Since we just finished Thanksgiving weekend, I am feeling inspired to post an entry of things for which I am thankful.
My husband
My children
A warm bed
small pets, which bring my children joy
transportation
customer service people who actually help you
electricity
an empathetic smile from someone who feels your frustration
warm bread
sweet potatoes
water
old friends
new friends
the chance to learn something new
Internet access
airplanes
frequent flyer miles
a sturdy home
a safe neighborhood
We really are so blessed! And with those blessings come responsibility, to give to those who are without. I'm not sure how our holiday turned into a day for eating too much. But it's also a chance to spend time with people we love.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
His Hand is Stretched Out Still
"For all this, His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still." The lesson this week in Gospel Doctrine is about the prophet Isaiah and his teachings to the people so long ago, and what he saw of the people today (us.)
I love the imagery in the scriptures (there are many) that describe how the Lord sees us and is always there for us if we will but turn to Him. The scriptures in Isaiah 5 and 6 describe the sins of the people, how they are so focused on worldliness and are so concerned with costly apparel and idols of their own making.
"Therefore is the anger of the Lord kindled against his people...for all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still."
No matter what we do or don't do, no matter what time we waste on things of little or no importance, no matter how much we ignore the teachings of the prophets and insist on going about our own very important (in our own minds) business, the Lord is always there. At some point, hopefully sooner than later, we will wake up and realize that his way is the better way, and we'll decide to spend our time and energies on things of bigger import (i.e. building the kingdom of Zion, which boils down to serving our brothers and sisters and lifting the burdens of others).
Whenever that time is, the Lord will be right there. Not miles away, but right there.
I still imagine the visual given in a lesson one Sunday, years ago. The teacher held up both hands, palms facing each other. The hands represented each of us as individuals (left hand) and the Lord (right hand), conversing and walking together. The left hand (we) then decide to turn away and follow our own path, leaving the Lord behind (left palm turns away, left arm and hand go far left, leaving right hand in the center).
We decide, after a time, that we need the Lord after all, but wonder how far, exactly, we have strayed, and how can we possibly get back to where we were. (Left palm turns back slightly, towards the right hand.)
With that small motion from the left hand (us), the right hand (the Lord) immediately moves right next to the left hand again. Heavenly Father is right there. He is there, arms outstretched, at all times, ready to support us.
All we have to do is be willing to try.
I love the imagery in the scriptures (there are many) that describe how the Lord sees us and is always there for us if we will but turn to Him. The scriptures in Isaiah 5 and 6 describe the sins of the people, how they are so focused on worldliness and are so concerned with costly apparel and idols of their own making.
"Therefore is the anger of the Lord kindled against his people...for all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still."
No matter what we do or don't do, no matter what time we waste on things of little or no importance, no matter how much we ignore the teachings of the prophets and insist on going about our own very important (in our own minds) business, the Lord is always there. At some point, hopefully sooner than later, we will wake up and realize that his way is the better way, and we'll decide to spend our time and energies on things of bigger import (i.e. building the kingdom of Zion, which boils down to serving our brothers and sisters and lifting the burdens of others).
Whenever that time is, the Lord will be right there. Not miles away, but right there.
I still imagine the visual given in a lesson one Sunday, years ago. The teacher held up both hands, palms facing each other. The hands represented each of us as individuals (left hand) and the Lord (right hand), conversing and walking together. The left hand (we) then decide to turn away and follow our own path, leaving the Lord behind (left palm turns away, left arm and hand go far left, leaving right hand in the center).
We decide, after a time, that we need the Lord after all, but wonder how far, exactly, we have strayed, and how can we possibly get back to where we were. (Left palm turns back slightly, towards the right hand.)
With that small motion from the left hand (us), the right hand (the Lord) immediately moves right next to the left hand again. Heavenly Father is right there. He is there, arms outstretched, at all times, ready to support us.
All we have to do is be willing to try.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
On Time
How do I make time for the important things? People love to say "I don't have time" or "I'm too busy." Like "being busy" means they are important, or that their life has meaning.
I have noticed that I can fill my time with unimportant things, no problem. I can read, surf the Internet, shuffle through papers. I can clean, spend time looking for things, and work on making dinner. I can drive, drive, drive. Drive to the grocery store. Drive my kids to playdates and practices. Drive to a store.
No matter what I choose to do, time WILL go by. But how do I choose the most important things to do?
Talk to my kids. Listen to them.
When we have car time, talk to them and listen to them.
Nourish my relationship with my husband.
Utilize phone time. Go on dates.
Call Grandma occasionally.
Nourish my testimony: (how to do that?)
Be selective in my readings. Feed my spirit daily, somehow. Ensign, prayer, discussing scriptures as we read as a family. Go to the temple and feel the peace there.
Surround myself with uplifting, encouraging, positive people. Who are they?
My mom, Grandma, Michelle Berry, Jamie Larsen, Amy Tenney, Susan Green, Shawnee, Tiffany Allred, Julie Hollist, Kathie Gunn, Darsi Dowling, Erin Campbell.
I know there isn't enough time to do everything. But there is time to do the most important things. If I make a conscious effort to fit them in first.
I have noticed that I can fill my time with unimportant things, no problem. I can read, surf the Internet, shuffle through papers. I can clean, spend time looking for things, and work on making dinner. I can drive, drive, drive. Drive to the grocery store. Drive my kids to playdates and practices. Drive to a store.
No matter what I choose to do, time WILL go by. But how do I choose the most important things to do?
Talk to my kids. Listen to them.
When we have car time, talk to them and listen to them.
Nourish my relationship with my husband.
Utilize phone time. Go on dates.
