The Christmas Gift

I know this to be true for the Spirit has witnessed to me of it's truthfulness.

New Video

What Mormon Leader's REALLY Teach....enjoy. Yes, it's a long one so plan your time for about 10 minutes to be inspired. Shared with love.

Great Map

Temples To Dot The Earth

Hope you click above.

Sounds Official to Me!

Get the details here.
Phoenix Arizona Temple
Design and construction approval phase; groundbreaking pending
Location: 5212 West Pinnacle Peak Drive, Phoenix, Arizona, United States.
Announcement: 24 May 2008
Construction Status
The Phoenix Arizona Temple has been largely designed, and efforts are underway to obtain the necessary approvals to permit construction. As reported by Phoenix-area members, the site intended for the temple is land adjacent to a Glendale Arizona North Stake meetinghouse in Northwest Phoenix, located at 5104 West Pinnacle Peak Road.
When President Thomas S. Monson announced that a fifth temple for Arizona would be built in Phoenix, he stated: "The blessings of the temple are eternal. Those who come to this holy house will feel of God's love for His children and come to a greater understanding of their own divine origin and potential as His sons and daughters." The announcement came less than a month following the announcement that temples would be built in Gilbert, Arizona, and in Arizona's Gila Valley.
A temple in Phoenix will decrease travel time for the growing number of members in the northern and western areas of Phoenix, who currently drive to the Southeast Valley to attend the Mesa Arizona Temple, which serves 74 stakes throughout much of the state. The Mesa temple is attended by more patrons than any other temple outside of Utah.

Words of Counsel

I'm sure you have just 5 little minutes to listen to comments, inspiring comments, by Elder Neal A. Maxwell. He was truly speaking of our times...today.

December V.T. Message

This is just a small segment:
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency:

"The gospel of Jesus Christ has the divine power to lift you to great heights from what appears at times to be an unbearable burden or weakness. The Lord knows your circumstances and your challenges. He said to Paul and to all of us, 'My grace is sufficient for thee.' And like Paul we can answer: 'My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me'

Christmas Schedule

This month is going to have sooooo many good things to do. Can you almost lose you breathe already? I can. Well I need to prioritize and in so doing I will keep going to the Mesa Temple to see the Christmas lights and displays on my list of to-dos. Just click here to get information and schedules if you want to add it to your list.

FHE Tradition Lesson

A great way to start off December is with this FHE lesson on Traditions. I really liked it and it got me to thinking about not only good family traditions but also priorities at this time of year. Hope this will be a helpful lesson for you and your family.

Sharing Abundance

" Church Donates Fruit to U.S. Food Pantries"

“Our two orchards were tended by volunteers over the summer, and then people from our local Church congregations picked over one million pounds of peaches during August and September. Members canned the peaches at Church canneries in the southern Utah city of St. George and Lindon, in central Utah. This harvest greatly exceeded our expectations and will allow the Church to make a significant donation to food banks and assistance ministries around the country.”

The canned fruit was loaded into 18 semi-trucks and delivered to food pantries and Church storehouses in Georgia, Illinois, Colorado, Texas, Washington, Florida and Pennsylvania. Two semi-truck loads of peaches and apricots were also delivered to the Utah Food Bank.

Expressing Gratitude

"The Power of Thank You"

Research has proven that people who are grateful have higher levels of positive emotions like
love,
optimism,
joy,
enthusiasm, and
happiness.
“The practice of gratitude as a discipline protects a person from the destructive impulses of
envy,
resentment,
greed, and
bitterness,” Emmons says.
He also states that those who are grateful are able to
cope better with stress,
sleep better,
have more energy, and
even have more resilience toward illness and
have greater physical health.

You can find the article "The Power of Thank You" here.

Gratitude First

Thanks for dropping by. I wanted to share this short story with you. I bet you'll enjoy it. :)
Gratitude First

by Joseph Walker -Tuesday, November 18, 2008 - LDS Living Magazine

I’m not exactly sure why I gave the necklace to Kayla. I had an extra necklace. Kayla was sitting in front of me at church. It just seemed like the thing to do.
Now, keep in mind that I’m talking about a candy necklace here — nothing special at all. It was just a stringy loop of elastic with multi-colored candies strung around it. I had handed some of them to the ten-year-olds to whom I had been teaching Old Testament stories for the past year (what, you don’t see the connection between candy necklaces and the Old Testament?), and I had an extra one.
Kayla is quite special indeed. She has long dark hair. Gorgeous eyes. A beautiful smile. The sweetest voice you’ve ever heard. And she’s six. In all the world there is nothing so wonderfully adorable as a six-year-old girl.
Which is probably why I gave the necklace to her. I’m a sucker for that stuff.
When I slipped the necklace into her hand she smiled that beautiful smile of hers, and I considered myself adequately thanked. Then I settled back to enjoy the church meeting. As enthralling as church was that day, I did notice a couple of things about Kayla. For one thing, although she wore the candy necklace around her neck, I didn’t see her actually eating the candy. By way of comparison, my son Jon had his necklace consumed and was asking for more before we sang the final “Alleluia” in the opening hymn. The other thing I noticed was that she seemed quite intent on something she was drawing. I couldn’t see it, but whatever it was it certainly had her attention—so much so that she paid almost no attention to the candy strung around her neck.
When the service ended I stood to leave. Then I noticed something small and cute in the aisle beside me. It was Kayla. She didn’t say a word. She just handed a piece of paper to me. It was the picture that she had been working on throughout the meeting. It showed a tall stick figure man with glasses and most of his hair, holding a candy necklace in his hand. Next to him was a shorter stick figure girl with long dark hair, gorgeous eyes, and a beautiful smile. Over her head was a cartoon balloon with these words: “Thank you.”
It was a lovely gift and a marvelous work of art—far more valuable than the candy bauble I had presented to her. As I thanked her for her gift, I noticed that she was finally starting to eat the candy that I had given to her.
“It looks like your Daddy wouldn’t let you eat your candy until after church,” I observed.
She shook her head seriously. “I could eat it,” she said, shyly. “I just wanted to say ‘thank you’ first.”
I was touched by the gesture and inspired by her message. It was so important to her to say “thank you” that she couldn’t really enjoy the treat until she had expressed her gratitude.
That’s why there’s a new piece of art in the gallery that is beginning to fill the nooks and crannies of my office. Kayla’s picture is the first to be so enshrined that wasn’t created by one of my offspring. I’m including it as a way of reminding me to be grateful.
First.
from: Deseret Book, Look What Love Has Done

Breaking My Heart

I sincerely hope you will take the time to keep up-to-date on what is happening to our brother's, sister's and youth of the church in California. It is breaking my heart. Click here to read.

