Gratitude - A Happy Memory

Imagine camping and you come across an uprooted tree with some roots sticking straight out and shaped into a two prong fork. If I would have taken some pictures and saved them somewhere, then I could show you.

But that is exactly what we found while camping one year when the kids were still little.

Doran took an ax and shaved off the bark on both sides so that a bare bottom could sit on it and not get slivers. Then he prepared one little branch close by to store a roll of TP on it. He then dug a hole below the "seat" and taught the girls how to go potty then cover it up when their duty was done.

It was so funny to see the girls grab the shovel and say; "I'll be right back!" as they skipped down the path. They seemed to enjoy going potty and did more frequently than other camp trips.

Gratitude - Crochet

What is something that I am grateful to have today that I didn't have a year ago?

The ability to crochet.

My mom taught me to crochet between Saturday Conference sessions last year. I went over at lunch and she helped me get started by letting me put a border on a project she was working on. That was pretty trusting of her. I did realize that you can rip out what you don't like or if you mess up, and start again.(I have had plenty of practice "ripping".)

I made each of my girls a scarf for last Christmas.

I also make head bands for my Primary girls.

This green, grey and white baby blanket was my very first solo project. I had plenty of practice ripping and redoing, but I was pretty pleased with how it turned out. I ended up giving this to my ministering teaching partner for her new first baby.

This was another baby blanket.

This cute blanket I made for McKinley for Christmas last year. I made the boys a rag quilt and she got the crocheted blanket.

I then thought I could tackle a big project so I decided to make this for my friend for this Christmas. She is a die hard for a school that wears red. The slippers were an attempt to go with the blanket but I couldn't master those very well. I might have to try them later.

And then I thought I could jump right into making baby clothes. What a joke. I found so many different patterns and tried and failed so many times. These are the only ones I finished. After the pictures I added ribbon around the waist on both of these. They were given to Ayla when we went up to see them this July. Can I say...I don't enjoy clothes. At least I haven't found a little dress that was easy enough for me to read and follow the pattern...yet.

I found a pattern for an easy C2C (corner 2 corner) pattern and thought I would give it a whirl. I also revamped the border and just made it my own. I enjoyed doing this. I also made another one but not sure where the picture is.

I made this for Cortney's new baby coming in July and I also made Ayla a matching one for her baby doll.

During our travels, I have been trying to crochet without getting car sick. It worked for the most part, but lately I can't do much without getting sick. 

This was my first attempt at a bag. Not super happy with it but maybe when it gets stuffed with stuff, eh?

This grey and white blanket is another project I worked on while traveling. This was actually a kit I bought and it is a lot smaller than I thought. It is also a baby blanket size. I love how the border turned out!

This baby blanket is the last completed project I worked on. I enjoyed this pattern! I think I would like to make some more of these.

I am currently working on this...but I ran out of grey. 

I would like to make a bunch of blankets and find somewhere to donate them.

So what am I grateful to have today that I didn't have a year ago?

The ability to crochet.

You CAN teach an old dog new tricks!

Gratitude

There are so many things that I am grateful for but a simple pleasure that I am grateful for is...

Hot chocolate and toast.

Some days this is such a comfort food for me. 

During my simple pleasure, I either enjoy a book, scriptures, Hallmark or just ponder.

It is never a bad idea to enjoy this simple pleasure.

Gratitude

I can almost see retirement.

I won't say that "I'm almost there." because I can't stand that saying when I am still so far away.

The decision is to go out in

FIVE month

or

ONE year and FIVE months

or

stick it out until my 30 years are up in

TWO years and FIVE months.

As with most people, health insurance is the clincher.

Once Doran retires, we lose our health insurance.

Doran will wait until I retire before he does.

Today he received an award at work for 40 years of service. Not many people can say they have been at their job for that long. I am so proud of him and so grateful that he has been such a dedicated provider for all these years! We aren't rich but we aren't in need.

I can't wait to wake up NOT to an alarm.

I can't wait to wake up WITH my best friend by my side.

I want to put more energy into:

exercise

quilting

baking

traveling

camping

hiking

a mission

yard work

gardening

and just anything that involves spending more time with Doran.

Yep, THAT is something that I am looking forward to.

FINAL - Becoming Project

This semester my primary goal for my Becoming Project is DILIGENCE, DILIGENT, DILIGENTLY attribute.