Call Grandma occasionally.
Nourish my testimony: (how to do that?)
Be selective in my readings. Feed my spirit daily, somehow. Ensign, prayer, discussing scriptures as we read as a family. Go to the temple and feel the peace there.
Surround myself with uplifting, encouraging, positive people. Who are they?
My mom, Grandma, Michelle Berry, Jamie Larsen, Amy Tenney, Susan Green, Shawnee, Tiffany Allred, Julie Hollist, Kathie Gunn, Darsi Dowling, Erin Campbell.
I know there isn't enough time to do everything. But there is time to do the most important things. If I make a conscious effort to fit them in first.
Being Thankful
Hmmm. It's been awhile on this one! Time for a gratitude reminder.
I am thankful for:
my husband
my kids
my parents and siblings
transportation
green grass
beaches
ocean
mountains
4-wheeling
skydiving
friends you can meet up with after years of life, and pick up the conversation like you just saw them yesterday
movies
smiles
cats
our amazing bodies
our minds
books
the ability to read
my eyes
my teeth
doctors
dentists (yes, I'm thankful for dentists)
good teachers
people who know how to do things I don't know how to do
I am thankful for:
my husband
my kids
my parents and siblings
transportation
green grass
beaches
ocean
mountains
4-wheeling
skydiving
friends you can meet up with after years of life, and pick up the conversation like you just saw them yesterday
movies
smiles
cats
our amazing bodies
our minds
books
the ability to read
my eyes
my teeth
doctors
dentists (yes, I'm thankful for dentists)
good teachers
people who know how to do things I don't know how to do
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Wedding Vows
Just contemplating marriage, at this point. Frank and I will reach our 18th anniversary in a few weeks.
Lately I've talked to multiple people who tell me that their husbands have changed since they got married. "He's angry all the time," one says. "He can't ask me anything calmly, and he yells at the kids over doing their homework, or anything."
Another tells me, "I wish he trusted me more. I know he grew up with people who said things, then those things were used against them later. We only talk about superficial things. He doesn't talk to me because he thinks I'll use it against him later."
Another friend just told us that his wife has left him over the past year, and the divorce will be final next month or so. It is so sad.
So, how do people stay together? So many self-help books written on the subject of marriage. Communication seems to be key, as I think it is key in many, if not most conflicts that arise.
What did he say? What did she THINK he said, and what did he mean? What did she THINK he meant? How did he say it? What was the context and tone of voice? What was implied? Years of baggage is behind comments and feelings. Only that person knows how they feel, and sometimes they know why and sometimes they don't.
I have 43 years of life experiences behind every opinion and comment that I utter. I feel certain ways when things happen, because they might trigger a memory, good or bad, from way back. I respond in anger or frustration, not because of the person who said something, maybe, but because of that painful memory that was dredged up.
How can I not take my husband for granted? The more I talk to people, the more glad I am to be married to Frank, and not to THEIR husbands. I am so blessed.
Lately I've talked to multiple people who tell me that their husbands have changed since they got married. "He's angry all the time," one says. "He can't ask me anything calmly, and he yells at the kids over doing their homework, or anything."
Another tells me, "I wish he trusted me more. I know he grew up with people who said things, then those things were used against them later. We only talk about superficial things. He doesn't talk to me because he thinks I'll use it against him later."
Another friend just told us that his wife has left him over the past year, and the divorce will be final next month or so. It is so sad.
So, how do people stay together? So many self-help books written on the subject of marriage. Communication seems to be key, as I think it is key in many, if not most conflicts that arise.
What did he say? What did she THINK he said, and what did he mean? What did she THINK he meant? How did he say it? What was the context and tone of voice? What was implied? Years of baggage is behind comments and feelings. Only that person knows how they feel, and sometimes they know why and sometimes they don't.
I have 43 years of life experiences behind every opinion and comment that I utter. I feel certain ways when things happen, because they might trigger a memory, good or bad, from way back. I respond in anger or frustration, not because of the person who said something, maybe, but because of that painful memory that was dredged up.
How can I not take my husband for granted? The more I talk to people, the more glad I am to be married to Frank, and not to THEIR husbands. I am so blessed.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Regaining Perspective
This week I got a cold sore. A nasty one. Tuesday it hurt tremendously, and I watched it form. I went to the doctor and she prescribed a two-dose medicine to help it heal quickly. I could see a difference in the sore, after I took them, that the sore was smaller. But my lip and the lower quarter of my face still swelled up.
Then it started going through the whole lengthy process, bruising and discoloring, leaking and foul, pussy discharge. I spent the whole day yesterday covering my mouth when I talked to people: the checker at the grocery store, the workers laying cement in our basement, our neighbors. I carried around a Kleenix to clean up the gross leaky stuff.
Today I'm not at church--too self-conscious. I don't want to tell the story to every concerned, well-meaning person who sees me. My mouth is swollen, red, sore, and disgusting. People stare, and why shouldn't they? It's ugly.
I went to the church web site, lds.org. It showed a video of a mom who was in a near-fatal plane crash, and her story of being in a coma for 3 months. She woke up, back to her little kids and husband, but now with severe burn marks on her hands and face. She goes to pick up kids from school and all the children stare. It hurts her to do all the simple kid-tasks, like zipping zippers and putting her daughter's hair up in a ponytail.
She says that now she considers her role as a wife and mother a privilege. She sees God's hand in her life every single day. Yes, she often wishes she could have her body back the way it was before. But she knows there is a greater plan.
The video is called My New Life . It helped me count a few more blessings today.