Truth and Gaining Experience

I've just added two more Family Home Evening lessons on my side bar: Truth and Gaining Experience. I know that FHE sidebar is a way down with all the do-dads I've added but hope you will search it out. I hope you are finding these lessons helpful as you teach, love and guide your/our children. Remember that most of the lessons also include a recipe for a treat and a 20% off coupon at a church bookstore on the last page. Enjoy.

I'm Asking For This. . .

. . . for Christmas from my kids. With money tight I told them they could all go in together. The Three Deceivers, by Richard Eyre. You can read this book review here.

Article VI

I've recently been following this blog, Article VI. Our U.S. Constitution-Article VI states:

"No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States."

This blog is written by two men, one an evangelical Christian, John Schroeder, the other a Mormon by the name of Lowell Brown. I think I'd like it if it stated Mormon Christian. Just me. I wanted to bring this blog to your attention and recommend it. Let me know your opinion of it if you check it out please.

Hoping you are counting your blessings on this beautiful Arizona November day or wherever you are. Even if it's being thankful that excedrin is also helping you through the day.

Feeling Grateful For Support

Yesterday while talking to a dear cousin in Oregon who is a member of a different church than I am, she told me how thankful she was for all the Mormon help in passing legislation to protect marriage and recognized how we were being slandered. That made me feel very good and thankful. Here's a video by another church "sticking up for us" also. And you might want to check out this to see what other's not of our faith are saying about us....don't brace yourselves, it's good.

The Site

I've been told that the new Phoenix Temple will be constructed at 51 Ave. and Pinnacle Peak Road. That's just a stone's throw from my daughter's home and we are so thrilled. Yesterday after a fun play day with those 4 grands at Anthem Park we drove by the temple site and took these photos. I can hardly wait for the ground breaking ceremonies etc. I hope we will all be very involved and especially involve our children.

Online Resources: Helping Families

I hope this can be helpful especially for families with young children still at home. I am so grateful for all the resources the church is providing us...helping us with our families.

Scripture Stories Online
Now available online in downloadable text, audio, and video formats, these colorfully illustrated scripture stories are written on a basic reading level for children and are also a valuable resource for others who may not yet be familiar with the standard works. You can also purchase the video recordings as a new DVD set.

Here is an example of what you'll find: http://www.lds.org/languages/childrenmaterials/scripturestories/CUR_2008_Stories_07_NT_5JesusChristIsBorn_36618_eng_.pdf

Bigotry Against Mormons

Catholic Bishop Decries Religious Bigotry Against Mormons

SACRAMENTO 7 November 2008 (This news release was issued by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento) The following statement was released today by Bishop William Weigand, head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento and former Bishop of Salt Lake City, in response to attacks on (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) for supporting California’s Proposition 8, defending the traditional definition of marriage:
“Catholics stand in solidarity with our Mormon brothers and sisters in support of traditional marriage — the union of one man and one woman — that has been the major building block of Western Civilization for millennia.
“The ProtectMarriage coalition, which led the successful campaign to pass Proposition 8, was an historic alliance of people from every faith and ethnicity. LDS were included — but so were Catholics and Jews, Evangelicals and Orthodox, African-Americans and Latinos, Asians and Anglos.
“Bigoted attacks on Mormons for the part they played in our coalition are shameful and ignore the reality that Mormon voters were only a small part of the groundswell that supported Proposition 8.
“As the former bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, I can attest to the fact that followers of the Mormon faith are a good and generous people with a long history of commitment to family and giving to community causes.
“I personally decry the bigotry recently exhibited towards the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — coming from the opponents of Proposition 8, who ironically, have called those of us supporting traditional marriage intolerant.
“I call upon the supporters of same-sex marriage to live by their own words — and to refrain from discrimination against religion and to exercise tolerance for those who differ from them. I call upon them to accept the will of the people of California in the passage of Proposition 8.”
SOURCE: Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento

A Ward Talent Show

Laughter is such good medicine. Enjoy-I have soooo many times.

It's Just Amazing

what our church is doing around the world. I seriously doubt any of you will watch the entire 10 minute video but if you do, you will feel so happy to be a part of this great, great effort. Happy Sabbath.

Happy November

Can't you just feel the nip in the air!!! Yea Right!!! Hang in there friends, surely we will have some autumn soon. Don't get confused finding the November VT message. Call this a "girls choice".

November Visiting Teaching Message

Because the November issues of the Ensign and Liahona contain a report of general conference, the magazines do not contain a specific Visiting Teaching Message. Visiting teachers are encouraged to prayerfully select a conference address to share with those they teach.

Visit LDS.org's general conference archive for conference proceedings in several formats.

Blogging Sister's

P.S. Just adding:
Susan Epperson http://johnsusantyler.blogspot.com/
Heather Reed http://shaunandheather.blogspot.com/
Jeanette Jones B. http://growingbrewers.blogspot.com/

Am I the only one enjoying so many sister's blogs? I hope not. In case you don't know about these, here you go! If you know of other's, please let me know! These sister's are from a variety of wards in my current stake since my stake leaders change those ward boundaries on me numerous times and I've gotten to be in 4 wards while living in the same home. The good side of that is that I've been blessed to get to know many more wonderful gals. Feeling grateful!

