The other issue which weighs heavily upon my heart is that of Obama promising to legalize abortion at every stage - including setting aside babies who make it during a later abortion so that they can just "die off".
I'm not a supporter of abortion because I believe that life is valuable. Every life is precious and of great worth. That includes all babies - at every stage.
More than that, this new law (to come) does not allow people to be accountable for their own choices. Yes, I know that there are times when a woman is forced, but most of the time it's by choice. Choice.... just what is that? The ability to decide for oneself do go through with an action. Does this really mean that we get to choose the consequence as well?
For example: If I decide, in the middle of winter in the north, to go outside in a T-shirt and shorts, no hat, no coat, no mittens or gloves, no socks and no boots, can I really expect that after 6 hours I'm going to feel cozy and warm, that my fingers and toes are still going to have circulation, that I'm not going to get sick - or maybe even die?
Or about this: I get sick with something like cancer - I choose to go through with treatments that work on most everyone with the same cancer. Do I really get to choose whether or not they get to work for me? (For anyone crazy enough to think this answer is yes, then you've not followed the story of our dear little Savannah)
Or this: I stand close enough to the wood stove to get warm, then stretch. Do I get to choose whether or not I'm going to get burned when my hand brushes across the surface? (Gabi did this just today - she got burned. She chose her action, not her consequence)
These examples might seems a bit "severe" but really the principle can be applied to anything. Anything and everything. Rarely, if ever, do we get to choose the consequence. Choosing the action is choosing the consequence. Especially when there is something known as "natural consequences."
Do I also believe that women who choose to have sex and then end up pregnant have to keep their child? No. I do not believe that. I think that any person who does not want a child is likely to not raise a child well and may even allow for such things as neglect and abuse to befall the child. That doesn't mean that such children should never be allowed to live. There are many families who would love to adopt. Many couples who try all their married lives to have children and are not blessed with their own who would adopt and the children would be loved as if they had been born to them.
Why is it that the issue is always about the "rights" of the woman and not the baby? Why is it that "rights" allows a woman to brush aside consequences? And why - why, why why - is adoption always pushed aside as though that's some how worse than killing!?!
Go to this website to learn more about what Obama is planning to do and to send an email telling Obama that you do not support throwing away consequences in favor of murder. Our voices will be heard. If this law passes, it will not be for lack of those who were willing to voice their concerns!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Things Of Concern
Life is full of troublesome thoughts - things which makes many of us shake our head in wonder. A couple of them are of particular interest to me, because of my values and my beliefs. They are likely of particular interest to many - maybe even for the same reasons.
The first goes back to the "marriage" drama. Recently Newsweek ran a cover story using the Bible incorrectly to dismiss marriage as being between one man and one woman. And then continued, again incorrectly, to use the Bible to support same sex marriage.
Like most people I know, I have no problem with other people else making choices in their own lives and living the way they want. I do have a problem with taking something sacred and either mocking it or changing it to fit someone's lifestyle. Feel free to make the choice for same sex relations, but please don't call it marriage. That's a sacred term - a sacred ordinance. And more than that, don't disrespect the Bible - trying to prove your own choices to "right before God" - when the Bible makes it clear otherwise.
For such a huge company to only report on one side of the issue is not right, but it is more wrong when such a company does not get their facts straight before publishing their work. That's dishonesty. That's not what the news is suppose to be about.
If you feel as I do about the need for both sides and honesty in news reporting, then please go to the following link to participate in an email being sent to the editor of Newsweek asking for them to report on the other side and to correct their mistakes on what the Bible says.
E-mail Newsweek to Tell The Other Side and Represent the Bible Truthfully
The first goes back to the "marriage" drama. Recently Newsweek ran a cover story using the Bible incorrectly to dismiss marriage as being between one man and one woman. And then continued, again incorrectly, to use the Bible to support same sex marriage.
Like most people I know, I have no problem with other people else making choices in their own lives and living the way they want. I do have a problem with taking something sacred and either mocking it or changing it to fit someone's lifestyle. Feel free to make the choice for same sex relations, but please don't call it marriage. That's a sacred term - a sacred ordinance. And more than that, don't disrespect the Bible - trying to prove your own choices to "right before God" - when the Bible makes it clear otherwise.
For such a huge company to only report on one side of the issue is not right, but it is more wrong when such a company does not get their facts straight before publishing their work. That's dishonesty. That's not what the news is suppose to be about.
If you feel as I do about the need for both sides and honesty in news reporting, then please go to the following link to participate in an email being sent to the editor of Newsweek asking for them to report on the other side and to correct their mistakes on what the Bible says.