Then it started going through the whole lengthy process, bruising and discoloring, leaking and foul, pussy discharge. I spent the whole day yesterday covering my mouth when I talked to people: the checker at the grocery store, the workers laying cement in our basement, our neighbors. I carried around a Kleenix to clean up the gross leaky stuff.
Today I'm not at church--too self-conscious. I don't want to tell the story to every concerned, well-meaning person who sees me. My mouth is swollen, red, sore, and disgusting. People stare, and why shouldn't they? It's ugly.
I went to the church web site, lds.org. It showed a video of a mom who was in a near-fatal plane crash, and her story of being in a coma for 3 months. She woke up, back to her little kids and husband, but now with severe burn marks on her hands and face. She goes to pick up kids from school and all the children stare. It hurts her to do all the simple kid-tasks, like zipping zippers and putting her daughter's hair up in a ponytail.
She says that now she considers her role as a wife and mother a privilege. She sees God's hand in her life every single day. Yes, she often wishes she could have her body back the way it was before. But she knows there is a greater plan.
The video is called My New Life . It helped me count a few more blessings today.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Obedience
Hello!
Our Sunday church meetings yesterday made me think about obedience. People obey for different reasons. There is obedience to the commandments, obedience to our parents, obedience to traffic laws.
People probably obey traffic laws to avoid tickets and to keep the privilege of driving. Maybe kids obey their parents to get the privileges that will be taken away if they don't obey. But we should obey the commandments and follow the prophets willingly and thankfully.
Why do I obey? Why should I obey? I think the Lord expects us to follow the commandments and the counsel of the prophets, and it is always for our good. But do we follow counsel grudgingly? Do we do the bare minimum, grumbling just a little?
So, what do the prophets tell us to do? Spencer W. Kimball talked about keeping journals. President Ezra Taft Benson said we should read and study the Book of Mormon. Our prophet today, President Thomas S. Monson, testifies of Jesus Christ and His Resurrection. That we are promised peace and comfort by our Savior in our times of greatest need.
Other, most recent General Conference Talks can be read for more inspirational messages from our prophets and church leaders. I think they are best read one at a time, then you can give yourself time to ponder what you just read.
The talks are relatively short and always uplifting!
Our Sunday church meetings yesterday made me think about obedience. People obey for different reasons. There is obedience to the commandments, obedience to our parents, obedience to traffic laws.
People probably obey traffic laws to avoid tickets and to keep the privilege of driving. Maybe kids obey their parents to get the privileges that will be taken away if they don't obey. But we should obey the commandments and follow the prophets willingly and thankfully.
Why do I obey? Why should I obey? I think the Lord expects us to follow the commandments and the counsel of the prophets, and it is always for our good. But do we follow counsel grudgingly? Do we do the bare minimum, grumbling just a little?
So, what do the prophets tell us to do? Spencer W. Kimball talked about keeping journals. President Ezra Taft Benson said we should read and study the Book of Mormon. Our prophet today, President Thomas S. Monson, testifies of Jesus Christ and His Resurrection. That we are promised peace and comfort by our Savior in our times of greatest need.
Other, most recent General Conference Talks can be read for more inspirational messages from our prophets and church leaders. I think they are best read one at a time, then you can give yourself time to ponder what you just read.
The talks are relatively short and always uplifting!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Being Thankful
Hello!
I feel a Gratitude Post coming on.
It is sunny today, and it's the last day of April. I think I can be pretty sure in announcing, even here, that winter if officially over!
I love the sunshine.
I love to be warm.
MY FAMILY.
I am thankful for kids who remind me that you can be excited over small things.
I am grateful for my amazing husband, who keeps up at work so we can have a house and car and food and vacations and toys.
I am thankful for time away, WITH my whole family.
I am grateful that my kids have a sense of humor.
I'm thankful for good neighbors.
Close gas stations.
Hair color.
Pizza.
Temples.
Scriptures.
Phone conversations with Grandma.
Email.
A comfortable bed.
Heat in the winter.
The end of winter.
Flowers.
Fresh fruit.
Mother's Day coming up.
Family reunions.
Laptop computers.
Snail Mail.
Online shopping.
Cameras & photography
90-day return policies.
Have a thankful day! Kari
I feel a Gratitude Post coming on.
It is sunny today, and it's the last day of April. I think I can be pretty sure in announcing, even here, that winter if officially over!
I love the sunshine.
I love to be warm.
MY FAMILY.
I am thankful for kids who remind me that you can be excited over small things.
I am grateful for my amazing husband, who keeps up at work so we can have a house and car and food and vacations and toys.
I am thankful for time away, WITH my whole family.
I am grateful that my kids have a sense of humor.
I'm thankful for good neighbors.
Close gas stations.
Hair color.
Pizza.
Temples.
Scriptures.
Phone conversations with Grandma.
Email.
A comfortable bed.
Heat in the winter.
The end of winter.
Flowers.
Fresh fruit.
Mother's Day coming up.
Family reunions.
Laptop computers.
Snail Mail.
Online shopping.
Cameras & photography
90-day return policies.
Have a thankful day! Kari
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Temples
Tomorrow night I will meet with the "Achievement Days" girls--they are ages 8-11, and my own daughter Kara is included in the group. She's ten.
We'll be talking about temples this time. Usually we do activities that center around some gospel principle, living our lives more like Jesus Christ, developing talents, or learning new skills. We usually have some activity or craft at the end. The girls love to create things and give gifts to their parents or other family members!
Temples. I love the temple. I love being able to go and shut out the noise of the world for just a short time, to experience and enjoy the peace there. It is the house of the Lord.
