I celebrated today by listening to Handel's Messiah after spending 3 hours trying to clean the basement. I think the first layer of dirt is gone... then I had to clean myself and then my bathroom and my kitchen. But things are feeling better now. And all the laundry is done. If I had 4 more hours worth of energy, I'd clean the rest of the floors and rugs, too. I guess that's what next week is for.
Oh yeah, and for filing. Normally I do it on New Year's Day, but tomorrow is the Sabbath, so I will write letters, study the scriptures, write in my journal, and cook enough food for the next week instead.
I am grateful for the Christmas season we just had. It was a blessing to me, and my testimony of my Savior grew in abundance. I am glad to be a member of His Church, and for the blessings of the temple and personal revelation. They have made all the difference in my life this year.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Sabbath Musings
I have been contemplating many things recently, from how to get food to magically appear in my kitchen without any preparation or trips to the grocery store (unlikely), to how to get enough sleep and still do all the things that need doing (near impossible), to the remarkable change that takes place in my heart when I serve someone for years on end (astonishing), to the ways my testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel has grown through the experiences of the past twelve months (profound).
I was thinking in Relief Society today as we talked about exaltation - what it is, how to obtain it, and why it is so important to focus on it - about a conversation I had with a colleague of mine a year or so ago. We had been discussing another employee. Who or why is irrelevant to the story (mostly because I don't remember). She contested that no matter what I invested in this person, it would do no good because "people can't change". I don't recall my direct answer to her then, but I knew as well then as I know now that she and I believe entirely differently on that point.
The foundational principle of the Gospel in which I believe is that people can change - and that they do, every day. King Benjamin's people were not just saying some trite, meaningless phrases when they responded to his teachings with the expression "we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more desire to do evil, but to do good continually." Truly, their hearts had been changed. Their tendency to act in ways that violated God's commandments had been replaced with a burning desire to do good. I'm not talking about murder and covetousness and adultery here, although the desire for those things died, too. This experience also changed the tendency for a man to get upset with his neighbor because he felt taken advantage of; his secret desire for the failure of his colleague who was implementing a bad idea; the self-pitying nobody-appreciates-me-itis that made hard workers disgruntled; and the judgmental conversations about others wherein ignorance met speculation.
If the Gospel is true (and it is), then when the Atonement of Jesus Christ is efficacious in our lives, it provides a way for us to change not just our behaviors, but our very natures. We learn to give even when others don't give equally back; we learn to support our leaders even when we disagree with their ideas, and then pray fervently for their success; we learn that gratitude for God's blessings overcomes all forms of -itis; we learn that withholding judgment is sometimes the best choice, for only One knows the desires of our hearts and can truly judge righteously.
God, our Father, who gives us all, is so anxious to bless us that He gave us blessings in anticipation of our obedience! He gave us life, breath, this world and all its beauty. Then, every time we obey, He pours out blessings upon our heads - more than I feel I merit, at times - and yet, He does so willingly, lovingly, and without expectation: further obedience does not settle the account, you see. He continues to bless us abundantly each time we obey. It is not about keeping score. If it were, I'd be losing. Every day.
Perhaps this is part of what it means to become like God - to learn to bless and give willingly, abundantly, and generously, regardless of response. To forgive those who (literally or figuratively) wound us, as Jesus forgave those who pierced His hands and feet and side. To love those who may never thank us for all we gave on their behalf. To give, and give, and then give some more, without demanding anything in return, because it is how we express our love and our confidence in the one to whom we give.
Such a description rings true of parenthood. Fatherhood. Motherhood. Godhood. Exaltation.
I have experienced this kind of fundamental change in my own life. I am by no means perfect, but my Father has, in His wonderful, loving, omnipotent way, taught me a little bit about how to love like this. He has filled my heart with feelings that must be akin to His: great yearnings for the happiness of His children; desires for them to know Him as I know Him, that they might see His hand in their lives as I see His hand in mine. These yearnings fill my soul some minutes, and leave me wondering how to share that which I know with those I love in such a way that it will penetrate into their hearts - the part that is prepared to receive His love.
I don't have all the answers, nor do I profess to, but I am confident that when I join forces with the most powerful being in the Universe, we'll figure it out together. And it is that confidence that tied together a lesson on exaltation, a lesson on the book of the Revelation of St. John, three beautiful talks on compassion, a thought on our everlasting sphere of influence, and the prayer of a loving bishop in tithing settlement into one great message: the message of Christmas, of Christ, of Love.
I was thinking in Relief Society today as we talked about exaltation - what it is, how to obtain it, and why it is so important to focus on it - about a conversation I had with a colleague of mine a year or so ago. We had been discussing another employee. Who or why is irrelevant to the story (mostly because I don't remember). She contested that no matter what I invested in this person, it would do no good because "people can't change". I don't recall my direct answer to her then, but I knew as well then as I know now that she and I believe entirely differently on that point.
The foundational principle of the Gospel in which I believe is that people can change - and that they do, every day. King Benjamin's people were not just saying some trite, meaningless phrases when they responded to his teachings with the expression "we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more desire to do evil, but to do good continually." Truly, their hearts had been changed. Their tendency to act in ways that violated God's commandments had been replaced with a burning desire to do good. I'm not talking about murder and covetousness and adultery here, although the desire for those things died, too. This experience also changed the tendency for a man to get upset with his neighbor because he felt taken advantage of; his secret desire for the failure of his colleague who was implementing a bad idea; the self-pitying nobody-appreciates-me-itis that made hard workers disgruntled; and the judgmental conversations about others wherein ignorance met speculation.
If the Gospel is true (and it is), then when the Atonement of Jesus Christ is efficacious in our lives, it provides a way for us to change not just our behaviors, but our very natures. We learn to give even when others don't give equally back; we learn to support our leaders even when we disagree with their ideas, and then pray fervently for their success; we learn that gratitude for God's blessings overcomes all forms of -itis; we learn that withholding judgment is sometimes the best choice, for only One knows the desires of our hearts and can truly judge righteously.
God, our Father, who gives us all, is so anxious to bless us that He gave us blessings in anticipation of our obedience! He gave us life, breath, this world and all its beauty. Then, every time we obey, He pours out blessings upon our heads - more than I feel I merit, at times - and yet, He does so willingly, lovingly, and without expectation: further obedience does not settle the account, you see. He continues to bless us abundantly each time we obey. It is not about keeping score. If it were, I'd be losing. Every day.
Perhaps this is part of what it means to become like God - to learn to bless and give willingly, abundantly, and generously, regardless of response. To forgive those who (literally or figuratively) wound us, as Jesus forgave those who pierced His hands and feet and side. To love those who may never thank us for all we gave on their behalf. To give, and give, and then give some more, without demanding anything in return, because it is how we express our love and our confidence in the one to whom we give.
Such a description rings true of parenthood. Fatherhood. Motherhood. Godhood. Exaltation.
I have experienced this kind of fundamental change in my own life. I am by no means perfect, but my Father has, in His wonderful, loving, omnipotent way, taught me a little bit about how to love like this. He has filled my heart with feelings that must be akin to His: great yearnings for the happiness of His children; desires for them to know Him as I know Him, that they might see His hand in their lives as I see His hand in mine. These yearnings fill my soul some minutes, and leave me wondering how to share that which I know with those I love in such a way that it will penetrate into their hearts - the part that is prepared to receive His love.
I don't have all the answers, nor do I profess to, but I am confident that when I join forces with the most powerful being in the Universe, we'll figure it out together. And it is that confidence that tied together a lesson on exaltation, a lesson on the book of the Revelation of St. John, three beautiful talks on compassion, a thought on our everlasting sphere of influence, and the prayer of a loving bishop in tithing settlement into one great message: the message of Christmas, of Christ, of Love.
Monday, December 12, 2011
On Reality
Some days, you just have to laugh.
Goal: be super productive and get lots done after a wonderful three day weekend.
Reality: 10 am - orient self to recently rebuilt computer and catch up on email. 11 am - meeting one (recurring, planned, fine). 11:45 am - meeting two (spontaneous but necessary). 12:15 pm - meeting three (also spontaneous but necessary). 12:45 pm - call IT so recently rebuilt computer will run the way I'm used to. 1:10 pm - kick IT out and start meeting four (ten minutes late). 1:30 pm - relocate meeting four to colleague's office who also has the computer program I need for the meeting (and involve said colleague). 2:00 pm - meeting five (planned, but 30 min late). 2:30 pm - grab food, tell IT about computer problem, and head to meeting six (unplanned but essential). 3:30 pm - grab more food and head into meeting seven (an hour later than planned). 6 pm - start the day's work by doing a bunch of unimportant stuff that will clear my desk and my head. 7:10 pm - look at the clock, startled - it's already time to go to FHE!
The best part about tomorrow is that I can try again. :-)
Goal: be super productive and get lots done after a wonderful three day weekend.
Reality: 10 am - orient self to recently rebuilt computer and catch up on email. 11 am - meeting one (recurring, planned, fine). 11:45 am - meeting two (spontaneous but necessary). 12:15 pm - meeting three (also spontaneous but necessary). 12:45 pm - call IT so recently rebuilt computer will run the way I'm used to. 1:10 pm - kick IT out and start meeting four (ten minutes late). 1:30 pm - relocate meeting four to colleague's office who also has the computer program I need for the meeting (and involve said colleague). 2:00 pm - meeting five (planned, but 30 min late). 2:30 pm - grab food, tell IT about computer problem, and head to meeting six (unplanned but essential). 3:30 pm - grab more food and head into meeting seven (an hour later than planned). 6 pm - start the day's work by doing a bunch of unimportant stuff that will clear my desk and my head. 7:10 pm - look at the clock, startled - it's already time to go to FHE!
The best part about tomorrow is that I can try again. :-)
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Miracles
I believe in miracles.
Two friends I dearly love are getting married. To each other.
A loving Father inspires me to know how to help another who is sad.
And He made our voices glorious in singing praises to His Holy Son tonight during our Christmas concert. I am so glad to believe in a God who loves us so much He can magnify our talents, tune our pitches, and help us feel of His great love! What a joyous time of year!
Come to tomorrow's performance! I would love to see you there.
Two friends I dearly love are getting married. To each other.
A loving Father inspires me to know how to help another who is sad.
And He made our voices glorious in singing praises to His Holy Son tonight during our Christmas concert. I am so glad to believe in a God who loves us so much He can magnify our talents, tune our pitches, and help us feel of His great love! What a joyous time of year!
Come to tomorrow's performance! I would love to see you there.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
On Being Happy
Last week, we had ward temple night. While there, I realized how happy I feel when I am regularly in the temple. More importantly, I realized how much happy I had missed out on over the week or two prior because I hadn't been in the temple. Saturday and today reinforced the message.
So it's official. Being in the temple = being happy.
And the part that made me smile tonight? I was asked by an acquaintance if I brought my husband with me when I came to the temple. I told him no, because I'm still looking for him - but if he can figure out if he's here, to let me know. That made him smile, and I thought to myself, this is probably the best place to find him anyway. So I will keep going back. Just in case he's there one of these times. :-)
But if not, I will still be happy.
That is all.
So it's official. Being in the temple = being happy.
And the part that made me smile tonight? I was asked by an acquaintance if I brought my husband with me when I came to the temple. I told him no, because I'm still looking for him - but if he can figure out if he's here, to let me know. That made him smile, and I thought to myself, this is probably the best place to find him anyway. So I will keep going back. Just in case he's there one of these times. :-)
But if not, I will still be happy.
That is all.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
And When You're Feeling Creative...
What does your gingerbread house look like?
Last year I made a little nativity in my gingerbread yard. Don't remember? Check out last December's posts. (I'm too lazy to link it.)
This year, I made the suggestion that my good friend the gingerbread-house-making-princess make me a stable instead of a house. It turns out I like making Tootsie Roll people better than decorating the walls of a house.
Here is how it turned out:
Details of note: Joseph has a beard. I made hay out of Nerds. (Coconut would have worked better, but I had already committed to the Nerds when I figured that out. Next year.) My camel is nothing short of awesome (I think my sheep are pretty awesome again, too). Blue frosting made good water in the well. The Star(burst) on the top of the stable and the straight and narrow path lead a man right to Christ.
May the joy of the season be with you now and always.
Love.
Post Edit: the cloaks are made of flattened Dots, I think; if not that, then it was flattened gumdrops. I can't remember... Any other questions? :-)
Last year I made a little nativity in my gingerbread yard. Don't remember? Check out last December's posts. (I'm too lazy to link it.)
This year, I made the suggestion that my good friend the gingerbread-house-making-princess make me a stable instead of a house. It turns out I like making Tootsie Roll people better than decorating the walls of a house.