E-mail Newsweek to Tell The Other Side and Represent the Bible Truthfully
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
What was that?
Peter was building with legos this morning. In an attempt to put more on the top, he knocked them all over and they broke apart.
P: AAAAhhhh, NUTS!
P: AAAAhhhh, NUTS!
I Can Handle It
The other night, I heard the following:
J: AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
B: Oh no! Peter just hurt Jeremy!
J: I can handle it.
B: Well, what happened?!?
J: Well, Peter just hurt me. But I can handle it. I'm okay. So I can handle it.
J: AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
B: Oh no! Peter just hurt Jeremy!
J: I can handle it.
B: Well, what happened?!?
J: Well, Peter just hurt me. But I can handle it. I'm okay. So I can handle it.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Thank You All
A quick thanks for all your prayers... good is starting to come of all the heartache and "waking-up".
Christmas Cards - Need Updated Addresses
We don't want to miss anyone this year.... I know we've been terrible about Christmas cards.... so....
If you wouldn't mind, could you please contact me (just like my name on the side bar and follow through with an email) with your current mailing address! And add any other addresses of family that we might not have an update for which you do.... or pass on this message to friends who might want us to "drop a line"....
Thanks.... it will give us a great opportunity to finally update the contacts we have as well!
If you wouldn't mind, could you please contact me (just like my name on the side bar and follow through with an email) with your current mailing address! And add any other addresses of family that we might not have an update for which you do.... or pass on this message to friends who might want us to "drop a line"....
Thanks.... it will give us a great opportunity to finally update the contacts we have as well!
Jolly Rogers
Beth: Those Jolly Rogers are good!
(We'd recently opened a bag of the hard style Jolly Ranchers - a treat from when I was little)
(We'd recently opened a bag of the hard style Jolly Ranchers - a treat from when I was little)
A Collective Heart
Although times are hard on many right now, and certainly emotions for many have been an unending roller-coaster, I want to bring your attention to another family who could use a little help.
A friend of mine has a sister who recently gave birth to twin boys - both without heartbeats. One was able to be revived, but has been in the hospital with lots of battles and ups and downs. The bills, obviously, are mounting.
This friend and others she works with have pulled together to create a digital scrapbooking kit called "For Unto Us" just perfect for the holiday. It has a bunch of stuff - and it's only $10.00. The best part is that the whole $10.00 is going to help this family in need. Not even a cent is being used to cover expenses. It's a complete donation - complete with coupons as well.
If you don't digital scrapbook, there is also a button so that you can still donate if you are interested. Please go to any of these links to learn more about the family in need and the kit.
THE KIT - at Plain Digital Wrapper
The Wilsons - complete with separate donate button
Crew (the surviving baby)
We may not be able to give much this year, but with each little bit, the collective heart is able to give so much.
A friend of mine has a sister who recently gave birth to twin boys - both without heartbeats. One was able to be revived, but has been in the hospital with lots of battles and ups and downs. The bills, obviously, are mounting.
This friend and others she works with have pulled together to create a digital scrapbooking kit called "For Unto Us" just perfect for the holiday. It has a bunch of stuff - and it's only $10.00. The best part is that the whole $10.00 is going to help this family in need. Not even a cent is being used to cover expenses. It's a complete donation - complete with coupons as well.
If you don't digital scrapbook, there is also a button so that you can still donate if you are interested. Please go to any of these links to learn more about the family in need and the kit.
THE KIT - at Plain Digital Wrapper
The Wilsons - complete with separate donate button
Crew (the surviving baby)
We may not be able to give much this year, but with each little bit, the collective heart is able to give so much.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Belated Thanksgiving Wishes
I know I'm a day late, but wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! Hope is was a great one!
We had a quiet day at home - fixed up the dinner - had a neighbor over - and enjoyed the little bit of company. It was quiet - but the kids really enjoyed themselves. Jeremy even said this morning that he wished it could be Thanksgiving every day!
We have a lots to post - but it will probably take awhile... we're still in the after school program, then starts up the school play (which Gabi has permission to be in) and amongst it all is the holiday rush.... so bare with us and we'll get some pictures and stories up soon.
We had a quiet day at home - fixed up the dinner - had a neighbor over - and enjoyed the little bit of company. It was quiet - but the kids really enjoyed themselves. Jeremy even said this morning that he wished it could be Thanksgiving every day!
We have a lots to post - but it will probably take awhile... we're still in the after school program, then starts up the school play (which Gabi has permission to be in) and amongst it all is the holiday rush.... so bare with us and we'll get some pictures and stories up soon.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Standing For What We Believe - Faith Even In Adversity
Being rather "protected" from the media - no TV, little internet time with four little kids running around - I gather much of my news from my husband's accounts of the news from work. The hatred going on today is unbelievable - okay, I guess it's very believable, after all, the scriptures have told us this was coming (see Revelations). But still, sometimes I really don't understand where anger comes from - not to say I haven't dealt with it myself, but even then I don't understand it really.