In the temple I can remember better why I am here in mortality. I am here to learn, and to try to ease the burdens, just a little, of others around me. I have family members and friends close by. Even those I come in contact with that I do not know, carry unseen burdens. Everyone has a story.
Heavenly Father can give us strength to carry our own burdens, and we can find joy through losing ourselves in the service of others.
That was a tangent. I get to talk to the girls tomorrow about temples. We make covenants with our Heavenly Father in the temple, promising that we will try to live like him. We commit our time and our talents to further the work of the Lord here on earth.
Temples are about families. Families can be sealed together, not just for the time during this life, but for eternity. We believe that families are eternal.
My dad is no longer with us. He died of cancer 2 years ago. But with the knowledge that death is not "the end," I have the hope and assurance that I will see him again after I die. That has been very comforting to me during down times, when I miss him so much and wish he were still here.
We'll be talking about temples this time. Usually we do activities that center around some gospel principle, living our lives more like Jesus Christ, developing talents, or learning new skills. We usually have some activity or craft at the end. The girls love to create things and give gifts to their parents or other family members!
Temples. I love the temple. I love being able to go and shut out the noise of the world for just a short time, to experience and enjoy the peace there. It is the house of the Lord.
In the temple I can remember better why I am here in mortality. I am here to learn, and to try to ease the burdens, just a little, of others around me. I have family members and friends close by. Even those I come in contact with that I do not know, carry unseen burdens. Everyone has a story.
Heavenly Father can give us strength to carry our own burdens, and we can find joy through losing ourselves in the service of others.
That was a tangent. I get to talk to the girls tomorrow about temples. We make covenants with our Heavenly Father in the temple, promising that we will try to live like him. We commit our time and our talents to further the work of the Lord here on earth.
Temples are about families. Families can be sealed together, not just for the time during this life, but for eternity. We believe that families are eternal.
My dad is no longer with us. He died of cancer 2 years ago. But with the knowledge that death is not "the end," I have the hope and assurance that I will see him again after I die. That has been very comforting to me during down times, when I miss him so much and wish he were still here.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
The Atonement of Jesus Christ
Hello! Time flies when you have a lot to do...or maybe it goes slower?
I gave that talk on Sunday--our Easter program was 1 week later than Easter because of our fabulous General Conference the weekend before.
I'm sure it was more for me than for anyone else in the congregation. For the entire week before, I researched the life, sacrifices, crucifixion and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. What a nice relief from thinking about water problems all the time!
It made me think about my own testimony of our Savior. It solidified in my mind and heart the fact that the Lord knows me personally and knows my trials and struggles. The Atonement is not just for when I make a mistake or break a commandment. Christ bore our pains and our sicknesses. He knows our grief. He will carry our burdens if we let him.
I may just put the talk into this blog. It was good for me to give.
I gave that talk on Sunday--our Easter program was 1 week later than Easter because of our fabulous General Conference the weekend before.
I'm sure it was more for me than for anyone else in the congregation. For the entire week before, I researched the life, sacrifices, crucifixion and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. What a nice relief from thinking about water problems all the time!
It made me think about my own testimony of our Savior. It solidified in my mind and heart the fact that the Lord knows me personally and knows my trials and struggles. The Atonement is not just for when I make a mistake or break a commandment. Christ bore our pains and our sicknesses. He knows our grief. He will carry our burdens if we let him.
I may just put the talk into this blog. It was good for me to give.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Preparing for Easter
It has been a little while since I have been contemplative--! We have just finished a month of dealing with torrential rains that brought flood waters to our basement. Talk about feeling frustrated, hopeless and helpless.
I have been asked to speak this Sunday for our Easter program in Sacrament Meeting. I was actually grateful for the chance to focus on something besides water in my house! Of course it is all too much to fit into one talk. I narrowed it down to a couple of the miracles he did in the New Testament, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Resurrection. Which is still WAY too much. But I can't leave out any of it, so it will have to do.
I love Easter. I love researching in the New Testament about Jesus' life and his miracles and works. He so understood people.
I have read more about the Atonement, and I hope that with study, I can eventually come to understand it better. Such an amazing and overwhelming sacrifice, so we can return to our Father in Heaven someday.
I have been asked to speak this Sunday for our Easter program in Sacrament Meeting. I was actually grateful for the chance to focus on something besides water in my house! Of course it is all too much to fit into one talk. I narrowed it down to a couple of the miracles he did in the New Testament, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Resurrection. Which is still WAY too much. But I can't leave out any of it, so it will have to do.
I love Easter. I love researching in the New Testament about Jesus' life and his miracles and works. He so understood people.
I have read more about the Atonement, and I hope that with study, I can eventually come to understand it better. Such an amazing and overwhelming sacrifice, so we can return to our Father in Heaven someday.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Fasting and Prayer
David's spinal surgery has given us the opportunity to fast and pray as a family. As an extended family, and as a friend family.
The church congregation was asked to include David in their fast--we fast once a month in our church, for those in need of help or comfort, or for ourselves if we are going through challenging times. It was a little strange for me, to hear it announced in Sacrament Meeting now and again, that "David Whitesell is having back surgery, and if you would include him in your fasting and prayers..."
But it has never been hard for me to believe that our Heavenly Father hears our prayers. He knows each one of us, better than we know ourselves. There have been enough times in my life that I have felt comforted, and feelings of peace when I was very upset or agitated.
When my dad died of lung cancer 2 1/2 years ago, I focused on finding scriptures that included "Peace of God." For weeks, I studied those scriptures that had that phrase. It's amazing, how many beautiful passages there are in the scriptures, that tell us of the peace God can offer us in times of trial.
