"I so don't want to be here." "I so don't want to do this." "I so don't like you." Such were the phrases spoken by a three year old Sunbeam last week in our Primary. Add those comments to the rowdiness and rudeness of the rest of the children, and the fact that two sets of teachers were no-shows and two sets arrived during singing time. Let's just say my experience in Primary was memorable. As I complained about it during the week, divine chastisement was given one morning as the words of Elder Wirthlin came into my mind. "Come what may and love it!" I've been told by many seasoned Primary workers that there will be days like I've described above...maybe half a dozen per year...mostly around major holidays. That leaves forty five weeks of fun, learning, quiet reverence and participation to look forward to. So,let those six weeks of chaos come,and love it.
Elder Wirthlin's final October 2008 General Conference address will remain in our hearts for a long, long time. I've seen his phrase etched in vinyl lettering. I've heard them quoted in Sacrament Meeting talks, Relief Society lessons and casual conversations. "How can we love days that are filled with sorrow? We can't -- at least not in the moment. I don't think my mother was suggesting that we smother unpleasant truths beneath a cloak of pretended happiness. But I do believe that the way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life. If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness." (Ensign, November 2008, page 26).
I've wondered why fluid oozes out of our eyes at times of great emotion? What is it in our physical makeup that links our thinking to our eyes? Does it serve some medicinal purpose to moisten our eyes? In my sorrowful times, I cry. The Savior wept...in his own suffering and in compassion for others. I think it is part of our mortal experience to sorrow, for a time. "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...a time to weep, a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance." (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4). As Elder Wirthlin suggested, it is not in denying our emotions, but it is the "wise" approach to adversity that can bring us peace.
Crying is not just reserved for sorrow. Our family has been known to consume an entire package of tissues when we start giggling (mostly when Ilene comes to visit). Many tears were shed last night as we felt gratitude for the love of family. But most often, crying comes as a result of distress. Last year, I knew I would be very discouraged during my illness. Your thoughts, jokes and stories helped dry my tears. One neighbor offered these favorites:
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Men are like Slinkies..not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.
Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospital beds dying of nothing.
Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.
I'm not 40-something. I'm $39.95 plus shipping and handling.
In the 60's people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world IS weird and people take Prozac to make it seem normal.
How is it that one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?
Doctors can be so frustrating. You wait a month-and-a-half for an appointment, and he says, "I wish you'd have come to me sooner."
The children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic elementary school for lunch. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. The nun made a note and posted it on the apple tray, "Take only one, God is watching."
Moving further along the lunch line, at the other end of the table was a large pile of chocolate chip cookies. Posted was a note, written in crayon in a childish scrawl: "Take all you want, God is watching the apples."
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Now you may not have shed "funny tears" or had a good belly laugh when reading these, but I bet you smiled, your eyes lit up, and for a brief moment you felt good (unless you are a man and took offense to the first joke...sorry). Read the third one again, "Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again." Isn't that wise...both literally and figuratively?
Elder Wirthlin gave us the formula: approaching adversity wisely = times of greatest growth = times of greatest happiness. I have my own recipe for dealing with trials: 2 cups of concentrated effort + 1 cup of sincere prayer + 2 tablespoons of support from others + baking over time. Cancer put me down for a year. God chose to keep me here a little longer. I can start breathing again. And I shouldn't give up on Primary just because of a bad week. However, I've been told the week after Christmas can be just as harried as the week before. So, okay. I will not give up on Primary just because of two bad weeks in a row. (But if I hear "I so don't like you" on the third week, I'm running away to Relief Society!)
And if I fear the woes of tomorrow, here's another from my neighbor: "Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia." Just come what may and love it!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thanks, Clarence
People can be classified into two groups: those who do and those who don't like the movie It's A Wonderful Life. I happen to be in the first group. I love the many lessons found in the story line. And I love the way Jimmy Stewart plays his part.
If you will recall, the story begins with a view of the stars, the heavens and the universe. In the background we hear prayers being offered on behalf of a person named George Bailey. Janie and Tommy, George's children, are praying for their daddy. Mr. Gower and Mr. Martini are asking God to help their friend. And Mary is pleading for her husband who is in trouble. TRUTH #1: We pray for each other and there is power in unified prayer.
Upon hearing these heartfelt pleas, the powers of heaven kick into motion. Clarence, an angel second class, is given the assignment to go to earth and see what can be done for poor George Bailey. I don't know how heaven is organized, and I doubt if God and Hollywood agree on how prayers are answered, but one thing is certain. TRUTH #2: God hears and in some way or another, according to our faith and God's will, we are given the help we need.
I want to share Elder Holland's October 2008 Conference talk again: The Ministry of Angels. "...God knew the challenges they [His children] would face, and He certainly knew how lonely and troubled they would sometimes feel. So He watched over His mortal family constantly, heard their prayers always, and sent prophets (and later apostles) to teach, counsel, and guide them. But in times of special need, He sent angels, divine messengers, to bless His children, reassure them that heaven was always very close and that His help was always very near." (Ensign, November 2008, page 29).
For the past several months I have been reading stories from the Old Testament (I have been cheating...using 365 Read-Aloud Bedtime Bible Stories). It is amazing the number of angels that have been sent to give instruction. From the time of Adam and Eve, down to Jesus Christ himself and into the latter-days, angels have appeared dozens and dozens of times. I have not seen them. But there have been a few experiences in my life where I have felt the spirit world was very close. So, I believe!
Elder Holland goes on to say that not all angels come from the spirit world. "I have spoken here of heavenly help, of angels dispatched to bless us in time of need. But when we speak of those who are instruments in the hand of God, we are reminded that not all angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them walk with and talk with us, here and now." (Ensign, November 2008, page 30). Clarence could not have done his job without the help of all the mortals in Bedford Falls. TRUTH #3: As the hymn states, the errand of angels is given to women (and we will include men). We are sometimes the answer to someone else's prayer. And sometimes we are even the answer to our own prayers as we receive direction and revelation on how to solve our problems.
For those who have not seen the movie, George operates a savings and loan company. Through a series of events $8,000 of company money is "lost". Unfortunately, a bank examiner is on the site that day and George has to admit to the loss. He feels his life is ruined with debt, prison and scandal. He wants to throw his life away. After finding out about the situation, Mary feels inspired to rally the people together. Neighbors offer their personal savings of only a few dollars to help cover the loss. Long time school buddy, Sam Wainwright, offers thousands of dollars. People bring food and drink to the home. The bank examiner forgives the debt. Were these angel offerings? You bet!
TRUTH #4: Miracles happen, but sometimes not as anticipated. There's no doubt that Clarence could have recovered the stolen $8,000 from mean old Mr. Potter. And that would have been justice. But wasn't it a sweeter ending to the story to have the miracle be the joining together of the community? The miracle is that Clarence helped George finally realize that even though he was missing $8,000, he was the richest man in town. He was rich in those things that mattered most: family, friends, integrity and a good name.
A week from today is Christmas. It is a time to think of angels. Angel Gabriel appeared to Elizabeth and Mary. An angel appeared to the shepherds and was later joined by a multitude of heavenly hosts. Maybe it's the Forgotten Carol analogy, but I wonder if I was in that choir? Or was it limited seating only (reserved for future members of the Tabernacle Choir)? How much is a "multitude of heavenly hosts"? Could there have been billions singing? Personally, I don't think so. But, as I lead our Roy 30th ward choir and think of the hundreds of other ward choirs that are not equal to the talent and ability of the Mo Tabs, I bet there were "ward choirs" singing in the far reaches of heaven that first Christmas night...sort of like singing back up for Neil Diamond. And Clarence? He wasn't perfect. He hadn't earned his wings yet. But he was still given a very difficult assignment and came through with flying colors (no pun intended). He was finally fitted for his wings. TRUTH #5: We don't need to be perfect to be angels here and now. But the very process of trying brings us closer to that ideal.
TRUTH #6: Do you remember Zuzu's pedals? I've thought a lot about those. She had faith that her daddy could fix the flower and put the fallen pedals back on the beautiful rose. Later in the movie when George finally realized he wanted to live, Zuzu's pedals in his pocket were his confirmation of the miracle he had just experienced. To me, Zuzu's pedals are a reminder that Father can fix what's broken in my life...and it can be a "wonderful life". Here are Elder Holland's words of HOPE: "...I am testifying that God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges we face." Then he quotes from Doctrine and Covenants 84:88. "I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left...my spirit shall be in your [heart], and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."
So thanks to Clarence and all the angels there...and here. Since I don't believe that angels have wings, every time I hear a bell ring this Christmas, I will just think of you!
If you will recall, the story begins with a view of the stars, the heavens and the universe. In the background we hear prayers being offered on behalf of a person named George Bailey. Janie and Tommy, George's children, are praying for their daddy. Mr. Gower and Mr. Martini are asking God to help their friend. And Mary is pleading for her husband who is in trouble. TRUTH #1: We pray for each other and there is power in unified prayer.
Upon hearing these heartfelt pleas, the powers of heaven kick into motion. Clarence, an angel second class, is given the assignment to go to earth and see what can be done for poor George Bailey. I don't know how heaven is organized, and I doubt if God and Hollywood agree on how prayers are answered, but one thing is certain. TRUTH #2: God hears and in some way or another, according to our faith and God's will, we are given the help we need.