Here is how it turned out:
Details of note: Joseph has a beard. I made hay out of Nerds. (Coconut would have worked better, but I had already committed to the Nerds when I figured that out. Next year.) My camel is nothing short of awesome (I think my sheep are pretty awesome again, too). Blue frosting made good water in the well. The Star(burst) on the top of the stable and the straight and narrow path lead a man right to Christ.
I find great joy in creating things that remind me of Christmas. Even if it's with candy.
May the joy of the season be with you now and always.
Love.
Post Edit: the cloaks are made of flattened Dots, I think; if not that, then it was flattened gumdrops. I can't remember... Any other questions? :-)
Sunday, November 27, 2011
The Feast
Appetizers: Crackers & Cheese Ball!
Main course: Lots of Orange Food...
Dessert:
Blueberry pie, pumpkin pie, and pumpkin bars.
We were stuffed.
When I invited the Sister Missionaries over for Thanksgiving dinner,
I told them I would be making all my favorite parts of Thanksgiving
(and none of the parts I didn't like to eat).
As I planned, I neglected to think about color.
So, we had less color than perhaps we could have:
White cheese with white & yellow crackers,
Orange butternut squash soup,
Pink ham,
Orange sweet potato casserole,
Orange stuffed squash,
White crusty bread,
and Green kale (as a last-minute addition for some color!).
Orange pumpkin pie,
Blue blueberry pie, and
Orange pumpkin bars topped off the meal.
I opted out of the mashed root veggies (they would have been orange)
because I didn't feel like making gravy.
Thanksgiving was a wonderful time
to remember all the good things in my life
and to begin to learn to be thankful
for some of the harder things, too.
And he who receiveth all things
with thankfulness
shall be made glorious;
and the things of this earth
shall be added unto him,
even an hundred fold,
yea, more.
-D&C 78:19
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Random Thoughts
Sometimes I have to laugh at myself. Tonight in my living room, I have a laptop plugged into one outlet, my phone plugged into another, the camera in the middle, and the iPhone hanging out on the side. But I'm not dependent on my electronics or anything.
I have a new favorite Christmas song. It's time for Christmas music again! Yippee! I discovered it during Christmas concert practice, and liked it so much I bought it on iTunes. Come to our concert in December and listen to it!
Today I had two good friends over for lunch. We ate all the food I was going to eat for the next few days until I had time to go to the store again. Fortunately for me, I enjoyed the socializing and it will be worth having to eat emergency backup frozen dinners for a few days to have spent time with people I love. By the way, my second cousin introduced me to the awesomest emergency backup frozen dinners - Lean Cuisine makes sandwiches and pizzas that actually come out of the microwave crispy! They are much better than some frozen stuff I've eaten. But real food is even better.
Yesterday, I had my stylist cut my hair. It rocks. I had about twenty compliments in the first 24 hours. My stylist rocks, too. She's great. Now I just have to figure out how to get her to come over every few days and blow it straight for me, since she does it so much better than I do... or I guess I could learn how to do it myself. Nothing makes you feel amazing like a new haircut that everyone loves. Except maybe the people who love you even when you don't bother to do your hair at all. :-)
I am looking forward to Thanksgiving. Two days off, a reason to cook for most of one of them, and chick flicks. Need I say more? Wait! Yes. I need to say cranberry-orange muffins with glaze, sweet potato casserole, and cinnamon rolls. Get excited!
And that is all. Until next time.
I have a new favorite Christmas song. It's time for Christmas music again! Yippee! I discovered it during Christmas concert practice, and liked it so much I bought it on iTunes. Come to our concert in December and listen to it!
Today I had two good friends over for lunch. We ate all the food I was going to eat for the next few days until I had time to go to the store again. Fortunately for me, I enjoyed the socializing and it will be worth having to eat emergency backup frozen dinners for a few days to have spent time with people I love. By the way, my second cousin introduced me to the awesomest emergency backup frozen dinners - Lean Cuisine makes sandwiches and pizzas that actually come out of the microwave crispy! They are much better than some frozen stuff I've eaten. But real food is even better.
Yesterday, I had my stylist cut my hair. It rocks. I had about twenty compliments in the first 24 hours. My stylist rocks, too. She's great. Now I just have to figure out how to get her to come over every few days and blow it straight for me, since she does it so much better than I do... or I guess I could learn how to do it myself. Nothing makes you feel amazing like a new haircut that everyone loves. Except maybe the people who love you even when you don't bother to do your hair at all. :-)
I am looking forward to Thanksgiving. Two days off, a reason to cook for most of one of them, and chick flicks. Need I say more? Wait! Yes. I need to say cranberry-orange muffins with glaze, sweet potato casserole, and cinnamon rolls. Get excited!
And that is all. Until next time.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Happy November!
Tomorrow marks the end of Daylight Savings Time.
Good bye. I will miss the sun after 4:30 pm, but I think this year it is worth the exchange for sun in the morning when I get up for work. It's hard to wake up early to read scriptures when it's dark outside.
It was super-fun to be in the temple today with so many of my dear friends, some of whom I haven't seen in a few months (or longer), and it filled my heart with happiness, even though we were so busy that by 3pm my knees hurt from standing and moving up & down stairs so much. One of my friends told me I'm too young to have bad knees. I agree. Now I just have to convince my knees.
My work now requires me to have an iPhone. I like being able to cross-reference scriptures without having to look them up - it speeds up a topical study of a concept. It almost made up for how confusing it was to figure out how to use the calendar function the day before. It would be nice if my smart phone were not smarter than me, but there were moments this week when I wondered... :-)
I am grateful this weekend for good conversations with people I love and appreciate in my life. (And a lot of other things, too, but now it's bedtime so you have to wait to hear about the other things until later.)
Good bye. I will miss the sun after 4:30 pm, but I think this year it is worth the exchange for sun in the morning when I get up for work. It's hard to wake up early to read scriptures when it's dark outside.
It was super-fun to be in the temple today with so many of my dear friends, some of whom I haven't seen in a few months (or longer), and it filled my heart with happiness, even though we were so busy that by 3pm my knees hurt from standing and moving up & down stairs so much. One of my friends told me I'm too young to have bad knees. I agree. Now I just have to convince my knees.
My work now requires me to have an iPhone. I like being able to cross-reference scriptures without having to look them up - it speeds up a topical study of a concept. It almost made up for how confusing it was to figure out how to use the calendar function the day before. It would be nice if my smart phone were not smarter than me, but there were moments this week when I wondered... :-)
I am grateful this weekend for good conversations with people I love and appreciate in my life. (And a lot of other things, too, but now it's bedtime so you have to wait to hear about the other things until later.)
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Upside
The snow looks beautiful from underneath the streetlight.
As I drive home from Stake Conference, I remember that Trader Joes is right on the way. I can finish my grocery shopping after all!
I ponder as I sit at a red light.
All week, I have been asking what I am to learn from the things that are happening right now.
Then I realize what I have learned...
The talent of asking for help is a little, but critical, blessing.
It drives away the lonely isolation of a hidden trial.
Burdens are lighter when others are helping to lift.
Father in Heaven often inspires His children to aid each other.
He will inspire me.
But I first need peace in my heart so I can hear His voice.
It was good to be gathered tonight with the Saints of Zion. I felt the Spirit testify it is good for me to be here. All week I have been looking forward to this Stake Conference with anticipation, knowing that if revelation will come, it will come in a meeting such as this. And when it ended, my heart felt lighter and my faith strengthened.The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Random News
Recently, I've taken to writing down my schedule in a little calendar I've been carrying around (but not using) since last Christmas. On the one hand, it makes things easier. I don't forget where I'm supposed to be. On the other hand...
Tonight was my only free evening all week, so I determined it was a good time to buy a gift for a good friend and purchase three things I needed at Target. Off I went on my shopping excursion... I came home with five things from Target, the gift, two new tops, and an absolutely adorable coat. If the stores hadn't all been been closing, I'd probably have some boots, too.
Plus one for good time management! I caught a 40% off everything sale.
In other news...
Fall has come, and along with it the time for alluring cinnamon-scented tree parts (last year it was a stick broom... this year, pinecones!). They make me happy. Still. Just like they did last fall. Only this year, I have an awesome turquoise charger on which to place said pinecones. See?
Sorry... this is not a scratch 'n sniff picture.
I'm not sure which is the more incredible feat - the clutter-free table or that I designed a centerpiece on my own. Either way, I am happy!
I love the scriptures. This morning as I read, it was like wrapping my heart in a down comforter. Warmth, calm, and a peaceful feeling came over me as I read familiar words from the Book of Mormon. Words of a prophet. Isaiah, to be precise, as quoted by another prophet, Nephi. They are like old friends and faithful companions, come to strengthen me in the current challenges of the week. It was a great way to start the morning.
It has been nearly a year since the weekend of Stake Conference in 2010, during which I received personal revelation in preparation for a big change coming my way in the weeks following. I look forward to Stake Conference again this weekend, for the insight and spiritual strength it will inevitably provide, and as a way to mark the growth I have observed in my own life. Personal revelation is a great gift. The ability to cheerfully walk down the path on which it leads me is another gift. This week, I am grateful for both of these precious gifts.
And lastly (but most definitely not most importantly)? I think Dilbert gets funnier every week.
The End.
Tonight was my only free evening all week, so I determined it was a good time to buy a gift for a good friend and purchase three things I needed at Target. Off I went on my shopping excursion... I came home with five things from Target, the gift, two new tops, and an absolutely adorable coat. If the stores hadn't all been been closing, I'd probably have some boots, too.
Plus one for good time management! I caught a 40% off everything sale.
In other news...
Fall has come, and along with it the time for alluring cinnamon-scented tree parts (last year it was a stick broom... this year, pinecones!). They make me happy. Still. Just like they did last fall. Only this year, I have an awesome turquoise charger on which to place said pinecones. See?
Sorry... this is not a scratch 'n sniff picture.
I'm not sure which is the more incredible feat - the clutter-free table or that I designed a centerpiece on my own. Either way, I am happy!
I love the scriptures. This morning as I read, it was like wrapping my heart in a down comforter. Warmth, calm, and a peaceful feeling came over me as I read familiar words from the Book of Mormon. Words of a prophet. Isaiah, to be precise, as quoted by another prophet, Nephi. They are like old friends and faithful companions, come to strengthen me in the current challenges of the week. It was a great way to start the morning.
It has been nearly a year since the weekend of Stake Conference in 2010, during which I received personal revelation in preparation for a big change coming my way in the weeks following. I look forward to Stake Conference again this weekend, for the insight and spiritual strength it will inevitably provide, and as a way to mark the growth I have observed in my own life. Personal revelation is a great gift. The ability to cheerfully walk down the path on which it leads me is another gift. This week, I am grateful for both of these precious gifts.
And lastly (but most definitely not most importantly)? I think Dilbert gets funnier every week.
The End.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Friends & Saints
We had a unique opportunity today to share in our faith and worship with our friends across the Longfellow Park at the Society of Friends (aka the Quakers).
After our chapel burned over two years ago, these good people helped take care of us, offered their space for storing the things we could rescue from the building after the fire, and were generally good and kind. Today, they hosted an Open House for our newly built chapel after our meetings.
Our Sunday School was an opportunity to hear from two of their members, who taught us a little about their faith and beliefs. It was insightful to hear what we believe in common... that there is an element of godliness in each of us, that personal revelation will guide our respective actions, that quiet worship is fundamental to feeling the Spirit speak in our lives. Likewise, we sent a representative from our membership to their meetings, and shared with them what we believe. There was a feeling of mutual goodwill, and it allowed us to get to know our neighbors in a friendly, respectful, appreciative way.
It reminded me of this scripture:
For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God. (Moroni 7:16)
I always find myself grateful when I see truth reflected in others' lives. It brings us both closer to God.
After our chapel burned over two years ago, these good people helped take care of us, offered their space for storing the things we could rescue from the building after the fire, and were generally good and kind. Today, they hosted an Open House for our newly built chapel after our meetings.
Our Sunday School was an opportunity to hear from two of their members, who taught us a little about their faith and beliefs. It was insightful to hear what we believe in common... that there is an element of godliness in each of us, that personal revelation will guide our respective actions, that quiet worship is fundamental to feeling the Spirit speak in our lives. Likewise, we sent a representative from our membership to their meetings, and shared with them what we believe. There was a feeling of mutual goodwill, and it allowed us to get to know our neighbors in a friendly, respectful, appreciative way.
It reminded me of this scripture:
For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God. (Moroni 7:16)
I always find myself grateful when I see truth reflected in others' lives. It brings us both closer to God.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Pasta-Free Parmesan Chicken & Spaghetti
I made up a recipe, and after a few tries, I figured out how to get it the way I like. Yay for me! It is yummy, so I'll share it with you. Yay for you!
Pasta-Free Parmesan Chicken & Spaghetti
First, cut a spaghetti squash in half and place one half in a glass pan (cut side down) in about 1/2 inch of water. Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes. (Save the other half to cook later with something else.)