So I know that God hears our prayers. And maybe they can't be answered the way or in the time we want them to be answered. (My dad didn't live. That's what I wanted. He was only 70.) But if we can't have the answer we want, we can still have peace inside.
We asked our ward congregation to fast with us for David, that he would have a safe and successful surgery and as quick and complete of a recovery period as possible.
I also asked family members, living in different states. And we have good friends scattered around different places, too, that I asked to join with us in prayer and fasting.
Frank and our home teacher, Tom Keenan, also gave David a blessing the day before his surgery. It was really beautiful, and I am so thankful that Frank is worthy and willing to give our family members blessings when we need that strength and peace that comes from the Lord. Frank included in the blessing that Dr. Karlin's hands would be guided and that David's body would respond to the pain medication, helping him to heal. And that he would also be able to focus on school when he returned home, keeping up with the material while he was not attending school.
The friends and family we have who might not fast, offered their prayers for David. That is such a big deal. We appreciate that SO much, and it has touched my heart that people think so highly of David. We keep getting comments of encouragement, including "what a great kid," and "I love his smile."
It will be a long road to full recovery--they say 6 months. But one day at a time and with so many people's prayers and good wishes, we are feeling their love and the love of our Heavenly Father.
I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately.
The church congregation was asked to include David in their fast--we fast once a month in our church, for those in need of help or comfort, or for ourselves if we are going through challenging times. It was a little strange for me, to hear it announced in Sacrament Meeting now and again, that "David Whitesell is having back surgery, and if you would include him in your fasting and prayers..."
But it has never been hard for me to believe that our Heavenly Father hears our prayers. He knows each one of us, better than we know ourselves. There have been enough times in my life that I have felt comforted, and feelings of peace when I was very upset or agitated.
When my dad died of lung cancer 2 1/2 years ago, I focused on finding scriptures that included "Peace of God." For weeks, I studied those scriptures that had that phrase. It's amazing, how many beautiful passages there are in the scriptures, that tell us of the peace God can offer us in times of trial.
So I know that God hears our prayers. And maybe they can't be answered the way or in the time we want them to be answered. (My dad didn't live. That's what I wanted. He was only 70.) But if we can't have the answer we want, we can still have peace inside.
We asked our ward congregation to fast with us for David, that he would have a safe and successful surgery and as quick and complete of a recovery period as possible.
I also asked family members, living in different states. And we have good friends scattered around different places, too, that I asked to join with us in prayer and fasting.
Frank and our home teacher, Tom Keenan, also gave David a blessing the day before his surgery. It was really beautiful, and I am so thankful that Frank is worthy and willing to give our family members blessings when we need that strength and peace that comes from the Lord. Frank included in the blessing that Dr. Karlin's hands would be guided and that David's body would respond to the pain medication, helping him to heal. And that he would also be able to focus on school when he returned home, keeping up with the material while he was not attending school.
The friends and family we have who might not fast, offered their prayers for David. That is such a big deal. We appreciate that SO much, and it has touched my heart that people think so highly of David. We keep getting comments of encouragement, including "what a great kid," and "I love his smile."
It will be a long road to full recovery--they say 6 months. But one day at a time and with so many people's prayers and good wishes, we are feeling their love and the love of our Heavenly Father.
I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Know, Believe, Doubt--FAITH
Thinking again, about testimony. What do I know? What do I believe? What do I doubt?
People are at different stages in their acceptance of the gospel. Some people accept things more easily. Some people consider those who accept easily to not question enough. "Blind obedience" is a phrase that makes the doubters cringe. Why would anyone accept without thinking it through? Asking? Challenging?
There is a balance to be found. While we are not expected to accept things blindly: we need to use our intellect, study things out in our minds, and use the resources available to us...
we also need to have FAITH that the Lord has a plan that we do not understand fully. We don't need to have ALL the answers. We will never have them ALL. But do we trust that our Heavenly Father loves us, knows all, and provides what is best for us even though we only see a small piece of the big picture?
What do I know? What do I believe? What do I doubt?
Am I working towards a growing testimony every day? Am I studying the scriptures, attending church and partaking of the Sacrament, thus renewing my covenants that I made at baptism?
I know my Heavenly Father loves me. I know he knows me very specifically, and has a plan for each of us. (That one is easy.) I believe in the power of prayer. I believe in the blessings that can come from paying a full tithe. I know that Jesus Christ atoned for our sins, and if we repent and commit our lives to following the example of Christ, we can return to our Heavenly Father when it is time.
I don't know about polygamy. I found out last year that one of my ancestors was one of Brigham Young's wives (50-something of them), and she hated it and she left the church and went around giving lectures against the church. There is a book "the 23rd wife" or something, that tells her story. I think we do not know the whole story. Mostly we can speculate. People are people, imperfect in understanding and actions. Even a perfect system cannot be implemented perfectly by imperfect people. (Not that polygamy was some kind of perfect system. I think--again, speculation--that it started out as a way to protect the widows...that they would have someone to look after them after their husbands died. I don't know how it turned into people having 30 or 40 or 50 wives. That seems extreme.) I think we do not know the whole story.
I struggle with how blacks did not receive the priesthood until the late 1970's. I know that we do not know the whole story.
I have never struggled with "woman's role" in the church. I believe we are equal in responsibility with men. We don't hold the Priesthood because our responsibilities are different. We are different from men: that has always been part of the Lord's plan. I've never felt that our role was "secondary." It is different in that we have different talents and skills to offer other people, and to children. We are wired differently, and those differences can often compliment what men have to offer people and children.
"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately."
