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.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
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.
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