While it's baking for the first few minutes, put a little oil in another glass dish. Take 2 chicken breasts, dip them in lightly beaten egg white, and sprinkle parmesan cheese over them to coat. Turn the chicken over and sprinkle the other side with parmesan cheese. Then take about half of a ham steak, cut into strips, and dip & sprinkle them as well. Dice a few cloves of garlic and half a red onion and a small sweet pepper, and spread these around on top. Cover with a lid and bake at 350 (while your squash finishes). After 30 min, top the chicken dish with pasta sauce (I use a sweet vidalia onion flavor) and bake for 10 more minutes.
Scoop out your spaghetti squash and put it on a plate. Top with some more pasta sauce and put the parmesan chicken on top of that. Serve with fresh bread and fruit.
Enjoy.
Pasta-Free Parmesan Chicken & Spaghetti
First, cut a spaghetti squash in half and place one half in a glass pan (cut side down) in about 1/2 inch of water. Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes. (Save the other half to cook later with something else.)
While it's baking for the first few minutes, put a little oil in another glass dish. Take 2 chicken breasts, dip them in lightly beaten egg white, and sprinkle parmesan cheese over them to coat. Turn the chicken over and sprinkle the other side with parmesan cheese. Then take about half of a ham steak, cut into strips, and dip & sprinkle them as well. Dice a few cloves of garlic and half a red onion and a small sweet pepper, and spread these around on top. Cover with a lid and bake at 350 (while your squash finishes). After 30 min, top the chicken dish with pasta sauce (I use a sweet vidalia onion flavor) and bake for 10 more minutes.
Scoop out your spaghetti squash and put it on a plate. Top with some more pasta sauce and put the parmesan chicken on top of that. Serve with fresh bread and fruit.
Enjoy.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
General Conference
I love the first weekend of October because it means it's time for General Conference. I savored listening to prophets and apostles remind us of what is most important in life. I appreciated the Spirit I felt listening to the Tabernacle Choir sing some of my favorite hymns. And I enjoyed the time spent with friends as we listened to the good word of God. Now, I look forward to Thursday, when all the messages will be available in print on the Church's website, and I can read them to my heart's content.
What a blessing to have living prophets and prophetic counsel to guide our lives!
What a blessing to have living prophets and prophetic counsel to guide our lives!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Letters
I love receiving letters.
On Friday, I had a jackpot mail day. Two letters from two nieces! It was wonderful. They drew me pictures, which now hang on my fridge. And they sent me lots of love in their letters. Those kinds of days make me happy I'm an aunt, happy to get the mail, and just overall happy.
I love sending letters, too.
Today, my SIL called to tell me that my other niece was really excited about the letter I sent her. She was so happy she blew me kisses halfway across the country to say thank you. It was fun to hear how a little time spent writing some thoughts and love down on paper could make someone's day!
So, when you're having a lonely day or feeling in need of some encouragement, write a letter and make someone feel special, loved, and cared for.
On Friday, I had a jackpot mail day. Two letters from two nieces! It was wonderful. They drew me pictures, which now hang on my fridge. And they sent me lots of love in their letters. Those kinds of days make me happy I'm an aunt, happy to get the mail, and just overall happy.
I love sending letters, too.
Today, my SIL called to tell me that my other niece was really excited about the letter I sent her. She was so happy she blew me kisses halfway across the country to say thank you. It was fun to hear how a little time spent writing some thoughts and love down on paper could make someone's day!
So, when you're having a lonely day or feeling in need of some encouragement, write a letter and make someone feel special, loved, and cared for.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Service, Part III
It doesn't have to be a big thing.
Just a little thing will do.
Like tonight,
When my friend agreed
To pick me up from home
And drive me to the church
Five minutes away
Because there was nowhere
(And I mean NOWHERE!)
In that neighborhood to park.
(At least not legally.)
A small thing?
Yes.
An unimportant one?
No way.
Thanks, my friend.
You made a difference tonight.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Service, Part II
In a departure from the normal Labor Day activities of lounging around the house doing absolutely nothing or going shopping for things I don't need (but are on sale!), I joined up with the group affectionately known as the CRDub Service Club (aka my ward, coordinated by its service committee) to head to Vermont and help people whose homes had been flooded during Hurricane/Tropical Storm (but still disastrous) Irene.
There were about 25 of us. That was awesome. They really weren't sure what to do with all of us (in part because we did not all come with rubber boots, shovels, gloves, and a willingness to get covered in mud, as instructed). One entire street of about 25 homes was completely devastated, with craters where backyards used to be, mud in practically every basement (and everywhere else), and in some cases, no basement at all, because the foundation was completely washed away.
I helped where I could, and the bulk of the real work I did involved scraping wallpaper off a home that had been flooded and needed to be completely gutted before being put back together. I thought of that Primary song, "When we're helping, we're happy..." and felt glad I could do something useful to assist, even if it was humid and hot and the latex gloves (because I forgot my useful ones) made my hands sweat more than the entire rest of my body while I was working. As a matter of fact, I didn't even mind all that, because I have a home and food storage and a car that runs and a place to sleep tonight and a job and the Gospel, and there is basically nothing wrong with my life. So I was just glad I could make a difference in the lives of the few people we helped, and hoped there were 400 other people as willing as I was who would come along after and keep helping, since I had to come home and go back to work tomorrow.
Seeing the devastation made me want to quit my job and become a humanitarian aid organizer, someone who could come in after a disaster and rally the troops and organize communications and collect donations and provide food and restore order and peace in the lives of people who had just lost everything.
Makes everything else I do seem sort of mundane.
There were about 25 of us. That was awesome. They really weren't sure what to do with all of us (in part because we did not all come with rubber boots, shovels, gloves, and a willingness to get covered in mud, as instructed). One entire street of about 25 homes was completely devastated, with craters where backyards used to be, mud in practically every basement (and everywhere else), and in some cases, no basement at all, because the foundation was completely washed away.
I helped where I could, and the bulk of the real work I did involved scraping wallpaper off a home that had been flooded and needed to be completely gutted before being put back together. I thought of that Primary song, "When we're helping, we're happy..." and felt glad I could do something useful to assist, even if it was humid and hot and the latex gloves (because I forgot my useful ones) made my hands sweat more than the entire rest of my body while I was working. As a matter of fact, I didn't even mind all that, because I have a home and food storage and a car that runs and a place to sleep tonight and a job and the Gospel, and there is basically nothing wrong with my life. So I was just glad I could make a difference in the lives of the few people we helped, and hoped there were 400 other people as willing as I was who would come along after and keep helping, since I had to come home and go back to work tomorrow.
Seeing the devastation made me want to quit my job and become a humanitarian aid organizer, someone who could come in after a disaster and rally the troops and organize communications and collect donations and provide food and restore order and peace in the lives of people who had just lost everything.
Makes everything else I do seem sort of mundane.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Service Is Awesome
This begins what will hopefully be a two (or more) part series.
Part One.
As you may have figured out by now, I spend the first Saturday of nearly every month in the temple. No matter how hard it is to get out of bed (and it has been a little tricky lately), I am always ALWAYS glad I got myself up and moving when I go to the temple. Yesterday was no exception. It was a very busy day, but I was able to help three women who were coming to the temple for the first time. Let me tell you, Heavenly Father poured out His Spirit upon those women. I love being the vehicle through which the Spirit can work. It is a life-changing and profound experience. Every time I serve, I feel how much He loves the people I am serving, and I feel how much He loves me. That happened two more times that afternoon, as I gave of myself to others. Then I met briefly with a few teenagers who were coming to be sealed as part of an eternal family. I think it's awesome when little kids have that privilege; it is even more awesome when older kids come! These teens were just wonderful people. And they came worthy and ready to make their family an eternal family. I played an infinitesimally small part in that process, but it still had the power to change my life. Working in the temple brings such great joy into my heart!
There is good in this world. I love being a part of it.
Part One.
As you may have figured out by now, I spend the first Saturday of nearly every month in the temple. No matter how hard it is to get out of bed (and it has been a little tricky lately), I am always ALWAYS glad I got myself up and moving when I go to the temple. Yesterday was no exception. It was a very busy day, but I was able to help three women who were coming to the temple for the first time. Let me tell you, Heavenly Father poured out His Spirit upon those women. I love being the vehicle through which the Spirit can work. It is a life-changing and profound experience. Every time I serve, I feel how much He loves the people I am serving, and I feel how much He loves me. That happened two more times that afternoon, as I gave of myself to others. Then I met briefly with a few teenagers who were coming to be sealed as part of an eternal family. I think it's awesome when little kids have that privilege; it is even more awesome when older kids come! These teens were just wonderful people. And they came worthy and ready to make their family an eternal family. I played an infinitesimally small part in that process, but it still had the power to change my life. Working in the temple brings such great joy into my heart!
There is good in this world. I love being a part of it.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Evening Accomplishments
It's amazing how much you can accomplish when you come home at five o'clock... instead of six-thirty, or seven-fifteen, or later. I talked to a sister-in-law for an hour, visited a friend, talked to a different friend, sorted and distributed farmshare veggies, went to Trader Joe's (after nixing Chipotle for dinner), visited yet another friend, ate dinner, watched an episode of my favorite TV show, and checked my email - all before bedtime. Amazing. Happy. I loved it.
I guess that's what happens when you're willing to start your day before 9 am.
I guess that's what happens when you're willing to start your day before 9 am.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
This is Good
This merits a mid-week post... two fabulous things happened today.
First. My most amazing project manager is on vacation. (We all miss you, by the way, just in case you read this blog and want to know...) Knowing what I would be missing while said vacation was elapsing, one of my other colleagues voluntarily filled in where there was a hole. It was much needed, and I was grateful.
Here's to awesome friends!
Second. It wasn't the most relaxing day I've ever had. But in my determination to choose to be happy, I decided to call my SIL after work to find something about which to smile. We had a lovely conversation and by the end of it all, I had managed to let the stress of the day roll off my shoulders. Reading her children's blog posts sealed the deal. The evening has been officially pleasing and humorous.
Here's to wonderful family!
See, I told you you would like it. :-)
First. My most amazing project manager is on vacation. (We all miss you, by the way, just in case you read this blog and want to know...) Knowing what I would be missing while said vacation was elapsing, one of my other colleagues voluntarily filled in where there was a hole. It was much needed, and I was grateful.
Here's to awesome friends!
Second. It wasn't the most relaxing day I've ever had. But in my determination to choose to be happy, I decided to call my SIL after work to find something about which to smile. We had a lovely conversation and by the end of it all, I had managed to let the stress of the day roll off my shoulders. Reading her children's blog posts sealed the deal. The evening has been officially pleasing and humorous.
Here's to wonderful family!
See, I told you you would like it. :-)
Saturday, August 6, 2011
On Friendship
My friends are those
Who stand 'longside
Who cheer me on
And act as guide
They comfort when
My heart is sad
Remind of joy
And make me glad
A shoulder give
To cry upon
Then pick me up
Help me move on
My cherished friends
In them I see
Divinest love
God's gift to me
I served in the temple again today. It was wonderful. So many happy things take place there, and I love the feeling present there when I'm serving with my closest friends. After our shift, my temple buddy and I went out for dinner. We had a lovely conversation, and when it was through, I felt uplifted and blessed and happy and strengthened, and my heart was light. It was a blessing from a loving God, and it brought me great joy.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Delight
I open the door and smell the potent fragrance of fresh basil leaves. The scent fills my house and leaves me content, more relaxed, wanting Italian food. Thanks to the generosity of a friend who is going out of town tomorrow, I will enjoy her share of just-picked garden vegetables and herbs this weekend.
When my toast (no time for an Italian snack tonight) is done, I spread homemade freezer jam on top and savor every sweet strawberry bite. It is tremendously good, and a wonderful gift in exchange for a small act of service.
The weather is perfection this evening - it's a stay-up-all-night-and-go-for-a-walk type of night, beautiful and cool, clear skies and penetrating stars - and it makes me grateful to be alive.
When my toast (no time for an Italian snack tonight) is done, I spread homemade freezer jam on top and savor every sweet strawberry bite. It is tremendously good, and a wonderful gift in exchange for a small act of service.
The weather is perfection this evening - it's a stay-up-all-night-and-go-for-a-walk type of night, beautiful and cool, clear skies and penetrating stars - and it makes me grateful to be alive.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Living Life Deliberately
One should make time each day
to enjoy the blessings of the world in which she lives.
So tonight
I chased a sunset
and watched the sky turn
from soft pink to vivid red
and then to muted shades of orange
from my favorite place in Belmont.
Then my five-year-old niece called
and we talked for an hour.
(I kid you not.
It was a pretty substantive conversation
for one her age, too!)
It was a wonderful way
to spend a Sabbath evening.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Happy Summer!