People are at different stages in their acceptance of the gospel. Some people accept things more easily. Some people consider those who accept easily to not question enough. "Blind obedience" is a phrase that makes the doubters cringe. Why would anyone accept without thinking it through? Asking? Challenging?
There is a balance to be found. While we are not expected to accept things blindly: we need to use our intellect, study things out in our minds, and use the resources available to us...
we also need to have FAITH that the Lord has a plan that we do not understand fully. We don't need to have ALL the answers. We will never have them ALL. But do we trust that our Heavenly Father loves us, knows all, and provides what is best for us even though we only see a small piece of the big picture?
What do I know? What do I believe? What do I doubt?
Am I working towards a growing testimony every day? Am I studying the scriptures, attending church and partaking of the Sacrament, thus renewing my covenants that I made at baptism?
I know my Heavenly Father loves me. I know he knows me very specifically, and has a plan for each of us. (That one is easy.) I believe in the power of prayer. I believe in the blessings that can come from paying a full tithe. I know that Jesus Christ atoned for our sins, and if we repent and commit our lives to following the example of Christ, we can return to our Heavenly Father when it is time.
I don't know about polygamy. I found out last year that one of my ancestors was one of Brigham Young's wives (50-something of them), and she hated it and she left the church and went around giving lectures against the church. There is a book "the 23rd wife" or something, that tells her story. I think we do not know the whole story. Mostly we can speculate. People are people, imperfect in understanding and actions. Even a perfect system cannot be implemented perfectly by imperfect people. (Not that polygamy was some kind of perfect system. I think--again, speculation--that it started out as a way to protect the widows...that they would have someone to look after them after their husbands died. I don't know how it turned into people having 30 or 40 or 50 wives. That seems extreme.) I think we do not know the whole story.
I struggle with how blacks did not receive the priesthood until the late 1970's. I know that we do not know the whole story.
I have never struggled with "woman's role" in the church. I believe we are equal in responsibility with men. We don't hold the Priesthood because our responsibilities are different. We are different from men: that has always been part of the Lord's plan. I've never felt that our role was "secondary." It is different in that we have different talents and skills to offer other people, and to children. We are wired differently, and those differences can often compliment what men have to offer people and children.
"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately."
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Love One Another
I'm reading the book Jesus the Christ, by Talmage. It was a "goal" last year, for 2009, but I only got through about 1/2 of it, so I extended it to finish at the end of this year, 2010.
Throughout Jesus' ministry, he taught Love. Love one another. If you love me, keep my commandments. The greatest commandment is to love God, and the next is to love thy neighbor as thyself. If I REALLY loved everybody else as much as I love myself, I would consider my neighbor's needs just as important as my own.
I would like to learn to see people as Jesus saw them. The Lord saw people as equal, all the same...he knew their hearts and judged them by what was in their hearts.
I don't have the privilege or responsibility to judge people...I can't know their hearts. So it is MY responsibility to love everyone. Assume the best in people. Treat them all with respect and love.
The lady I pass when I'm shopping. The impatient man who honks, in the car behind me. The checker in the grocery store. They are my brothers and sisters.
One of my favorite quotes, I don't know who said it: "People do the best they can, with what they have, at that moment." We are all trying.
How many times have I tried and come up short? How many times have I been rude or impatient? I can always rationalize for myself. There is always a good REASON for the way I act.
But what about my list of people I can't forgive? I can think of 3. Why can't I forgive them, and move on? Let it go. Because it was obvious they were wrong. Well, are they suffering because of my grudge and festering feelings? No. I am holding myself back by letting myself continue to wallow in the event of the past.
Throughout Jesus' ministry, he taught Love. Love one another. If you love me, keep my commandments. The greatest commandment is to love God, and the next is to love thy neighbor as thyself. If I REALLY loved everybody else as much as I love myself, I would consider my neighbor's needs just as important as my own.
I would like to learn to see people as Jesus saw them. The Lord saw people as equal, all the same...he knew their hearts and judged them by what was in their hearts.
I don't have the privilege or responsibility to judge people...I can't know their hearts. So it is MY responsibility to love everyone. Assume the best in people. Treat them all with respect and love.
The lady I pass when I'm shopping. The impatient man who honks, in the car behind me. The checker in the grocery store. They are my brothers and sisters.
One of my favorite quotes, I don't know who said it: "People do the best they can, with what they have, at that moment." We are all trying.
How many times have I tried and come up short? How many times have I been rude or impatient? I can always rationalize for myself. There is always a good REASON for the way I act.
But what about my list of people I can't forgive? I can think of 3. Why can't I forgive them, and move on? Let it go. Because it was obvious they were wrong. Well, are they suffering because of my grudge and festering feelings? No. I am holding myself back by letting myself continue to wallow in the event of the past.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Asking Forgiveness
I was in a hectic moment in the kitchen when the phone rang the other day. I picked it up, and the lady said I hadn't signed where I needed to sign when David got his immunization, so I would need to come in and do that. No big deal, right?
Well, it WAS a big deal. Right at that moment, thinking about all I had to do anyway, kids asking questions and I'm distracted by twelve things at once. An unexpected additional trip to go sign something I already signed...put me over the edge. I was really rude to this poor lady on the phone. "Can't I give permission over the phone? I don't know what day I can come in." I hung up the phone and thought to myself, "I just sounded like a NUT. She said I could come in at my convenience, it's not that far away, and...why was I so short with her?"
Plus (and this one made me cringe)...I'd have to FACE her when I went in to sign the paper.
I went in the next day. "Hi, I'm here to sign my paper." (swallow all pride) "And I'm sorry for being so rude on the phone yesterday. I sounded like a nut. It was just bad timing, and I shouldn't even have picked up the phone."