But anger which goes into direct destruction and violence - I have never understood that. Never. Not even in history class. I'm not looking for someone to help me understand it - the mental part of it I do get - it's the deep down emotional side of me that just can't fully comprehend it. Since when is violence the answer? Violence, typically, only begets more violence. And, yes, I agree there are necessary times to defend ourselves. But not when one's life is not already in danger.
Earlier this week, I read an email forwarded on to me. One which is an eye witness account of a member of the church who was at the LA Temple during one of the riots. I loved how he told not only what was happening, the strangeness of seeing the police all over the temple to protect it, but more than that what he said about the peace he felt even during the chaos - the knowledge that there were angels all around protecting them that night.
As I read over this email today, I was reminded of the scripture which tells us that those that be with us are more than those that be against us (see 2Kings 6:15-17). The fight for truth is on going. It didn't start here... it has merely continued. The fight is real. And it includes more than just mere mortals. The Lord will not allow the devil and his angels to destroy the truth. The Lord has promised us that. The righteous, those who chose to come to earth and receive a mortal body, were more than those who tried to force perfection without knowledge or understanding upon us. Now, here on Earth, the same is true. Because even though some of us may choose poorly (and all of us at times), and some will blatantly reject truth and salvation, those who fight the good fight - who fight for truth and salvation - are still, and always will be, greater than those who are against it. Our numbers include those who have come and gone, those to still come, and those already here. And our power is only that of the Lord - the greatest power in all the heavens and the earth.
I read another account from an LAPD officer today. It's amazing the things they are willing to share with the rest of us. Things which both sadden and amaze us. For there is great anger and cruelty as well as strength and Christ-like courage. I hope that we might all find a way to show such strength and Christian Courage. Surely our leaders today knew that we would need to better understand just what Christian Courage is as they spoke of it numerous times during General Conference.
It breaks my heart to think of the persecution of the saints. It breaks my heart to see riots break out because democracy was exercised. Desecration of holy places is not going to change our values. Our beliefs. It's not going to make us crumble and think that our Lord has left us. He has a great work that is going forth. We are only here for a short time. The difference we make is only as strong as the Spirit's witness to another. But like the pioneers before us, we will not forsake the truth because of bullying. If anything, it will strengthen us, as we see prophecy being fulfilled. The scriptural revelations becoming reality right before our eyes.
My mind reels as I read more of these accounts - just as it does every time I read the accounts of the massacres, mob rages, and "extermination" efforts towards the American Indians, the early Mormons, and the Jews. No matter how many times I read or hear them, they still leave that same heart-sickening feeling. That sense of "why?" Not "why does the Lord allow this to happen", but rather "why do people refuse to see each other as people - turning violent when something does not go their way?"
We are here in a free country. Free. Does that not mean anything? Freedom is knowing that you have voice. Freedom is exercising your right to vote. Freedom is being able to worship the way you believe. Freedom.
Freedom does not mean that we can do anything we wish - that is anarchy. There are certain human rights that should not be denied anyone. Those are such things which allow one to be and feel safe.
But freedom does mean that if you don't like the results of something, there is something you can do. You can be productive - not destructive.
And in the end was it the Mormon's who had the final vote? NO. IT WAS THE PEOPLE. The greater voice. That's democracy. That's what makes this a free country.
Though I do not like to see anyone hurt in the aftermath of such emotional decisions, I do not agree with the violence and vandalism it has provoked. I stand by my beliefs. One of which is to allow all to worship how, where and what they may (See Article of Faith 11). But I also claim that same privilege for myself. And when I vote, it is not because my church has told me how to, it is based upon my values - and like everyone else I know, my values come from my beliefs.
For some, marriage is merely a term - something to be changed according to what they want it to mean. For us (as well as in other religions), Marriage (the union between one man and one woman) is a covenant - a promise made between the two and the Lord. It came about from the time of the union between Adam and Eve - a sacred joining of one man to one woman through the power of God. To us, Marriage is not just a social term. It is a sacred ordinance.
I testify that I know that Jesus is the one and only Christ. That He loves each one of us. That He hung and suffered on the cross that we might all have the opportunity to call on Him and be saved unto eternal life through His great atonement. I know that He has given us scripture to help and guide us even in these last days. I know that He speaks to a prophet today! A living prophet - for which I am so grateful! And I know that He will return to the Earth again. He is coming! And no power on Earth can stop that! He has promised to come and bring peace to the Earth again. The things of today are things testified of by prophets - specially John - which must come to pass before Christ returns.