I want to share Elder Holland's October 2008 Conference talk again: The Ministry of Angels. "...God knew the challenges they [His children] would face, and He certainly knew how lonely and troubled they would sometimes feel. So He watched over His mortal family constantly, heard their prayers always, and sent prophets (and later apostles) to teach, counsel, and guide them. But in times of special need, He sent angels, divine messengers, to bless His children, reassure them that heaven was always very close and that His help was always very near." (Ensign, November 2008, page 29).
For the past several months I have been reading stories from the Old Testament (I have been cheating...using 365 Read-Aloud Bedtime Bible Stories). It is amazing the number of angels that have been sent to give instruction. From the time of Adam and Eve, down to Jesus Christ himself and into the latter-days, angels have appeared dozens and dozens of times. I have not seen them. But there have been a few experiences in my life where I have felt the spirit world was very close. So, I believe!
Elder Holland goes on to say that not all angels come from the spirit world. "I have spoken here of heavenly help, of angels dispatched to bless us in time of need. But when we speak of those who are instruments in the hand of God, we are reminded that not all angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them walk with and talk with us, here and now." (Ensign, November 2008, page 30). Clarence could not have done his job without the help of all the mortals in Bedford Falls. TRUTH #3: As the hymn states, the errand of angels is given to women (and we will include men). We are sometimes the answer to someone else's prayer. And sometimes we are even the answer to our own prayers as we receive direction and revelation on how to solve our problems.
For those who have not seen the movie, George operates a savings and loan company. Through a series of events $8,000 of company money is "lost". Unfortunately, a bank examiner is on the site that day and George has to admit to the loss. He feels his life is ruined with debt, prison and scandal. He wants to throw his life away. After finding out about the situation, Mary feels inspired to rally the people together. Neighbors offer their personal savings of only a few dollars to help cover the loss. Long time school buddy, Sam Wainwright, offers thousands of dollars. People bring food and drink to the home. The bank examiner forgives the debt. Were these angel offerings? You bet!
TRUTH #4: Miracles happen, but sometimes not as anticipated. There's no doubt that Clarence could have recovered the stolen $8,000 from mean old Mr. Potter. And that would have been justice. But wasn't it a sweeter ending to the story to have the miracle be the joining together of the community? The miracle is that Clarence helped George finally realize that even though he was missing $8,000, he was the richest man in town. He was rich in those things that mattered most: family, friends, integrity and a good name.
A week from today is Christmas. It is a time to think of angels. Angel Gabriel appeared to Elizabeth and Mary. An angel appeared to the shepherds and was later joined by a multitude of heavenly hosts. Maybe it's the Forgotten Carol analogy, but I wonder if I was in that choir? Or was it limited seating only (reserved for future members of the Tabernacle Choir)? How much is a "multitude of heavenly hosts"? Could there have been billions singing? Personally, I don't think so. But, as I lead our Roy 30th ward choir and think of the hundreds of other ward choirs that are not equal to the talent and ability of the Mo Tabs, I bet there were "ward choirs" singing in the far reaches of heaven that first Christmas night...sort of like singing back up for Neil Diamond. And Clarence? He wasn't perfect. He hadn't earned his wings yet. But he was still given a very difficult assignment and came through with flying colors (no pun intended). He was finally fitted for his wings. TRUTH #5: We don't need to be perfect to be angels here and now. But the very process of trying brings us closer to that ideal.
TRUTH #6: Do you remember Zuzu's pedals? I've thought a lot about those. She had faith that her daddy could fix the flower and put the fallen pedals back on the beautiful rose. Later in the movie when George finally realized he wanted to live, Zuzu's pedals in his pocket were his confirmation of the miracle he had just experienced. To me, Zuzu's pedals are a reminder that Father can fix what's broken in my life...and it can be a "wonderful life". Here are Elder Holland's words of HOPE: "...I am testifying that God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges we face." Then he quotes from Doctrine and Covenants 84:88. "I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left...my spirit shall be in your [heart], and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."
So thanks to Clarence and all the angels there...and here. Since I don't believe that angels have wings, every time I hear a bell ring this Christmas, I will just think of you!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Home Storage
Every August Kathleen and I vow we are going to attend one of the most popular classes at Education Week. You won't believe this, but the class is called Oh, Those Wonderful Grains! Apparently it is a popular class or they wouldn't offer it year after year. But somehow (go figure) we both find other classes that seem to have more appeal. Kathleen and I will be sorry one day when we need to eat that 40 pounds of wheat that is stored in the basement. So instead of passing on information gained at Education Week, I will share a recipe from Relief Society:
Creamy Cracked Wheat Cereal
1 cup uncooked cracked wheat
3 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup powdered milk
4 tablespoons sugar
Prepare cracked wheat by using a wheat grinder or a blender. Add dry milk to water, whisk and bring to a boil at medium high temperature. Add wheat, sugar, and salt; cover and reduce heat to simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until water is absorbed. Makes 3 cups cereal.
We have all heard Pres. Benson's statement many, many times, "the revelation to produce and store food may be as essential to our temporal welfare today as boarding the ark was to the people in the days of Noah." I certainly hope you are being diligent in gathering a supply of the four basic food groups: Spaghettios, Jello pudding, applesauce and microwave popcorn.
The October 2008 Conference talk I want to share with you today is Elder Neil L. Andersen's entitled You Know Enough. "... we each have moments of spiritual power, moments of inspiration and revelation. We must sink them deep into the chambers of our souls. As we do, we prepare our spiritual home storage for moments of personal difficulty." (Ensign, November 2008 page 13) I liked that phrase describing our spiritual home storage. Just as our food storage is gathered one green bean at a time, so it is with our spiritual home storage...one verse of scripture at a time, one Family Home Evening lesson at a time, or one answered prayer at a time. We may not know all things, but we use what we do know to sustain us in times of doubt, discouragement, or persecution.
As we venture through trials, we wonder how we will ever make it through. In those times, we may feel our emotional or spiritual storage has been depleted...barren of nourishment. We find we've eaten all the bottled asparagus tips. There's only one remaining can of pineapple tidbits. Or maybe we are low on Bulgar (doesn't that sound appetizing?) That is precisely the time when we take inventory, dig in a little deeper and retrieve those experiences, feelings and testimony that have been stored up all our lives for just such a time.
I'm not sure how old I was when I had one of my first spiritual experiences. But I remember believing there were witches in the closet and I was also very afraid of dying in my sleep. (...don't know where that childhood phobia came from). One night I was so terrified that I literally couldn't allow myself to go to sleep. Mom and Dad had taught me to pray...so I did...and within a short time, the witches and the coffins were replaced with fairy princesses, or lollipops, or whatever was pleasant to dream about. I put that experience in storage and have added many more to it over the last 50 years. When other fears surfaced last year, I relied on my supply of testimony to see me through the crisis.
Isn't it interesting that our inventory of bottled peaches dwindles as they are consumed. But with our spiritual home storage, using it makes it grow. Maybe we don't know the location of Kolob or if we've been visited by one of the three Nephites...but we know enough.
Creamy Cracked Wheat Cereal
1 cup uncooked cracked wheat
3 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup powdered milk
4 tablespoons sugar
Prepare cracked wheat by using a wheat grinder or a blender. Add dry milk to water, whisk and bring to a boil at medium high temperature. Add wheat, sugar, and salt; cover and reduce heat to simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until water is absorbed. Makes 3 cups cereal.
We have all heard Pres. Benson's statement many, many times, "the revelation to produce and store food may be as essential to our temporal welfare today as boarding the ark was to the people in the days of Noah." I certainly hope you are being diligent in gathering a supply of the four basic food groups: Spaghettios, Jello pudding, applesauce and microwave popcorn.
The October 2008 Conference talk I want to share with you today is Elder Neil L. Andersen's entitled You Know Enough. "... we each have moments of spiritual power, moments of inspiration and revelation. We must sink them deep into the chambers of our souls. As we do, we prepare our spiritual home storage for moments of personal difficulty." (Ensign, November 2008 page 13) I liked that phrase describing our spiritual home storage. Just as our food storage is gathered one green bean at a time, so it is with our spiritual home storage...one verse of scripture at a time, one Family Home Evening lesson at a time, or one answered prayer at a time. We may not know all things, but we use what we do know to sustain us in times of doubt, discouragement, or persecution.
As we venture through trials, we wonder how we will ever make it through. In those times, we may feel our emotional or spiritual storage has been depleted...barren of nourishment. We find we've eaten all the bottled asparagus tips. There's only one remaining can of pineapple tidbits. Or maybe we are low on Bulgar (doesn't that sound appetizing?) That is precisely the time when we take inventory, dig in a little deeper and retrieve those experiences, feelings and testimony that have been stored up all our lives for just such a time.
I'm not sure how old I was when I had one of my first spiritual experiences. But I remember believing there were witches in the closet and I was also very afraid of dying in my sleep. (...don't know where that childhood phobia came from). One night I was so terrified that I literally couldn't allow myself to go to sleep. Mom and Dad had taught me to pray...so I did...and within a short time, the witches and the coffins were replaced with fairy princesses, or lollipops, or whatever was pleasant to dream about. I put that experience in storage and have added many more to it over the last 50 years. When other fears surfaced last year, I relied on my supply of testimony to see me through the crisis.