Want to read another boring post about the weather? :-)
It was over 90 degrees today, with approximately 85% humidity. There were two choices: stay inside and do nothing (but it would be hot) or go outside and do something (but it would be hotter). We chose the latter. After touring Paul Revere's house, a print shop, and an Italian restaurant in the North End of Boston, I was extraordinarily glad that I live in a day when air conditioning is part of the deal. Can you imagine being out in the heat and having to wear an ankle length dress (and/or long sleeves and abundant petticoats)? Ew. They had installed A/C in all the places we visited today, and we were most grateful for the advanced technology we experienced as we looked at old historic stuff.
The best choice of the day, it turned out, was to go to the temple for a bunch of hours. Its temperature is very well regulated, and it was a good experience. It's the most beautiful place in Boston.
It was over 90 degrees today, with approximately 85% humidity. There were two choices: stay inside and do nothing (but it would be hot) or go outside and do something (but it would be hotter). We chose the latter. After touring Paul Revere's house, a print shop, and an Italian restaurant in the North End of Boston, I was extraordinarily glad that I live in a day when air conditioning is part of the deal. Can you imagine being out in the heat and having to wear an ankle length dress (and/or long sleeves and abundant petticoats)? Ew. They had installed A/C in all the places we visited today, and we were most grateful for the advanced technology we experienced as we looked at old historic stuff.
The best choice of the day, it turned out, was to go to the temple for a bunch of hours. Its temperature is very well regulated, and it was a good experience. It's the most beautiful place in Boston.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
I Stand All Amazed
I thought today during Sunday School as we discussed the Crucifixion of our Savior about the timing of that event.
It was Passover time; a sacred and holy holiday to commemorate the night when the destroying angel came to Egypt to slay the firstborn of all man and beast, but passed over the homes of those who had sought deliverance - from death and from the bondage of Egypt - through the blood of a lamb. The Passover ceremony is replete with symbolism that points to the Lamb of God:
Like the paschal lamb, He was the Firstborn of the Father.
Like the paschal lamb, He was without blemish, and in His death, not a bone was broken.
Through the sacrifice of the blood of the Lamb, we are saved alive and delivered from bondage.
He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.
He stood among them that fateful morning in silent majesty. He could have called down angels from heaven to fight for Him, He could have saved Himself from such terrible agony - but He did not. He suffered, bled and died so that I (and you) could be freed from sin and suffering. He endured the mockery, the pain, the anguish, the Atonement and the Crucifixion so He could succor me - run to me and comfort me - in my own pain and suffering.
And then - O glorious day! - He was resurrected, breaking the bonds of death, that all men might live again!
In a day when pain is so prevalent, and suffering so universal; in a day when we need a Savior more than ever, He stands ready to save, lift, comfort and succor; He will change and purify our hearts so that we become like Him. Come, and see.
It was Passover time; a sacred and holy holiday to commemorate the night when the destroying angel came to Egypt to slay the firstborn of all man and beast, but passed over the homes of those who had sought deliverance - from death and from the bondage of Egypt - through the blood of a lamb. The Passover ceremony is replete with symbolism that points to the Lamb of God:
Like the paschal lamb, He was the Firstborn of the Father.
Like the paschal lamb, He was without blemish, and in His death, not a bone was broken.
Through the sacrifice of the blood of the Lamb, we are saved alive and delivered from bondage.
He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.
He stood among them that fateful morning in silent majesty. He could have called down angels from heaven to fight for Him, He could have saved Himself from such terrible agony - but He did not. He suffered, bled and died so that I (and you) could be freed from sin and suffering. He endured the mockery, the pain, the anguish, the Atonement and the Crucifixion so He could succor me - run to me and comfort me - in my own pain and suffering.
And then - O glorious day! - He was resurrected, breaking the bonds of death, that all men might live again!
In a day when pain is so prevalent, and suffering so universal; in a day when we need a Savior more than ever, He stands ready to save, lift, comfort and succor; He will change and purify our hearts so that we become like Him. Come, and see.
Friday, July 8, 2011
I Heart Chipotle
Whoever invented Chipotle should get a prize. Here's why.
1. Yummy food that I don't have to prepare.
2. Cute families (with cuter kids) eat out there on Friday nights.
3. It's an awesome location for spontaneous dinner outings.
4. We nearly always run into someone else we know (thus expanding our spontaneous dinner outing group).
5. Big water cups.
After a long short week and a stress rating of 8 for the day, I left our spontaneous dinner outing feeling much better than when I walked in.
The end.
1. Yummy food that I don't have to prepare.
2. Cute families (with cuter kids) eat out there on Friday nights.
3. It's an awesome location for spontaneous dinner outings.
4. We nearly always run into someone else we know (thus expanding our spontaneous dinner outing group).
5. Big water cups.
After a long short week and a stress rating of 8 for the day, I left our spontaneous dinner outing feeling much better than when I walked in.
The end.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Simple Things
I was walking to the kitchen tonight for a glass of water when the Spirit took that quiet moment to teach me something I need to know.
I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.
I am grateful for the quiet moments, and for the sometimes less-than-quiet moments leading up to them that put us into a position where we can hear the voice of the Lord speaking in our minds and inviting us to repent.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love [charity], which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure.
I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.
I am grateful for the quiet moments, and for the sometimes less-than-quiet moments leading up to them that put us into a position where we can hear the voice of the Lord speaking in our minds and inviting us to repent.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love [charity], which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
On Leadership
Here's what I learned reading 2 Nephi 31 tonight.
To be a good leader:
You must walk in front.
You must define the laws, rules, and boundaries by which you and your followers will accomplish the goal.
You must live by all the laws, rules, and boundaries you create.
You must clearly communicate - by word and by example - the laws, rules, and boundaries.
You must clearly communicate - by word and by example - the rewards for achieving the goal, and the consequences for failing to do so.
Choosing to lead by both word and example allows you to avoid hypocrisy and deception.
All these things enable your followers to trust you.
Anything less than this opens the door for doubt, for if you cannot be sure of the leader or the way, how can you be confident in the reward (and thus, what's the point)?
Jesus Christ was the perfect example of a leader. Choose to pattern your leadership after His.
To be a good leader:
You must walk in front.
You must define the laws, rules, and boundaries by which you and your followers will accomplish the goal.
You must live by all the laws, rules, and boundaries you create.
You must clearly communicate - by word and by example - the laws, rules, and boundaries.
You must clearly communicate - by word and by example - the rewards for achieving the goal, and the consequences for failing to do so.
Choosing to lead by both word and example allows you to avoid hypocrisy and deception.
All these things enable your followers to trust you.
Anything less than this opens the door for doubt, for if you cannot be sure of the leader or the way, how can you be confident in the reward (and thus, what's the point)?
Jesus Christ was the perfect example of a leader. Choose to pattern your leadership after His.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Gratitude
Do you ever have one of those days (or moments) where your heart feels something and your head knows it's totally irrational and/or illogical, but it's still real even though you don't want it to be?
I do.
At those times, I find it helpful to search out little things for which to be grateful. It refocuses my perspective and allows me to feel something that my mind and heart can both agree is genuine.
Today I am grateful that my neighbor took time out of his busy schedule to clean up our yard. I am grateful for a friend who occasionally calls just to talk, but manages to do it on a day that it will lift me, too. I am grateful I have leftovers in my fridge so I don't have to cook if I don't feel like it. And I am grateful for the brief moments of sunshine this afternoon and the spectacular sunset I witnessed on my way home this evening.
It seemed to me a perfect end to a Sabbath Day to witness the majesty of Father's creations in the vivid pinks streaming across the sky, softened in places by the clouds, and framed by varied greens, coupled with the scent of blooming flowers that reminded me of lilacs (even though we're over a month past their season's end). When I grow up, I want to be able to create like that.
I do.
At those times, I find it helpful to search out little things for which to be grateful. It refocuses my perspective and allows me to feel something that my mind and heart can both agree is genuine.
Today I am grateful that my neighbor took time out of his busy schedule to clean up our yard. I am grateful for a friend who occasionally calls just to talk, but manages to do it on a day that it will lift me, too. I am grateful I have leftovers in my fridge so I don't have to cook if I don't feel like it. And I am grateful for the brief moments of sunshine this afternoon and the spectacular sunset I witnessed on my way home this evening.
It seemed to me a perfect end to a Sabbath Day to witness the majesty of Father's creations in the vivid pinks streaming across the sky, softened in places by the clouds, and framed by varied greens, coupled with the scent of blooming flowers that reminded me of lilacs (even though we're over a month past their season's end). When I grow up, I want to be able to create like that.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
On Dedication
We dedicated our newly rebuilt chapel today.
Two Apostles came.
President Boyd K. Packer
and
President Henry B. Eyring.
Both have strong connections to Boston
and to the building we dedicated.
The meeting was beautiful.
The messages were poignant.
Dedicate the building, then
dedicate your lives.
Both to the service of the Master.
When the hymns were sung,
my heart rejoiced,
and I imagined angels looking down from heaven
singing along with us.
Surely those strains pierced the veil
and thousands in a heavenly choir
joined us today
singing Hosannah to God and the Lamb.
I thought it would take a while
to feel like our building was home again.
But it didn't.
And we are glad to be home.
This Father's Day, my heart fills with gratitude,
for an earthly father
who is loving and supportive,
and for a Heavenly Father
who knows our needs, answers our prayers,
and sends His Spirit to guide our lives.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Spring in Boston
Our spring this year has been interesting. Generally the weather calls for scattered sun bursts amidst pouring rain, particularly on weekends. It's not the most ideal weather for the one trying to get the yard work done. But things are growing (including the weeds), and we like the color green, so it's OK.
This morning I was determined to take advantage of an apparently sunshine-y Saturday, and spent 3.5 hours in the yard trying to clean things up a bit. (You can barely tell.) Then I came in to clean me up a bit, and by the time I was done, we were having a thunderstorm. So much for the sunshine.
I'm glad my body gets tired about the time the weather decides to prohibit me from doing any more work anyway. That makes it easier to decide to be done.
Happy Spring!
This morning I was determined to take advantage of an apparently sunshine-y Saturday, and spent 3.5 hours in the yard trying to clean things up a bit. (You can barely tell.) Then I came in to clean me up a bit, and by the time I was done, we were having a thunderstorm. So much for the sunshine.
I'm glad my body gets tired about the time the weather decides to prohibit me from doing any more work anyway. That makes it easier to decide to be done.
Happy Spring!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Roses & Yard Waste
You can tell this one's going to be exciting, just by reading the title.
It got hot yesterday, and all my roses bloomed at once. It looks pretty awesome. We have these climbing bushes that I am trying to train across the entire fence on one side of my front walk. I want to see how far out the branches can grow - so far, the longest branch is about 5 feet long. A few more years and some careful pruning and it might actually look the way I envision it in my mind.
Tonight I was happy because I remembered that tomorrow is yard waste day - and I made the effort to put out the yard waste that has been wasting away in my garage for 3 weeks. Two of the bags went well. Pick it up, stagger out to the front of the house while balancing the umbrella with your shoulder, avoid the puddles, etc. The third bag? I lifted it up and the bottom had rotted away, so the contents of the bag are no longer bagged. Time to clean the garage.
If I'm really lucky this weekend, I'll find the energy to kill all the evil ivy growing in my backyard, too.
But all the flowers are worth the efforts. :-)
It got hot yesterday, and all my roses bloomed at once. It looks pretty awesome. We have these climbing bushes that I am trying to train across the entire fence on one side of my front walk. I want to see how far out the branches can grow - so far, the longest branch is about 5 feet long. A few more years and some careful pruning and it might actually look the way I envision it in my mind.
Tonight I was happy because I remembered that tomorrow is yard waste day - and I made the effort to put out the yard waste that has been wasting away in my garage for 3 weeks. Two of the bags went well. Pick it up, stagger out to the front of the house while balancing the umbrella with your shoulder, avoid the puddles, etc. The third bag? I lifted it up and the bottom had rotted away, so the contents of the bag are no longer bagged. Time to clean the garage.
If I'm really lucky this weekend, I'll find the energy to kill all the evil ivy growing in my backyard, too.
But all the flowers are worth the efforts. :-)
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Parenthood
Parenthood
A sacred privilege
Father and mother
Working together
Creating
And teaching
Then letting go a little
So they can try it
On their own
Good parents
Provide one with a
Tiny glimpse of God
The Perfect Parent
Creating
And teaching
Then letting go a little
So we can try it
On our own
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
A Walk
Today I saw the sun was shining, so I took my lunch outside and ate while I listened to the birds chatter and the T rumble by. I watched the little black flying bugs that don't seem to notice you as they fly toward your face, almost smacking you before they veer off in another direction. I saw little purple four-leaf flowers growing in the underbrush, a few robins hopping along looking for food, and lots of green.