Some weeks were a stretch for me, and others were easier. I like who I have become and some of the “service opportunities” I have had to really focus on being positive when I had negative thoughts. It doesn’t matter what anyone else is doing, what matters is what I am doing. What am I doing to help others and WHY am I doing it? I need to make sure that my mindset is because this is how the Savior would like me to help. I have been diligent in my morning prayers to ask to be guided to service opportunities that come my way. Sometimes I feel like I haven’t done anything all day but when I look back over my day, I need to count even the little things I have done for others.

We have had a lot of move in’s and move out’s in our ward this past couple of months, and I was determined to help when I could. During the four moves, I worked right alongside the Elder’s Quorum. I was the only woman from the ward that helped, so I got a workout. I’m not as strong as I used to be, but I pulled my weight and I climbed many stairs.

I have loved the opportunity to be diligent about weekly temple attendance. Most weeks I would call ahead and schedule a time so we would be more committed to going. We were able to do endowments, sealings and baptisms. Because of work, one week got thrown out of whack and we didn’t make it to the temple. Each time we attend the temple, we have had great experiences. I even found a couple of names on my side to do. A few weeks ago, I found a relative that needed some work done. He is a great-great-great uncle (Emilio). His name was reserved and shared with the temple but hadn’t been printed yet. I was determined to get this work done, so I sent an email to the individual that reserved the record to see if she would release it to me. I didn’t hear from her so I talked to the temple and they gave me a number I could call. In the meantime, I finally heard back from this individual and she released the name, so I was able to go reserve and print it off.

I also got looking at my cousin’s (Delores) info and her dad (Ambrose). They have both passed so I contacted her brothers to see if they had some information on Dee’s baptism. They thought that she might have been baptized but after searching and finding no information, we decided to go ahead and have her baptized. My cousins said it was okay for me to do Dee’s work and their dad’s work (my aunt had passed away years ago and we had her work done. However, I will not be sealing them because they were divorced, and I think I would get throttled by my aunt).  Because we were busy moving people last Thursday night, Friday night and Saturday morning (think of the muscles), we didn’t make it to the temple until Saturday afternoon. We snuck in during the last of some boys doing baptisms and asked them to do the one name I had, then the next group of girls would do Dee’s baptism. During Emilio’s baptism, the man got a little choked up doing it, as did I. However, I didn’t know this until after the confirmation when Doran told me he talked to the guy. He also mentioned some lady getting choked up. We do believe that Emilio was happy to finally have this work done. We will continue doing this work for the next couple of weeks and finishing with my brother helping at the Idaho Falls Temple.

What blessings are taking place for others as I strive to be DILIGENT in my search and determination. I realize that every time we go to the temple there are many people being blessed, but when we do our own family names, it means a little more. It never fails that when Doran and I attend the temple, we always have some kind of experience that we are in awe about.

I have also been diligent in blogging my insights that I have learned in my studies. I have also been brave to post on my Face Book page and on our ward FB page. I have had a few comments from people that have said that is just what they needed to read that day. One of the things that I fasted for this past Sunday was that I wouldn’t stop studying and that I would keep sharing what I learn.

The Come, Follow Me curriculum has been great as well. I learned a bunch when I taught this past Sunday. After church as we walked to the cemetery, I told Doran all that I learned and taught. I was so excited for everything that I learned. I even shared my “lesson” with his mom when we called her that night. I still remember the night my in-laws “converted” me. Through their prayers and diligence, they were able to touch my heart through their example.

We continue to visit those that we think need a visit and sometimes that is my parents. They have been having a lot of health issues and spending more time with them has helped them feel comforted and know that there is someone close if they need anything. Our relationship has strengthened over the past few months.

I am thankful for this Becoming Project that had me focus on certain attributes that I want to improve on. I sometimes get lazy and just live from day to day but when I think of a “purpose”, I feel less like a slug.

Faith, Works and Watch Your Mouth

James 1:5–7. What Does It Mean to “Ask in Faith”?
Elder David A. Bednar has said; “True faith is focused in and on the Lord Jesus Christ and always leads to righteous action. …

“… We press forward and persevere in the consecrated work of prayer, after we say ‘amen,’ by acting upon the things we have expressed to Heavenly Father.

“Asking in faith requires honesty, effort, commitment, and persistence”

Am I willing to put in to action of the things that I pray for. I know Doran and I have had many discussions on this after our prayers. We can’t just pray for something and it’s answered. We have to be willing to put in the work, find information, do our research on some things. THEN our prayers will be answered.





