Connections

Trials

2012-02-29T06:19:00.001-08:00

A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him. ~ David Brinkley

A Woman's Power by Fay Klinger

2012-02-27T06:16:00.001-08:00

This well-crafted book guides women to a more thoughtful, binding relationship with their Father in Heaven. Scriptural references and stories lead women of all ages toward a more spiritual sense of self. Through prayer and scripture study, a woman can gain knowledge, companionship of the Holy Spirit and confidence in their ability to make wise selection.
A frank discussion concerning cautions in relationships will lead readers to make enlightened choices in friendships and partnerships. Her personal examples lead those who read to know that she truly understands these principles.
The goal-setting chapter is particularly enlightening because it aids the reader in changing wants into goal-statements and daily actions as outlined with specific examples.
The author ends with sections on supporting one another and having patience, abolishing dysfunctional thoughts of ‘I want what I want;’ and ‘What I want should happen right now.’
In a very gospel-oriented way the author leads the reader to healthy thinking skills through scripture study, prayer, and daily actions that will give the reader to a greater spiritual and temporal life.
I recommend this book to all those interested in deeper self-understanding and a greater sense of spirituality.

What we believe

2012-02-24T07:21:00.000-08:00

Our lives are the only meaningful expression
of what we believe and in Whom we believe.
And the only real wealth, for any of us, lies in our faith.
- Gordon B. Hinckley

Service

2012-02-22T07:18:00.000-08:00

Be wise in the days of your probation . . . ask . . . to . . .but serve the true and living God. Mormon 9:28.

Service

2012-02-20T07:14:00.000-08:00

And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. Mosiah 2:17

Everything Good is of God

2012-02-18T15:14:00.000-08:00

I love Moroni Chapter 7. It's one of my favorite scripture chapters of all times. I found a verse I haven't noticed before.

"But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God." Moroni 7:13

I love the thought that all the good that everyone does is of God. It puts the world and the love in it in perspective.

Retirement Quest by John Hauserman

2012-02-15T14:54:00.000-08:00

Retirement Quest by John Hauserman, CFP
I really enjoyed reading John Hauserman’s Retirement Quest. The information is pertinent, insightful and easy to understand.
Many of the reviews of this book will be by younger people who need to plan for retirement. My husband and I are already retired, and this book was a good reminder that we have done well in preparing for the retirement we are now experiencing. We have a pension and social security, plus our 401K so we have adequate money to live on.
It is good to remember, though, that our children need to save because some of them won’t have pensions to rely on. I am planning to let them read this excellent assessment of the future so they’ll know what’s coming.
Hauserman is conservative in his planning. He says those who invest with the idea that ‘gambling mentality’ and ‘high-risk’ behavior will probably find loss in the long run. Steady day-to-day planning and investment with moderation in all our finances will bring the best results.
The author postulates that as all of us add to our 401K’s and IRA’s, we are inadvertently boosting the economy of the United States and putting our country in better financial status in our global society.
I personally think a Certified Financial Planner is a great initial investment for your retirement plan. Our planner has given us sound advice and helped us develop a savings system that works for us.
I would highly recommend this book to everyone interested in a comfortable, anxiety-free retirement.
www.retirementquest.com
www.fivestarprofessional.com

Self Esteem

2012-02-15T07:38:00.000-08:00

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
- Eleanor Roosevelt

Service

2012-02-13T07:36:00.000-08:00

One of the deep secrets of life is that all that is really worth the doing is what we do for others.
- Lewis Carroll

Prayer

2012-02-11T07:32:00.000-08:00

I was worried last week because our Ensign didn't come. I wondered if our subscription had run out. I was very happy when it showed up yesterday in the mail. Funny how we appreciate something ony when it's missing!

I love President Eyring's First Presidency Message. I love his statement: "No exhortation to pray has had as great an effect on me as have the feelings oflove and light that come with answers to humble prayers."

We have all felt this way. I pray to feel this way often. I love the feeling.

Beauty in Trials

2012-02-10T07:18:00.000-08:00

But he who dares not grasp the thorn
Should never crave the rose.
- Anne Brontë

Love of Others

2012-02-08T07:17:00.000-08:00

Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?
- Abraham Lincoln

Self Care

2012-02-06T07:15:00.000-08:00

If you have no compassion for yourself then you are not capable of developing compassion for others. ~ Dalai Lama

God's Handiwork

2012-02-04T07:14:00.000-08:00

My business is not to remake myself, but to make the absolute best of what God made.
-Robert Browning

Hands of the Lord

2012-02-03T07:03:00.000-08:00

I am totally in the hands of the Lord.
- Gordon B. Hinckley

Gifts

2012-02-02T06:28:00.000-08:00

For there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. D&C 46:11

What is your gift?