Isn't it interesting that our inventory of bottled peaches dwindles as they are consumed. But with our spiritual home storage, using it makes it grow. Maybe we don't know the location of Kolob or if we've been visited by one of the three Nephites...but we know enough.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Baby, It's Cold Outside
Barry Manilow offers a rousing rendition of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" each holiday season. I've heard it several times on KOZY already. It's inevitable that at this time of year with the earth rotating on it's axis, the northern hemisphere is farther away from the sun. Go figure...every December it is cold. I'm assuming that fact will not change for quite some time. (Contrary to scripture and tradition, I think the opposite of heaven won't be fiery hot, it will be freezing.) A cold-weather Christmas last year provided an opportunity for friends and family to give me gifts of warmth. Ilene gave me a furry bathrobe. Kathleen and family provided a fleece blanket and quilt. Linda purchased several warm hats for my hairless head. These were gifts that keep on giving...because I am still using them this year to ward off the chill. I received other gifts from you in the form of handmade pink scarves, pink hats, blankets, etc. All were very much appreciated.
I was also warmed by the spirit last Christmas through the constant re-reading of the October 2008 conference talks. In the next weeks and months, I would like to refer to some of my favorite thoughts and inspiration from those messages. Today I want to share a story from Bishop Keith B. McMullin.
"A few years ago a high-ranking official from China visited Salt Lake City, toured Church sites and spoke at Brigham Young University. Learning about the Church welfare program, he said, 'If we all loved each other like this, the world would be a more peaceful place.' Fasting and giving the value of the meals not eaten to help the poor captured his attention. At the conclusion of his visit to Welfare Square, he handed the manager a small red envelope -- a 'red pocket'. In China a 'red pocket' is given as a gesture of love, blessing, and a wish for good fortune. 'It does not contain much,' the visitor said, 'but it represents the money I have saved from missing breakfast the last two mornings. I would like to give my fast offering to the Welfare program of the Church'." (Ensign, November 2008 page 76)
"Warm Fuzzies" come in all shapes and sizes...from woolen caps to simple verbal expressions of friendship. Wouldn't it be a wonderful sight to see dozens of "red pockets" hanging from neighbors' doors this Christmas as a sign of "love, blessing and good fortune". Maybe a Family Home Evening would be a fun time to make your own "red pockets" (red envelopes from Office Max or folded construction paper stapled on the sides...) Or maybe, your "red pockets" won't be red at all. They will be in the form of a phone call to an acquaintance from years past, or a fresh batch of cookies left on the doorstep, or an offer to share an afternoon with someone less noticeable. I know you...you have your own way of distributing "red pockets", not only in December but in May and August as well.
It has been prophesied that in the last days, the hearts of men will "wax cold". Local news reports testify we are heading in that direction, quickly. And while "global warming" is an environmental concern, a little more global warming of hearts would help to counteract the coldness of humanity creeping in our neighborhoods. I am reminded of the words from the song In This Very Room. "In this very room there's quite enough love for one like me. And in this very room there's quite enough joy for one like me." The next verse expands to include all of us. Finally, "...in this very room there's quite enough love for all the world...And there's quite enough hope and quite enough power to chase away any gloom. For Jesus, Lord Jesus, is in this very room." As I thought about the color red, I don't know why the Chinese chose that color. But we make red hearts for Valentines Day; Santa's suit is red; and red represents the blood of Christ shed for us. Red, indeed, is the color of the pure love of Christ, charity.
So at this Christmas time when "Baby, it's cold outside", I am warmed by your kindness in providing for body and soul. May I offer my "red pocket" of love to each of you as I share one final thought of HOPE from Bishop McMullin that helped me through this last year. He was quoting Pres. Monson: "At times there appears to be no light at the tunnel's end -- no dawn to break the night's darkness...We feel abandoned, heartbroken, alone. If you find yourself in such a situation, I plead with you to turn to our Heavenly Father in faith. He will lift you and guide you. He will not always take your afflictions from you, but He will comfort and lead you with love through whatever storm you face." (Ensign November 2008 pages 76-77) Heavenly Father gives "red pockets" too.
I was also warmed by the spirit last Christmas through the constant re-reading of the October 2008 conference talks. In the next weeks and months, I would like to refer to some of my favorite thoughts and inspiration from those messages. Today I want to share a story from Bishop Keith B. McMullin.
"A few years ago a high-ranking official from China visited Salt Lake City, toured Church sites and spoke at Brigham Young University. Learning about the Church welfare program, he said, 'If we all loved each other like this, the world would be a more peaceful place.' Fasting and giving the value of the meals not eaten to help the poor captured his attention. At the conclusion of his visit to Welfare Square, he handed the manager a small red envelope -- a 'red pocket'. In China a 'red pocket' is given as a gesture of love, blessing, and a wish for good fortune. 'It does not contain much,' the visitor said, 'but it represents the money I have saved from missing breakfast the last two mornings. I would like to give my fast offering to the Welfare program of the Church'." (Ensign, November 2008 page 76)
"Warm Fuzzies" come in all shapes and sizes...from woolen caps to simple verbal expressions of friendship. Wouldn't it be a wonderful sight to see dozens of "red pockets" hanging from neighbors' doors this Christmas as a sign of "love, blessing and good fortune". Maybe a Family Home Evening would be a fun time to make your own "red pockets" (red envelopes from Office Max or folded construction paper stapled on the sides...) Or maybe, your "red pockets" won't be red at all. They will be in the form of a phone call to an acquaintance from years past, or a fresh batch of cookies left on the doorstep, or an offer to share an afternoon with someone less noticeable. I know you...you have your own way of distributing "red pockets", not only in December but in May and August as well.
It has been prophesied that in the last days, the hearts of men will "wax cold". Local news reports testify we are heading in that direction, quickly. And while "global warming" is an environmental concern, a little more global warming of hearts would help to counteract the coldness of humanity creeping in our neighborhoods. I am reminded of the words from the song In This Very Room. "In this very room there's quite enough love for one like me. And in this very room there's quite enough joy for one like me." The next verse expands to include all of us. Finally, "...in this very room there's quite enough love for all the world...And there's quite enough hope and quite enough power to chase away any gloom. For Jesus, Lord Jesus, is in this very room." As I thought about the color red, I don't know why the Chinese chose that color. But we make red hearts for Valentines Day; Santa's suit is red; and red represents the blood of Christ shed for us. Red, indeed, is the color of the pure love of Christ, charity.
So at this Christmas time when "Baby, it's cold outside", I am warmed by your kindness in providing for body and soul. May I offer my "red pocket" of love to each of you as I share one final thought of HOPE from Bishop McMullin that helped me through this last year. He was quoting Pres. Monson: "At times there appears to be no light at the tunnel's end -- no dawn to break the night's darkness...We feel abandoned, heartbroken, alone. If you find yourself in such a situation, I plead with you to turn to our Heavenly Father in faith. He will lift you and guide you. He will not always take your afflictions from you, but He will comfort and lead you with love through whatever storm you face." (Ensign November 2008 pages 76-77) Heavenly Father gives "red pockets" too.
Friday, November 27, 2009
My Re-Mission Call
This last week I was set apart as the 1st counselor in my ward Primary. At first I could only think of two reasons why I would not want to serve. First, I love Relief Society and will miss the lessons and the association with the sisters. Second, was the fear factor. I know this is hard for some of you to understand, but I would rather stand in front of Gospel Doctrine "know it alls" than a "Beamer" (Sunbeam). Being a no-mom, the youngest child, and a person that detested babysitting growing up, I don't "do" children well. I feel totally unqualified.
I've had a month to think differently on this new venture (or adventure...a little like trekking in the Amazon Jungle!) I am calling it my "re-mission call". In a previous Grace Note I mentioned that a doctor's visit last March was a turning point for me. It was like God was saying, "Ann, you've had enough self pity, despair and fear. I'm going to give you a new spirit." And when I heard the doctor say the word "remission", I could literally feel the darkness start to fade away. Remission became dear to me and as I tried to define my life after cancer this summer, I thought it was a very fitting word. I spent months trying to find my purpose and mission (RE=again + MISSION=meaning).
I prayed for months for a chance to serve in my ward. Deep in my heart I had hoped the Bishop would call me in to his office (a little like Santa Claus) and say, "You've been a good little girl this year, what position would you like for Christmas?" And I had my list ready and checked it twice. I wanted to serve anywhere in Relief Society, followed by teaching in Sunday School. I get along with Young Women fairly well, and Primary was last on the list. But as I kept praying and praying and trying to be humble, I found MY priorities being replaced with "I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord."
So to give me courage and determination to offer 110%, here are my reasons for looking forward to my re-mission call.
1. With that much prayer involved, I have got to trust that this is an inspired call. Heavenly Father must know what he's doing. He wouldn't entrust his precious little short people into the care of someone dangerous, like me. I've been told that Sis. Lee, the Primary President, had several episodes of dismissing me from the list of prospective counselors. But she kept coming back to my name. She insists the inspiration came that "Ann needed to be in Primary." With that kind of background information, I can be assured I am not in this scary place alone.
2. I err. Primary wasn't on the bottom of my list of preferred assignments. Being called as a ward missionary would win that spot. But now, maybe I can serve in the Primary and be a missionary both at the same time. Let me explain by sharing a story from a recent Ensign. The story was part of the Questions and Answers section. The problem posed was the feeling of parents struggling to find purpose and meaning in raising a family. Megan Broughton said "...Even though my children are young, I pray for them to have spiritual experiences. And as I read the scriptures, I look for lessons about how to bless and teach my children. We also strive to hold family home evening and family scripture study using methods that are appropriate for our young family...I think of our children as 'little investigators' who are learning the gospel...I have gone about my tasks with an eternal perspective in mind, and I take pride and find joy in my role as a mother and homemaker." (Ensign, June 2009, page 15).