James 2:14–26. “Faith without Works Is Dead”

Elder David A. Bednar taught, “Thus, faith in Christ leads to righteous action, which increases our spiritual capacity and power.”

One thing that came to mind when reading this was a person doing rehabilitation for, let’s say walking. That person can’t just pray and sit back and wait for their legs to get stronger. They must put in the hard work, having faith that they will get stronger.




James 3:1–10. “The Tongue Is a Fire”
What a powerful statement, yet so true. I often reflect on things said to me while in my youth. (Why do I still harbor them?) They were hurtful things said by “Mormon girls”, when I was not active. Do you think I wanted to join their “club”? I am sure that all of us have felt the sting of words and we have been the cause of stinging words. I pray that I can see the good, BE the good and DO the good. I want to focus on building and NOT tearing down a person.

James warned the Saints of the potential ruin that unkind words, inappropriate language, or the loss of one’s temper can cause. To help readers recognize the importance of speaking with care, he compared the mouth and the tongue to a horse’s bit, a ship’s rudder, fire, and poison.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles quoted from James 3:2–10 and then expressed the following about harsh or hurtful speech:

“Obviously James doesn’t mean our tongues are always iniquitous, nor that everything we say is ‘full of deadly poison.’ But he clearly means that at least some things we say can be destructive, even venomous—and that is a chilling indictment for a Latter-day Saint! The voice that bears profound testimony, utters fervent prayer, and sings the hymns of Zion can be the same voice that berates and criticizes, embarrasses and demeans, inflicts pain and destroys the spirit of oneself and of others in the process.

…“Husbands, you have been entrusted with the most sacred gift God can give you—a wife, a daughter of God, the mother of your children who has voluntarily given herself to you for love and joyful companionship. Think of the kind things you said when you were courting, think of the blessings you have given with hands placed lovingly upon her head, … and then reflect on other moments characterized by cold, caustic, unbridled words. … A husband who would never dream of striking his wife physically can break, if not her bones, then certainly her heart by the brutality of thoughtless or unkind speech. …

“… Wives, what of the unbridled tongue in your mouth, of the power for good or ill in your words? How is it that such a lovely voice … could ever in a turn be so shrill, so biting, so acrid and untamed? A woman’s words can be more piercing than any dagger ever forged, and they can drive the people they love to retreat beyond a barrier more distant than anyone in the beginning of that exchange could ever have imagined” (“The Tongue of Angels,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 16–17). To read more about the need to control what we say, see Matthew 12:34–37; Alma 12:14; and Doctrine and Covenants 42:27.

Peter indicated that when the Saints “suffer as a Christian” (1 Peter 4:16), they can feel joy knowing that they are following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ (see 1 Peter 2:19–23; 3:15–18; 4:12–19).

1 Peter 1:6–8; 4:12. “The Trial of Your Faith” 
Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: “How do you remain ‘steadfast and immovable’ [Alma 1:25] during a trial of faith? You immerse yourself in the very things that helped build your core of faith: you exercise faith in Christ, you pray, you ponder the scriptures, you repent, you keep the commandments, and you serve others.

“When faced with a trial of faith—whatever you do, you don’t step away from the Church! Distancing yourself from the kingdom of God during a trial of faith is like leaving the safety of a secure storm cellar just as the tornado comes into view” (“Trial of Your Faith,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 39–40).

I love this. Distancing ourselves from church is the last thing we need to do when we are facing a trial, though it is usually the first thing that we do. We tend to hide from the world, but we need the gospel.

The Veil is Very Thin

My Grandma used to love angels. She would have pictures around her house. She would wear an angel pin on her clothes and she even had an angel bookmark made out of metal that was attached to her visor in her car. Years ago I gave her this picture in a small frame.

I inherited it after her passing along with some pins. Although she wasn't active in the church until after grandpa passed away, she had a testimony of our Savior and angels. I never really thought how strong this faith was until I had a few experiences with angels myself. It adds to my testimony how thin the veil really is and how promising the hereafter is.

Hebrews 4:15–16. “The Savior Knows Our Infirmities and Can Help in Time of Need”Elder Merrill J. Bateman If Moses beheld every soul, then it seems reasonable that the Creator of the universe has the power to become intimately acquainted with each of us. He learned about your weaknesses and mine. He experienced your pains and sufferings. He experienced mine. I testify that He knows us. He understands the way in which we deal with temptations. He knows our weaknesses. But more than that, more than just knowing us, He knows how to help us if we come to Him in faith” (“A Pattern for All,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2005, 75–76).