Chris Price My Life Is A Hoot

Amy Cammack L. http://blog.amyleephotography.com/

Becca H. http://www.dailygrapefruit.blogspot.com/

Allison D. http://allisonandjohndavis.blogspot.com/

Amanda Miller http://jedamanda.blogspot.com/

Tallona Twiggs http://ryanandtallona.blogspot.com/

Ashley Ball http://joeashandkids.blogspot.com/

Becca P. http://kd7kfe.blogspot.com/

Melanie Price W. http://matteringmoments.blogspot.com/

Shelby Price http://shelbysjourney.blogspot.com/

Myrna Z. http://ziegler7.blogspot.com/

Trevlyn N. http://sweettweets1.blogspot.com/

Heather S. http://siteinstone.blogspot.com/

I Am Empathetic!

Did you expect that recipe for Apple Crisp with dehydrated apples? I know, I'm sorry. I've spent so much time putting together a most important post over at Snickerdoodles again.


Begging you to please go to that blog and read/watch. Just click on Snickerdoodles.

Thank you. Really, I mean it. This is so serious. Do you know that!

Apple Crisp

Stay tuned...I'll be posting a recipe soon.

Want something to read relating to my memories of Relief Society as a "twenty something"...go to Snickerdoodles.

White Everywhere

Today Allison D. and I drove out to Mesa to the cannery to fill our orders. What fun to drive with such a sweet, fun friend and get to know her better. We ended up on the powdered milk canning line which was new to me. I usually can wheat, rice or beans. You know of course that I wore a black t-shirt and black shoes which ended up sprinkled liberally with white. That was okay. I came home with only 6 #10 cans of dehydrated apples but am still glad I got that much. They make a yummy and quick apple crisp.

How you doing with your food storage? You can learn alot and get motivated at the church website. Check it out here....please. This is another good website, Honeyville Food Products for food storage products. Thanks. And happy day.

NO BEARS ARE OUT TONIGHT

One of my kiddos recently commented that my blog post's sure are lengthy. They were referring to a poem about flour sacks at my original blog SNICKERDOODLES . They are right. Occasionally there is more than just a photo or two with a little paragraph on each. Oh the case again. But you see, this is really so worth the maybe 5 minutes you will spend reading here. And the benefits potentially are great.

I just read the article NO BEARS ARE OUT TONIGHT on Meridian Magazine by Kimberli Pelo Robinson. . . "Having the priesthood in a home surrounds a family with a sense of security that is available no other way". So much centered on having a righteous priesthood holder/father in your home, protecting the family, working hard to enable the mother to stay home and nurture children and truly make a home. What a huge, huge blessing. It was such a good use of my time to read and I hardily pass it along with recommendation to you.
Photo above: A family playing the game No Bears Are Out Tonight and the Grandpa turned out to be the (bear.)

To read this great article, and I hope you do, click on No Bears Are Out Tonight.

The Blessing of Work

I was listening to repeated conference talks on KBYU while embroidering some flour sack dish towels the other day and loved hearing this - I can't claim it's an exact quote, my fading memory, but close...

Opportunity is missed by most because it is often dressed in overalls and looks like work.

Just passing along a little thought for the day. It will make me glad. Whenever I get to thinking about the drudgery of work I remind myself-I have a HOUSE to clean. I have a FAMILY that needs feeding. I have a WASHING MACHINE to do the clothes washing. I have CLOTHES. I have FOOD to purchase or cook. I have a GARDEN to supply some vegetable and flowers to weed, tend or water. Counting blessings and not grumbling so much. I will look at work as an opportunity.

The Traveling Smile

The following great story is part of the FHE lesson on Joy. You will find a link to that lesson on my side board. Hope we're all having meaningful, thoughtfully prepared Family Home Evening lessons to guide, instruct and protect our families in these troubled times.

The Traveling Smile by Jane Bunker Newcomb

I sat on a San Francisco bus going home, tired and depressed after one of those days when nothing seemed to go quite right. It was rush hour, and the bus was packed with people—dull-eyed, tired, aching, and short-tempered.

A large, package-laden lady got on the bus. Every seat was taken, so she had to stand in the aisle near me. War Horse, I thought as I looked at her drawn and bitter face. That seemed a pretty good description.

Seated across the aisle next to her was a small plain-looking lady, someone you wouldn’t ordinarily notice. She looked up at “War Horse” and her face was lit with a smile. “Could I hold your packages?” she asked. “It’s so hard to stand when your arms are full.”

The woman glowered in confusion and looked away. But when she looked back, the smile was still there. Her wrinkled brow eased some as she handed over the packages. “They are very heavy,” she said. “There are two pairs of specially made shoes for my crippled son, and they weigh twenty pounds a pair.” She paused, and the next words seemed very hard for her to say: “Thank you.” They chatted on, and as they did, she smiled. Her whole face softened and her body relaxed.

Soon the seated lady got off and the other woman sat down in her place. But her expression had changed, and she smiled up at the young coed standing above her. “Could I hold your books for you? It’s difficult to hold on with books sliding every which way.”

The girl smiled back, and as she gave up her books I heard her ask, “Did I hear you say you have a son who goes to Jefferson? That’s where I go to school.”

I had to get off at the next stop, but I imagined that smile traveling all over San Francisco. I too smiled, and wasn’t so tired anymore. (Good Deeds, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2003], p. 10.)

Marri.age Amendme.nt

Can't tell you just how important it is that Pro.position 102 passes. If you haven't made up your mind on this please, please watch this. If you are voting to make marr.iage between 1 man and 1 woman the constitu.tional la.w please watch also. Thank you!

And teaching this in schools is just one of the consequences of this amendment failing. Churches would be forced to marry same-sex couples against their beliefs or be sued and/or lose tax exemption. Charitable organizations, certain adoption agencies, and groups like the Boy Scouts of America that do tremendous good in our society will be forced to change their policies or close down... It's started in MA. It's at our doors.