I know that each of us comes to Earth with different trials to overcome. Different circumstances to endure. These "hardships" have been chosen specifically for each one of us so that we might grow to our fullest potential. And though many are much more difficult than one might think they can withstand, I know that the Lord grants us His additional strength. I know that He will not leave us in our times of need. He loves us too much for that.
I am so grateful to know who I am. I am a daughter of God. I am loved. I am known. And I will stand strong - with peace in my heart - as I look forward to the day I am reunited with my Savior! I pray all my loved ones will be there as well. And I pray that all will have the chance to decide for themselves if they will also follow, and look forward to, Christ.
I know that I can speak directly to my Lord through prayer. That He hears and answers me. Not always in the way I might think is best, but always with peace and always, as it turns out, for the best to help me grow. I am so grateful to know that I can know truths for myself - not because someone else has told me - but because I have studied it out, prayed about it and received a divine answer and witness.
Our Savior has promised us peace. He has promised us eternal life. And He has given us the only hope of eternal families - our families together beyond the grave, never to be separated. I hold on to this - knowing that we all have choices to make for ourselves - even our children. But knowing that as we each come to know and accept Christ, we can have this for ourselves.
I am grateful for my testimony, which has come from years of study, pondering, prayer and reflection. I am grateful to know that although I am far from perfect, I can work towards perfection, and that Christ will make up the difference when the time comes as long as I truly do my best and repent when I fall short. And most certainly, I am grateful to feel peace - a peace which does not come of the world, but only through the Love of Christ.
In all this chaos, confusion, bitterness, hatred, violence and such, I pray that the Love of Christ will be able to reach all. That through it we may all come to have such peace. Let us all be willing to love one another. To pray for each other. And to find peace.
But anger which goes into direct destruction and violence - I have never understood that. Never. Not even in history class. I'm not looking for someone to help me understand it - the mental part of it I do get - it's the deep down emotional side of me that just can't fully comprehend it. Since when is violence the answer? Violence, typically, only begets more violence. And, yes, I agree there are necessary times to defend ourselves. But not when one's life is not already in danger.
Earlier this week, I read an email forwarded on to me. One which is an eye witness account of a member of the church who was at the LA Temple during one of the riots. I loved how he told not only what was happening, the strangeness of seeing the police all over the temple to protect it, but more than that what he said about the peace he felt even during the chaos - the knowledge that there were angels all around protecting them that night.
As I read over this email today, I was reminded of the scripture which tells us that those that be with us are more than those that be against us (see 2Kings 6:15-17). The fight for truth is on going. It didn't start here... it has merely continued. The fight is real. And it includes more than just mere mortals. The Lord will not allow the devil and his angels to destroy the truth. The Lord has promised us that. The righteous, those who chose to come to earth and receive a mortal body, were more than those who tried to force perfection without knowledge or understanding upon us. Now, here on Earth, the same is true. Because even though some of us may choose poorly (and all of us at times), and some will blatantly reject truth and salvation, those who fight the good fight - who fight for truth and salvation - are still, and always will be, greater than those who are against it. Our numbers include those who have come and gone, those to still come, and those already here. And our power is only that of the Lord - the greatest power in all the heavens and the earth.
I read another account from an LAPD officer today. It's amazing the things they are willing to share with the rest of us. Things which both sadden and amaze us. For there is great anger and cruelty as well as strength and Christ-like courage. I hope that we might all find a way to show such strength and Christian Courage. Surely our leaders today knew that we would need to better understand just what Christian Courage is as they spoke of it numerous times during General Conference.
It breaks my heart to think of the persecution of the saints. It breaks my heart to see riots break out because democracy was exercised. Desecration of holy places is not going to change our values. Our beliefs. It's not going to make us crumble and think that our Lord has left us. He has a great work that is going forth. We are only here for a short time. The difference we make is only as strong as the Spirit's witness to another. But like the pioneers before us, we will not forsake the truth because of bullying. If anything, it will strengthen us, as we see prophecy being fulfilled. The scriptural revelations becoming reality right before our eyes.
My mind reels as I read more of these accounts - just as it does every time I read the accounts of the massacres, mob rages, and "extermination" efforts towards the American Indians, the early Mormons, and the Jews. No matter how many times I read or hear them, they still leave that same heart-sickening feeling. That sense of "why?" Not "why does the Lord allow this to happen", but rather "why do people refuse to see each other as people - turning violent when something does not go their way?"