The other lady in the office said, "It's okay. We all do it...especially when you have kids."
I can't tell you what a relief it was, that they were so pleasant about it.
Do I forgive like that, or do I hold grudges?
Unfortunately I'm afraid it's often the latter.
Well, it WAS a big deal. Right at that moment, thinking about all I had to do anyway, kids asking questions and I'm distracted by twelve things at once. An unexpected additional trip to go sign something I already signed...put me over the edge. I was really rude to this poor lady on the phone. "Can't I give permission over the phone? I don't know what day I can come in." I hung up the phone and thought to myself, "I just sounded like a NUT. She said I could come in at my convenience, it's not that far away, and...why was I so short with her?"
Plus (and this one made me cringe)...I'd have to FACE her when I went in to sign the paper.
I went in the next day. "Hi, I'm here to sign my paper." (swallow all pride) "And I'm sorry for being so rude on the phone yesterday. I sounded like a nut. It was just bad timing, and I shouldn't even have picked up the phone."
The other lady in the office said, "It's okay. We all do it...especially when you have kids."
I can't tell you what a relief it was, that they were so pleasant about it.
Do I forgive like that, or do I hold grudges?
Unfortunately I'm afraid it's often the latter.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
What is a Testimony?
We had a talk in church today on "testimony." He quoted a General Conference talk that told us we needed to get back to "true testimony" in our meetings. Testimonies aren't stories, they aren't travelogues, or lectures.
Another talk more recently told us that testimony time is also not the time to tell your loved ones "I know I don't tell them this very often, but I want them to know I love them." The point was, you SHOULD tell them, often, and not just in a public forum.
But our speaker John E., said that while the talks seemed to limit what you say, he decided that his testimony is his own. It is what is in his heart, not anyone else's.
I haven't been up in Sacrament Meeting to bear my testimony in years. As Relief Society President, I felt like I was bearing my testimony pretty frequently. At the end of lessons. When I spoke in church. I thought everybody heard WAY too much from me as it was, so I sure wasn't going to add to my pulpit time by just getting up on a Fast Sunday.
What do I believe? What is my testimony?
There was an article in the October 2008 Friend magazine that told about the "testimony glove." Your testimony should be (count on your fingers):
1. I know that God is our Heavenly Father and He loves us.
2. I know that His Son, Jesus Christ, is our Savior and Redeemer.
3. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. He restored the gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth and translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God.
4. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s Church on the earth today.
5. I know that this Church is led by a living prophet who receives revelation.
Of course you know these things because of different circumstances or experiences you have had. It is your testimony, and no one can change it or add to it, or strengthen it or neglect it except you.
I want our kids to know how much I love my Heavenly Father and I know that He loves us immeasurably. That He is forgiving and kind, and knows each of us so well. That He knows how we think, and not only THAT we struggle with different things, but WHY we struggle. He knows our hearts, and that we were hurt by someone way back when, and that memory is dug up every time a different person acts or says something similar. That we don't really mean to hurt somebody else, but at that particular moment, it's all that would come out, and we are really, really sorry.
It doesn't erase the fact that we just hurt someone else, and we have to fix it. But he knows it's not easy and he'll give His love and support every step of the way back as we repent and try to do better.
Maybe as I search for love or understanding or happiness from various sources in my life, I should remember that the true source of love is my Heavenly Father. That no matter what happens, He is there to listen and lend support. Max Lucado said, "We cannot go anywhere where God is not." He is always just a prayer away.
Another talk more recently told us that testimony time is also not the time to tell your loved ones "I know I don't tell them this very often, but I want them to know I love them." The point was, you SHOULD tell them, often, and not just in a public forum.
But our speaker John E., said that while the talks seemed to limit what you say, he decided that his testimony is his own. It is what is in his heart, not anyone else's.
I haven't been up in Sacrament Meeting to bear my testimony in years. As Relief Society President, I felt like I was bearing my testimony pretty frequently. At the end of lessons. When I spoke in church. I thought everybody heard WAY too much from me as it was, so I sure wasn't going to add to my pulpit time by just getting up on a Fast Sunday.
What do I believe? What is my testimony?
There was an article in the October 2008 Friend magazine that told about the "testimony glove." Your testimony should be (count on your fingers):
1. I know that God is our Heavenly Father and He loves us.
2. I know that His Son, Jesus Christ, is our Savior and Redeemer.
3. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. He restored the gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth and translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God.
4. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s Church on the earth today.
5. I know that this Church is led by a living prophet who receives revelation.
Of course you know these things because of different circumstances or experiences you have had. It is your testimony, and no one can change it or add to it, or strengthen it or neglect it except you.
I want our kids to know how much I love my Heavenly Father and I know that He loves us immeasurably. That He is forgiving and kind, and knows each of us so well. That He knows how we think, and not only THAT we struggle with different things, but WHY we struggle. He knows our hearts, and that we were hurt by someone way back when, and that memory is dug up every time a different person acts or says something similar. That we don't really mean to hurt somebody else, but at that particular moment, it's all that would come out, and we are really, really sorry.
It doesn't erase the fact that we just hurt someone else, and we have to fix it. But he knows it's not easy and he'll give His love and support every step of the way back as we repent and try to do better.
Maybe as I search for love or understanding or happiness from various sources in my life, I should remember that the true source of love is my Heavenly Father. That no matter what happens, He is there to listen and lend support. Max Lucado said, "We cannot go anywhere where God is not." He is always just a prayer away.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
The Power of Prayer
What do you believe?
I believe my Heavenly Father knows and loves me very much, just like he knows and loves each person on the planet very much. I believe He has a plan for each of us, I just can't see the "Big Picture" like He does.