The new Primary theme for 2010 is "I Know My Savior Lives". I am excited to be learning right along with the children about Jesus. My patriarchal blessing says I will have the opportunity to teach truths to many who have not heard or do not understand them. What a chance to share the gospel with little investigators?
3. About a month ago, Pres. Uchtdorf was addressing the Young Single Adults in a CES fireside. He advised those that would not have the opportunity to marry in this life to gain a wide variety of experience. Any learning gained here would help as we rear families in the next life. Having a "near death experience", or so I thought at the time, causes me to think that I need some quick on the job training in being a parent...and I better get it soon!
4. Serving in the Primary organization is a tender mercy. I am fitting in to a presidency that has already served close to three years. Being a counselor instead of an in-charge person will allow me to learn from these women who have so much experience and wisdom. I can still work with adult teachers. With tax season coming up, and my health still in an uncertain stage, Primary will not take as much time as other church callings.
Those first few mornings of Sharing Time will put me in cardiac arrest, and I thought how nice it would be to have a Primary MTC: a two week intensive training. But instead, may I call on all of you Zone Leaders and Senior Companions to share insights such as the difference between Weeblos and Bears, what 11 year old girls do for fun, who provides the Nilla Wafers for nursery and how to effectively use Crayolas, Elmer's Glue and construction paper? I am the "greenie" here. However, I am reminded that only green things grow. And at the end of my re-mission, I hope to say, it was the best (2) years of my life.
I've had a month to think differently on this new venture (or adventure...a little like trekking in the Amazon Jungle!) I am calling it my "re-mission call". In a previous Grace Note I mentioned that a doctor's visit last March was a turning point for me. It was like God was saying, "Ann, you've had enough self pity, despair and fear. I'm going to give you a new spirit." And when I heard the doctor say the word "remission", I could literally feel the darkness start to fade away. Remission became dear to me and as I tried to define my life after cancer this summer, I thought it was a very fitting word. I spent months trying to find my purpose and mission (RE=again + MISSION=meaning).
I prayed for months for a chance to serve in my ward. Deep in my heart I had hoped the Bishop would call me in to his office (a little like Santa Claus) and say, "You've been a good little girl this year, what position would you like for Christmas?" And I had my list ready and checked it twice. I wanted to serve anywhere in Relief Society, followed by teaching in Sunday School. I get along with Young Women fairly well, and Primary was last on the list. But as I kept praying and praying and trying to be humble, I found MY priorities being replaced with "I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord."
So to give me courage and determination to offer 110%, here are my reasons for looking forward to my re-mission call.
1. With that much prayer involved, I have got to trust that this is an inspired call. Heavenly Father must know what he's doing. He wouldn't entrust his precious little short people into the care of someone dangerous, like me. I've been told that Sis. Lee, the Primary President, had several episodes of dismissing me from the list of prospective counselors. But she kept coming back to my name. She insists the inspiration came that "Ann needed to be in Primary." With that kind of background information, I can be assured I am not in this scary place alone.
2. I err. Primary wasn't on the bottom of my list of preferred assignments. Being called as a ward missionary would win that spot. But now, maybe I can serve in the Primary and be a missionary both at the same time. Let me explain by sharing a story from a recent Ensign. The story was part of the Questions and Answers section. The problem posed was the feeling of parents struggling to find purpose and meaning in raising a family. Megan Broughton said "...Even though my children are young, I pray for them to have spiritual experiences. And as I read the scriptures, I look for lessons about how to bless and teach my children. We also strive to hold family home evening and family scripture study using methods that are appropriate for our young family...I think of our children as 'little investigators' who are learning the gospel...I have gone about my tasks with an eternal perspective in mind, and I take pride and find joy in my role as a mother and homemaker." (Ensign, June 2009, page 15).
The new Primary theme for 2010 is "I Know My Savior Lives". I am excited to be learning right along with the children about Jesus. My patriarchal blessing says I will have the opportunity to teach truths to many who have not heard or do not understand them. What a chance to share the gospel with little investigators?
3. About a month ago, Pres. Uchtdorf was addressing the Young Single Adults in a CES fireside. He advised those that would not have the opportunity to marry in this life to gain a wide variety of experience. Any learning gained here would help as we rear families in the next life. Having a "near death experience", or so I thought at the time, causes me to think that I need some quick on the job training in being a parent...and I better get it soon!
4. Serving in the Primary organization is a tender mercy. I am fitting in to a presidency that has already served close to three years. Being a counselor instead of an in-charge person will allow me to learn from these women who have so much experience and wisdom. I can still work with adult teachers. With tax season coming up, and my health still in an uncertain stage, Primary will not take as much time as other church callings.
Those first few mornings of Sharing Time will put me in cardiac arrest, and I thought how nice it would be to have a Primary MTC: a two week intensive training. But instead, may I call on all of you Zone Leaders and Senior Companions to share insights such as the difference between Weeblos and Bears, what 11 year old girls do for fun, who provides the Nilla Wafers for nursery and how to effectively use Crayolas, Elmer's Glue and construction paper? I am the "greenie" here. However, I am reminded that only green things grow. And at the end of my re-mission, I hope to say, it was the best (2) years of my life.
Friday, November 20, 2009
An Attitude of Gratitude
I remember a General Conference talk from many years ago where it was noticed that as congregations we are often heard to say we are grateful for the blessings which we enjoy. Of course we are grateful for those things which make us happy. What about the blessings we don't enjoy? I was reading the experience of a mother who was just starting chemotherapy. She felt chemo was poison, doing more harm than good. She certainly didn't want her six year old son to know her fears and concerns. So she devised a wonderful image in her mind and shared it with her son. She explained to him that since she had a powerful sickness in her body, she would need a powerful medicine to help her get better. This medicine would be so powerful, in fact, that it was superhero medicine. It could knock the hair right off her head. She found herself visualizing little Supermans flying through her body punching out all the cancer cells. When she did this, she wasn't scared anymore. Now that's gratitude with an attitude.
As I "count my blessings instead of sheep", I usually list the obvious: warm home, food, a job, family and health. But I am taking the opportunity in this week's Grace Notes to express my appreciation for the lesser known blessings. See if you agree?
BRAKES. As I was flying home from Ilene's last week, I felt a rush in takeoff. But the landing...I was very grateful for that person in engineering history that invented brakes. All I know is that George Westinghouse of Schenectady, New York invented the air brake in 1869. Bless his little heart!
HOT WATER HEATER. I've seen movies. I've read books. I know that past generations used cold water for everything. Today we just turn the knob to the left and like magic the water turns hot. (My HWH is nearing the ripe old age of 24...I better start preparing for its demise.)
PHOTOGRAPHY. My memory fails quite often. Isn't it great that we can relive those Kodak moments over and over again? (The gorilla at Brooke's wedding; the reunion giggling family prayer; Dax's baby blessing; Grandpa Singleton on his tricycle; vacationing in Hawaii)
MOUNTAINS. I remember visiting Disneyworld several years ago. Personally, I wasn't thrilled with Florida. I missed my mountains. It's an amazing plan that God planted mountains so as to collect snow for summer use and provide a scenic home for Bambi and Thumper.
FINGERNAIL CLIPPERS. How did women manage their fingernails 500 years ago? Did they use some sort of stone grinder or the family sword? I don't know! But I would bet there were no Dollar Cuts in every community offering manicure services.
THE "BACKSPACE KEY". Computers are in that "obvious" blessing category. Isn't it wonderful to have a backspace key to erase all the "oops" in our typing? I am old enough to remember eraser pencils, whiteout strips, and hours spent on retyping the term paper because of a misspelled word in the FIRST paragraph. Oh, yes, I am old enough to remember typewriters, too.
PEACHES. I mentioned I was grateful for food. I think my all-time favorite food is peaches. Fresh, ripe...not canned. Peaches on cereal, peaches on cake, peaches in ice cream, peaches in pies, peaches all by themselves...yum!
FAX MACHINES. I don't even begin to understand the technology. How do alphabet letters and characters get transmitted through the air? Boggles my mind. I don't comprehend the workings of telephones, email, television or electricity either.
POLICE OFFICERS. The same man that annoys me with a traffic violation is also the man that has the power and authority to perhaps save my life.
RED LIGHT. How I hate to wait at a red light when no one is going through on the green. But considering human nature as it is, we would never take turns without it.
TELEVISION COMMERCIALS. We just get to the climax of the story when they break to sell laundry detergent. How annoying. On the other hand, when would we take time for the restroom or visit the refrigerator?
And here's a quick index of other miscellaneous blessings ranging from A to Z. Maybe they don't appear to be God sent, but their invention sure makes life easier today. Just try doing without. It may be fun for you to come up with your own alphabetized list.
Ant spray
Bifocals
Calculator
Drive thrus
Escalators
Freeway
Gas pump
Hair dryer
Italian seasoning
Jiffy Lube
Knee highs
Lawn mower
Mouse traps
Nursery, as in Primary
Oven, the microwavable kind
Piano
Quiet books
Remote control
Scissors
Telephone, namely cell
Umbrella
Velcro
Wise leaders
X-lax
Yellow anythings
Ziplock bags
As Thanksgiving comes next week, may I thank you all again for your love and support. Your kindness allowed me to enjoy the holiday with family last year as we celebrated the Saturday before Thanksgiving. I truly appreciated being with you and look forward to this year's celebration. So, Mahalo, Merci, Danke, Gracias, Thank you. Tis the season...to be grateful.
As I "count my blessings instead of sheep", I usually list the obvious: warm home, food, a job, family and health. But I am taking the opportunity in this week's Grace Notes to express my appreciation for the lesser known blessings. See if you agree?