Prayer and Work

2012-02-01T07:01:00.000-08:00

"Get on your knees and pray, then get on your feet and work."
- Gordon B. Hinckley

Charity

2012-01-30T05:51:00.000-08:00

Charity is born of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and is an effect of His Atonement working in the hearts of the members . . . Joseph Smith

Heaven

2012-01-27T06:48:00.000-08:00

“Heaven is a place, but also a condition; it is home and family. It is understanding and kindness. It is interdependence and selfless activity. It is quiet, sane living, personal sacrifice, genuine hospitality, wholesome concern for others. It is living the commandments of God without ostentation or hypocrisy. It is selflessness. It is all about us. We need only to be able to recognize it as we find it and enjoy it. . . . I have had many glimpses of heaven.” Spencer W. Kinball, Daughters in My Kingdom, p. 162

Delivering Hope by Jennifer Ann Holt

2012-01-26T07:03:00.000-08:00

What an inspiring book this is! I loved reading it.
Olivia and Michael are unable to have children. Through years of waiting, anticipation, hope and prayer, the fertility doctors finally tell them there is no chance of them getting pregnant. Olivia has a difficult time accepting this path until she reads her Great Aunt Elizabeth’s journal and finds that this grand lady walked the same road with honor and dignity, giving love and service throughout her life.
Allison is a model young woman, active in the Church and a good student with plans to attend college after high school graduation. A night of poor decisions changes her life forever, and she finds herself in the Bishop’s office, telling him that she’s pregnant.
The author has skillfully presented all the obstacles that line the paths for each situation. Her understanding of the issues for both parties is presented with depth and insight.
As a retired Marriage and Family Therapist, I would love to have had this book for my couples who faced infertility as well as the young girls I worked with who found themselves pregnant. My hat is off to you, Jennifer. This is a well-written book. I give it a great recommendation.
Christy Monson, L.M.F.T., Retired.

Hard Work

2012-01-25T06:51:00.000-08:00

Without hard work,
nothing grows but weeds.

- Gordon B. Hinckley

Sunlight

2012-01-23T06:50:00.000-08:00

"Stop looking for the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight."
- Gordon B. Hinckley

Great and Noble Tasks

2012-01-21T19:11:00.000-08:00

I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble." Helen Keller

A Child

2012-01-20T06:55:00.000-08:00

Whenever a woman strengthens the faith of a child, she contributes to the strength of a family--now and in the future. Daughters in My Kingdom, p. 159

Our Best

2012-01-18T06:54:00.000-08:00

When we have done our very best, we may still experience disappointments, but we will not be disappointed in ourselves. We can feel certain that the Lord is pleased when we feel the Spirit working through us." Julie B. Beck

Motherhood

2012-01-15T06:52:00.000-08:00

Motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels." David O. McKay

I Am In Your Midst

2012-01-12T06:47:00.000-08:00

But behold, verily, verily, I say unto you that mine eyes are upon you. I am in your midst and ye cannot see me.D&C 38:7

I love this scripture. It's a great comfort to me to know that I am personally being watched over. I have the gift of guidance with me always.

Two Souls Are Better Than One

2012-01-07T07:55:00.000-08:00

This delightful middle-grade novel is a great venture of dueling wizards and kids. Twists and turns in the story keep the reader guessing what’s coming next.

Bullies attack JJ at school, causing a fight and leaving him suspended. But JJ has plenty of things to keep him busy. He accidentally steps through a portal into another world, looking for his father and ends up with an old guy sharing his body, which can be very annoying at times!

JJ discovers he has ‘special’ powers. Is he a wizard? His life turns topsy turvy when he discovers some of his friends and neighbors are associated with worlds beyond his own. He even has a very ‘cool’ grandmother.

Join JJ and his twin sister Jessie as they race to rescue their dad from a power monger. Will they succeed against the evil that’s spilling from another world into theirs?

Fast action, humor, zany ideas and out-of-the box thinking keeps the reader on his or her toes for a fun adventure in good reading. Enjoy!!!

Priesthood

2012-01-04T07:44:00.000-08:00

"Men have no greater claim than women upon the blessings that issue from the Priesthood and accompany its possession." Elder John A. Widstoe

Usefullness

2012-01-02T07:38:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth Ann Whitney, wife of Newel K. Whitney said "If there are any principles which have given me strength, and by which I have learned to live more truely a life of usefulness, it seems to me I could wish to impart this joy and strength to others; to tell them what the Gospel has been and is to me, ever since I embraced it and learned to live by its laws. A fresh revelation of the Spirit day by day, an unveiling of mysteries which before were dark, deep, unexplained and incomprehensible; a more implicit faith in a divine power, in infinite truth emanating from God the Father."