When I got home, it wasn't dark yet, so I dropped my things and headed back outside for a long walk around the cemetery. I smelled the lilacs, trying to remember whether the deeply purple or the lighter flowers contain my favorite fragrance. I saw the persistent oak trees attempting to grow within the bushes at the edge of the fence. I heard the chatter of the birds, the little ones chirping at a higher pitch than the larger ones. I noticed how many weeds need to be pulled in my front yard (and ignored them) and how much litter blemishes the landscape around the cemetery, and thought how perhaps I should bring a trash bag with me next time I walk. And I wondered whether the ice cream shop around the corner from my house has their famous orange sherbet/vanilla swirl soft serve yet.
It was delightful.
Blue skies and lilacs remain on my list of favorites.
When I got home, it wasn't dark yet, so I dropped my things and headed back outside for a long walk around the cemetery. I smelled the lilacs, trying to remember whether the deeply purple or the lighter flowers contain my favorite fragrance. I saw the persistent oak trees attempting to grow within the bushes at the edge of the fence. I heard the chatter of the birds, the little ones chirping at a higher pitch than the larger ones. I noticed how many weeds need to be pulled in my front yard (and ignored them) and how much litter blemishes the landscape around the cemetery, and thought how perhaps I should bring a trash bag with me next time I walk. And I wondered whether the ice cream shop around the corner from my house has their famous orange sherbet/vanilla swirl soft serve yet.
It was delightful.
Blue skies and lilacs remain on my list of favorites.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Everything
I was struck by this scripture today:
"Yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks..."
In everything? Really? It is easy to give thanks when I feel happy. Not so much so when I'm not. I'm probably not the only one who sometimes has such a hard day that the evening prayer starts with a pause while I search my mind to find something for which I am thankful... I also doubt I am the only one whose thanks in prayer is sometimes only cursory, not well thought out, just mere words. When I am truly thankful, though, my heart fills with joy and happiness. To learn how to have that all of the time would be a wonderful gift.
What does giving thanks for everything (even broken dreams or spilled milk) do to your heart? How does rejoicing (even in the hard times) change you?
"Yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks..."
In everything? Really? It is easy to give thanks when I feel happy. Not so much so when I'm not. I'm probably not the only one who sometimes has such a hard day that the evening prayer starts with a pause while I search my mind to find something for which I am thankful... I also doubt I am the only one whose thanks in prayer is sometimes only cursory, not well thought out, just mere words. When I am truly thankful, though, my heart fills with joy and happiness. To learn how to have that all of the time would be a wonderful gift.
What does giving thanks for everything (even broken dreams or spilled milk) do to your heart? How does rejoicing (even in the hard times) change you?
Saturday, May 21, 2011
I Know
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
I know that God - our Father - loves us and hears and answers prayers.
I know because every morning, all week, I have prayed for just a bit of sunshine. Even a few minutes will do, I thought... but today, He gave me a whole day of sunshine, when I had the time to enjoy it! The sky really is blue, just in case you had forgotten. And it is beautiful. So was the feeling of warm sun on my skin, coupled with cool breeze - it was the perfect spring day.
I know because this morning, I prayed for revelation to come to me during our Stake Conference meeting tonight. And tonight, He blessed me with counsel to do certain things that, He promised, will open the door for revelation to flow not just today, but every day.
I know because yesterday, I realized which important element in my relationships is missing in my life, and today, He gave me a peek into how it can bless me when it returns.
Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
I know that God - our Father - loves us and hears and answers prayers.
I know because every morning, all week, I have prayed for just a bit of sunshine. Even a few minutes will do, I thought... but today, He gave me a whole day of sunshine, when I had the time to enjoy it! The sky really is blue, just in case you had forgotten. And it is beautiful. So was the feeling of warm sun on my skin, coupled with cool breeze - it was the perfect spring day.
I know because this morning, I prayed for revelation to come to me during our Stake Conference meeting tonight. And tonight, He blessed me with counsel to do certain things that, He promised, will open the door for revelation to flow not just today, but every day.
I know because yesterday, I realized which important element in my relationships is missing in my life, and today, He gave me a peek into how it can bless me when it returns.
Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
It's A Misty, Moisty Week
What can I get for you today?
I'd like the 60 minutes of sunshine special, please.
Your total will be $14.95 - pay at the next window.
If only I could order sunshine like you could order fries. It would be so worth it.
We had rain, mist, fog (or maybe really heavy mist) and more rain today. And yesterday. And Monday. And Sunday. And most of Saturday. And we'll have it again tomorrow. As neat-o as it looks when there is a heavy layer of mist hanging in the air, framing the freshly green or pink and white blossomed trees...
If I had wanted this, I would have moved to Seattle.
Needless to say I was really happy to see a sun (even if it was only part of one) on the Google weather forecast for Friday. Here's hoping!!!
I'd like the 60 minutes of sunshine special, please.
Your total will be $14.95 - pay at the next window.
If only I could order sunshine like you could order fries. It would be so worth it.
We had rain, mist, fog (or maybe really heavy mist) and more rain today. And yesterday. And Monday. And Sunday. And most of Saturday. And we'll have it again tomorrow. As neat-o as it looks when there is a heavy layer of mist hanging in the air, framing the freshly green or pink and white blossomed trees...
If I had wanted this, I would have moved to Seattle.
Needless to say I was really happy to see a sun (even if it was only part of one) on the Google weather forecast for Friday. Here's hoping!!!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
I Am Learning
I love getting my hands into the dirt. It is therapeutic - especially when it feels productive.
I don't love arugula. It sorta tastes like soap or dirt to me. Does anyone need some extra greens for a salad?
(And no, it's not my dirty hands that made the arugula taste like that. It's probably the same reason I don't like cilantro. Blame it on my genes.)
Balance. Sometimes I feel like this, trying to keep everything from tipping too far in one direction, but in three or four different dimensions:
I don't love arugula. It sorta tastes like soap or dirt to me. Does anyone need some extra greens for a salad?
(And no, it's not my dirty hands that made the arugula taste like that. It's probably the same reason I don't like cilantro. Blame it on my genes.)
Balance. Sometimes I feel like this, trying to keep everything from tipping too far in one direction, but in three or four different dimensions:
Then I remember I don't have to be perfect. Just progressing.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Last Night... Month... Decade
Last night was my temple night. It was a wonderful reprieve after a stress-filled weekend full of traveling, dealing with hard things, and not enough sleep.
Last month I celebrated ten years of temple attendance. As I reflected on the blessings of the temple in my life, I decided that the last decade has been good, made better by the refining power of the temple and the change made possible through the Atonement of Christ.
Last decade I started on an adventure that changed my life. And I am glad for what has happened since.
Last month I celebrated ten years of temple attendance. As I reflected on the blessings of the temple in my life, I decided that the last decade has been good, made better by the refining power of the temple and the change made possible through the Atonement of Christ.
Last decade I started on an adventure that changed my life. And I am glad for what has happened since.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Guided
I felt guided this weekend.
Of the five or six options for church, I managed to choose the one that a friend I used to know in Boston attends. It blessed my life to have someone I know with me in church today.
Then I went to a cemetery to find a gravesite I wanted to see. After wandering for 45 minutes, searching among the headstones, I sat down and asked in silent prayer for guidance. Then I felt directed to search in a certain area, and within a minute or two, I found it.
These are little things, but they teach me that Heavenly Father knows me well, and that He loves me enough to guide me to that which I desire.
And He loves you that much, too.
Of the five or six options for church, I managed to choose the one that a friend I used to know in Boston attends. It blessed my life to have someone I know with me in church today.
Then I went to a cemetery to find a gravesite I wanted to see. After wandering for 45 minutes, searching among the headstones, I sat down and asked in silent prayer for guidance. Then I felt directed to search in a certain area, and within a minute or two, I found it.
These are little things, but they teach me that Heavenly Father knows me well, and that He loves me enough to guide me to that which I desire.
And He loves you that much, too.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Diet Coke
I have ideas for at least three posts... and it's bedtime.
So I'll stick with just one: the better answer to why I don't drink Diet Coke.
I choose not to drink Coke (Diet or not) because
(1) I don't drink soda often anyway, and I don't think I will like it.
(2) I am probably not missing much by avoiding caffeine, but I do know that if I never have caffeine, I am guaranteed that its presence or absence in my life will never be a factor in whether I have a good day.
(3) I want to obey the counsel of the prophet (and potentially miss out on something tasty) so that I can lay claim on the greater blessings promised by our Heavenly Father for obedience to this commandment.
I believe God loves us so much He has given us a prophet on the earth today, just like He called Moses to be the prophet for the children of Israel. The prophet received a revelation regarding our health, called the Word of Wisdom (that you can read here, if you like). The Word of Wisdom was revealed to the prophet in 1833, which I'm pretty sure was before anyone had invented Coke as a soft drink (and a few years before it was marketed in the United States - check this out). But it teaches some wonderful principles about eating healthy foods and avoiding things that were not designed to be ingested or that might be addictive. It also teaches a principle of obedience - if we choose to obey the laws of God and His prophets, we will receive great blessings, like health, wisdom, knowledge, and endurance. The Word of Wisdom is a commandment by which we are to live our lives from the food/drink perspective. We get to exercise our agency to decide how (and whether) we will apply the principles taught within it into our own lives, and we get the added bonus of counsel provided by prophets who live in our current generation! Some prophets have spoken specifically about caffeinated drinks (like President Hinckley during an interview on 60 Minutes), and others haven't. Our responsibility is to learn the commandment, determine how to live the principles in our own lives based on the commandments given, and make choices accordingly.
For the record, I do like to use root beer to marinate pork, and do not object one bit to using Diet Coke and mentoes to create carbonated geysers (something I have never tried but have wanted to for a long time...). :-)
So I'll stick with just one: the better answer to why I don't drink Diet Coke.
I choose not to drink Coke (Diet or not) because
(1) I don't drink soda often anyway, and I don't think I will like it.
(2) I am probably not missing much by avoiding caffeine, but I do know that if I never have caffeine, I am guaranteed that its presence or absence in my life will never be a factor in whether I have a good day.
(3) I want to obey the counsel of the prophet (and potentially miss out on something tasty) so that I can lay claim on the greater blessings promised by our Heavenly Father for obedience to this commandment.
I believe God loves us so much He has given us a prophet on the earth today, just like He called Moses to be the prophet for the children of Israel. The prophet received a revelation regarding our health, called the Word of Wisdom (that you can read here, if you like). The Word of Wisdom was revealed to the prophet in 1833, which I'm pretty sure was before anyone had invented Coke as a soft drink (and a few years before it was marketed in the United States - check this out). But it teaches some wonderful principles about eating healthy foods and avoiding things that were not designed to be ingested or that might be addictive. It also teaches a principle of obedience - if we choose to obey the laws of God and His prophets, we will receive great blessings, like health, wisdom, knowledge, and endurance. The Word of Wisdom is a commandment by which we are to live our lives from the food/drink perspective. We get to exercise our agency to decide how (and whether) we will apply the principles taught within it into our own lives, and we get the added bonus of counsel provided by prophets who live in our current generation! Some prophets have spoken specifically about caffeinated drinks (like President Hinckley during an interview on 60 Minutes), and others haven't. Our responsibility is to learn the commandment, determine how to live the principles in our own lives based on the commandments given, and make choices accordingly.
For the record, I do like to use root beer to marinate pork, and do not object one bit to using Diet Coke and mentoes to create carbonated geysers (something I have never tried but have wanted to for a long time...). :-)
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Food. Is. Good.
Remember how last week I was determined to eat well?
I did.
First I made taco meat for taco salad. But then Monday night I was feeling adventurous, so I made up taco pizza. See?
Pizza crust...
topped with pizza sauce...
topped with chopped avocado...
a bit of cheese...
corn... black beans...
taco meat...
and dollops of sour cream.
Baked to golden perfection.
Mmm... my associates at lunch time were intrigued.
Then I made sweet potato casserole.
Then I made deviled eggs (it is Easter tomorrow, you know).
After which I determined I needed to make cashew chicken in hoisin sauce again (because it's yummy).
And I now have all the ingredients for a tofu stir fry.
I love yummy food.
I did.
First I made taco meat for taco salad. But then Monday night I was feeling adventurous, so I made up taco pizza. See?
topped with pizza sauce...
topped with chopped avocado...
a bit of cheese...
corn... black beans...
taco meat...
and dollops of sour cream.
Baked to golden perfection.
Mmm... my associates at lunch time were intrigued.
Then I made sweet potato casserole.
Then I made deviled eggs (it is Easter tomorrow, you know).
After which I determined I needed to make cashew chicken in hoisin sauce again (because it's yummy).
And I now have all the ingredients for a tofu stir fry.
I love yummy food.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
More On Kids.
I have pondered the injunction given by our Savior
and had the following thought process as a result:
One of the things I love best
about the little children I know
is
that they are excited to see me
when I come into their lives.