This is so true! During one of my most life-threatening trials last year, two angels were sent to watch over me until help could come. I KNOW that He sent those two because they were the ones that would calm my heart and mind at that time. One was my father and the other was my neighbor. These angels saved my life and I have a testimony and understand that the Savior knew they could help, so He sent them specifically.

The veil is very thin!

Unity & Forgiveness Brings Miracles

All of us falter at one time or another and question our importance or question if we are able to accomplish hard things. In my reading this morning I was so touched by what Paul is teaching us in the New Testament. I have been so pleased to see people pull together and achieve many hard things and serve those around us, especially over the past few years. If you feel that you are not enough, please know that many are praying for you. And sometimes you need to let others know that you need help.

I LOVE my family and friends and I love my ward. I am so thankful for the Atonement that gives me a chance to forgive, be forgiven and try again.

Romans 15:1. “Bear the Infirmities of the Weak”

Paul taught that “we then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves” (Romans 15:1). President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) related an example of strong members of the Church bearing the infirmity of one who felt weak:

“Remember, we are not alone. We belong to a great body of friends, thousands upon thousands who are striving to follow the teachings of the Lord. …

“I remember interviewing a discouraged missionary. He was having trouble with a language which was not his own. He had lost the spirit of his work and wanted to go home. He was one of 180 missionaries in that mission.

“I told him that if he were to go home he would break faith with his 179 companions. Every one of them was his friend. Every one of them would pray for him, fast for him, and do almost anything else to help him. They would work with him. They would teach him. They would get on their knees with him. They would help him to learn the language and be successful because they loved him.

“I am happy to report that he accepted my assurance that all of the other missionaries were his friends. They rallied around him, not to embarrass him, but to strengthen him. The terrible feeling of loneliness left him. He came to realize that he was part of a winning team. He became successful, a leader, and he has been a leader ever since.

“That’s what each of us must do for one another.

“Paul wrote to the Romans, ‘We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak.’ And then he added these significant words, ‘And not to please ourselves.’ (Rom. 15:1.)” (“Strengthening Each Other,” Ensign, Feb. 1985, 3).

We Need Forgiveness As Much As We Need To Forgive

1. 2 Corinthians 1:4 ”That We May Be Able to Comfort Them”

By going through trials and receiving comfort, gives me the blessing that I in turn have a desire and know how to help others. When I have the attitude of “What am I to learn from this trial?”, instead of “Why me?”, I am able to help others. Easier said than done, but it can happen.

2. 2 Corinthians 1:11 ”Church Leaders Are Strengthened by Our Prayers”
I will also add that when our family and friends hear us pray for them by name, it can give them strength and comfort as well. I love to hear people pray for our ward families in Sacrament. They don’t always use individual names, but it is the same when they pray for us as a whole.

3. 2 Corinthians 2:5-11 ”The Importance of Forgiving Others”
When I forgive others, whether they transgressed me personally or not, I allow them to better themselves and move on. I also allow myself the opportunity to love them more. I love verse 7 & 8; “So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with over much sorry. 8 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.” I can relate to this. When someone doesn’t forgive me, I can feel so much sorrow that I can’t move forward. I need forgiveness as much as I need to forgive.

4. 2 Corinthians 2:11 ”We Are Not Ignorant of Satan’s Devices”
Pay close attention to the commentary in the Student Manual; “Satan had gained one victory when the man sinned. If the Saints failed to forgive the repentant man, Satan would have another victory.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks said it best. “Satan’s most strenuous opposition is directed at whatever is most important to the Father’s plan. Satan seeks to discredit the Savior and divine authority, to nullify the effects of the Atonement, to counterfeit revelation, to lead people away from the truth, to contradict individual accountability, to confuse gender, to undermine marriage, and to discourage childrearing (especially by parents who will raise children in righteousness).”

5. 2 Corinthians 3:1-2 “Some Judge the Church by Its Members’ Examples”
Unfortunately, this happens way too much. Some people forget that we go to church because it is a “hospital” and not for the perfect people. I have heard years ago the saying something to this effect; “When we leave the church because someone offended us, that just put that person in between the offender and the Lord.” I doubt there has been one person that hasn’t been offended or hurt in one way or another and there isn’t one person that has not offended. We need to do our best to be kind and loving and a good example and do it with a good attitude.

I remember years ago some sisters from another faith came knocking on my door. One was kind but the other one had a frown upon her face, and she stood a little back from the other. You could tell she didn’t want to be there. With that kind of example, do you think I want to join with them? How am I portraying my gospel living? Do I do it with a frown or am I anxiously engaged?