BRAKES. As I was flying home from Ilene's last week, I felt a rush in takeoff. But the landing...I was very grateful for that person in engineering history that invented brakes. All I know is that George Westinghouse of Schenectady, New York invented the air brake in 1869. Bless his little heart!
HOT WATER HEATER. I've seen movies. I've read books. I know that past generations used cold water for everything. Today we just turn the knob to the left and like magic the water turns hot. (My HWH is nearing the ripe old age of 24...I better start preparing for its demise.)
PHOTOGRAPHY. My memory fails quite often. Isn't it great that we can relive those Kodak moments over and over again? (The gorilla at Brooke's wedding; the reunion giggling family prayer; Dax's baby blessing; Grandpa Singleton on his tricycle; vacationing in Hawaii)
MOUNTAINS. I remember visiting Disneyworld several years ago. Personally, I wasn't thrilled with Florida. I missed my mountains. It's an amazing plan that God planted mountains so as to collect snow for summer use and provide a scenic home for Bambi and Thumper.
FINGERNAIL CLIPPERS. How did women manage their fingernails 500 years ago? Did they use some sort of stone grinder or the family sword? I don't know! But I would bet there were no Dollar Cuts in every community offering manicure services.
THE "BACKSPACE KEY". Computers are in that "obvious" blessing category. Isn't it wonderful to have a backspace key to erase all the "oops" in our typing? I am old enough to remember eraser pencils, whiteout strips, and hours spent on retyping the term paper because of a misspelled word in the FIRST paragraph. Oh, yes, I am old enough to remember typewriters, too.
PEACHES. I mentioned I was grateful for food. I think my all-time favorite food is peaches. Fresh, ripe...not canned. Peaches on cereal, peaches on cake, peaches in ice cream, peaches in pies, peaches all by themselves...yum!
FAX MACHINES. I don't even begin to understand the technology. How do alphabet letters and characters get transmitted through the air? Boggles my mind. I don't comprehend the workings of telephones, email, television or electricity either.
POLICE OFFICERS. The same man that annoys me with a traffic violation is also the man that has the power and authority to perhaps save my life.
RED LIGHT. How I hate to wait at a red light when no one is going through on the green. But considering human nature as it is, we would never take turns without it.
TELEVISION COMMERCIALS. We just get to the climax of the story when they break to sell laundry detergent. How annoying. On the other hand, when would we take time for the restroom or visit the refrigerator?
And here's a quick index of other miscellaneous blessings ranging from A to Z. Maybe they don't appear to be God sent, but their invention sure makes life easier today. Just try doing without. It may be fun for you to come up with your own alphabetized list.
Ant spray
Bifocals
Calculator
Drive thrus
Escalators
Freeway
Gas pump
Hair dryer
Italian seasoning
Jiffy Lube
Knee highs
Lawn mower
Mouse traps
Nursery, as in Primary
Oven, the microwavable kind
Piano
Quiet books
Remote control
Scissors
Telephone, namely cell
Umbrella
Velcro
Wise leaders
X-lax
Yellow anythings
Ziplock bags
As Thanksgiving comes next week, may I thank you all again for your love and support. Your kindness allowed me to enjoy the holiday with family last year as we celebrated the Saturday before Thanksgiving. I truly appreciated being with you and look forward to this year's celebration. So, Mahalo, Merci, Danke, Gracias, Thank you. Tis the season...to be grateful.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Heading Home
Good afternoon! I'm a few days off from my regular Friday postings. My excuse: V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N. I took the chance to spend a couple of days in Federal Way, Washington visiting with Ilene. It was a wonderful get away and I enjoyed seeing Ilene's home, meeting her friends, and almost non-stop talking. She was a very gracious hostess and I appreciated her letting me sub-lease. We had a great time and the three days of vacationing ended too soon.
On Saturday morning, as she was driving me to the airport, we were both carefully watching for road signs to indicate the appropriate lanes of traffic. Ilene reported we didn't want to be in the terminal parking lane. Almost automatically, I confirmed her comment. I had already been there, done that. For about six months, from October 2008 to March 2009, I stalled my emotional Toyota in "terminal parking". I didn't have much hope of survival. Even though Dr. Hansen said, "we're going to beat this," I didn't believe him. I stayed in "terminal" mode for quote some time. So I agreed with Ilene, we didn't want to be in that lane.
Ilene maneuvered her car like a pro and we found ourselves in the drop-off lanes. We exchanged hugs...and she left me there!!!!! My next steps would take me to the electronic "Departures" board. Sadly, I was scheduled to depart from a vacation world of eating out in restaurants, visiting tourist spots, enjoying the sociability of family...basically a time of little concern or worry. So, understandably, there was sadness in departing from such conditions. But I dutifully found my specified gate, waited with other "departees", secured a place in line, and eventually got on board, heading for home.
The symbolism caught hold in my mind. Do you realize the excitement to be found in "departing"? For every flight leaving the Sea-Tac Airport, there is a corresponding "arrival" flight to somewhere. There is NEVER a departure without an arrival at another place. For me, Salt Lake City meant my home, a place of comfort, security and familiarity. Is our departure from mortality any different? We are all in "departure" mode. We will take the flight...some sooner, others later. But there is an "arrival" board on the spirit side where family and friends are anxiously waiting at the gate to welcome us HOME. What a wonderful thought.
Even the airport security experience is symbolic. We check our excess baggage...none allowed. We discard everything that may be harmful to ourselves and to others. We lay it all out for inspection. And in reality, we can only take our bodies and our souls through that magnetic portal. At the airport, there is a fairly good chance you can retrieve the same sneakers at the end of the line as you walked in with. But with the resurrection, it is 100% guaranteed we will be reunited with the same (only perfected) feet.
This is from "Story Teller's Scrapbook:
"I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength and I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says, 'There, she's gone.'
Gone where? Gone from my sight, that is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side, and just as able to bear her load of living to the place of destination. Her diminished size is in me, not in her; and just at that moment when someone at my side said, 'There, she's gone', there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices to take the glad shout, 'There, she's coming!' And such is dying."
This last year I was so very grateful for the knowledge I have of "arrivals" and "departures". I know we lived before we came to this earth. I know I have much more to learn here. But I also know there is a place for us beyond mortality. This knowledge was a great source of strength when I was parked at the terminal for so many months. As Ilene and I cried at the end of my vacation, I asked her why it had to be so hard to say goodbye when we both knew we needed to move on. Her answer was perfect. "It's because of love." And a famous man said...(Okay, it was Patrick Swayze in the movie Ghost)..."it's true, Molly. The love we have, we take it with us." No wonder it is called the Great Plan of Happiness.
On Saturday morning, as she was driving me to the airport, we were both carefully watching for road signs to indicate the appropriate lanes of traffic. Ilene reported we didn't want to be in the terminal parking lane. Almost automatically, I confirmed her comment. I had already been there, done that. For about six months, from October 2008 to March 2009, I stalled my emotional Toyota in "terminal parking". I didn't have much hope of survival. Even though Dr. Hansen said, "we're going to beat this," I didn't believe him. I stayed in "terminal" mode for quote some time. So I agreed with Ilene, we didn't want to be in that lane.
Ilene maneuvered her car like a pro and we found ourselves in the drop-off lanes. We exchanged hugs...and she left me there!!!!! My next steps would take me to the electronic "Departures" board. Sadly, I was scheduled to depart from a vacation world of eating out in restaurants, visiting tourist spots, enjoying the sociability of family...basically a time of little concern or worry. So, understandably, there was sadness in departing from such conditions. But I dutifully found my specified gate, waited with other "departees", secured a place in line, and eventually got on board, heading for home.
The symbolism caught hold in my mind. Do you realize the excitement to be found in "departing"? For every flight leaving the Sea-Tac Airport, there is a corresponding "arrival" flight to somewhere. There is NEVER a departure without an arrival at another place. For me, Salt Lake City meant my home, a place of comfort, security and familiarity. Is our departure from mortality any different? We are all in "departure" mode. We will take the flight...some sooner, others later. But there is an "arrival" board on the spirit side where family and friends are anxiously waiting at the gate to welcome us HOME. What a wonderful thought.
Even the airport security experience is symbolic. We check our excess baggage...none allowed. We discard everything that may be harmful to ourselves and to others. We lay it all out for inspection. And in reality, we can only take our bodies and our souls through that magnetic portal. At the airport, there is a fairly good chance you can retrieve the same sneakers at the end of the line as you walked in with. But with the resurrection, it is 100% guaranteed we will be reunited with the same (only perfected) feet.
This is from "Story Teller's Scrapbook:
"I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength and I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says, 'There, she's gone.'
Gone where? Gone from my sight, that is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side, and just as able to bear her load of living to the place of destination. Her diminished size is in me, not in her; and just at that moment when someone at my side said, 'There, she's gone', there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices to take the glad shout, 'There, she's coming!' And such is dying."
This last year I was so very grateful for the knowledge I have of "arrivals" and "departures". I know we lived before we came to this earth. I know I have much more to learn here. But I also know there is a place for us beyond mortality. This knowledge was a great source of strength when I was parked at the terminal for so many months. As Ilene and I cried at the end of my vacation, I asked her why it had to be so hard to say goodbye when we both knew we needed to move on. Her answer was perfect. "It's because of love." And a famous man said...(Okay, it was Patrick Swayze in the movie Ghost)..."it's true, Molly. The love we have, we take it with us." No wonder it is called the Great Plan of Happiness.