Their unconditional love is evidenced by their actions...
running up for hugs,
eager to show me their latest magic trick,
wanting to cuddle and snuggle and be held.
I can be wearing a messy ponytail or perfectly made up,
in sweats or in a suit,
and there's no need to present the picture-perfect life to them -
they don't care.
They love me because I am me.
They forgive quickly if I do something silly
or make a mistake,
and they overlook my shortcomings,
faults and failings.
It's just not part of what they consider
when they think of me.
I think our Heavenly Father is like this, too.
He loves me because I am me.
I don't have to present a picture-perfect life
to be accepted of Him.
He overlooks my faults and failings
when I sincerely repent,
and doesn't allow those former errors
to affect His judgment of my heart as it is today.
The hugs I get from children
are little reminders of His love -
and just like them,
He wants me to tell him about everything
that goes on in my life,
little or big,
interesting or not.
He loves me
the way I love these children -
wholly and completely,
even when they climb all over me,
kick me out of bed,
need help brushing their teeth,
or fall down and dissolve into a puddle of tears
(as much for the love and consolation
that inevitably follow as because it hurt).
I want to be like all these little children I know
and love others the way He
(and they) love me -
freely, wholly, completely, and forgivingly.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Kids.
Kids are pretty much awesome.
I called my 4-year-old niece on her birthday (I was glad I thought to call, since it was her birthday). It was great fun to hear her excited giggle at getting a birthday call from her aunt in Boston, then recite to me the list of fun toys she received from her parents and siblings for her birthday.
Tonight, I was playing with my favorite set of almost-4-year-old twins. One wanted a gogurt. The other wanted a "desert gogurt" (as in, the warm place where the cactus grows; not frozen). I laughed. Then I tried to find the gogurts in the freezer, since that is the logical place to find them if one child is asking for a desert gogurt. They weren't there... so much for logic.
The rest of my day was centered around food. I made baked french toast, BBQ pulled pork, and taco meat (for taco salad). I am determined to eat well this coming week, since last week I subsisted on cereal, toasted cheese on (slightly stale) bread, and fast food (Panera, Chipotle, Wild Willy's). That has nothing to do with kids except that all that food would be more likely to be eaten rapidly if there were lots of them around. But there aren't.
The end.
I called my 4-year-old niece on her birthday (I was glad I thought to call, since it was her birthday). It was great fun to hear her excited giggle at getting a birthday call from her aunt in Boston, then recite to me the list of fun toys she received from her parents and siblings for her birthday.
Tonight, I was playing with my favorite set of almost-4-year-old twins. One wanted a gogurt. The other wanted a "desert gogurt" (as in, the warm place where the cactus grows; not frozen). I laughed. Then I tried to find the gogurts in the freezer, since that is the logical place to find them if one child is asking for a desert gogurt. They weren't there... so much for logic.
The rest of my day was centered around food. I made baked french toast, BBQ pulled pork, and taco meat (for taco salad). I am determined to eat well this coming week, since last week I subsisted on cereal, toasted cheese on (slightly stale) bread, and fast food (Panera, Chipotle, Wild Willy's). That has nothing to do with kids except that all that food would be more likely to be eaten rapidly if there were lots of them around. But there aren't.
The end.
Monday, April 11, 2011
On Desire
Let us remember that desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices, and choices determine our actions. In addition, it is our actions and our desires that cause us to become something... - Elder Dallin H. Oaks
I liked this thought. It helped me to see that I can look at my actions and work backward to my desires. Then I can match my true desires to what I think they are, and work through the discrepancies. I can also look at my actions and project what I will become if I continue on that path. Both are good things to review in life.
I liked this thought. It helped me to see that I can look at my actions and work backward to my desires. Then I can match my true desires to what I think they are, and work through the discrepancies. I can also look at my actions and project what I will become if I continue on that path. Both are good things to review in life.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
I Love General Conference
What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same. - Doctrine & Covenants 1:38
This is the best time of year. It's the only time of year I don't mind watching 8 hours of TV in one weekend. (It helps that there are no commercials.)
I love being in a place where I can listen to the word of God through His prophets, and where I can listen to the word of God to me through the voice of His Spirit. I must change as a result of what I heard today, to become more the person He wants me to become. My soul is filled and my Spirit refreshed. All is well.
For behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever. - v. 39
This is the best time of year. It's the only time of year I don't mind watching 8 hours of TV in one weekend. (It helps that there are no commercials.)
I love being in a place where I can listen to the word of God through His prophets, and where I can listen to the word of God to me through the voice of His Spirit. I must change as a result of what I heard today, to become more the person He wants me to become. My soul is filled and my Spirit refreshed. All is well.
For behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever. - v. 39
Friday, April 1, 2011
On Coveting
Coveting warmth and sunshine...
Phoenix is 50 degrees warmer than Boston today. For a nice April Fool's joke, it decided to snow (but not in Phoenix). I tried to avoid being out for very long in the slushy rain stuff this morning by not scraping off the top of my car before starting to drive... and two blocks later, it all slid forward onto my windshield. The water-laden snow was immediately packed down by my windshield wipers, and they proved somewhat ineffective in places after that. Don't worry, though, I could still see. Just not around the edges.
I am longing for warm spring planting weather and grateful this weekend's General Conference is available on the Internet (check it out - the link goes to "watch it live!" - at least for the next two days...), so I can watch underneath a warm comforter if I want to. Mmmm... cozy.
Phoenix is 50 degrees warmer than Boston today. For a nice April Fool's joke, it decided to snow (but not in Phoenix). I tried to avoid being out for very long in the slushy rain stuff this morning by not scraping off the top of my car before starting to drive... and two blocks later, it all slid forward onto my windshield. The water-laden snow was immediately packed down by my windshield wipers, and they proved somewhat ineffective in places after that. Don't worry, though, I could still see. Just not around the edges.
I am longing for warm spring planting weather and grateful this weekend's General Conference is available on the Internet (check it out - the link goes to "watch it live!" - at least for the next two days...), so I can watch underneath a warm comforter if I want to. Mmmm... cozy.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
I Serve
For thou shalt devote all thy service in Zion; and in this thou shalt have strength. - Doctrine & Covenants 24:7
Yesterday I had lots of work to do. It took 11 hours - nearly 12, when you count the driving. I missed FHE (sad!) but did eat dinner and work out instead. There is something refreshing about boxing after a long day. Even Wii boxing. (All right, let's do it together.)
Today I had lots of work to do. I brought some of it home so I could eat dinner before finishing. As I was settling down to work, my friend called. She's engaged and they were stuffing announcements, and she invited me to join them. I have learned over the years that sometimes the only opportunities I have to see my engaged friends are when I offer to help them with wedding stuff. I thought to myself, I need blessings, and service brings them. This will be good. So I did most of my work and then went to help.
It was good. They appreciated my help and I appreciated the company and the conversation - and the chance to qualify for the strength I need to finish the week.
Yesterday I had lots of work to do. It took 11 hours - nearly 12, when you count the driving. I missed FHE (sad!) but did eat dinner and work out instead. There is something refreshing about boxing after a long day. Even Wii boxing. (All right, let's do it together.)
Today I had lots of work to do. I brought some of it home so I could eat dinner before finishing. As I was settling down to work, my friend called. She's engaged and they were stuffing announcements, and she invited me to join them. I have learned over the years that sometimes the only opportunities I have to see my engaged friends are when I offer to help them with wedding stuff. I thought to myself, I need blessings, and service brings them. This will be good. So I did most of my work and then went to help.
It was good. They appreciated my help and I appreciated the company and the conversation - and the chance to qualify for the strength I need to finish the week.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Who I Am
Today I played two roles in church. The first was the more traditional role... choir member, listener, learner. We had fantastic speakers and they taught us well. The second was an entertaining role... I was the human jungle gym for one half of my favorite set of 3-year-old twins. She was entertaining herself - quietly, I might add - by climbing onto my lap on her stomach, and swinging herself headfirst over the other side so she could stand on her head. Apparently, my job was to keep her from falling off my lap prematurely or hurting herself. I succeeded, I think. She was still smiling at the end of the meeting.
Needless to say, I appreciate the children in my life. They are a source of great joy.
Needless to say, I appreciate the children in my life. They are a source of great joy.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
A Bright Spot
Grey days in Boston happen fairly regularly in the winter and the spring. On these days, as I drive to work, I notice the house with the yellow front steps. It is like a bright ray of sunshine on an otherwise not sunshine-y day. Every time I see these steps out of the corner of my eye, I look over to see where the sunshine is coming from. Then I remember - it is from the yellow front steps of my favorite house on that road.
Often, I have thought about writing a little note and leaving it on the front door of the house. It would go something like this:
Dear friend,
Thank you for painting your front steps yellow! It adds such beauty to every otherwise grey and cloudy day. It is a wonderful reminder when I drive by your home that there will always be a bright spot of sunshine, even on the gloomiest of days.
The world needs more yellow front steps.
- Me
Often, I have thought about writing a little note and leaving it on the front door of the house. It would go something like this:
Dear friend,
Thank you for painting your front steps yellow! It adds such beauty to every otherwise grey and cloudy day. It is a wonderful reminder when I drive by your home that there will always be a bright spot of sunshine, even on the gloomiest of days.
The world needs more yellow front steps.
- Me
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
On Choices
Tonight I had some choices.
1. Fold the clothes that have been piled in the spare room for two weeks.
2. Do the dishes that have been piling up for three days.
3. Play Wii Fit.
4. Read the three books in my pile of things to read.
5. Catch up on sleep.
6. Watch random TED talks on the internet.
Fortunately, I got through 1 & 2 before jumping right to 6. Apparently, I'm only good for about an hour of real productivity in the evening - no matter what time I get home.
It's supposed to snow for the next two days. What's up with that? I want daffodils and tulips, not snow.
1. Fold the clothes that have been piled in the spare room for two weeks.
2. Do the dishes that have been piling up for three days.
3. Play Wii Fit.
4. Read the three books in my pile of things to read.
5. Catch up on sleep.
6. Watch random TED talks on the internet.
Fortunately, I got through 1 & 2 before jumping right to 6. Apparently, I'm only good for about an hour of real productivity in the evening - no matter what time I get home.
It's supposed to snow for the next two days. What's up with that? I want daffodils and tulips, not snow.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Trash Talk
Last night, we did a service project for FHE.
For those who don't know what FHE is - it stands for Family Home Evening. And for me, it's usually not with my family and not at home. But it's still in the evening. Every Monday evening, to be exact. It's one of my favorite parts of the week.
So back to last night. It was cold. Raining. Not hard, just the drizzly kind that frizzes curly hair and dampens your outer layer. We all ate donuts, then donned gloves and grabbed a few trash bags, and went out to the bike path by Davis Square to pick up the litter. Believe it or not, it was fun. Here's why:
Guy-girl ratio: 2 to 1. No joke.
People talk more freely when they're serving - especially when they're picking up trash. Good conversation.
It was so cold our wet-gloved fingers were freezing, but we were all freezing doing something good for mankind, so it was ok. Good adventures.
My trash-collecting buddy even used a stick as a tool to excavate some of the litter from underneath some thorny bramble bushes as we talked about how fun it is to make and use tools to make life easier. Good thinking!
Some people walking by asked what we were doing, and then said thank you when we told them! Good feelings.
Afterwards, we all agreed it was the most fun we had had at a Family Home Evening in a long time. And the bike path is much prettier now.
The End.
For those who don't know what FHE is - it stands for Family Home Evening. And for me, it's usually not with my family and not at home. But it's still in the evening. Every Monday evening, to be exact. It's one of my favorite parts of the week.
So back to last night. It was cold. Raining. Not hard, just the drizzly kind that frizzes curly hair and dampens your outer layer. We all ate donuts, then donned gloves and grabbed a few trash bags, and went out to the bike path by Davis Square to pick up the litter. Believe it or not, it was fun. Here's why:
Guy-girl ratio: 2 to 1. No joke.
People talk more freely when they're serving - especially when they're picking up trash. Good conversation.
It was so cold our wet-gloved fingers were freezing, but we were all freezing doing something good for mankind, so it was ok. Good adventures.
My trash-collecting buddy even used a stick as a tool to excavate some of the litter from underneath some thorny bramble bushes as we talked about how fun it is to make and use tools to make life easier. Good thinking!
Some people walking by asked what we were doing, and then said thank you when we told them! Good feelings.
Afterwards, we all agreed it was the most fun we had had at a Family Home Evening in a long time. And the bike path is much prettier now.
The End.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Small Things
"Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great."
My day was full of good things... a women's conference, a visit with my brother at the airport, picking up food for next week's meals, a celebratory open house. Yet, on my way home, I felt sort of "meh". As I drove down Rte 2 and looked at the giant moon, brighter and clearer than I have ever seen it, the thought ran through my head: when upon life's billows you are tempest tossed... count your many blessings.