Prophet's Blessing

2011-12-29T06:40:00.000-08:00

President Thomas S. Monson left us with these powerful words at the end of October 2011 Conference. I want to burn them into my heart and remember them forever.
"I bear testimony to you that this work is true, that our Savior lives, and that He guides and directs His Church here upon the earth. I leave with you my witness and my testimony that God our Eternal Father lives and loves us. He is indeed our Father, and He is personal and real. May we realize and understand how close to us He is willing to come, how far He is willing to go to help us, how much He loves us, and how much He does and is willing to do for us.
May He bless you. May His promised peace be with you now and always."

SavvySavings Book Review

2011-12-26T08:48:00.000-08:00

Savvy $aving by Melissa Jennings and Shelly King, from the hit blog www.stockpilingmoms.com is a great way to get your family budget under control and give you peace of mind because you’ll never have to run to the store when company is coming again.
This book is easy to read, has great suggestions from coupon clipping to budgeting your spending dollar. It will help you with monthly menu planning. It gives you specific tips for savings at individual drug stores, grocery stores, specialty stores and mega superstores.
I love the little tips scattered generously throughout the book.
Blogs and web sites are suggested to augment your spending dollar. These authors include everything from twitter to your AAA card.
Check this book out. It’s worth its weight in gold, literally. I loved it. Christy

That of Most Worth

2011-12-21T07:01:00.000-08:00

For many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you. . . .that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to . . . bring souls unto me. D&C 15:4,6

I ask myself this question daily. What will I do today to further God's kingdom? Genealogy, temple work, loving my children and grandchildren, giving to the needy in body and spirit?

What will you do?

Aassassination of Governor Boggs

2011-12-19T07:33:00.000-08:00

“After an attempted assassination, Governor Lilburn Boggs couldn’t prove who’d taken a shot at him, leaving the identity of his assailant a mystery. Twenty-five years later and after the passing of Gov. Boggs, Detective Calvin Pogue has been hired by the Boggs family to open this cold case and find out the truth about the assassin. From Missouri to California and into the heart of the Utah territory, Detective Pogue relentlessly seeks clues that lead him to the legendary Mormon gunman Porter R ockwell—who still isn’t making things easy for anyone!” Back cover.
Anyone who loves good historical fiction and sleuthing fun will love this book. The characters are well-developed, and picturesque descriptions along with great imagery augment this delicious mystery. Miller’s subplots add depth to the story as he looks at all sides of the somewhat complex issue.
Rod Miller is a noted writer of the old west, and his style brings this story to life. The only things wanting as I read the novel were end notes and original-source references. As a student of history, I’m always looking to primary sources for more information.
This book will make a gift to the history buffs in your family. Happy reading!

Fractured Light

2011-12-17T07:16:00.000-08:00

I’m dying, I thought. This was unexpected and not at all how I envisioned my death. I was supposed to die gardening in a flowerbed as a hundred-year-old woman, not as a seventeen-year-old trapped in a lake beneath inches of ice.

Llona Reese is used to living on the run. After the Vykens killed her parents, she knew they would eventually come for her too. She can’t take any chances. But when she starts to make friends for the first time in her life, she gets careless and lets her guard down. Big mistake.

As an Aura, Llona can manipulate light and harness its energy. But if she wants to survive, Llona will have to defy the Auran Council and learn to use her power as a weapon against the Vyken whose sole desire is to take her light. Now she’s caught in something even bigger than she can understand, with a power she can’t wield, and no one she can trust, except, just maybe, a mysterious stranger.

In this breathtaking and romantic adventure, Rachel McClellan delivers a truly mesmerizing story that will keep you guessing to the very end.

Llona is a strong, compassionate protagonist that must learn to manage and work with her gift of light.As she becomes stronger this light is her survival weapon against the fear that haunts her.

The plot is fast-paced as the Auras and Vykens square off. Good story development and writing, along with a great dash of twists and turns to keep the readers attention.

YA readers will love this debut fantasy novel. Well done!

Carving With Angels

2011-12-15T16:04:00.001-08:00

Carving with Angels is a delightful Christmas story. Yes, it’s about one of Santa’s elves. Elderly and blind, Papa Adam has given up on his great carving skill and life itself. All he can think about is his aches and pains and when dinner is coming—until a five-year-old Angel comes into his life.
Diane Tolley’s writing skill is superb. Especially cute is the conversation between Papa Adam and Dasher. She brings the reindeer to life with grunts, nudges and slobbery kisses which will enchant the entire family.
Papa Adam and his little Angel create a special surprise and save Christmas. But, more important than that they learn lessons about love, service, enduring to the end and the special gifts of forgotten handicapped elves. This charming book will delight young and old alike and will be a great addition to your Christmas collection.