6. 2 Corinthians 4:17 “Keeping Our Mortal Afflictions in Perspective”
A few weeks ago, I heard the phrase; “Sunday will come.” I have been trying to focus on this meaning during trials and I hope I can still remember this promise when my next big trail happens. I also like how Elder Paul V. Johnson pointed out that the Apostle Paul taught, “For our light affliction…” I don’t ever recall that my afflictions, while going through them, were light. But I hope that I can always remember these two phrases and that I can focus on my eternal goals and that “This Too Shall Pass”, maybe like a kidney stone, but it will pass.

7. 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 “New Creatures in Christ”
Since I started my “education journey”, with Pathways and then on to BYU-I, I have felt a new creature in myself. My desire to do good and be good is amplified.

Stay Strong, We All Need Each Other

1. Acts 19”11-12 “Healed by the Touch of a Handkerchief”
When the men of the church honor the priesthood that they are blessed with, they can heal and bless in the Saviors name.

2. 1 Corinthians 2:2-5 “Not with Enticing Words”
I love the fact that no matter our status in life, the gospel applies to all of us in the which we can understand and share at all different levels and still have the same Spirit that will testify of all things. The highest and lowliest of men are equal in the sight of God.

3. 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 “Do Not Keep Company with Fornicators”
I would like to change the word from fornicators to anything that takes us away from the spirit or the gospel. Sometimes we think we are strong enough to be the good in someone’s life, but oft times we wear down and give in to temptations. Not saying we can’t be loving and kind to those that don’t believe and live the same way we do, but we must be careful how we associate with them.

4. 1 Corinthians 9:20-23 “I Am Made All Things to All Men”
I have two thoughts on this. One is ministering. We don’t minister to our sisters or families all the same way. We need to adapt to what they would understand, associate with or touch their hearts and spirit. Another thought…a few years ago we took a temple trip, visiting six temples in four states in one week. We had a significant experience in each temple, but one where I had a most memorable, spiritual experience was in the Los Angeles Temple (maybe because I have been hard of hearing for most of my life). To make a long story short, we ended up in the last session of the day and it was the ASL (American Sign Language) session. It is here that I saw how Heavenly Father accommodates and adapts to all His children.

5. 1 Corinthians 10:10-13 “God Will “Make a Way to Escape” Temptation
I think there are many of us inf not all at one time or another forget this promise. I see a lot of suicide happen because of this hopelessness. We want the hurt to end, no matter what kind of hurt it is. If we can just make it to the “Sunday Will Come” attitude. But personally, I understand how hard that is. But somehow, we need to have faith and find the “escape” in our Savior.

6. 1 Corinthians 12:12-30 “Ye Are the Body of Christ”
I like how they taught this analogy in the Student Manual. Just like a choir, there are several individual parts or talents, but each are necessary to make a blended choir sound beautiful in its diversity. I can’t remember the whole story but, in the book, “Insights from a Prophet’s Life: Russell M. Nelson” then Elder Nelson was sent to another country to help open the church but Elder Nelson felt that he was not the man for the job but he went anyway. The leaders of that nation felt that the church didn’t understand the country because all the church members had served missions and weren’t “converts”. Elder Nelson began to tell them that he was a convert and never did serve a mission as a young man. Because of this interaction, the leader of the nation was willing to work with the church. We just never know when our “talents” or experiences will help another.

He Reaches My Reaching

Have you ever pondered the part in the song "Where Can I Turn for Peace?", where it states "Reaches My Reaching"? A few weeks ago in my studies, a commentary brought up this song and mentioned that the Savior isn't just reaching down to help us, but that we need to be reaching as well. 


Most of us have see this picture and feel the relief knowing that our Savior will help us when we need it. But my new awareness for this picture is that WE are reaching as well, better yet, we need to be reaching FIRST.




Then I ran across this article "When You Reach for the Sacrament, You Reach for the Savior". How do we approach the sacrament? Are we preparing ourselves each Sunday before our Sacrament meetings?

There are stories in the scriptures where people were blessed because they had faith in reaching, like the woman that reached to touch Jesus's robe, Peter reaching for the Savior on the water, and many others.

So, are we just holding out our hand, or are we REACHING, stretching, with all our might? Are we reaching with our hearts, mind and will? Reaching is an action verb. We can't expect to just sit back and wait for the blessings and knowledge to come to us.

It's time to...