Prepared for Ike

A letter from people in Texas who just experienced 'Ike'. What a testimony for preparedness.

Dear Friends:We have a 6'x6' hole in our roof, no electricity or running water, trees down everywhere. However, because we listened to the counsel of our Prophet we are prepared. In fact it seems to me that it's only the members of the church who seem to be calm, prepared, and helping one another with trees in roofs, flooding, etc.

There is a POD or Point of Distribution in Tomball where we live. There you get water and ice IF you have enough fuel to wait in the 3-hour lines. We don't have to do that because we have 3 full water barrels, 75 juice bottles filled with water, and our pool, which is dirty, but we use it to flush.

It is very difficult to get gas. Police guard the stations when fuel is delivered and you might wait half a day to get up to the pump just to have them say, 'Too bad, we are out'. I am grateful that we have a generator. We run it 4 hours a day to keep our fridge and light. I am grateful that we have had fuel for it. You can't even by gas containers as they are rationed.

We can only buy bread once a week and limited to 2 loaves at a time. Water is rationed by the case at the grocery store - 3 cases per family.The ATM machines do not have power.

For the past 6 months I have stashed small bills away because I have had such a feeling of foreboding. We have cash because of that. LISTEN TO THE SPIRIT. Get cash in small bills because the stores can't make change and credit and debit cards often don't work. I had to pay 5 dollars more for an item because they couldn't make change for me.

And . . . PHONES ONLY WORK OCCASIONALLY. Believe it or not...I have not had a bath in 4 days. Today was the first day I got to wash my hair with pool water. I haven't fixed my hair in a week!!! It just doesn't matter anymore. We cannot do laundry because we don't have water. So, we wear our clothes until they are literally disgusting. When we do finally get water we will have to boil it since it is contaminated.

I am grateful for my parents. When we got low on generator fuel they drove 45 minutes to help us. They filled up their cans and brought us 10 gallons of fuel, which kept us going until this morning at 6:oo am when we finally found some gas. A prepared Family and a loving extended family is the key to survival and making it through right now. I know that my parents would drive to the end of the earth to help me and it's nice knowing they are there. I know that I would do the same for my children.

I want all of you to know that I have such a testimony of following the counsel of our living prophet. There really is safety and peace in your heart if you are prepared. Please get your generators, 5 gas cans full of gas, canned goods, baby items, baby wipes to bathe, and all the water you can store...even if you have to trip on it in your home. Have your lanterns, crank flashlights, tarps, rope, etc. ready to go because you never know when it will be your turn to endure the test. It's overwhelming, but it's going to be okay eventually. I have a home, I have food, and I have water, because I listened to the counsel of the prophet. Please make sure you do the same. It's time to have your life in order. Tomorrow may be too late.

Putting It Out There

...and happy to do so. I hope you find as much power in this message as I do. I hope you'll comment and let me know how you feel about this. Thanks for visiting.

LDS Artist Arnold Freiberg

Wow, did you know this famous artist's paintings are on display at the Mesa Temple Visitor's Center???!!! It is so worth seeing. I saw it last Saturday and can whole heartedly recommend you going there and taking your precious children too. Enjoy!




About The Artist: Born December 21, 1913 in Winnetka, Illinois, Arnold Friberg is an American painter noted for his religious and patriotic works. Some of his best-known works include the 1975 painting The Prayer at Valley Forge depicting George Washington praying while the Continental Army winters at Valley Forge, and the pre-visualization paintings for the Cecil B. DeMille film The Ten Commandments for which he received an Academy Award nomination. In 1978 Friberg was commissioned to do a portrait of Prince Charles with his horse "Centennial", the great-grandson of Man-O-War. This was done at a studio in Buckingham Palace. In 1990, he and his wife were invited back to spend another six weeks residing in Buckingham Palace for his commissioned undertaking of an equestrian portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and Centennial. Being commissioned to paint these royal portraits would mean that Arnold Friberg's name would be included in a list with such great artists as; Rembrandt, Velazquez, Raphael, Rubens, Van Dyck and numerous other masters who had painted portraits of the Royal family. He was made a life member of the honorable Royal Society of Arts, London, which accounts for the initials R.S.A. after his name.

Friberg in his advanced age still works when he can from his studio in Salt Lake City. "Art to me is a service, to bring enrichment to people's lives. That's why I want my art to be perfectly understood. One of the things I work for is clarity. That doesn't mean hard-edged forms, but clarity of the picture: what time of day, what kind of lighting, where it is. It should all be clear. I hope no one ever has to explain my pictures."

RS Presidency

Relief Society General Presidency: A little refresher course on our great leaders!!

Julie B. Beck, the new general president of the Relief Society, was serving as the first counselor in the General Young Women Presidency prior to receiving her call to direct the Church’s women’s service organization. As a child she learned to speak Portuguese when she lived in Brazil with her parents and 10 brothers and sisters while her father served as mission president.In the Church she has served on the Young Women General Board, as ward Young Women and Primary president, as counselor in a stake Relief Society presidency and at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. She is a graduate of Dixie College and Brigham Young University.Beck was a full-time homemaker prior to her service in the Young Women general presidency. Beck and her husband are the parents of three children and eight grandchildren.

Silvia H. Allred, newly named as first counselor in the general presidency of the Relief Society, was most recently serving with her husband as he presided over the Missionary Training Center in the Dominican Republic.A native of El Salvador, she and her husband served as public affairs missionaries in Madrid, Spain. She also served with her husband when he presided over the Paraguay Asuncion Mission. Allred served as a member of the Young Women General Board, as stake and ward Relief Society and Primary president, and as a full-time missionary in the Central American Mission.Allred attended the University of Arizona, Brigham Young University and the General Francisco Marzan Institute in El Salvador. She has been a Spanish language instructor at the Missionary Training Center, grade school teacher, PTA president and Girl Scout leader. She is married to Jeffrey A. Allred, and they are the parents of eight children.