Friday, November 6, 2009
A Lesson From Tyler
As you already know, Halloween 2008 was non existent for me. I was still reeling from the effects of my first chemo treatment. So, while not overly thrilled with celebrating the holiday in 2009, I did look forward to attending both family Halloween parties and seeing the excitement of the children. For weeks prior, everyone was asking the question, "...who are you going to be?"... as if magically, all the children would change their character as easily as they changed their costume. When the time came to unveil their "new look", we saw a pirate, a pop star, several witches, and a lion and a tiger...oh my!
Some costumes allowed the wearer to momentarily take on a new personality. Al Capone showed his mean streak for five minutes and then Nathan took over again. When Abby was asked if she was a scary witch or just a cute witch, she thought for only a nano second and replied, "a cute witch". The Ninjas, Star Wars characters, and all of the Knights of the Round table acted ferociously... for a time. Harry "Porter" looked the part with dark hair, glasses and a wand. It was quite believable... for a time.
But Tyler... he cut out the middle man. As Amy stated in the newsletter this month, he debated back and forth "what to be". But in the end, he thought it would be more fun just coming as himself. While Halloween and dressing up is exciting, stirs the creative juices, and is something to look forward to, don't we all come back, eventually, to be ourselves? That's good and that's the way it always should be.
It's actually a very good question we ask each year: "who are you going to be?" Let's emphasize a few words in that question. First, the word "YOU". Tyler already knew of his own worth. Traumatic events, such as surviving cancer changes lives. Perhaps you can reflect on defining moments in your lives, where afterwards, you were not the same? This last year I felt the need to put on the costume of what the perfect "survivor" should be. I've tried to incorporate courage and new resolves into my every day thinking. I've experimented with support groups. I've even read a half dozen "survivor" books detailing the way we should feel and live. But with Halloween 2009, I'm wondering if I need to just "come as I am". Maybe it is time to realize that Ann Singleton is a great character to play.
..."who are you GOING to be?" In the eternal scheme of things, I'm still growing and learning. I have potential. With obedience, repentance, hard work and lots of grace and mercy to go along with lots of "oops", I am GOING to be better today, tomorrow, next year and at the end of this mortal life, whenever that day comes.
How about a different emphasis: "who are you going to BE?" I love that word and it's companion "BECOMING". They reflect the ultimate goal. I am reminded of Elder Oaks comment from the October 2000 General Conference: "The Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts, what we have done. It is an acknowledgement of the final effects of our acts and thoughts -- what we have BECOME." For many years I have searched the scriptures for clues on how I can BECOME the person I should be (you know, BE ye therefore, perfect...) Let me share with you some recipes I've found:
"...pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love [charity]...that ye may BECOME the sons of God..." (Moroni 7:48)
"...for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things BECOME strong unto them." (Ether 12:27)
"But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually... and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, BECOMING humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering." (Alma 13: 28)
So when I see Minnie Mouse, Jasmine, Hermoine, Buzz Lightyear, cowboys and killer bunnies (I don't understand that one) or even a demonic doll, I am reminded that it is fun to pretend, to laugh and act crazy at times. However, eventually we all come back to ourselves. That's a role that no one else in the world can play. But it is a self that is "going" to "be" better today than yesterday. So for Halloween 2010,I will take Tyler's suggestion and come as "me"...only the new and improved version.
Some costumes allowed the wearer to momentarily take on a new personality. Al Capone showed his mean streak for five minutes and then Nathan took over again. When Abby was asked if she was a scary witch or just a cute witch, she thought for only a nano second and replied, "a cute witch". The Ninjas, Star Wars characters, and all of the Knights of the Round table acted ferociously... for a time. Harry "Porter" looked the part with dark hair, glasses and a wand. It was quite believable... for a time.
But Tyler... he cut out the middle man. As Amy stated in the newsletter this month, he debated back and forth "what to be". But in the end, he thought it would be more fun just coming as himself. While Halloween and dressing up is exciting, stirs the creative juices, and is something to look forward to, don't we all come back, eventually, to be ourselves? That's good and that's the way it always should be.
It's actually a very good question we ask each year: "who are you going to be?" Let's emphasize a few words in that question. First, the word "YOU". Tyler already knew of his own worth. Traumatic events, such as surviving cancer changes lives. Perhaps you can reflect on defining moments in your lives, where afterwards, you were not the same? This last year I felt the need to put on the costume of what the perfect "survivor" should be. I've tried to incorporate courage and new resolves into my every day thinking. I've experimented with support groups. I've even read a half dozen "survivor" books detailing the way we should feel and live. But with Halloween 2009, I'm wondering if I need to just "come as I am". Maybe it is time to realize that Ann Singleton is a great character to play.
..."who are you GOING to be?" In the eternal scheme of things, I'm still growing and learning. I have potential. With obedience, repentance, hard work and lots of grace and mercy to go along with lots of "oops", I am GOING to be better today, tomorrow, next year and at the end of this mortal life, whenever that day comes.
How about a different emphasis: "who are you going to BE?" I love that word and it's companion "BECOMING". They reflect the ultimate goal. I am reminded of Elder Oaks comment from the October 2000 General Conference: "The Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts, what we have done. It is an acknowledgement of the final effects of our acts and thoughts -- what we have BECOME." For many years I have searched the scriptures for clues on how I can BECOME the person I should be (you know, BE ye therefore, perfect...) Let me share with you some recipes I've found:
"...pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love [charity]...that ye may BECOME the sons of God..." (Moroni 7:48)
"...for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things BECOME strong unto them." (Ether 12:27)
"But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually... and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, BECOMING humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering." (Alma 13: 28)
So when I see Minnie Mouse, Jasmine, Hermoine, Buzz Lightyear, cowboys and killer bunnies (I don't understand that one) or even a demonic doll, I am reminded that it is fun to pretend, to laugh and act crazy at times. However, eventually we all come back to ourselves. That's a role that no one else in the world can play. But it is a self that is "going" to "be" better today than yesterday. So for Halloween 2010,I will take Tyler's suggestion and come as "me"...only the new and improved version.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Guinea Pigs and Other Rodents
"Shortly after my diagnosis, my doctor offered me the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial, and I eagerly accepted. He didn't use the term 'guinea pig', but that's how I saw myself. It didn't matter, though. I wanted every available weapon to fight my battle!
"The actual treatments using the trial drug began many months later. The drug was brutal, but by then I had learned the healing power of laughter. While browsing in one of those everything-costs-a-dollar stores, looking for something to amuse myself, I found a small face mask that was just a rubber nose with whiskers. It looked like a mouse's nose. Or maybe a rat's. Or maybe, I thought, a guinea pig's.
"At my next appointment, I sat on the table in the examining room sporting my shiny bald head, that oh-so-lovely hospital gown, my new nose and whiskers, and a terribly serious expression. When my doctor walked in, he asked (head down and looking at my chart), 'And how are we today?'
"I said in the saddest voice I could muster, 'I don't know about this clinical trial. I'm starting to feel like a guinea pig.'
"He looked up at me with a puzzled expression. A smile spread slowly across his face. Then he chuckled. then he started laughing. He laughed so hard he had to sit down. I laughed so much my sides hurt and tears rolled down my face. That rubber nose was the best dollar I ever spent." (Chicken Soup for the Breast Cancer Survivor's Soul, page 112)
I don't know if you find this story funny...I did...maybe you had to be there! But it gave me an idea for this week's Grace Notes. I've already mentioned how devastated I was when I started losing my hair. Certainly the wig helped. But mostly, I missed my eyelashes and eyebrows. So I became even more self-conscious about my appearance. There is a very fine line on how we view our physical bodies. On one hand, we can be obsessive and worry too much about the outward appearance. At the opposite extreme is where we don't care at all about hygiene or health. A good balance is in the middle...we are healthy (eat right and exercise) and "accentuate the positive" but we accept how we are and go on with life.
A cancer survivor contact of mine informed me of a support activity sponsored by the American Cancer Society entitled "Look Good, Feel Better". I went. Cosmetic companies and retail establishments donate merchandise to the cause. Local beauty experts (okay...maybe not experts, probably Stacey's Beauty School students) volunteer. I received a bag full of goodies including eyeliner, lip gloss, foundation, lotions...and suggestions on applying all that makeup on a face that wasn't the same as a few months ago. It was helpful and I used several of the techniques in the days to follow. It indeed made me feel better.
But as I thought about the name of the class, I wondered if the name needed to be enlarged by two little words: "Look (for the) good, and feel better." Humor and a positive outlook can make a big difference in the way we feel physically and, of course, emotionally. I would just bet the woman in the guinea pig story felt much better after releasing tears of humor in the doctor's office.
I need to work on this concept. I wish I had the "guts" to do something like put on a rat's nose and walk into a waiting room. Looking for the good, however, can even mean just replacing a negative thought with one more positive. For example, Negative: "Boy, it's cold today...I hate winter"; Positive: "Boy, it's cold today...one day closer to summer!" Hey, that makes me feel better already!
In case you can't come up with positive thoughts for today, here's a joke (keeping with the "rodent" theme). See if smiling and laughing make YOU feel better:
Hickory, dickory dock,
The mice ran up the clock,
The clock struck one,
And the others escaped with minor injuries.
"The actual treatments using the trial drug began many months later. The drug was brutal, but by then I had learned the healing power of laughter. While browsing in one of those everything-costs-a-dollar stores, looking for something to amuse myself, I found a small face mask that was just a rubber nose with whiskers. It looked like a mouse's nose. Or maybe a rat's. Or maybe, I thought, a guinea pig's.