Righteousness

2011-12-14T06:48:00.000-08:00

“The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.” Isaiah 32:17

Friendship

2011-12-12T17:32:00.000-08:00

I have some very dear friends that I've been with this past weekend. We have laughed and cried together. What a blessing love is in our lives. I bask in it's nurturing warmth.

Friendship is the breathing rose, with sweets in every fold.
Oliver Wendell Holmes

Heritage

2011-12-10T17:28:00.000-08:00

Heritage is passed heart to heart. Henry B. Eyring

When I read this quote, I had to think about it a little. The things I love about my grandmother and great-grandmother are the things I came to love. They both had a committment to the Savior; they both loved to read; they both lived by the Spirit.

It made me think about the things I'm teaching my grandchildren that are important to me. What is important to you? Are you passing your values on to those who come after you? I hope I am.

Carving with Angels

2011-12-07T06:48:00.000-08:00

Carving Angels - Behind the Wood Shavings

I love a background story.
Just as I love the secondary characters in a movie.
Each adds . . . substance.
And, let's face it, the lead story and the lead characters have all been done to death. The world is looking for something fresh and new.
But who says that fresh and new can't be siphoned off of the old and overdone?
Carving Angels came from just such an idea.
I was looking at a picture of Santa Claus, riding in his famous sleigh.
Pulled by his equally famous reindeer.
And the thought struck me - 'Huh. I wonder where he got his sleigh?' It is such an integral part of the whole 'Santa' story, but no one has ever explained where it came from.
Did he mail order it?
The number of stamps alone would be mind-boggling.
Visit 'Sleighs R Us' on one of his weekend getaways to New York or places south?
Possible, but doubtful. For one thing, I've never seen a 'Sleighs R Us' store.
Even in Edmonton.
I sincerely doubt that one could find a Sears or Costco at the North Pole.
The only other solutions seemed to be either union-made (elves), or non-union 'constructed in someone's shop' (also elves).
Bingo.
I had my premise.
Santa's sleigh was constructed by elves.
Or more particularly, by an elf.
A very gifted elf.
But what kind of gifts?
A metal worker/welder?
I'm sure they have them in abundance at the North Pole. After all, who else could construct the plethora of things metal that appear under our tree on Christmas morning?
Okay, that's one possibility.
Computer whiz.
Handy, especially when it came to interior bells and whistles.
But, let's face it, a virtual sleigh, though it might look good on the silver screen, really couldn't pass muster when it came to actually carrying the big guy and serving as a repository for the all-important toys and gifts.
Computer whizzes - out.
Wait. What about a wood carver?
We're talking about a night spent in an open sleigh in sub-zero temperatures.
Okay, yes, I know that many of Santa's deliveries are to tropical and sub-tropical locales, but we should plan for the frozen-est, rather than the warm-est, right?
Moving on . . .
Hmm. Wood vs. metal.
Wood is so much warmer than metal.
Anyone who has done the all important/stupid frozen metal-tongue test (and I'm not saying I have) knows that wood, even when frozen solid, simply does not have the sticking power of super-cooled metal.
A definite plus for the wood argument.
Let's go with that.
So. A wood-carving elf.
Now, how can we make him (or her) special.
And at the same time make his (all right, I've decided he's a guy) accomplishment just a bit . . . tougher. Harder to imagine.
Or believe.
We'll give him a handicap.
Something to overcome.
Something that will make his achievement that much more astounding.
Age?
Good.
Infirmity?
Better.
Blind?
Perfect.
And we'll drag in his tiny little granddaughter because she is so sweet and cute and because she is equally handicapped by age.
And because we need someone to help on the rare occasions when our carver actually needs to 'see'.
So now, all we need is a bit of background: A former career as Santa's chief carver, followed by ten years of despair.
And the story is set.
Carving Angels is born.

Work

2011-12-01T17:12:00.000-08:00

Work enables us to survive disappointments and tragedies of the mortal experience. Hard-earned achievement brings a sense of self-worth. Conference report Elder Todd Christofferson, November Ensign, 2010, p. 17.

Privilege of Work

2011-11-30T17:11:00.000-08:00

“Let us realize that the privilege to work is a gift, that power to work is a blessing, that love of work is success.” David O. McKay,

Work

2011-11-28T17:10:00.000-08:00

I love this quote from Daughters in My Kingdom. It says just what I feel. I love thinking that I am part of the branch.

