was so exhausted by then that almost immediately after the movie ended I fell into a deep sleep waking up only when it was time to go home. Today at church I was informed by various friends that while I was sleep (no I didn’t find the man of my dreams and get married…sigh) I started humming. No one knew the tune, but I am told it sounded quite nice… At least I wasn't sleep talking or walking...

Normally (at least for the past few months) every week at ward prayer we have been asked a random question like “If you had a super power what would it be?” or “If you could have any car in the world what would it be?”...Tonight however they decided to do something different. We were all given a piece of paper and told to write our name on it. Then we passed our paper around the circle and everyone wrote one word (sometimes more) to describe each other. Here is what was written on my paper:

-Charismatic
-Happy
-Musical
-Ladylike
-Smart
-Power stricken
-Nice
-Elegant
-Sweet and Kind
-Brilliant
-Knowledgeable
-Church Nerd
-Super Awesome
-Personal W/ Relationships
-Surprising
-Intelligent
-Smart
-Served on East Coast
-Great
-Classic
-Best Cookie Baker Ever
-Energetic
-Gulia
-Stainedglasser
-Refined
-Elegant
-Bodacious Babe

Hmmm…quite a list isn’t it. What I mainly noticed it that at least 90% of the above listed dealt with personality and style. Nothing about looks…I guess it just guess to show that if you don’t have looks you need to have lots of personally and style to make up for it… And at least I have that!

Lastly, as I was driving home from Ward Prayer with two friends from my singles ward one friend asked out loud, “Do you know what it’s like when you haven’t kissed a guy in a long time…” The other friend immediately answered, “Oh yeah” To which I replied, “I wouldn’t know, I have never kissed (or been kissed by) a guy.” Then silence that fell was deafening…They were clearly shocked, though why is beyond me. Then the friend who started the conversation continued to mention how when she has gone a long time without kissing a guy, how she starts imagining what it would be like to kiss this guy or that, with all her acquaintances. My other friends said that she was the same way imagining what this one or that one’s lips would feel like and so on…I kept quiet in the back seat. After all what could I say? Hmmm…Are all girls like this?

Babes, Icicles, Cars, and Ratatouille…

2007-11-12T21:30:00.000-08:00

1. Friday night I attended the monthly gathering for the Beautiful Bodacious Babbling Blogging Babes…yes you read it right. It is a group started by a writer friend of ours named Candace. She noticed that often bloggers tend to me more isolated and solitary…Thus she started this group for local women bloggers. We get together once a month for food and friendship. Every other month we gather for a luncheon, and every other month we gather for a dinner. This month we met for dinner. The food was great, and I enjoyed meeting such wonderful women whom I feel as if I already know through their writing. Surprisingly I won the grand prize gift. Our next meeting as blogging babes is scheduled for January (we are taking December off for the holidays..) We will be gathering at Golden Corral for a luncheon. Mother and I are in charge of the grand prize gift, and are being spotlighted. If you are in the area and are interested in joining our fun little group then hop over to Candace's Blog and join. The more the merrier.

2. Those who know me know that I am always preparing in some way for my future home and family. Why? Because it is very important to me. I want to be a good wife and mother and I want my place of dwelling to be a home, not merely a house. Thus I prepare. Mostly I am preparing for my future home and family, by preparing myself. I am always seeking to learn new skills, develop personal gifts and talents, and come closer to the lord. I also am always on the look out for elements, traditions, and yes things that I want for my future home. With that said, Saturday I was at the mall with my mother, and we went into Kirkham’s (a store filled with things for one’s home.) and found something that I just had to buy. Yes I had to buy it. Now what was this amazing (non book) item that had the power to open my pocket book? Icicles. Yep, glass icicles. Let me explain…Many years ago mother bought these beautiful glass icicle ornaments for our Christmas tree. We loved them so much that the following year we went to buy more (with little kids in the home a few were unfortunately broken…) however when we went got to the store we found that they no longer made them. Since then for close to 10 years we have kept up our search. Oh it is easy to find cheep plastic ones, but quality glass that sparkles and adds beauty as well as elegance to one’s decorations we no were to be found. Until this last Saturday that is. Yes they are a different style then the ones we bought all those years ago, but they spoke to me. Knowing how rare a find these ornaments are, and seeing them at such a wonderful price with an additional 25% off, I could not resist. So I bought 5 boxes or 30 icicles. Later this month Mother and I will be making homemade beeswax ornaments for friends and family, of which I shall set a handful aside for my future (leaving the acquiring of any more Christmas decorations to when I have a home of my own and will be ready for them).