"At my next appointment, I sat on the table in the examining room sporting my shiny bald head, that oh-so-lovely hospital gown, my new nose and whiskers, and a terribly serious expression. When my doctor walked in, he asked (head down and looking at my chart), 'And how are we today?'
"I said in the saddest voice I could muster, 'I don't know about this clinical trial. I'm starting to feel like a guinea pig.'
"He looked up at me with a puzzled expression. A smile spread slowly across his face. Then he chuckled. then he started laughing. He laughed so hard he had to sit down. I laughed so much my sides hurt and tears rolled down my face. That rubber nose was the best dollar I ever spent." (Chicken Soup for the Breast Cancer Survivor's Soul, page 112)
I don't know if you find this story funny...I did...maybe you had to be there! But it gave me an idea for this week's Grace Notes. I've already mentioned how devastated I was when I started losing my hair. Certainly the wig helped. But mostly, I missed my eyelashes and eyebrows. So I became even more self-conscious about my appearance. There is a very fine line on how we view our physical bodies. On one hand, we can be obsessive and worry too much about the outward appearance. At the opposite extreme is where we don't care at all about hygiene or health. A good balance is in the middle...we are healthy (eat right and exercise) and "accentuate the positive" but we accept how we are and go on with life.
A cancer survivor contact of mine informed me of a support activity sponsored by the American Cancer Society entitled "Look Good, Feel Better". I went. Cosmetic companies and retail establishments donate merchandise to the cause. Local beauty experts (okay...maybe not experts, probably Stacey's Beauty School students) volunteer. I received a bag full of goodies including eyeliner, lip gloss, foundation, lotions...and suggestions on applying all that makeup on a face that wasn't the same as a few months ago. It was helpful and I used several of the techniques in the days to follow. It indeed made me feel better.
But as I thought about the name of the class, I wondered if the name needed to be enlarged by two little words: "Look (for the) good, and feel better." Humor and a positive outlook can make a big difference in the way we feel physically and, of course, emotionally. I would just bet the woman in the guinea pig story felt much better after releasing tears of humor in the doctor's office.
I need to work on this concept. I wish I had the "guts" to do something like put on a rat's nose and walk into a waiting room. Looking for the good, however, can even mean just replacing a negative thought with one more positive. For example, Negative: "Boy, it's cold today...I hate winter"; Positive: "Boy, it's cold today...one day closer to summer!" Hey, that makes me feel better already!
In case you can't come up with positive thoughts for today, here's a joke (keeping with the "rodent" theme). See if smiling and laughing make YOU feel better:
Hickory, dickory dock,
The mice ran up the clock,
The clock struck one,
And the others escaped with minor injuries.
Friday, October 23, 2009
The Pigs discover FIRE
It's been a long, long time since I've read bedtime stories. It is any wonder? As children we were told of wolves eating grandmas, houses being blown down, witches in the forest, poisoned princesses, headless gingerbread men...they are enough to give us nightmares! But for some reason, I've thought of the "Three Little Pigs" this week.
If I remember correctly, the big, bad wolf would knock on the door of each little pig's home and ask to be let in. The little pigs knew better and replied, "...not by the hair of my chiny-chin-chin." So the wolf huffed and puffed and blew the houses down...until he tried the house made of brick. (Many good object lessons in this story). It was too well built for the wolf's hot breath and in the end...well, it ended happily ever after for the pigs.
While they were wise and saw danger in letting the wolf into their homes, I want to draw another analogy...the need for just the opposite reaction. This past year, many people literally and figuratively came knocking on my door and asked to come in. They weren't wolves. They were good people: family, friends and neighbors. But because I was too independent and too proud, I refused their entrance into my home, my heart and my life. Don't get me wrong. I wasn't rude (I hope). It's just that I didn't give others an opportunity to extend service when they asked "what can I do to help?"
I think I have learned something about "knocking". We may knock on a door and people will say "no". Okay. We accept that and go away. But we never lose interest in the little pigs. My neighbors soon quit knocking. (I guess we get what we ask for.) I am going to assume, however, they never lost their concern for my well being.
We may knock and people will say "no" at first. But we come back a second or third or even a fourth time. Eventually, they know we are sincere and will let us in. My friend, Marnae, was like this. I told her I didn't need any compassionate service meals. After several repeated requests, I gave in. For many weeks during tax season I would come home to find supper in my mailbox. Remember, this was in the dead of winter...my mailbox was like a freezer. I appreciated her determination.
We may knock and people will say no. That's when we go to the back door and try a different approach. This reminds me of another favorite bedtime story, "The Little Mailman of Bayberry Lane." The squirrel was the mailman. Everyday he would deliver letters to Mr. Turtle, Mrs. Duck and Mr. and Mrs. Goose. But there was never a letter for Mrs. Pig. The mailman, seeing Mrs. Pig's loneliness, thought and thought and finally came up with a wonderful idea. He arranged a surprise party so the neighbors could get to know Mrs. Pig better. The party was a great success and Mrs. Pig was never lonely after that. Everyday, the mailman would deliver thank you notes, and party invitations and chatty letters to Mrs. Pig written by all the animals in the neighborhood. Sometimes we need to "think outside the box" and find different ways to serve.
Yes, I should have let people in when they came knocking. They were sincere in their desire to help. I also need to be the one who does the knocking. I'm afraid I am failing in this area too. It's not that I don't care. It's usually a situation of thinking I'm too busy with things that matter least. So I am going to recommit to "pig out" and "knock" on a few doors. And if they don't let me in to their home, I'll try to find a way into their hearts via another route. In fact, I should "huff" and "puff" until I get let in...in a very compassionate, kind, charitable, loving, understanding, sincere way, of course!
So here are my final thoughts on fire. The first comes from Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. "Someday, after we have mastered the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity, we shall harness the energies of love. Then, for the second time, man will have discovered fire."
Albert Schweitzer has said, "Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light."
If I remember correctly, the big, bad wolf would knock on the door of each little pig's home and ask to be let in. The little pigs knew better and replied, "...not by the hair of my chiny-chin-chin." So the wolf huffed and puffed and blew the houses down...until he tried the house made of brick. (Many good object lessons in this story). It was too well built for the wolf's hot breath and in the end...well, it ended happily ever after for the pigs.
While they were wise and saw danger in letting the wolf into their homes, I want to draw another analogy...the need for just the opposite reaction. This past year, many people literally and figuratively came knocking on my door and asked to come in. They weren't wolves. They were good people: family, friends and neighbors. But because I was too independent and too proud, I refused their entrance into my home, my heart and my life. Don't get me wrong. I wasn't rude (I hope). It's just that I didn't give others an opportunity to extend service when they asked "what can I do to help?"
I think I have learned something about "knocking". We may knock on a door and people will say "no". Okay. We accept that and go away. But we never lose interest in the little pigs. My neighbors soon quit knocking. (I guess we get what we ask for.) I am going to assume, however, they never lost their concern for my well being.
We may knock and people will say "no" at first. But we come back a second or third or even a fourth time. Eventually, they know we are sincere and will let us in. My friend, Marnae, was like this. I told her I didn't need any compassionate service meals. After several repeated requests, I gave in. For many weeks during tax season I would come home to find supper in my mailbox. Remember, this was in the dead of winter...my mailbox was like a freezer. I appreciated her determination.
We may knock and people will say no. That's when we go to the back door and try a different approach. This reminds me of another favorite bedtime story, "The Little Mailman of Bayberry Lane." The squirrel was the mailman. Everyday he would deliver letters to Mr. Turtle, Mrs. Duck and Mr. and Mrs. Goose. But there was never a letter for Mrs. Pig. The mailman, seeing Mrs. Pig's loneliness, thought and thought and finally came up with a wonderful idea. He arranged a surprise party so the neighbors could get to know Mrs. Pig better. The party was a great success and Mrs. Pig was never lonely after that. Everyday, the mailman would deliver thank you notes, and party invitations and chatty letters to Mrs. Pig written by all the animals in the neighborhood. Sometimes we need to "think outside the box" and find different ways to serve.
Yes, I should have let people in when they came knocking. They were sincere in their desire to help. I also need to be the one who does the knocking. I'm afraid I am failing in this area too. It's not that I don't care. It's usually a situation of thinking I'm too busy with things that matter least. So I am going to recommit to "pig out" and "knock" on a few doors. And if they don't let me in to their home, I'll try to find a way into their hearts via another route. In fact, I should "huff" and "puff" until I get let in...in a very compassionate, kind, charitable, loving, understanding, sincere way, of course!
So here are my final thoughts on fire. The first comes from Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. "Someday, after we have mastered the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity, we shall harness the energies of love. Then, for the second time, man will have discovered fire."
Albert Schweitzer has said, "Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light."
Friday, October 16, 2009
Fire #2
It was actually a coincidence that my last Grace Note was published on Columbus Day weekend. Since then, I have been told that not all people consider Chris an inspired man. I won't debate that...I'll leave those discussions to history teachers. But I still maintain that his phrase "fire for the deed" IS inspired.
So here is my "fire" quote number 2. These words were spoken by Pres. Brigham Young as he heard stories of suffering Saints leaving Nauvoo. While at Winter Quarters he encouraged men to go back and offer assistance to those camped along the Mississippi River. He said, "Now is the time to labor. Let the fire of the covenant which you made in the House of the Lord, burn in your hearts, like flame unquenchable." (Ensign, May 2009 page 100).