“If we only half do our work we will have no pleasure, if we do it from a sense of duty we will have no joy but if we feel we are a branch of this vine, and that our Father in Heaven has felt us to be worthy to be a member of that branch, and that we can carry this work when it is here to do, then we will have joy.” Louise Y. Robison, 7th General Relief Society President, RS Magazine, Nov 1933, 649. Daughters in My Kingdom, p. 70.

Be like Him

2011-11-25T19:36:00.000-08:00

48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, 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. Amen.
Moroni 7:48

This is one of my favorite scriptures.

Charity

2011-11-23T19:33:00.000-08:00

45 And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—
47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

Moroni 7:45 - 47

I have a friend who just has a stroke. Her physical body is fine, but she can't talk or read. I can see the frustration in her face. She thinks it inside, but can't say it. I have to guess what she's thinking. How hard that must be for her. Feelings of love and charity boil out of me for her. I hope I can always have charity.

Meekness

2011-11-21T19:31:00.000-08:00

43 And again, behold I say unto you that he cannot have faith and hope, save he shall be meek, and lowly of heart.
44 If so, his faith and hope is vain, for none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart; and if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ,
Mormoni 7:43 - 44
Sometimes I don't feel meek. I'm working on meek this week. To me it means a soft heart. I hope I have one. I'm trying.

Faith and Meekness

2011-11-19T19:27:00.000-08:00

38 For no man can be saved, according to the words of Christ, save they shall have faith in his name; wherefore, if these things have ceased, then has faith ceased also; and awful is the state of man, for they are as though there had been no redemption made.
39 But behold, my beloved brethren, I judge better things of you, for I judge that ye have faith in Christ because of your meekness; for if ye have not faith in him then ye are not fit to be numbered among the people of his church.
Moroni 7:38-39

I love this scripture because I don't usually think of Faith and Meekness together. I'm going to remember this concept this week. If I am meek, maybe my faith will grow stronger.

God's Perspective

2011-11-10T06:32:00.000-08:00

God's creations are numberless. The vastness of his handiwork is great. Yet, His work and His glory is to bring to pass our individual exaltation.

"This is a paradox of man: compared to God, man is nothing; yet we are everything to God." Uchtdorf Conference Address

Carving with Angels

2011-11-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

Gordon B. HInkley Quotes

2011-11-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

Here are some 'wisdom quotes' to help all of us live a better life.

"Life is to be enjoyed, not endured"
- Gordon B. Hinckley

Respect for self is the beginning
of cultivating virtue in men and women.
- Gordon B. Hinckley

"You can be smart and happy or stupid and miserable. . .
it's your choice"
- Gordon B. Hinckley

Gordon B. Hinkley Quotes

2011-11-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

President Hinkley had such wonderful common sense.

Our kindness may be the most persuasive argument
for that which we believe.
- Gordon B. Hinckley

I am totally in the hands of the Lord.
- Gordon B. Hinckley

"Good books are as friends,
willing to give to us if we are willing to make a little effort."
- Gordon B. Hinckley

President Gordon B. Hinkley

2011-10-31T13:18:00.000-07:00

I've just been reviewing some of President Hinkley's quotes. What a great man he was. He had a way of saying this concisely and right to the point. This week I'll share a few of my favorite.

Without hard work,
nothing grows but weeds.
- Gordon B. Hinckley

"Get on your knees and pray, then get on your feet and work."
- Gordon B. Hinckley

"If Life Gets Too Hard To Stand, Kneel."
- Gordon B. Hinckley

Christ

2011-10-29T07:02:00.000-07:00

In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Psalms 62:7

Beautiful blessings, beautiful poetry, beautiful chiasmus.

The Lord

2011-10-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Psalms 27:14

This says so much in so few words. May I keep these words close to my heart.

Christ

2011-10-24T06:56:00.000-07:00

One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
Psalms 27:4 - 5

David's great testimony of the Savior inspires me. What love and protection we have from Him, who is my Lord and Savior.

The Covenant

2011-10-22T06:53:00.000-07:00

The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. Psalms 25:14

Sometimes my gratitude for my covenants with the Lord is overwhelming. What a blessing they are in my life.

Testimony

2011-10-19T06:51:00.000-07:00

But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
12 For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield. Psalms 5:11 - 12

What a strong testimony David had. May mine be the same.

David

2011-10-17T06:44:00.000-07:00

I love thinking and pondering about David and his life. He was a very talented man. His artistic talents are admired by many. He had the ability to reflect deeply on life. I'd like to share some of my favorite Psalms, that he probably wrote, in the coming days.

Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; . . . Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Psalms 3:7 - 8

Failure

2011-10-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.
- Truman Capote

Faith

2011-10-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

"yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them." Alma 56:47

How strong is my faith? Does it ever waver? May I seek God and come to know He will deliver me.

Dreams

2011-10-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.
- Edgar Allan Poe

Blessings

2011-10-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

I just spent the afternoon with a group of people that are as dear to me as life itself. They are kind, loving, fun, happy and caring.

"Let brotherly love continue. . .for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Hebrews 13:1 - 2

Being with these wonderful men and women is like being with angels. What a blessing to have angels in my life!

Roses

2011-10-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

I love my rose garden this time of year. When other flowers are wilting and at the end of their existence, my roses are vibrant and strong. They will weather the winter storms and bring their beauty to the world again in the spring.

Trials and thorns litter my path, but the beauty of the journey is worth passing by through the hard times.

But he who dares not grasp the thorn
Should never crave the rose.
- Anne Brontë

Patience

2011-10-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

If you are irritated by every rub, how will your mirror be polished?
- Rumi

Families

2011-10-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

When Moroni raised the title of liberty, he said this:

In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole. Alma 46:12

I'm glad he mentioned families. My family means so much to me. They are my life. True joy comes from the time we spend together and the love we share.

God's Protection

2011-09-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

"And they shall go out from all nations; and . . . I will go before them."

Why do I love this scripture? Because of our missionary grandson in Argentina? Because I love that the gospel is spreading over the whole earth? Because I love my God? Because God will protect those I love, and me.

Maybe all these reasons. Maybe more reasons I haven't even thought of yet. All I know is that I love this scripture.

What Do You Live For?

2011-09-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

Everything that lives, lives not alone, nor for itself.

-William Blake

What do you live for? Sometimes I ask myself this question. The answers have varied in my life.
My religion
My family
My children
My husband
Myself
And now my writing

Contest Winner

2011-09-25T06:11:00.001-07:00

Judy has won the September Blog Contest! She receives "Tales from Huntsville Eden and Liberty and Beyond." Congratulations Judy!

Writing

2011-09-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan. It was published in 1942 by Dutton. The book is still in print! It's a World War II thriller where the children outwit the Germans.

What a legacy to write something that children have enjoyed for almost 70 years.

Sometimes I imagine being in that magical space of a child's imagination, engaging a child in a story he can't put down. If I could do that even once or twice, I would feel well paid for my writing.

Life

2011-09-23T07:16:00.000-07:00

Life's under no obligation to give us what we expect.

- Margaret Mitchell

Sometimes I would love to order the world as I would like it to be, but I'm not in charge. And I really don't want to be. That's too much responsibility for me :)

Contest

2011-09-22T04:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the September Blog Hop! Celebrate the beginning of fall with me and my blogger friends by hopping around, visiting our sites, and entering our contests! There are no limits - you can enter the contest on every blog. With over 40 blogs participating, that's over 40 prizes you could win. Just click on the links below to move on to the next blog.

On my blog, you can win …

A book of ghostly "Tales from Huntsville, Eden and Liberty."

Would you like to win this prize? You just need to do two things.

1. Become a follower of this blog.

2. Leave me a comment in the trail and tell me why you'd like to win this prize.

That's it! You are now entered. The contest ends on Saturday night, September 24th, at midnight MST, and the winner will be contacted shortly thereafter. Please either leave your e-mail address in the comment trail or make sure it's visible through your profile so I can contact you to tell you that you're the lucky winner.

Now go visit my other friends ...

Friends

2011-09-21T07:13:00.000-07:00

Sometimes our light goes out, but is blown again into instant flame by an encounter with another human being.

Albert Schweitzer

When my light gets dim (I don't think it ever goes completely out) I organize a day with dear, dear friends. Last Thursday I met a group at the temple and enjoyed every minute with them. It's a peaceful place to be with those you love, and then we laughed and talked over lunch.

In the eveying I met my writing group. They are the greatest people in the world because they keep my head on straight (and it has a tendency to get crooked at times). I trust their judgment and feedback on my stories above all else.

What a gift I've been given to associate with those who help me become better than my best self.

How do you keep your light bright?

Gifts

2011-09-19T07:07:00.000-07:00

My business is not to remake myself, but to make the absolute best of what God made.

-Robert Browning

I found this the other day, and it rings true for me. I love writing, giving service, working hard and many other things. I can enhance the gifts I've been given, but not become someone different.

Who are you? What are your gifts? Make the best of them.