3. Though I have been driving for years now, I have never learned to drive a manual. Where I have wanted to rectify this gap in my education, I have not had the opportunity…Until now. A good friend who loves cars as much as I love books, has decided to teach me the art of driving a stick shift. The other night we went out (along with his girlfriend whom he is also currently teaching) in his car and my lesson began. We only had an hour, but I am now confident in using the clutch. And in starting the car into first and moving between the five gears. I have been informed that after another three hours of lessons I will be driving out Toyota Corolla with no problem. I am so excited!

4. I am on the Family Home Evening committee for my stake singles ward here in Orem. Tonight I was responsible for the lesson. Sadly I didn’t remember this till just before I had to leave. However I had been reading through the latest conference talks (which are what the Bishop wants our lessons focused on.) earlier today, so it wasn’t too hard to pull together a lesson. My lesson was based on Elder Wirthlin’s talk on Charity. I loved that talk, and have gone back to it many times these last few weeks. After my lesson we all piled into cars and drove to Movies 8 (our local dollar theater) and watched Ratatouille. Which I just loved by the way! It appealed to the child I me as well as the chef in me…I laughed so hard throughout the film, and left with a deep hankering to go and whip something up in the kitchen. Sigh. I just love to cook!

25 years down and eternities to go...

2007-11-07T13:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I celebrated my 25th Birthday. It is hard to believe that I have been alive on this earth for a quarter of a century. I found my self looking back at my life and thinking about where I am right now, and it wasn’t a purely pleasant experience. Many thoughts and emotions filled my head and my heart. At first I struggled, to recognize Gods hand and His plan in the events of my life; for it is nothing like I had once thought and even hoped it would be. Now I see it so much more clearly then ever before, and I am moved in gratitude, for my eyes have been opened and I can finally see how blessed of God I have been. I see His hand directing my paths so much. I see the myriad of tender mercies and daily miracles that have touched my life.

For me yesterday was one such tender mercy. Firstly I have to say that I have been greatly blessed with wonderful friends and family who are a joy and strength in my life. So often my prayers have been answered through them. This was very evident yesterday. In the midst of my inward struggle that morning brought on by contemplating the last 25 years of my life, and thinking of the next 25…I received a call from a good friend. By the end of the call, I was seeing things in better perspective, and even laughing. Soon after I received a call from another friend which allowed me to see things in an even better perspective and to then turn my focus on something (or someone) other then myself.... I love those two friends, and miss them now that they both live so far away. Next my parents came to my room, and we visited (I love to talk with my parents, I always have…) and they surprised me by telling me that they had thought hard about what to give me for my 25th birthday that would be special, and had decided to give me a wedding dowry. It was so like my parents to do so. I was surprised and touched. (At any rate their gift must mean that they haven’t given up on me getting married someday.)

The rest of the day passed in a whirl of work, errands, voting, and preparing for a birthday party which my friends had convinced me to have. Then people began arriving. To be honest I didn’t really expect anyone to remember (as is my past record), and come. I was delightfully surprised to have a house full of people before long. Things were loud and crazy (not what I am normally used to) yet so much fun. Because another friend’s birthday is today we decided to celebrate both of our birthday’s last night at the party. I am glad that we did. We played games and just had fun till after midnight. I was exhausted, yet happy. And ready for bed, when I got one more phone call… What a way to end the day but to talk to the same good friend whom I had spoken to briefly that morning. We talked till we were both falling asleep on the phone. And so my day came to an end, wrapped in the love of good friends and family, one of the great blessings and tender mercies that the Lord has sent into my life.