We are here in a free country. Free. Does that not mean anything? Freedom is knowing that you have voice. Freedom is exercising your right to vote. Freedom is being able to worship the way you believe. Freedom.
Freedom does not mean that we can do anything we wish - that is anarchy. There are certain human rights that should not be denied anyone. Those are such things which allow one to be and feel safe.
But freedom does mean that if you don't like the results of something, there is something you can do. You can be productive - not destructive.
And in the end was it the Mormon's who had the final vote? NO. IT WAS THE PEOPLE. The greater voice. That's democracy. That's what makes this a free country.
Though I do not like to see anyone hurt in the aftermath of such emotional decisions, I do not agree with the violence and vandalism it has provoked. I stand by my beliefs. One of which is to allow all to worship how, where and what they may (See Article of Faith 11). But I also claim that same privilege for myself. And when I vote, it is not because my church has told me how to, it is based upon my values - and like everyone else I know, my values come from my beliefs.
For some, marriage is merely a term - something to be changed according to what they want it to mean. For us (as well as in other religions), Marriage (the union between one man and one woman) is a covenant - a promise made between the two and the Lord. It came about from the time of the union between Adam and Eve - a sacred joining of one man to one woman through the power of God. To us, Marriage is not just a social term. It is a sacred ordinance.
I testify that I know that Jesus is the one and only Christ. That He loves each one of us. That He hung and suffered on the cross that we might all have the opportunity to call on Him and be saved unto eternal life through His great atonement. I know that He has given us scripture to help and guide us even in these last days. I know that He speaks to a prophet today! A living prophet - for which I am so grateful! And I know that He will return to the Earth again. He is coming! And no power on Earth can stop that! He has promised to come and bring peace to the Earth again. The things of today are things testified of by prophets - specially John - which must come to pass before Christ returns.
I know that each of us comes to Earth with different trials to overcome. Different circumstances to endure. These "hardships" have been chosen specifically for each one of us so that we might grow to our fullest potential. And though many are much more difficult than one might think they can withstand, I know that the Lord grants us His additional strength. I know that He will not leave us in our times of need. He loves us too much for that.
I am so grateful to know who I am. I am a daughter of God. I am loved. I am known. And I will stand strong - with peace in my heart - as I look forward to the day I am reunited with my Savior! I pray all my loved ones will be there as well. And I pray that all will have the chance to decide for themselves if they will also follow, and look forward to, Christ.
I know that I can speak directly to my Lord through prayer. That He hears and answers me. Not always in the way I might think is best, but always with peace and always, as it turns out, for the best to help me grow. I am so grateful to know that I can know truths for myself - not because someone else has told me - but because I have studied it out, prayed about it and received a divine answer and witness.
Our Savior has promised us peace. He has promised us eternal life. And He has given us the only hope of eternal families - our families together beyond the grave, never to be separated. I hold on to this - knowing that we all have choices to make for ourselves - even our children. But knowing that as we each come to know and accept Christ, we can have this for ourselves.
I am grateful for my testimony, which has come from years of study, pondering, prayer and reflection. I am grateful to know that although I am far from perfect, I can work towards perfection, and that Christ will make up the difference when the time comes as long as I truly do my best and repent when I fall short. And most certainly, I am grateful to feel peace - a peace which does not come of the world, but only through the Love of Christ.
In all this chaos, confusion, bitterness, hatred, violence and such, I pray that the Love of Christ will be able to reach all. That through it we may all come to have such peace. Let us all be willing to love one another. To pray for each other. And to find peace.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
So Where Are The Cookies?
9:00pm
Kids in bed... what else is there to do....
Bob wants to know if we have any brown sugar... I find it...
He decides it's time to make cookies... this recipe on the back of the Craisin bag.
Nearly 10:00pm....
So.... where are all the cookies?
No cookies... just dough... lots of it... in the fridge... probably to go to school with him tomorrow.
Can't ya just see the sad little faces?
Kids in bed... what else is there to do....
Bob wants to know if we have any brown sugar... I find it...
He decides it's time to make cookies... this recipe on the back of the Craisin bag.
Nearly 10:00pm....
So.... where are all the cookies?
No cookies... just dough... lots of it... in the fridge... probably to go to school with him tomorrow.
Can't ya just see the sad little faces?
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Family, Birthday, and Heartache
Well... after the sick kid event, we were in a whirl for a need to go to my mom's. Things seemed to come together to make it happen and somewhat worth while in terms of the travel time. So, off we went to help celebrate the first year of my nephew's life! The party was good... the company... well.... that was back and forth.
There won't be any pictures - I forgot to take my camera... I never do that... I think I'm glad I did. The pictures I would want I can get copied of from my mother's... the way things turned out, I have no idea what might have happened to the camera.
