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.
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?
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