I believe in the power of prayer. I think there is a lot of power available to us, that we don't "tap into," simply because we don't take the time to ponder and ask when we pray. Myself included, of course.
I had a good testimony-building experience on prayer, when Frank and I climbed Long's Peak, 2nd attempt and this one was successful. Let's see if I can find it.
Well, I have just spent 20 minutes looking for it, and alas, I think it has gone the way of so many things when you move...into the dreaded "Black Hole."
I summarized our climb to Long's Peak, and I thought it was actually a good paper. But anyway. I pulled a leg muscle about a month before climbing...this was after training for a YEAR. We tried to climb the summer before, but it ended up being too cold. We planned for warmer temps and I was shivering in shorts, for Pete's sake. So, we continued training for a year, then I go and pull this leg muscle.
I spent the next month praying for my leg to be okay to climb, knowing that if it hurt in the beginning of the climb, it would only get worse. I was careful, but still planned on going.
I could still feel the pull the night before we were to hike. But it didn't hurt, I could just feel it.
Heavenly Father heard me, though. I was careful, and I took it slow, and the whole day it didn't hurt. We made the climb and descent.
I believe my Heavenly Father knows and loves me very much, just like he knows and loves each person on the planet very much. I believe He has a plan for each of us, I just can't see the "Big Picture" like He does.
I believe in the power of prayer. I think there is a lot of power available to us, that we don't "tap into," simply because we don't take the time to ponder and ask when we pray. Myself included, of course.
I had a good testimony-building experience on prayer, when Frank and I climbed Long's Peak, 2nd attempt and this one was successful. Let's see if I can find it.
Well, I have just spent 20 minutes looking for it, and alas, I think it has gone the way of so many things when you move...into the dreaded "Black Hole."
I summarized our climb to Long's Peak, and I thought it was actually a good paper. But anyway. I pulled a leg muscle about a month before climbing...this was after training for a YEAR. We tried to climb the summer before, but it ended up being too cold. We planned for warmer temps and I was shivering in shorts, for Pete's sake. So, we continued training for a year, then I go and pull this leg muscle.
I spent the next month praying for my leg to be okay to climb, knowing that if it hurt in the beginning of the climb, it would only get worse. I was careful, but still planned on going.
I could still feel the pull the night before we were to hike. But it didn't hurt, I could just feel it.
Heavenly Father heard me, though. I was careful, and I took it slow, and the whole day it didn't hurt. We made the climb and descent.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Martin Luther King, Jr. and David
"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life...and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."
Living Deliberately...that is where I want to be. I don't want to be dragged behind the calendar, constantly trying to catch up to the events around me. So busy with the unimportant or mundane things that the important and impressive things pass me by.
I have never kept a spiritual journal. I've been thinking about that lately. It is very easy for me to document events. Dates and times, what I see, what happened on our family calendar. But I always somehow separate that from what I am feeling. From my beliefs, my inner thoughts. From acknowledging my Savior in every miracle around me, for they certainly are unending and brilliant. I think that I do hold those thoughts and feelings close to me and don't share, partly because they are so important to me that if someone told me they were wrong or not that special after all, I would be crushed.
What spiritual things have happened to me lately? Sometimes they don't seem spiritual at all, but they are indeed the Holy Ghost touching my soul, reminding me that the Lord is close and knows me and understands me well.
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. Today at school (I tutor at an elementary school) I picked up a book written by the sister of Martin Luther King, Jr. She talked about growing up with her little brother, and how their parents protected them from the inequality of the world they lived in. They learned from their dad to stand up for what is right and fair. The story pricked my heart, as it were, and I got teary-eyed. About the dream of equality and the impact her brother had on the world.
DAVID. David is 14 years old and he has scoliosis. He's been wearing a brace for almost a year now, and it hasn't helped. He's having surgery next month. Maybe we moved to this very old house, in this very cold place, where Frank is not all that excited about his job...so we could be close to hospitals (Children's Hospital Boston) and universities (Harvard) with so many smart doctors, so David could get a needed surgery in good hands.
I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately.
Living Deliberately...that is where I want to be. I don't want to be dragged behind the calendar, constantly trying to catch up to the events around me. So busy with the unimportant or mundane things that the important and impressive things pass me by.
I have never kept a spiritual journal. I've been thinking about that lately. It is very easy for me to document events. Dates and times, what I see, what happened on our family calendar. But I always somehow separate that from what I am feeling. From my beliefs, my inner thoughts. From acknowledging my Savior in every miracle around me, for they certainly are unending and brilliant. I think that I do hold those thoughts and feelings close to me and don't share, partly because they are so important to me that if someone told me they were wrong or not that special after all, I would be crushed.
What spiritual things have happened to me lately? Sometimes they don't seem spiritual at all, but they are indeed the Holy Ghost touching my soul, reminding me that the Lord is close and knows me and understands me well.
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. Today at school (I tutor at an elementary school) I picked up a book written by the sister of Martin Luther King, Jr. She talked about growing up with her little brother, and how their parents protected them from the inequality of the world they lived in. They learned from their dad to stand up for what is right and fair. The story pricked my heart, as it were, and I got teary-eyed. About the dream of equality and the impact her brother had on the world.
DAVID. David is 14 years old and he has scoliosis. He's been wearing a brace for almost a year now, and it hasn't helped. He's having surgery next month. Maybe we moved to this very old house, in this very cold place, where Frank is not all that excited about his job...so we could be close to hospitals (Children's Hospital Boston) and universities (Harvard) with so many smart doctors, so David could get a needed surgery in good hands.
I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately.
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