Then I pulled into Trader Joe's, and was wandering around the store thinking about nothing, trying to decide what to buy, and noticing that soymilk was cheaper there than at Target (where I stocked up earlier that day), when I ran into my friend. No, not literally, but almost. She and I talked a few minutes and caught up on how things were, wandered through the checkout together, and walked out to our cars together.
And as I drove home, I thought to myself, this was the best thing that could have happened tonight. My heart felt lighter, I was smiling, and I was grateful for a loving Father who reminds me to count my blessings and then inspires my friends to go to Trader Joe's at random times so that my spirits can be lifted.
My day was full of good things... a women's conference, a visit with my brother at the airport, picking up food for next week's meals, a celebratory open house. Yet, on my way home, I felt sort of "meh". As I drove down Rte 2 and looked at the giant moon, brighter and clearer than I have ever seen it, the thought ran through my head: when upon life's billows you are tempest tossed... count your many blessings.
Then I pulled into Trader Joe's, and was wandering around the store thinking about nothing, trying to decide what to buy, and noticing that soymilk was cheaper there than at Target (where I stocked up earlier that day), when I ran into my friend. No, not literally, but almost. She and I talked a few minutes and caught up on how things were, wandered through the checkout together, and walked out to our cars together.
And as I drove home, I thought to myself, this was the best thing that could have happened tonight. My heart felt lighter, I was smiling, and I was grateful for a loving Father who reminds me to count my blessings and then inspires my friends to go to Trader Joe's at random times so that my spirits can be lifted.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Laughter is Good For the Soul
So is spring weather.
It was warm enough to go for a walk at lunchtime - so I did.
Plus, I made it home before dark for the first time this week! (Crazy, I know, since we started DST already.)
Then I read my nieces' latest posts on their blog tonight, and laughed out loud.
And now I feel better than I did when I got up this morning.
The End.
It was warm enough to go for a walk at lunchtime - so I did.
Plus, I made it home before dark for the first time this week! (Crazy, I know, since we started DST already.)
Then I read my nieces' latest posts on their blog tonight, and laughed out loud.
And now I feel better than I did when I got up this morning.
The End.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Daily Bread & How to Get It
Here is a good talk.
And it seems that this is all I have to say today.
Enjoy.
Post Edit:
OK. I changed my mind.
We talked today in Sunday School about the parables Jesus taught during His ministry. Specifically, we discussed the parable of the sower. You know the story... a sower went forth to sow, and his seeds fell on four different types of ground. Each one had a different result - the seeds that fell by the wayside were picked up by the fowls of the air... the seeds that fell among stony ground sprouted, but then died because they had no depth to their root system... the seeds that fell among thorns grew, but then were choked and died... and the seeds that fell on good ground brought forth fruit in varying measures.
It occurred to me as we discussed this parable that if the interpretation of the parable includes the sower to mean Jesus, and the seeds to mean the word of the Gospel, and the ground to mean our (collective) hearts, that a concept we don't talk about enough includes the sower's preparation of the ground prior to sowing; that is, He does everything in His power to make our ground good - rich, deep soil that will take the word and let it grow. This includes harrowing, roto-tilling, digging, removing stones, etc. - and that is what His Atonement does for us, if we let it. It takes our rocky, wayside, or thorny ground (and I would venture to guess for most of us, some of each) and makes it good. It is usually a painful and difficult and lengthy process, but over time, as we allow the sower to till our hearts, we find that we have good ground, deep and rich, and that the seed of His Gospel has sprung up and become a tree bearing a most delicious and wonderful fruit.
And that opens the door for an extensive and enlightening study of Alma & Amulek's discourses on faith and the works that follow such faith... but that is a topic for another day.
And it seems that this is all I have to say today.
Enjoy.
Post Edit:
OK. I changed my mind.
We talked today in Sunday School about the parables Jesus taught during His ministry. Specifically, we discussed the parable of the sower. You know the story... a sower went forth to sow, and his seeds fell on four different types of ground. Each one had a different result - the seeds that fell by the wayside were picked up by the fowls of the air... the seeds that fell among stony ground sprouted, but then died because they had no depth to their root system... the seeds that fell among thorns grew, but then were choked and died... and the seeds that fell on good ground brought forth fruit in varying measures.
It occurred to me as we discussed this parable that if the interpretation of the parable includes the sower to mean Jesus, and the seeds to mean the word of the Gospel, and the ground to mean our (collective) hearts, that a concept we don't talk about enough includes the sower's preparation of the ground prior to sowing; that is, He does everything in His power to make our ground good - rich, deep soil that will take the word and let it grow. This includes harrowing, roto-tilling, digging, removing stones, etc. - and that is what His Atonement does for us, if we let it. It takes our rocky, wayside, or thorny ground (and I would venture to guess for most of us, some of each) and makes it good. It is usually a painful and difficult and lengthy process, but over time, as we allow the sower to till our hearts, we find that we have good ground, deep and rich, and that the seed of His Gospel has sprung up and become a tree bearing a most delicious and wonderful fruit.
And that opens the door for an extensive and enlightening study of Alma & Amulek's discourses on faith and the works that follow such faith... but that is a topic for another day.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Things Are Growing!
Spring is on its way! The lilies of the valley are starting to poke up through the ground. This is exciting.
There might still be ice on Fresh Pond and maybe even on the Charles, but Boston is starting to emerge from its winter cocoon. That makes me happy... like long walks in the sunshine happy, fresh vegetables in salads happy, and smoothies and sourdough happy. Down with heating bills and wool coats!
Tomorrow is the beginning of another daylight savings period, where we compromise an hour's lost sleep for some sunshine later than six in the evening. I think it might well be worth it this time. Especially since I'm tired enough to fall asleep an hour earlier than usual anyway.
There might still be ice on Fresh Pond and maybe even on the Charles, but Boston is starting to emerge from its winter cocoon. That makes me happy... like long walks in the sunshine happy, fresh vegetables in salads happy, and smoothies and sourdough happy. Down with heating bills and wool coats!
Tomorrow is the beginning of another daylight savings period, where we compromise an hour's lost sleep for some sunshine later than six in the evening. I think it might well be worth it this time. Especially since I'm tired enough to fall asleep an hour earlier than usual anyway.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Happy Sabbath!
I spent a lovely day visiting with old friends - people with whom I have spent too little time in the past few months. It was fabulous.
Spring is springing... the snow in front of my house is nearly melted, allowing for safe street parking again (yippee!) without fear of being whacked by an oncoming car as you exit your vehicle... plants are starting to bud and blossom... and I didn't have to wear a coat to church today. These are exciting things.
I made a successful white sauce today, and turned it into the most awesome lasagna I've ever made (not hard, honestly, since I think I've only attempted lasagna one or two other times), from THIS recipe.
How did I find it, you ask?
Well, as I was driving home yesterday from my temple shift, I decided I wanted to go to the store prior to going home, since I was tired enough from working that I knew if I went home I wouldn't go back out again, and since I had a dinner scheduled for tonight and I had rediscovered lasagna noodles in my food storage when I moved it all back into my kitchen last weekend, I determined that I needed to make a lasagna, but I didn't have a good recipe, so I called my sister, who (awesomely) looked one up online for me and told me what ingredients to buy while I was out shopping. Incidentally, I also found a cute top at Ann Taylor (don't ask me how that got on the recipe list ... these things just happen). Then, later, I decided I should buy real milk instead of trying to make a white sauce with soy milk, because (seriously!) the sauce is already loaded with dairy anyway (read: 1/2 cup butter, 2 cups cheese...), so why bother with the soy milk - and I don't know if you even can make a white sauce with soy milk - so I ended up going out again after all. So much for that. :-)
One thousand positive reviews, it turns out, are a pretty good indicator that a recipe is worth it.
Spring is springing... the snow in front of my house is nearly melted, allowing for safe street parking again (yippee!) without fear of being whacked by an oncoming car as you exit your vehicle... plants are starting to bud and blossom... and I didn't have to wear a coat to church today. These are exciting things.
I made a successful white sauce today, and turned it into the most awesome lasagna I've ever made (not hard, honestly, since I think I've only attempted lasagna one or two other times), from THIS recipe.
How did I find it, you ask?
Well, as I was driving home yesterday from my temple shift, I decided I wanted to go to the store prior to going home, since I was tired enough from working that I knew if I went home I wouldn't go back out again, and since I had a dinner scheduled for tonight and I had rediscovered lasagna noodles in my food storage when I moved it all back into my kitchen last weekend, I determined that I needed to make a lasagna, but I didn't have a good recipe, so I called my sister, who (awesomely) looked one up online for me and told me what ingredients to buy while I was out shopping. Incidentally, I also found a cute top at Ann Taylor (don't ask me how that got on the recipe list ... these things just happen). Then, later, I decided I should buy real milk instead of trying to make a white sauce with soy milk, because (seriously!) the sauce is already loaded with dairy anyway (read: 1/2 cup butter, 2 cups cheese...), so why bother with the soy milk - and I don't know if you even can make a white sauce with soy milk - so I ended up going out again after all. So much for that. :-)
One thousand positive reviews, it turns out, are a pretty good indicator that a recipe is worth it.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
On Privilege
I watched a video today that left me feeling astounded at the blessings I possess - blessings I fail to even consider most days. You can watch it here, if you like.
Never before have I thought about how my faith might be different if I lived in a country on another continent. If an opportunity to see the prophet in person came only once or twice in my lifetime. If the closest temple required a passport or a visa and extensive travel.
I marvel at how faithfully the youth of the Church serve in and live the gospel - particularly those who have not been as privileged as I have been. I, who grew up an hours' drive from a temple; who went to school in a place where one could be in the presence of a prophet of God not just once, but many times; who needed no translator to understand that prophet's words (although the Spirit of God typically translates them into life-changing messages); I am both grateful for and profoundly touched by the faith and devotion of the Saints in the Ukraine temple district. They make me want to be better.
Never before have I thought about how my faith might be different if I lived in a country on another continent. If an opportunity to see the prophet in person came only once or twice in my lifetime. If the closest temple required a passport or a visa and extensive travel.
I marvel at how faithfully the youth of the Church serve in and live the gospel - particularly those who have not been as privileged as I have been. I, who grew up an hours' drive from a temple; who went to school in a place where one could be in the presence of a prophet of God not just once, but many times; who needed no translator to understand that prophet's words (although the Spirit of God typically translates them into life-changing messages); I am both grateful for and profoundly touched by the faith and devotion of the Saints in the Ukraine temple district. They make me want to be better.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
A Random Conglomeration of Thoughts, Separated Into Paragraphs
I kid you not: I filed my taxes on Monday. I get my refund on Wednesday. That's 9 days, people! Perhaps our government can be efficient about something. How's that for neat?
I went to a meeting tonight with Bishop Burton and Elder Costa. During Bishop Burton's talk, he spoke about how when he was a teenager, he met with David O. McKay, during which conversation President McKay told him about how when he was a teenager he had met with John Taylor, who had showed the young McKay the scars on his arm from the wounds he sustained during the martyrdom of Joseph Smith. I thought about how wonderful it is that I can hear a man testify that he knew a man who knew a man who spent time in the presence of the Prophet of the Restoration - a prophet who died over 120 years before I was born. That close a connection to the first prophet of this dispensation may not be had by future generations, and I am grateful to have heard that story tonight. As well I am glad for the personal knowledge we each can have of the reality of a living prophet of God on the earth.
About a week or so ago, I had an interesting conversation with a friend about the next generation of electronic entertainment. We have great technology at our fingertips now... the Wii, Kinect, etc, that let us exercise in the comfort of our own homes. This friend predicted that soon, gyms will go the way of all the earth, and people will be able to go to the "virtual gym" without leaving their home. The technology is almost good enough to sense motion in all dimensions - and when it gets there, watch out world! It will be an entirely new way of doing things.
And lastly, a comment on innovation. It is pretty much awesome. I love the creative process and the results of collaborating with people to obtain an innovative and new solution to an existing problem. Everyone should do it.
The End.
I went to a meeting tonight with Bishop Burton and Elder Costa. During Bishop Burton's talk, he spoke about how when he was a teenager, he met with David O. McKay, during which conversation President McKay told him about how when he was a teenager he had met with John Taylor, who had showed the young McKay the scars on his arm from the wounds he sustained during the martyrdom of Joseph Smith. I thought about how wonderful it is that I can hear a man testify that he knew a man who knew a man who spent time in the presence of the Prophet of the Restoration - a prophet who died over 120 years before I was born. That close a connection to the first prophet of this dispensation may not be had by future generations, and I am grateful to have heard that story tonight. As well I am glad for the personal knowledge we each can have of the reality of a living prophet of God on the earth.