Your Truth

2011-09-17T06:45:00.000-07:00

The moment we begin to fear the opinions of others and hesitate to tell the truth that is in us, . . . the divine floods of light . . . no longer flow into our souls.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Compassion

2011-09-14T06:42:00.000-07:00

If you have no compassion for yourself then you are not capable of developing compassion for others. ~ Dalai Lama

The Spirit

2011-09-12T06:41:00.000-07:00

3 Nephi 12:2

blessed are they who shall believe in your words. Yea, blessed are they who shall believe in your words, and come down into the depths of humility and be baptized, for they shall be visited with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and shall receive a remission of their sins.

The Spirit

2011-09-10T06:41:00.000-07:00

Eliza R. Snow, “The Spirit “satisfies and fills up every longing on the human heart, and fills up every vacuum. . . And is it not our privilege to so live that we can have this constantly flowing into our souls?” Daughters in my Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society (2011), 46.

My constant goal and prayer is that I can do this in my life. Sometimes I am more successful than other times, but the blessing is always before me, and I try not to forget it. Daily scripture study keeps it always in my mind.

Listening

2011-09-08T05:58:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I just need to quit complaining and listen.

That happened to the people in 3rd Nephi 10:2. There had been darkness and destruction upon all the land, and they heard a voice. The people were so astonished that they: "did cease lamenting and howling for the loss of their kindred . . . there came a voice again unto the people, and all the people did hear, and did witness of it, saying: . . . how oft have I gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and have nourished you." 3 Nephi 10:2 - 4

And again the third time they did hear the voice, and did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came.
3 Nephi 11:5
What a blessing it is to have the capacity to listen. I will listen more diligently in my life.

Comfort

2011-08-31T07:26:00.000-07:00

When my children have trials, where do I turn for comfort? Will they turn also?

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. John 14:18

Comfort

2011-08-29T07:22:00.000-07:00

In my need I find comfort in this scripture. Do I have faith to really believe it?

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive Matthew 21:22

All Things Come from God

2011-08-27T07:20:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I forget this and am reminded in my want. Oh, that I might keep this thought with me forever.

Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God Moroni 7:12

All Things

2011-08-24T07:15:00.000-07:00

When I am discouraged, I love reading this scripture. It comforts me.

. . . but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever. Alma 26:12

Temple Time

2011-08-22T07:12:00.000-07:00

When we do a family reunion, we like to spend some time in the temple. We took everyone to the Idaho Falls Temple this year. The love being together doing baptisms for the dead. We adults had a great time participating in other ordinances.

It seems like the Spirit draws us together with more love than we had before. I am so grateful for the love of family. Wwhat a blessing!

Family Reunions

2011-08-20T07:12:00.000-07:00

Family reunions are a lot of fun, but they are also a lot of work for the person organizing them. I love my kids because they are really good help. Everyone pitches in to do their part.

We love to play together. This year we took everyone to Yellowstone Park. What a fun place to be! The teenagers had so much fun together. They all piled into one car. We followed behind them and could see them laughing and joking with each other. What fun memories!

In Christ We Can Do All Things

2011-08-15T06:18:00.000-07:00

Paul is in prison, but does not complain.

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:11 – 13

In Christ we can do all things.

In The World

2011-08-13T06:16:00.000-07:00

God will not take us out of the world.

I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. John 17:15

Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full. Section 101:36

Trust in the Lord

2011-08-10T06:15:00.000-07:00

False Assumption #2 We can Trust in Our Own Efforts

For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. 2 Nephi 25:23

And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. 2 Nephi 31:19

Be of Good Cheer

2011-08-08T06:13:00.000-07:00

False Assumption #1 We can Avoid Tribulation

For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:6 – 9

Be of Good Cheer

2011-08-06T06:11:00.000-07:00

I just read an article by Camille Fronk Olson in the July Ensign, 2011. She talked about finding happiness in our lives.

And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

Matthew 9:2

And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

Matthew 14:26 - 27

Nourishment

2011-08-03T06:02:00.000-07:00

During this time when I'm not going to the temple two days each week, I must guard myself to keep my testimony growing. Each day I must take time for spiritual renewing each day. The seed is still good. I must continually nourish and strengthen my testimony.

But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for its nourishment, behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of the sun cometh and scorcheth it, because it hath no root it withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out.
39
(Book of Mormon | Alma 32:38 - 39) Now, this is not because the seed was not good, neither is it because the fruit thereof would not be desirable; but it is because your ground is barren, and ye will not nourish the tree, therefore ye cannot have the fruit thereof.

Light versus Dark

2011-08-01T06:49:00.000-07:00

I have always known that light is stronger than dark, but I came upon a scripture than shows it so poignantly that I wanted to share it.