Events that no one wants to happen in a family, happened. Details are not to be given here... Let's just say there is a lot of heartache... a lot of hurt... a lot of concern... a lot of "time-to-wake-up-to-reality".
It's been hard to know that there is such heartache and sadness for various reasons with many of my friends and their families. We've had a fair share of such in our own extended family as well. Most has never been divulged. Not everything needs to be shared. But at this point, there is a tremendous amount of heartache. Of sadness... and hurt feelings and that deep-pit sickening feeling.
I hope people will understand if I just keep distance from such for a while. Keep to myself with these things, but also understanding that I have much weighing on my heart and mind. That my emotions are a shamble. So I'm asking in advance, please forgive me for turning inward for a while. And please know that if and when a time comes that I can and I need to talk about it, that I might call on you.
But, for now, please just keep my family in your prayers. Most specifically my extended family.
There won't be any pictures - I forgot to take my camera... I never do that... I think I'm glad I did. The pictures I would want I can get copied of from my mother's... the way things turned out, I have no idea what might have happened to the camera.
Events that no one wants to happen in a family, happened. Details are not to be given here... Let's just say there is a lot of heartache... a lot of hurt... a lot of concern... a lot of "time-to-wake-up-to-reality".
It's been hard to know that there is such heartache and sadness for various reasons with many of my friends and their families. We've had a fair share of such in our own extended family as well. Most has never been divulged. Not everything needs to be shared. But at this point, there is a tremendous amount of heartache. Of sadness... and hurt feelings and that deep-pit sickening feeling.
I hope people will understand if I just keep distance from such for a while. Keep to myself with these things, but also understanding that I have much weighing on my heart and mind. That my emotions are a shamble. So I'm asking in advance, please forgive me for turning inward for a while. And please know that if and when a time comes that I can and I need to talk about it, that I might call on you.
But, for now, please just keep my family in your prayers. Most specifically my extended family.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Illness strikes
All week we've suffered some form of chest cold. Last night, Peter turned my van into a disposal - he threw up all over! He appears to be recovering well... has not been sick since arriving home last night - I hope no one else gets it! Today I get to finish cleaning up the mess... YUCK!
Remember Your Role
Well, this past month has been interesting with the conversations dwelling on politics. My biggest frustration.... Who do you vote for when neither appears good! That's not to say there weren't any good points about either. Just that neither really stood out as a good... as full of integrity. Like some others, the person I wanted to vote for, the person I believe would have been best, was not on the ticket. That didn't mean I couldn't vote for the person... but it did mean that if I did, I would likely be "throwing away" my vote.
Voting is too important for that. But I really felt sick about both major candidates... so it became a serious matter of prayer. I guess that's what is should have been all along. After all, voting is important. Our freedom is important! And who better to guide us than our Lord. If left in the hands of us poor mortals, we are sure to mess it up!
Now that the vote has been cast and counted, all we can do is pray. Pray for our leaders today. Pray that our country will be healed in many ways. Prayer is all we have. Prayer is all we ever have.
And, for many of us (and any who choose to listen), we have a Prophet. So there can be no mistake of what our role is to be. What we should be doing. How we should be living. And with that, we have no need to fear - no matter what concerns we may have.
Voting is too important for that. But I really felt sick about both major candidates... so it became a serious matter of prayer. I guess that's what is should have been all along. After all, voting is important. Our freedom is important! And who better to guide us than our Lord. If left in the hands of us poor mortals, we are sure to mess it up!
Now that the vote has been cast and counted, all we can do is pray. Pray for our leaders today. Pray that our country will be healed in many ways. Prayer is all we have. Prayer is all we ever have.
And, for many of us (and any who choose to listen), we have a Prophet. So there can be no mistake of what our role is to be. What we should be doing. How we should be living. And with that, we have no need to fear - no matter what concerns we may have.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
You Can Know For Yourself
Today was Stake Conference - a time when all the congregations (Wards and Branches) of our church in a specific location gather for one large meeting. This, for us, involves a lengthy travel to and from. But it is always worth it. Sometimes it seems (in the moment, until reflection) that it wasn't worth while because it's hard on little children. But today I was fortunate enough to feel it's worth even before I arrived.
Maybe it was the fact that I actually thought ahead last night - gathering up clothes and food (breakfast for the ride up, lunch for the ride back), and ideas for entertaining the children. Maybe it was that I got up early enough to get everyone ready without arguing with them. Maybe it was because things seemed peaceful this morning. Or maybe it was just because the Lord wanted to remind me of the importance of the messages to come.