Barbara Thompson, called today as second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, most recently served as the activities chair in her home ward in Salt Lake City. Her previous Church service includes Gospel Doctrine teacher, ward Young Women president, Laurel advisor, Relief Society General Board member, ward Relief Society counselor, Beehive advisor and camp director.Most recently Thompson has been working as the executive director of an international assessment center for abused and neglected children. She has worked in the social services field directing a number of state-level human and family services departments. She received a bachelor’s degree in social work from Brigham Young University and as master’s degree in social work from the University of Utah.

What A Woman

Faithful in Trials

"All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our character, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God. . . "Orson F. Whitney

After the Disaster V

Here is the very belated and last installment of AFTER THE DISASTER. I hope it has been helpful to some. Thanks for coming by the blog.

Coping With the Stress:
Natural disasters turn lives upside-down and cause a lot of emotional stress for victims. Feelings of panic, despair, anxiety, and anger are common symptoms disaster victims experience. These feelings are natural reactions to trauma, but it’s important to address them.
Give yourself time to heal. Don’t expect everything to be better immediately, and don’t get frustrated when it doesn’t happen when you want it to.
Ask for help from others. There are people out there more than willing to help— all you have to do is ask.
Be healthy. This means eating a proper diet, getting good sleep, and exercising. Having a healthy body will enhance your ability to cope with stress.


Helping Children Cope:
The stress and fear that follow a natural disaster can be especially hard for children. Some may regress to younger behaviors, they may become more prone to nightmares, their grades in school may suffer, or they may become extremely noisy or quiet. There are several things a parent can do to help their children cope.
Spend more time with them and allow them to cling to you. Physical affection has a healing power. Keep regular schedules for things like playing, eating, and going to bed. This will help restore a sense of normalcy and comfort. Remember, safety is your first priority. Take care of yourself and your family, and be patient as you work to rebuild.

Lincoln and the LDS

Excerpt from Mormon Times/Deseret News-click to read full report.

"History also shows that Lincoln checked out a copy of the Book of Mormon from a library on Nov. 18, 1861, and kept it for eight months. He had also checked out three other books on Mormons, though they were all unfavorable to the church."

"Lincoln was also well-aware of Utah's great natural resources and once referred to the state as 'the treasurehouse of the nation'. When Lincoln needed help to protect the telegraph line in Utah, he contacted President Young, not the territorial governor, for assistance."

Women of God

"Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity. "

This is one of my all time favorite quotes from a talk by Margaret Nadauld entitled THE JOY OF WOMANHOOD. Just click on that title and you will be magically transported to this brief but powerful talk. I hope I'm not the only one who will take the time to read it (again).

Church Helps Starving in Ethiopia

The Church plans to send to Ethiopia more than 1.4 million pounds (540 tons) of Atmit, special food for the severely malnourished, over a span of three months, with the final shipment scheduled to arrive in the drought-stricken country by November 2008.

What is Atmit you ask....okay: Atmit is a mixture of oat flour, powdered milk, sugar, salt, vitamins, and minerals that is mixed with water and cooking oil to reach the consistency of cream soup. It has been proven a successful resource for feeding the severely malnourished.

I'm so happy to be able to pay my tithes and offerings and know what good it does.

Go here for the rest of the story.

Missionaires Leave Bolivia

Some 102 North American missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in Bolivia have been transferred to missions outside the country. The transfer was taken in consultation with U.S. government representatives in Bolivia and with the cooperation of Bolivian immigration authorities as a precautionary measure during the present unsettled conditions there.

Well the missionaries are out but our member sisters and brothers still live there. Prayers are always good.

Converting Power of the Book of Mormon

Elder F. Burton Howard of the Seventy acquaints us with a strong testimony of the converting power of the Book of Mormon:

Sister Celia Cruz Ayala of the Puerto Rico San Juan Mission decided to give the Book of Mormon to a friend. She wrapped it in attractive paper and set out to deliver her present.
On the way, she was attacked by a bandit who stole her purse and with it the wrapped copy of the Book of Mormon. A few days later she received this letter:

Mrs. Cruz:
Forgive me, forgive me. You will never know how sorry I am for attacking you. But because of it, my life has changed and will continue to change. That book [the Book of Mormon] has helped me in my life. The dream of that man of God has shaken me …. I am returning your five pesos for I can’t spend them. I want you to know that you seemed to have a radiance about you. That light seemed to stop me [from harming you, so] I ran away instead.

I want you to know that you will see me again, but when you do, you won’t recognize me, for I will be your brother …. Here, where I live, I have to find the Lord and go to the church you belong to.

The message you wrote in that book brought tears to my eyes. Since Wednesday night I have not been able to stop reading it. I have prayed and asked God to forgive me, [and] I ask you to forgive me …. I thought your wrapped gift was something I could sell. [Instead,] it has made me want to make my life over. Forgive me, forgive me, I beg you.
--Your absent friend.

(“What I Want My Son to Know Before He Leaves on His Mission:” Pres. James E. Faust; C.R., p. 58, April 1996. See also F. Burton Howard, “My Life Has Changed,” Church News, Jan, 1996, p. 16)

My New Building Project

I'm having a small struggle trying to keep up with two blogs. I'm thinking I may want to combine them. Until a final decision is made I may just refer you to the other for the post of the day. I love the talk President Monson gave yesterday to the North SLC stakes via satellite from the Conference Center. Please take just 5 minutes and read it at Snickerdoodles. Thanks.

And would you mind commenting and letting me know if you also visit Snickerdoodles. Do you think one blog would due or should I save this one also for those VT messages, FHE lessons and other church related posts.

Now don't be shy, if you've never commented before, just jump in and do it. Thanks.

The Divine Institution of Marriage

Click here to read something we must not pass by. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is joining with many other churches to help pass legislation defining marriage as being between 1 man and 1 woman. This lengthy statement clarifies much and is so worth your time to read. Thanks.