So no, my life has not happened as I once expected and wanted. Yet as I look back and then forward, I am thankful for my life just as it is. I have been blessed to be raised in a Christ centered home, by wonderful parents. I have the most amazing siblings, and great friends to share my life with. I have been blessed with a desire to learn new and marvelous things, and the opportunity to do so. I was called and was able to faithfully serve a full time mission amongst my brothers and sisters in North Carolina (Helping them come unto Christ and receive all the father has to offer)… The list can go on and on. Sufficed to say, I am glad that my life is going according to the plans of He who knows best. I can trust that the next 25 or even 50 years are well in His hands and shall continue to be better then what came before. I now look forward with faith, and hope to what shall come…

An addendum to my last post..

2007-11-07T13:44:00.000-08:00

I wrote of 5 things that should be in every home..Of course I was speaking of physical things... Whether all those 5 things are there or not, the Spirit of God (not a thing but a presence) must be present, as well as feelings of love, peace, friendship, and learning.

5 Key elements every home should have...

2007-11-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

Since creating the right home environment is very important to me and my future, I have spent much time and thought on it. I have decided that there are 5 important elements that every home should have for a good home environment:

-Good Books
-Good Movies
-Good Games
-Good Cooking
-Good Art
(Not necessarily in this order...)

All of these elements influence the feeling, and spirit within the home... Both of which have great effect upon the nature, unity, and strength of the family unit itself...

A Most Important Work

2007-10-28T15:17:00.000-07:00

I just love the temple! I always have. Yet sadly I came to the realization (Ok so the spirit chastised me) a few weeks ago that I have not been attending the temple enough. Oh I still go, and love every minute of it, I just don’t attend as often as I should. I am really busy doing important things I would tell myself, or I don’t have a car and don’t want to put anyone out driving me. The excuses can go on and on, and where they may all be true, I realize that they still don’t justify my slacking in this department.

Sadly I realize that this has happened before. Sigh. When I got home from my mission in North Carolina last summer, I made it a point to go often for it is very important to me. Then I went down to school…Luckily it didn’t take too many months to realize my error in priorities and faith (in the Lord to provide a way), and I was doing just great till this summer when I went down to help out my brother and his family in California, when my sister-in-law had to go into surgery…It seems like when I came home though I had learned many lessons, I had forgotten a very important one…

Anyways, once I faced up to what I was doing, I sought to rectify the matter. I now have a temple buddy (her name is Kay), who I go to the temple with once a week on Wednesdays. I love it! Yet I still feel as if it is not enough. I realize now that though right now my life I am extremely busy (and probably always will be), I have more flexibility, and thus potential opportunity to do this most important saving work for those who have passed on then I most likely will for many years.

With this though in mind, and decision made in my heart I acted. I saw that there was a stake sealing assignment set for Tuesday night. I went with a good friend Emily and it was most wonderful. I needed the reminder to help me keep my eyes on the mark (the mark being Eternal Life…). Wednesday night as is now tradition I went to the temple with Kay, and we were able to do Initiatory work. Again I needed to be reminded of the promises of God, to give me strength to do all I have promised to do, and be all I have promised to be. Thursday night brought an unexpected opportunity to go to the temple again so I went through an Endowment session. It has been a while since I have gone on my own, and I am thankful for the opportunity. Lastly I was able to go to the temple with my mother Saturday morning. It is so hard for us to find the opportunity to attend the temple together, so this was a special time for me.

This last week has been a wonderful blessing. I am not saying that I will be attending the temple now as often as I did this past week, but I will seek to be more diligent in attending and doing the work of the Lord, and thus seeking first His kingdom.