Whatever the reason, on the ride up, I had a thought relating to going to conference. And the Spirit hit me with such force that I had to blink to be sure I was till in the van. I knew there was something special about conference. The Spirit reminded me of that on the way up. It certainly made me feel better about dragging Peter up there - he's just come down with a cold that seems to have settled into his chest.
Once arriving, there were several moments when the Spirit bore witness of truths shared. But more than that, the Spirit taught me things.
In one particular talk, I remember the Spirit instructing me about the importance of inviting others to come to know for themselves. Inviting them to participate, to join in these special meetings or events or readings which we know will grant them the opportunity to know for themselves that God loves them. That Jesus is the Christ. That we are all children of God. Special, sacred, well loved children.
I know these things for myself. I want my children to know them for themselves as they grow. Why, then, would I not want my friends to also know? The answer - I do want them to know. I want them to feel the peace and joy and love which is like no other. That only comes from knowing who you really are and why you are here.
If you could know for yourself - 100% know - would you take the opportunity to find out?
If you answered yes, then please go to the below links. They will help you find out for yourself. You CAN KNOW for YOURSELF - seek, ask and you shall know!
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Jesus Christ, The Son of God
Maybe it was the fact that I actually thought ahead last night - gathering up clothes and food (breakfast for the ride up, lunch for the ride back), and ideas for entertaining the children. Maybe it was that I got up early enough to get everyone ready without arguing with them. Maybe it was because things seemed peaceful this morning. Or maybe it was just because the Lord wanted to remind me of the importance of the messages to come.
Whatever the reason, on the ride up, I had a thought relating to going to conference. And the Spirit hit me with such force that I had to blink to be sure I was till in the van. I knew there was something special about conference. The Spirit reminded me of that on the way up. It certainly made me feel better about dragging Peter up there - he's just come down with a cold that seems to have settled into his chest.
Once arriving, there were several moments when the Spirit bore witness of truths shared. But more than that, the Spirit taught me things.
In one particular talk, I remember the Spirit instructing me about the importance of inviting others to come to know for themselves. Inviting them to participate, to join in these special meetings or events or readings which we know will grant them the opportunity to know for themselves that God loves them. That Jesus is the Christ. That we are all children of God. Special, sacred, well loved children.
I know these things for myself. I want my children to know them for themselves as they grow. Why, then, would I not want my friends to also know? The answer - I do want them to know. I want them to feel the peace and joy and love which is like no other. That only comes from knowing who you really are and why you are here.
If you could know for yourself - 100% know - would you take the opportunity to find out?
If you answered yes, then please go to the below links. They will help you find out for yourself. You CAN KNOW for YOURSELF - seek, ask and you shall know!
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Jesus Christ, The Son of God
Saturday, November 1, 2008
L. B. S.
After the chaos of last night, I was explaining to my children what was going to happen with getting everyone ready for and into beds.
Gabi: Is this going to be an L. B. S. ?
I continue for a second - then stop "An L. B. S.?" (with eyes raised)
Gabi: Long Boring Story!
Apparently she's been reading a little too much Judy Moody!
Gabi: Is this going to be an L. B. S. ?
I continue for a second - then stop "An L. B. S.?" (with eyes raised)
Gabi: Long Boring Story!
Apparently she's been reading a little too much Judy Moody!
Trick Or Treat
This was the first Trick Or Treat Experience without Bob. Since I made him take last week off to go to the Ward Harvest Fest with us, that meant he worked last night. No big deal - except that I was still crazy 
tired!Juanita and her kids (after having a crazy day themselves) joined us for the trick or treat experience right here in our own (be it small)
neighborhood.So, this year... Gabi was Morgan LeFay (from the King Arthur stories - but, for her, it was from the Magic Tree House). She kept telling me we needed to "paint" her costume because in the Magic Tree House series, Morgan wears red! Yikes! So I told her she could be Merlin - since he wore blue! She decided to be Morgan wearing blue instead!
She had originally wanted to be Little Foot - but I didn't have the time this year to make a dinosaur costume. So when I saw this one at a reasonable price (knowing I didn't have to buy costumes for the others) I got it. She was tickles, though, to know she could be something from Magic Tree House - even if I did get the color wrong. BTW - They didn't have any other color than blue.
Beth - the fairy - was, more specifically, Prilla. She's one of the Disney Fairies - One of Tink's friends. She's the one who can "blink over to the main land" - the only one - therefore, the only one that children ever get to see!
I had so much fun putting up Beth's hair! She really is the cutest fairy I know! :)
Jeremy - He was a cowboy... or, more importantly, a "mustang herder"! That's right - from the Magic Tree House series as well! Don't ya just love the horse - sorry, no boots could be found!