Finances

"The Secret of Living on Less"

Many are facing tough financial times, so here are some tips for that challenging task: living on less than you make. By Lyle and Tracy Shamo

Click here to read this really good article.

Grateful Heart

My darling ward sister's made my Sunday such a surprise and "love fest". Your gifts and notes of kindness made me speechless and that's not easy to do. I came home from church, sat down and read each one. I felt underserving of such comments but very grateful and more determined to be MORE. I so appreciate the opportunity to continually grow, progress, develope and get better. That's what I'm still trying to do - daily. May these dear, dear sister's be blessed in return for all the kindness they have displayed to me. I love you.

Developing A Mother Heart

Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president:

"Oh, that every girl and woman would have a testimony of her potential for eternal motherhood. . . . Female roles did not begin on earth, and they do not end here. A woman who treasures motherhood on earth will treasure motherhood in the world to come, and 'where [her] treasure is, there will [her] heart be also' (Matthew 6:21). By developing a mother heart, each girl and woman prepares for her divine, eternal mission of motherhood" ("A 'Mother Heart,' " Liahona and Ensign, May 2004, 76).

This is just a portion of the September Relief Society visiting teacher's lesson. Click on the link on my side board to go to the full lesson.

Who I Am Makes A Difference!

My thanks to cousin Skippie who sent this to me saying I or my church would put this information to good use. Thanks Skippie, I'm trying.

This short movie packs a whollop of a message. I hope you'll not only watch it but read the comments at the end relating to how often our children hear negative messages as opposed to a positive message daily. Powerful. I truly believe I am a child of God. So are you. Let's treat one another with that heritage in mind and with love, respect and a gentle heart.

Emergency Preparedness

I've posted on my other blog a really good article on emergency prep. Specifically, what if that emergency hits while you're not at home...or your children are not at home. Check it out at Snickerdoodles. It's a good read.

Glorious Parenthood

If I had My Child To Raise Over Again

If I had my child to raise all over again,

I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.

I'd finger paint more and point the finger less.

I would do less correcting and more connecting.

I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.

I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.

I would run through more fields

and gaze at more stars.

I'd do more hugging and less tugging.

I'd see the oak tree in the acorn more often.

I would be firm less often and affirm much more.

I'd model less about the love of power,

And more about the power of love.

by Diane Loomans

Pondering

This is a quote I've really liked for a long time. It is worthy of pondering.

"We are not human beings having spiritual experiences, but spiritual beings having human experiences." Teilhard de Chardin

Don't you think we really have so much control over the experiences we have, even create for ourselves. I know some experiences are truly out of our control but most aren't. Makes me more aware of my choices and wanting to create spirituality in my life.

How's Your FHE?

Life is really different at this "stage" of my life. No busy little bodies running around while trying to give a Family Home Evening lesson. I hope if you're in that busy-little-bodies-stage you will be patient and know that your good lessons are getting through on some level. I've just added two new lessons to my side board, on Knowledge and Plan of Salvation. Hope you find them helpful. We mom's need all the help we can get.

Good Sabbath

I was very moved while singing this hymn at church today. I so appreciate the way the Spirit can teach and motivate through music. This hymn's text is attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux, ca. 1091-1153. I wonder what he was like and what motivated him penning these inspiring words. Music is by John B. Dykes, 1823-1876. Hope you enjoy.

"JESUS, THE VERY THOUGHT OF THEE"

Jesus, the very thought of thee With sweetness fills my breast;

But sweeter far thy face to see And in thy presence rest.

Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame, Nor can the mem'ry find

A sweeter sound than thy blest name, O Savior of mankind!

O hope of ev'ry contrite heart, O joy of all the meek,

To those who fall, how kind thou art! How good to those who seek!

Jesus, our only joy be thou, As thou our prize wilt be;

Jesus, be thou our glory now, And thru eternity.

I want to concentrate on making my Savior, Jesus Christ my joy and my prize. I think if I can do that better, all else will fall in order.

After the Disaster IV

What to Throw Away:
Almost any textiles, like carpet, mattresses, bedding, clothing, stuffed animals, etc., that have been submerged in water for some time should probably just be thrown away. The dirt and odors that are imbedded in the fabric will most likely never come out. Also, they have the potential of containing mold spores that could cause serious risks to your health. The safest thing to do is to just replace them. Textiles that weren’t in water, but were exposed to the combination of heat and humidity, may have had the opportunity to grow mildew. Do what you can to remove it, but in the end, these too might have to be thrown away.


What to Do With Your Food:
Frozen food: If the meat still contains ice crystals and feels as cold as if refrigerated, it’s okay to refreeze it. However, if it’s thawed or has been in forty-degree temperatures or higher for more than two hours, throw it away. Fruits are pretty salvageable. Unless there is mold or sliminess, it’s okay to refreeze juices, and home or commercially packaged fruit. Vegetables can be refrozen if there are still ice crystals, but if they are thawed, they belong in the trashcan. You can refreeze most breads and pastries unless they contain custard or cheese fi llings, likes cake and pie, which you should get rid of.
Refrigerated food: If meat is still cold or has been in forty-degree temperatures or lower for less than two hours, it’s okay to keep. Anything over two hours should be thrown out. Just like meat, dairy products are good if still chilled, but anything else goes in the garbage. The exceptions are butter and hard cheeses, which are safe to keep if they are exposed to warmer temperatures. All fruits and vegetables are safe to keep, unless they have been cooked. Breads are generally safe, except pasta—especially if it is in a sauce.

After the Disaster III

Assess the Damage:
Go through your house and thoroughly inspect everything from top to bottom. Check for cracks or erosion in the foundation, make sure major systems like the air conditioning work, and check appliances to make sure they operate. Make a written list of damage in addition to taking photographs.
If you have any photos of your house from before the disaster, the extent of damage done is much easier to identify for insurance purposes. When the adjuster comes to assess the damage, be ready with documents, receipts, photos, and anything else to help prove the extent of damage that has been done.