About a week or so ago, I had an interesting conversation with a friend about the next generation of electronic entertainment. We have great technology at our fingertips now... the Wii, Kinect, etc, that let us exercise in the comfort of our own homes. This friend predicted that soon, gyms will go the way of all the earth, and people will be able to go to the "virtual gym" without leaving their home. The technology is almost good enough to sense motion in all dimensions - and when it gets there, watch out world! It will be an entirely new way of doing things.
And lastly, a comment on innovation. It is pretty much awesome. I love the creative process and the results of collaborating with people to obtain an innovative and new solution to an existing problem. Everyone should do it.
The End.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
I'm a Popsicle.
Today while I was out, the wind blew. And blew. And blew. It was one of those fierce winds, that whips past your face, pulls the tears from your eyes, and numbs your cheeks instantly. The kind that you have to push back against to stay standing up. Whistling past as fast as it could go, it blew all of yesterday's warmth away, out to sea, and brought winter back with it. Occasionally it would stop, and we would breathe a sigh of relief, and the moment's reprieve would feel a great blessing. Later, it felt even more invasive, finding its way inside my coat sleeves, under my scarf, and through my hair, tugging all my body heat away with it. At the end of our walk, I felt like a popsicle.
But sometimes, it's ok to be a popsicle, if it means a good adventure with a good friend and good food. Have you ever had a frittata? Mmm...
But sometimes, it's ok to be a popsicle, if it means a good adventure with a good friend and good food. Have you ever had a frittata? Mmm...
Friday, February 18, 2011
Happy Friday!
Well, what do you know. I still want Starburst jelly beans. (All the more reason to avoid going to Target this weekend.)
Homemade calzones are awesome. Especially when you don't have to make the dough.
The best default movie is Pride & Prejudice. Yes, the loooong A&E version.
It was warm enough today to melt some of the snow - now I can see the cars coming when I back out of my driveway! Miracles will never cease - so long as there is faith upon the earth. I have been exceedingly grateful the past few weeks for the lack of falling snow - and, this week, the warmer weather that is making it all go away. Bring on Spring!
Arizona grapefruit are still amazingly wonderful. And fresh-squeezed orange juice? Dee-lightful.
That is all.
Homemade calzones are awesome. Especially when you don't have to make the dough.
The best default movie is Pride & Prejudice. Yes, the loooong A&E version.
It was warm enough today to melt some of the snow - now I can see the cars coming when I back out of my driveway! Miracles will never cease - so long as there is faith upon the earth. I have been exceedingly grateful the past few weeks for the lack of falling snow - and, this week, the warmer weather that is making it all go away. Bring on Spring!
Arizona grapefruit are still amazingly wonderful. And fresh-squeezed orange juice? Dee-lightful.
That is all.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Valentine's Day Post
If it wasn't 10:15 pm, and I wasn't in my pajamas, and it wasn't 21 degrees outside, or if my car wasn't already safely parked, I would go to the nearest store and buy clearance valentine candy to eat.
But, a, b, c and d are all true, so I will have to hope that someone else will buy me clearance valentine candy instead. Because tonight I was really craving something made of pure, unhealthy sugar (like the sweetart conversation heart my friend gave me on Sunday, or some original starburst jelly beans, which are the best kind of jelly beans ever) fairly immediately after finishing dinner.
Or I could hope that tomorrow, I'll get a craving to work out instead of eat junk food. That would be awesome.
Happy (post) Valentine's Day.
But, a, b, c and d are all true, so I will have to hope that someone else will buy me clearance valentine candy instead. Because tonight I was really craving something made of pure, unhealthy sugar (like the sweetart conversation heart my friend gave me on Sunday, or some original starburst jelly beans, which are the best kind of jelly beans ever) fairly immediately after finishing dinner.
Or I could hope that tomorrow, I'll get a craving to work out instead of eat junk food. That would be awesome.
Happy (post) Valentine's Day.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Thinking...
For three days in a row, now, I have tried to come up with something to write that might actually be interesting to you.
We'll see if I actually succeed. :-)
We had ponder-worthy lessons in church today. One meeting was all about charity. One meeting was all about miracles. The last meeting was all about work. It fit well together. I tried to let the Spirit guide my thoughts and teach me something in our meetings.
I found myself thinking about how greatly I admire people who are doing their best while humbly admitting they aren't perfect, that they don't understand everything, but that they're trying to do so.
I thought about how when Jesus performed miracles, He charged the recipients of said miracles not to tell anyone - not because it wouldn't be obvious that a blind man could now see, or a deaf man could now hear, or a dead child was now alive - but because the receipt of a miracle is a sacred experience, the details of which should be kept close to our hearts as our own personal treasure of knowledge that our God loves us enough to bless us so abundantly. That a miracle can be as small as hitting all the lights green on the way home, or a bird outside your window to wake you up, or as big and marvelous as the feeling of forgiveness from sin and cleansing from hurt and pain.
I had an interesting thought on the idea of work, too - I don't know what you picture in your mind when you think of the work of the creation, but my picture was sort of this: an all-powerful Being, sitting on a throne, speaks a word and maybe gestures his hand in some way, and poof! It is done. Today's discussion taught me that perhaps this picture is inaccurate. Think instead, of that same Being, moving here & there, using His physical capacities to create and organize, picking up this and putting it there, all the while teaching others how to do the same. The work of teaching is one of His greatest works, and any time we engage in sharing with others the Plan of Salvation (in any part), we are doing the work of God. And in so doing, we find a spirit and satisfaction beyond measure.
We'll see if I actually succeed. :-)
We had ponder-worthy lessons in church today. One meeting was all about charity. One meeting was all about miracles. The last meeting was all about work. It fit well together. I tried to let the Spirit guide my thoughts and teach me something in our meetings.
I found myself thinking about how greatly I admire people who are doing their best while humbly admitting they aren't perfect, that they don't understand everything, but that they're trying to do so.
I thought about how when Jesus performed miracles, He charged the recipients of said miracles not to tell anyone - not because it wouldn't be obvious that a blind man could now see, or a deaf man could now hear, or a dead child was now alive - but because the receipt of a miracle is a sacred experience, the details of which should be kept close to our hearts as our own personal treasure of knowledge that our God loves us enough to bless us so abundantly. That a miracle can be as small as hitting all the lights green on the way home, or a bird outside your window to wake you up, or as big and marvelous as the feeling of forgiveness from sin and cleansing from hurt and pain.
I had an interesting thought on the idea of work, too - I don't know what you picture in your mind when you think of the work of the creation, but my picture was sort of this: an all-powerful Being, sitting on a throne, speaks a word and maybe gestures his hand in some way, and poof! It is done. Today's discussion taught me that perhaps this picture is inaccurate. Think instead, of that same Being, moving here & there, using His physical capacities to create and organize, picking up this and putting it there, all the while teaching others how to do the same. The work of teaching is one of His greatest works, and any time we engage in sharing with others the Plan of Salvation (in any part), we are doing the work of God. And in so doing, we find a spirit and satisfaction beyond measure.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Weekend Lessons
Taking care of yourself improves your ability to take care of others.
It's OK not to call someone back if you are too tired to even think about how what they need might impact your own life. (And texting back with a promise of connecting after you've slept alleviates all the guilt stemming from utter failure to respond.)
Going out to serve even when you are tired brings its own blessings in great abundance.
Sacred moments weave their ways from eyes to mind to heart, touching and changing our lives forever.
Inviting friends to dinner means fewer days in a row you have to eat the same leftovers - and the company is wonderful, too!
A "warm" (for February) day that melted some of the ice and snow to the point that I am no longer worried about slipping and falling every three feet (or about my roof getting water damaged) is, to me, an indication that when I focus on others, the Lord blesses me with answers to my own concerns.
Home teachers who care enough to care for the single women around them are blessings from heaven.
It's OK not to call someone back if you are too tired to even think about how what they need might impact your own life. (And texting back with a promise of connecting after you've slept alleviates all the guilt stemming from utter failure to respond.)
Going out to serve even when you are tired brings its own blessings in great abundance.
Sacred moments weave their ways from eyes to mind to heart, touching and changing our lives forever.
Inviting friends to dinner means fewer days in a row you have to eat the same leftovers - and the company is wonderful, too!
A "warm" (for February) day that melted some of the ice and snow to the point that I am no longer worried about slipping and falling every three feet (or about my roof getting water damaged) is, to me, an indication that when I focus on others, the Lord blesses me with answers to my own concerns.
Home teachers who care enough to care for the single women around them are blessings from heaven.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Be Still
I appreciate my quiet life. Sometimes more than others... there are those times when it feels too quiet for me, when I would really enjoy the cacophony of little voices in the background, or a little music to break the lonely stillness. But most of the time, I like the quiet.
I like sitting still, letting my mind wander, interested to learn where its ramblings will end, occasionally amused with tracing a train of thought back to its original departure point, marveling at the connections I have managed to make between terribly unrelated topics.
I like the stillness of the temple, where love is spoken with kind looks and gentle hands, where my thoughts can become conversations with a Divine Being, and the discussions are real, two-way, and fulfilling.
Or the comfortable quiet of family togetherness, like when I was a teenager and Sunday afternoons were almost always spent in the living room, each kid on his or her own section of the couch with a book and sometimes a snack. Which then reminds me of the times we would gather on Mom & Dad's bed in the fading Sabbath evening, enjoying a conversation & laughter together (and effectively delaying bedtime, for what mother sends all her children to bed when they are finally enjoying themselves together in peaceful harmony? Not mine...).
Yes, for me, the quiet opens the door to revelation. Even when there is not quiet in my environment, revelation comes when there is quiet in my mind. I do not know what the future holds, but when I take a quiet moment to "be still", the Spirit whispers that this is the right path, that all will be well, and that great things are on the horizon.
Neat-o.
I like sitting still, letting my mind wander, interested to learn where its ramblings will end, occasionally amused with tracing a train of thought back to its original departure point, marveling at the connections I have managed to make between terribly unrelated topics.
I like the stillness of the temple, where love is spoken with kind looks and gentle hands, where my thoughts can become conversations with a Divine Being, and the discussions are real, two-way, and fulfilling.
Or the comfortable quiet of family togetherness, like when I was a teenager and Sunday afternoons were almost always spent in the living room, each kid on his or her own section of the couch with a book and sometimes a snack. Which then reminds me of the times we would gather on Mom & Dad's bed in the fading Sabbath evening, enjoying a conversation & laughter together (and effectively delaying bedtime, for what mother sends all her children to bed when they are finally enjoying themselves together in peaceful harmony? Not mine...).
Yes, for me, the quiet opens the door to revelation. Even when there is not quiet in my environment, revelation comes when there is quiet in my mind. I do not know what the future holds, but when I take a quiet moment to "be still", the Spirit whispers that this is the right path, that all will be well, and that great things are on the horizon.
Neat-o.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Cyber-Thanks & Pictures
To the wonderful person who shoveled the path from the end of the driveway to the garage...
*Poor picture quality courtesy of the 11 degree weather outside and the fact that I wasn't wearing gloves.
Thank You.
H was so grateful she promised dinner for a week, if you reveal yourself. It saved her lots of time in which she would have been shoveling snow to extract her car.
And speaking of amazing talents (like secret snow shovelers), check this out: a totally awesome handmade travel bag to fill with stuff to do while on an airplane. It came pre-stuffed, too, thanks to my awesome craft-inclined friend... and I love the frogs.
And finally, the creation I told you about last year that I gave to my wonderful temple friend... so I can keep my promise of pictures, and as proof that I have what we might call "spare time" (at least, I did at one point!). :-)
*Poor picture quality courtesy of the 11 degree weather outside and the fact that I wasn't wearing gloves.
Thank You.
H was so grateful she promised dinner for a week, if you reveal yourself. It saved her lots of time in which she would have been shoveling snow to extract her car.
And speaking of amazing talents (like secret snow shovelers), check this out: a totally awesome handmade travel bag to fill with stuff to do while on an airplane. It came pre-stuffed, too, thanks to my awesome craft-inclined friend... and I love the frogs.
And finally, the creation I told you about last year that I gave to my wonderful temple friend... so I can keep my promise of pictures, and as proof that I have what we might call "spare time" (at least, I did at one point!). :-)
That is all.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
I Would Say More, But I'm Tired...
I reorganized my living room today. I feel a certain sense of satisfaction out of making things neat and orderly. Especially after I have made them chaotic and messy. I also rediscovered a bunch of books that I forgot I had... which is what one experiences, I suppose, when one puts cool books on the bottom shelf in a room one rarely spends time in. And now, we have a logical setup - the movies and CDs are actually in the same room as all the electronics! Whee.
After trying to write more than this and realizing I can't put my thoughts together, I have decided to be done.
The End.
After trying to write more than this and realizing I can't put my thoughts together, I have decided to be done.
The End.
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