He loved having the horse and rode it all around the house and deck. But when it was time to trick or treat, the horse got to stay in the wagon. Apparently that bag of goodies needed to hands to hold it! :)
Peter - well.... Thomas is still too big for him....Winnie -The-Pooh we sent to Libby last year and didn't think to ask for it to be mailed back in time (of course, we didn't think it would fit Peter this year given the way he had been growing). So, we had this really cute lady bug... so he was the lady bug from A Bug's Life!
He didn't mind at all. In fact, when he saw the costume the first time he was so excited that he had something his size to play dress up in! He loved putting it on!
The had so much fun. Peter was quite cute the first time. He insisted on getting out of the wagon (we took the double stroller and the wagon to contain the four little boys) and then remembered that he needed his own bag to do his own trick or treating! He had fun for the first 7 houses... then he and the baby were done. So Juanita brought them back to the house, I packed up the rest and head just little further up in the north village, then over to the west village. They did well enough...
Note to self - feed kids before trick or treating... that way they can just go to bed when they get home! :)
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween
It's that time of year again... the kids have been waiting for about a month to carve their pumpkins! Finally, while I was gone to Pack Meeting Wednesday night, they were able to! Peter was too tired that day. So he didn't get to. But he really doesn't know what he's missing... or that he's missing anything yet! Next year!
We hope everyone has a wonderful day... and that no one gets sick on all that candy!
Slippers
I like to make slippers for my family. It's less expensive and I enjoy doing it. Of course, this involves me trying to find a pattern that I like and that I think is easy enough to continue to work with. I loved the outcome of the felted slippers I made a couple of years ago... but the pattern really wasn't that easy. It was kind of a pain.
This year, there were only a couple of the kids who needed them. Since the cold weather came extra early again this year, they needed them quickly. We also were trying to keep a budget and there were other things to be purchased that month - not wool yarn! But I had tons of the normal yarn, in lots of colors, so I let the two choose.
I found a pattern that I thought I'd like from the picture. I didn't like it when I finished. They were kind-of cute, but not exactly what I was going for. And I had made them for someone else, so I started over with Jeremy.
This time, I determined I was smart enough to create my own! And I did! They are, if I do say so myself, very cute! And easy! And quick! And I can make them "large" and felt them if I want. (Which, if the weather continues the way it's gong, I certainly will be doing)!
I designed a child size and a youth size. I'll be designing a slightly modified version (more clog style) for both youth and adult sizes. And I'll be designing an infant one too! I just really like the way it worked out! (Gabi's slippers were already pretty dirty when I thought to take the picture, so you'll only see Jeremy's.)
Ward Harvest Festival
Last Friday - yikes, a week ago - we had our ward party. Instead of a traditional costume Halloween party complete with Trunk-or-Treat, we had a Harvest Festival. It was a lot of fun, especially for the kids.
To start, there was a hay ride down to the location. Once we arrived, there were plenty of activities to keep the kids busy. Face painting, lollipop ghost making, leave bead necklaces, a bounce house, pumpkin carving, and a bean bag toss where you earned a glow in the dark necklace to keep you safe when it got dark! There was even popcorn being popped and everyone walking around with bags of it!
The kids had a lot of fun. I had a really hard time keeping track of Gabi. It seemed she had gone and done everything before I even knew where she was!
Dad helped out with the hot cider, keeping Peter with him until I asked Peter to come and see some of the activities. He was only interested in the play set! :)
Then a fire was started in the fire pit with chairs gathered round for anyone who might have been cold - I think that was everyone at one point in the night.
Jack-o-lanterns were put out along the hay ride trail, with a hayride circle being made to see them all before people left. There was even a section where scarecrows were on display to be judged!
All in all, it was a nice time... the kids are eager to do it again!
To start, there was a hay ride down to the location. Once we arrived, there were plenty of activities to keep the kids busy. Face painting, lollipop ghost making, leave bead necklaces, a bounce house, pumpkin carving, and a bean bag toss where you earned a glow in the dark necklace to keep you safe when it got dark! There was even popcorn being popped and everyone walking around with bags of it!
The kids had a lot of fun. I had a really hard time keeping track of Gabi. It seemed she had gone and done everything before I even knew where she was!
Dad helped out with the hot cider, keeping Peter with him until I asked Peter to come and see some of the activities. He was only interested in the play set! :)
Then a fire was started in the fire pit with chairs gathered round for anyone who might have been cold - I think that was everyone at one point in the night.
Jack-o-lanterns were put out along the hay ride trail, with a hayride circle being made to see them all before people left. There was even a section where scarecrows were on display to be judged!
All in all, it was a nice time... the kids are eager to do it again!
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