Make Temporary Repairs:
Do what you can to prevent any further damage from happening to your home by making minor repairs. Be careful, however, not to remove any evidence of the damage so that an adjuster is able to make a correct assessment. By making an effort to avoid more damage, an adjuster is more likely to approve the claims you make than if you let your home get even worse.

After the Disaster II

Call Your Insurance Agency ASAP:
Even if you don’t have insurance that covers the particular damage, some policies cover living expenses while you are out of your house. If you don’t have insurance, call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 1-800-621-FEMA to apply for federal disaster assistance.


Protect Yourself:
When returning to your damaged home, take a few cautionary steps to prevent harm. Wear protective clothing, like gloves, boots, and long pants, which will protect you from debris, chemicals, and bacteria. If there is any sort of water damage there is a possibility of mold spores in the air, so wear a face mask to keep you from inhaling them. If you smell gas, open a window and leave immediately. If it’s possible, turn off the main gas valve from outside, and then call the gas company.
If your appliances are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box, unplug the appliances, and let them dry out before using again. You may want to have them inspected by a professional.

After the Disaster I

I plan on sharing excerpts from an outstanding article I found online. I hope you find it informing and helpful. I adore the motto of the BSA, Be Pre*ared.

After the Disaster: Now What? by Ashley Evanson Tuesday, from LDSLiving, online magazine, full article found at http://www.ldslivingmagazine.com/articles/show/1615
There’s a lot to be done and a lot to cope with after a natural disaster has hit. It’s a stressful time, and a lot of people don’t even know where to start. If you ever find yourself in a traumatic situation like this, let the following be a guide to help you deal with the disaster.

Drink Clean Water:
This is by far the most important thing. Access to clean drinking water after a natural disaster is critical to survival, but water can be a challenge to get a hold of. Different disasters affect water sources differently; however, in all cases, consider water from wells, cisterns, and any other delivery systems contaminated until tested and proved safe for drinking.
In an emergency, it’s best to use bottled water if at all possible. If it is not available, it’s safe to use water from neighboring municipalities that weren’t affected by the disaster. Also, if plumbing fixtures in your house weren’t damaged, you can get water from your water heater or water pressure tank. Make sure to boil water that could possibly be contaminated in order to get rid of microorganisms and bacteria. However, make sure your local water supplier or health department has given an official boil order before doing so. Otherwise, the water could still contain harmful substances that boiling doesn’t get rid of.

Temple Grounds/Flowers

Click on this website http://www.vincentfam.net/2008-05-05_Flowers/ to see the beautiful gardens and grounds surrounding Temple Square in Salt Lake City. Just glorious. Thanks Dana N. for sharing this with me.

Dear Reader, will you let me know if you enjoyed this please.

Summer Reading Plus

My thanks to Alaina for lending me this series of books. I should finish the last in a week or two. This is something I can highly recommend.

What are you reading and would like to share with me?

In an ancient land in a time foretold by prophets, a babe was born beneath a shining star. Thirty years later, Jesus of Nazareth began teaching a message of hope, peace, and love. He claimed to be the Son of God, and his words - and his life - would change the world.
In Fishers of Men, the first volume in the new series The Kingdom and the Crown, best-selling author Gerald N. Lund transports us to the days of Christ's mortal ministry and invites us to experience the emotions and events of those extraordinary times.
Reports of Jesus of Nazareth have reached the ears of David ben Joseph, a merchant in Capernaum, who has waited and watched for the Messiah ever since a special, starlit night thirty years ago. He and his family decide to see for themselves whether or not the rumors are true and journey to hear Jesus.
Though David is quick to accept Jesus as the Messiah, the rest of his family is more cautious. His wife, Deborah, and his son, Simeon, leaders in the rebellious Zealot movement, look for a Messiah that will crush the Romans with power and the sword, not one preaching a message of love and forgiveness.
Meanwhile, reports of Jesus have reached into the very heart of Jerusalem, and both the powerful Sadducee Mordechai ben Uzziel and the Pharisee Azariah are growing uneasy with the news. Though they hold opposing political views, both agree that something must be done to stop this man from Nazareth before he gets out of hand. However, in Mordechai's own household the influence of the carpenter from Nazareth begins to create conflict.
Fishers of Men is a sweeping epic filled with memorable characters who bring to life an extraordinary time in the history of the world. It is a story about the importance of family, the power of faith, the miracle of forgiveness, and the strength needed to follow your heart.

Douglas Coy Miles

Do you recognize that name? Brother Miles created this amoung many other church awards-How many CTR rings have you owned in your life. How many have you lost or your kiddos lost in their lifetimes. Some people have expressed to me their dislike for this ring but NOT ME. I love it. I love what it stands for. I love how it can remind children, for whom it was created, or any age person to CHOOSE THE RIGHT. Thanks Brother Miles for this rings.

Brother Miles just passed away; you can go here to read about his life http://www.ldslivingonline.com/article.php?articleId=63390, I think it was worth my time.

Good Sabbath

What a great feeling to leave church and be uplifted, feeling so grateful to worship in my ward and knowing that I have learned and hopefully served well. Thanks for the lessons and sister comments dear friends.

Here's a quote I hope you enjoy as much as I do.

"Our homes are to be more than sanctuaries; they should also be places where God's spirit can dwell, where the storm stops at the door, where love reigns and peace dwells." -President Thomas S. Monson

United Families Internations

I sincerely hope you, all two of you who read this blog, will click on United Families International which is out of Gilbert, AZ and sign up to get their email newsletter.


We need to take a stand for all things good and keeping the family strong is definitely a good thing. It's empowering knowing you can make your voice heard and Stand For Truth and Righteousness. I love that "saying" and am so glad it is part of both the Young Women's and Relief Society statements.