And it came to pass that the Lamanites did hunt the band of robbers of Gadianton; and they did preach the word of God among the more wicked part of them, insomuch that this band of robbers was utterly destroyed from among the Lamanites.
38
(

We can irradicate our "wicked" parts by immersing ourselves in the word of God. What a blessing!Book of Mormon | Helaman 6:37 - 38) And it came to pass on the other hand, that the Nephites did build them up and support them, beginning at the more wicked part of them, until they had overspread all the land of the Nephites, and had seduced the more part of the righteous until they had come down to believe in their works and partake of their spoils, and to join with them in their secret murders and combinations.

Friends

2011-07-30T06:42:00.000-07:00

As I serve with dear sisters in the temple, I have grown to love them dearly. They are like family to me. Our temple is closed so I haven't seenn some of them for quite a while. I met a few of them the other day in the Bountiful Temple.

I miss them so much I felt like crying I was so happy to see them. We picked up right where we left off a few months ago. What a blessing friendship is. Heavenly Father has given us a lot of blessings, but friendship is one of the greatest.

The greatest friend we have is the Savior
11
12
13
14
(New Testament | John 15:10 - 14) Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

Thanksgiving

2011-07-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

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

I would that ye should do . . . all things with prayer and thanksgiving. D&C 46:7

Death

2011-07-23T06:34:00.000-07:00

A dear friend who worked with us doing compassionate service at the hospital as just died. She was ill two weeks ago when I was out of town. She was in intensive care at the hospital and was sent home to die. When I got back and found out about it, I felt sick. I was so sad inside and it all felt so sudden. I couldn't see her, but I was able to talk to her on the phone.

I was impressed by her peacefulness. She was looking forward to being with her husband who had been gone quite a few years. A hint of excitement and anticipation was in her voice. She will truely die unto the Lord.

I will miss my friend, but I know she lives in a better place.

She believes as Martha:
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.
(

New Testament | John 11:25 - 26)

Sunbeams

2011-07-20T06:15:00.000-07:00

I spent some time with dear friends in the temple this week. (I really LOVE doing that.) We were talking about the church callings we enjoyed most. My favorite is teaching the Sunbeams in Primary.

They are so cute and little and innocent and love to listen to what you say. They have such wonderful ways of doing things and say such funny things.

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

(New Testament | Matthew 18:4 - 5)And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

Summer is being with family

2011-07-16T06:15:00.000-07:00

These next couple of weeks are crazy. We have a grandson that will be blessed in Phoenix, and daughter that may have back surgery in Portland, Oregon, and children and grandchildren coming to visit inbetween.

Aren't families wonderful? I LOVE spending time with all of them. They are the light of my life.

Remember, O Lord . . . thy church, that thy right hand may exalt them, with all their families, and their immediate connections, that their names may be perpetuated and had in everlasting remembrance from generation to generation. Remember all thy church, O Lord, with all their families, and all their immediate connections, with all their sick and afflicted ones, with all the poor and meek of the earth; that the kingdom, which thou hast set up without hands, may become a great mountain and fill the whole earth;
(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 109:71 - 72)

Pioneers

2011-07-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Brigham Young's door was always open to those around him. Heber J. Grant records:“I was almost as familiar in the homes of President Brigham Young as I was in the home of my own mother. In one home … if I was hungry I felt as free to go in and ask for something to eat there as in my own home. … I knelt down time and time again in his home in the Lion House at family prayers, as a child and as a young man.”

Gratitude

2011-07-09T12:59:00.000-07:00

At this time of year, I'm especially grateful for my pioneer heritage. I do love the devotion of the pioneers of the Church. As I am writing about John Taylor, I know he didn't have many nails to build his house or many matches to lite a fire. All the little things we take forgranted--things we don't even give a second thought to were precious to them.

That first winter the pioneers supplemented their meager diet with sego lily and camus bulbs. They added thistle root when they could find it. How many of us would even consider eating those things now? I don't know if I would.

What faith they must have had to endure the trials before them.

Bathsheba Smith records that she swept the floor of her home in Nauvoo and set the broom in its accustomed place behind the door and walked into the unknown to journey west where her faith in God could grow.

I am grateful for her testimony.

Divinity

2011-07-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

“Man, as the offspring of God, is the greatest of all his creations. He is greater than the moon, the sun, and the stars, which are the work of the fingers of God.” Joseph Fielding Smith, quoted by Bruce R. Mc Conkie.

Do I know of my divinity? My greatness? At times I capture a glance of it fleetingly, but mostly I can’t comprehend it. How about you?

Testimony

2011-07-04T07:34:00.000-07:00

And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
23
(

I love this scripture. It is one of my favorites. When I read it, I can feel it's power, and I am grateful.Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:22 - 23) For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—