Go ahead and do it. It's easy. I'm so proud of you. And here is this organizations web site http://www.unitedfamilies.org/index.cfm

2 New Temples

I thought you'd be interested in this and seeing the photos of these new temples is always thrilling to me.

Panama City, Panama (click for more facts)

The Panama City Panama Temple will be the third temple in Central America. The other temples in that region are located in Guatemala City, Guatemala, and San José, Costa Rica. In addition, the construction of three more temples in Central America has been announced: one in Tegucigalpa, Honduras; one in San Salvador, El Salvador; and one in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.

Twin Falls, Idaho (click for more info)

The Twin Falls Idaho Temple will be the fourth Temple in Idaho. The other temples in the state are located in Idaho Falls, Boise and Rexburg.

Check Out Another LDS blog

Here is a fun new blog...just click Light Refreshments Served and enjoy. It's a site where several LDS women blog. Read their profiles and if you're like me you'll think they would be fun friends.

Hope you're all enduring summer well. I'm blogging less I know. Guess I'd better get busy.

BYU Helping in Ghana

I am so excited and grateful to see the BYU community come together to bless those in need. Click on this: BYU's creation , to see how they are now helping Ghana children with lights in their schools and home.

July Visiting Teaching Message

Here are just 3 quotes from this months lesson. I hope we can all be a great friend/visiting teacher and bring this message along with our love into our sister's homes this month. You can find a link to the complete July 2008 lesson/message on the sideboard to the right.

"All Human Beings Are Created in the Image of God"

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008): "Our bodies are sacred. They were created in the image of God. They are marvelous, the crowning creation of Deity. No camera has ever matched the wonder of the human eye. No pump was ever built that could run so long and carry such heavy duty as the human heart. The ear and the brain constitute a miracle. . . . These, with others of our parts and organs, represent the divine, omnipotent genius of God" ("Be Ye Clean," Ensign, May 1996, 48).

President Thomas S. Monson: "God our Father has ears with which to hear our prayers. He has eyes with which to see our actions. He has a mouth with which to speak to us. He has a heart with which to feel compassion and love. He is real. He is living. We are his children made in his image. We look like him and he looks like us" ("I Know That My Redeemer Lives," Tambuli, Apr. 1988, 6; Ensign, Apr. 1990, 6).

Susan W. Tanner, former Young Women general president: "[Did] your mother or father ever [remind you] to 'remember . . . that you are a child of God and must act accordingly'[?] Missionaries wear a badge as a constant reminder . . . to dress modestly and comely, to treat people with politeness, and to strive to have Christ's image in their countenances. . . . By covenant, we too have all taken upon ourselves Christ's name. His name should be engraven inwardly upon our hearts. Likewise, we are expected to act as worthy children of Heavenly Father, who, at least figuratively, has sent us to earth with the admonition 'Remember who you are!' " ("Daughters of Heavenly Father," Liahona and Ensign, May 2007, 107).

Count Your Many Blessings

There's always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it.
For example?

I am sitting here thinking how nice it is
that wrinkles don't hurt.....

and hoping you have a wonderful day.

A Good Approach

TWO FRIENDS WERE WALKING THROUGH THE DESERT.
DURING SOME POINT OF THE JOURNEY, THEY HAD AN ARGUMENT;
AND ONE FRIEND SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE IN THE FACE.
THE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED WAS HURT, BUT WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING,
WROTE IN THE SAND:

'TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE'.

THEY KEPT ON WALKING UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS, WHERE THEY DECIDED TO TAKE A BATH. THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE MIRE AND STARTED DROWNING, BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM. AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM THE NEAR DROWNING, HE WROTE ON A STONE:

'TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE '.

THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND ASKED HIM,
'AFTER I HURT YOU,YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW, YOU WRITE ON A STONE, WHY?' THE FRIEND REPLIED

'WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US WE SHOULD WRITE IT DOWN IN SAND, WHERE WINDS OF FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY.
BUT, WHEN SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING GOOD FOR US,
WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE WHERE NO WIND CAN EVER ERASE IT.'

LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE.

Monday, Monday, So Good to Me

Rexburg, Idaho Temple

Do you need a Family Home Evening idea. Check out the side bar to the right. I've just added a new lesson on "Temples". Hope you're having a good day, great is better but good is okay too.

Sunday Fireside on KBYU

BYU Television and KBYU-TV to air Priesthood Commemoration Fireside

BYU Television and KBYU-TV, Channel 11, will air the special fireside, “Church Commemoration of the 30 th Anniversary of the Priesthood Revelation,” on June 11 at 6:00 p.m. and June 15 at 1:00 p.m., respectively.
The fireside took place on Sunday June 8, 2008, in the Tabernacle on Temple Square. It celebrated the 30 th anniversary of the 1978 revelation that extended the Priesthood to all worthy male members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The 84-minute program features testimonies and special remarks from LDS Church leaders and members including Elder Sheldon F. Child of the First Quorum of the Seventy, President Fred A. Parker III of the Atlanta Georgia Stake, Catherine M. Stokes, and President Ahmad S. Corbitt of the Cherry Hill New Jersey Stake.
The program also features musical numbers from a multicultural choir and solo performances from tenor Alex Boyé, a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Included in the fireside is a special video presentation, He Inviteth Us All, which commemorates the 1978 revelation and its impact on the church and its members worldwide. The following are the dates the fireside will air:

Idea For Fathe.r's Day

Trevlyn shared this last year on her blog but I wanted to put this forward again for any new readers. I think this would melt any daddy's heart. If you want more details click here.

This is the poem in the center of the kids footprints.

"Walk a little slower Daddy,"

said a child so small,

"I'm following in your footsteps

and I don't want to fall.

Sometimes your steps are very fast,

Sometimes they're hard to see;

So walk a little slower, Daddy,

For you are leading me.

Someday when I'm all grown up,

You're what I want to be;

Then I will have a little child

Who'll want to follow me.

And I would want to lead just right,

And know that I was true,

So walk a little slower, Daddy,

For I must follow you."