There is something powerful in a covenant relationship. Both parties have sacrificed something to reach a desired outcome. If both live up to their responsibilities in the covenant, it's a win-win situation. And I think being in a covenant relationship empowers us to do more than we thought we could...it gives us fire for the deed. There may be times when God will literally send angels, superhuman strength, or personal revelation to aid us in our efforts. On the other hand (and mostly in our everyday challenges) God expects us to gather the firewood, dig the pit, rub the sticks together and blow real hard to get the fire going. But that's okay, because we are cub scouts in training...we can do it!
Stories have often been told about parents putting themselves in danger to save a child. Why? Spouses should be "hopelessly devoted" to each other, and no one else. Why? Good people throughout the world, sacrifice personal time and money for charitable causes. Why? We find fire to do that which we feel a strong commitment to. When relationships fail or trials surface, there is ONE covenant relationship we can always count on. I really struggled when I was released from my callings last year. I also felt very scared and fearful for many months. Through all of that, I hoped in priesthood blessings and prayer. I believed in the peace of scripture study. And if my memory is right, I only missed one week of attending church (that was a miracle). My point being: a covenant relationship is a strong motivator...or should be.
One summer, Ann [that's the name in the story...honest] decided to go river rafting. Everyone who signed up for the trip had to learn the basic procedures and safety measures. As the instructor outlined the dangers, Ann became scared. What if her raft capsized or was dashed against the rocks? What if she were thrown into the rapidly churning water and carried downstream before anyone could rescue her? The instructor had one answer to all of Ann's anxious questions: "There is a rope that is attached to the perimeter of the raft. Whatever happens, hold on to that rope. Never let go. Just hold on." And do you know what? An unexpected storm came up and Ann's raft did capsize, but she remembered her instructor's words. She held on to that rope and she survived.
I stared at my friend, wondering what this had to do with me [my cancer]. "Know what your rope is, Myra," she counseled. "And hold on -- to whatever it is. Through whatever happens, just keep holding on." (Chicken Soup for the Breast Cancer Survivor's Soul pages 176-177)
Covenants -- whether they are officially in the form of baptism, temple, marriage or business -- informal connections with friends, family or society -- these are the ropes we hang on to. It's synergistic. And just remember, when you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. And swing! (A thought from Leo Buscaglia).
So here is my "fire" quote number 2. These words were spoken by Pres. Brigham Young as he heard stories of suffering Saints leaving Nauvoo. While at Winter Quarters he encouraged men to go back and offer assistance to those camped along the Mississippi River. He said, "Now is the time to labor. Let the fire of the covenant which you made in the House of the Lord, burn in your hearts, like flame unquenchable." (Ensign, May 2009 page 100).
There is something powerful in a covenant relationship. Both parties have sacrificed something to reach a desired outcome. If both live up to their responsibilities in the covenant, it's a win-win situation. And I think being in a covenant relationship empowers us to do more than we thought we could...it gives us fire for the deed. There may be times when God will literally send angels, superhuman strength, or personal revelation to aid us in our efforts. On the other hand (and mostly in our everyday challenges) God expects us to gather the firewood, dig the pit, rub the sticks together and blow real hard to get the fire going. But that's okay, because we are cub scouts in training...we can do it!
Stories have often been told about parents putting themselves in danger to save a child. Why? Spouses should be "hopelessly devoted" to each other, and no one else. Why? Good people throughout the world, sacrifice personal time and money for charitable causes. Why? We find fire to do that which we feel a strong commitment to. When relationships fail or trials surface, there is ONE covenant relationship we can always count on. I really struggled when I was released from my callings last year. I also felt very scared and fearful for many months. Through all of that, I hoped in priesthood blessings and prayer. I believed in the peace of scripture study. And if my memory is right, I only missed one week of attending church (that was a miracle). My point being: a covenant relationship is a strong motivator...or should be.
One summer, Ann [that's the name in the story...honest] decided to go river rafting. Everyone who signed up for the trip had to learn the basic procedures and safety measures. As the instructor outlined the dangers, Ann became scared. What if her raft capsized or was dashed against the rocks? What if she were thrown into the rapidly churning water and carried downstream before anyone could rescue her? The instructor had one answer to all of Ann's anxious questions: "There is a rope that is attached to the perimeter of the raft. Whatever happens, hold on to that rope. Never let go. Just hold on." And do you know what? An unexpected storm came up and Ann's raft did capsize, but she remembered her instructor's words. She held on to that rope and she survived.
I stared at my friend, wondering what this had to do with me [my cancer]. "Know what your rope is, Myra," she counseled. "And hold on -- to whatever it is. Through whatever happens, just keep holding on." (Chicken Soup for the Breast Cancer Survivor's Soul pages 176-177)
Covenants -- whether they are officially in the form of baptism, temple, marriage or business -- informal connections with friends, family or society -- these are the ropes we hang on to. It's synergistic. And just remember, when you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. And swing! (A thought from Leo Buscaglia).
Friday, October 9, 2009
So Says Christopher
Fire! What kind of emotions does this word bring to your mind and heart? Maybe you immediately envision frantic emergency responders and black smoke. Or do other single words pop into your head, such as "ready...aim..."? Perhaps you associate fire with pink slips, blue slips and unemployment lines. Fire is a bad word, a dangerous word.
However, if you are a "glass half full" type of person, maybe you had more positive thoughts. Have you ever been asked, "Who lit a fire under you?" What about Smores? I just don't think they would be too appealing without a campfire nearby. And I am very grateful for that little pilot light in the furnace that initiates some sort of combustion to produce heat. Fire is a good word, a powerful word.
The next few weeks I want to share with you three of my favorite quotes, all dealing with fire. The first thought comes from Christopher Columbus, who said, "The Lord unlocked my mind, sent me upon the sea, gave me fire for the deed...who can doubt but that the Holy Ghost inspired me?" I love that phrase, "fire for the deed". To me, Christopher was saying that his courage to set out on an unknown course, and the determination to see it to the end was beyond his natural efforts. "Fire" can be equated with other words such as "motivation" and "courage", "patience", "faith", "determination", "passion", and "hope". Some tasks we face in life may come easy to us, while others require a tremendous amount of endurance, optimism, and "fire".
You have been examples to me. I would bet there were many times when Amy was wondering if she had enough "fire for the deed" as she put one foot ahead of the other in the Red Rock Relay. Do you remember Mark and Alan's life threatening experience on King's Peak many years ago? They could testify of their pleadings for "fire for the deed" in seeking medical assistance. Ryan and Ilene must hope for "fire for the deed" constantly as they address the needs of their wards. I also thought of Nathan and Ashley. I'm not sure how much fear accompanied that first day of Junior High. But above all else, I think 7th graders need a little "fire for the deed" to take that giant leap from elementary school. Or maybe, you are like me. When a challenging day lay ahead, I need a Thiokol (ATK) booster rocket to get me out of bed in the morning!
We don't necessarily need a four alarm fire. I remember initiation ceremonies at the dorm as a freshman in college. We were marched through a tunnel underneath the building. It was pitch black. In single file, we wandered for what seemed like hours. To be honest, it was a little unnerving. We would have welcomed even the slightest ray of light to guide us and relieve our phobias. Even the stroke of one single match can make the darkness disappear. Cancer survivors constantly state that they search for a new life, a new direction, a new passion after their illness. They tell of raising thousands of dollars for research; they jump out of airplanes; they quit their jobs and move to Borneo; and they take up belly dancing! I've been anticipating that bonfire of motivation to make meaningful changes in my life lately. Perhaps I need to be satisfied with a little flicker of a match that will encourage me to speak a little kinder, to be patient a little longer, and to be more obedient a little more. "This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine..." That's plenty of "fire for the deed"...for now.
So, next time you find yourself in a fearful place, wondering if you have the strength to face the challenge, go for it! You will find "fire for your deed"...so says Christopher.
However, if you are a "glass half full" type of person, maybe you had more positive thoughts. Have you ever been asked, "Who lit a fire under you?" What about Smores? I just don't think they would be too appealing without a campfire nearby. And I am very grateful for that little pilot light in the furnace that initiates some sort of combustion to produce heat. Fire is a good word, a powerful word.
The next few weeks I want to share with you three of my favorite quotes, all dealing with fire. The first thought comes from Christopher Columbus, who said, "The Lord unlocked my mind, sent me upon the sea, gave me fire for the deed...who can doubt but that the Holy Ghost inspired me?" I love that phrase, "fire for the deed". To me, Christopher was saying that his courage to set out on an unknown course, and the determination to see it to the end was beyond his natural efforts. "Fire" can be equated with other words such as "motivation" and "courage", "patience", "faith", "determination", "passion", and "hope". Some tasks we face in life may come easy to us, while others require a tremendous amount of endurance, optimism, and "fire".
You have been examples to me. I would bet there were many times when Amy was wondering if she had enough "fire for the deed" as she put one foot ahead of the other in the Red Rock Relay. Do you remember Mark and Alan's life threatening experience on King's Peak many years ago? They could testify of their pleadings for "fire for the deed" in seeking medical assistance. Ryan and Ilene must hope for "fire for the deed" constantly as they address the needs of their wards. I also thought of Nathan and Ashley. I'm not sure how much fear accompanied that first day of Junior High. But above all else, I think 7th graders need a little "fire for the deed" to take that giant leap from elementary school. Or maybe, you are like me. When a challenging day lay ahead, I need a Thiokol (ATK) booster rocket to get me out of bed in the morning!
We don't necessarily need a four alarm fire. I remember initiation ceremonies at the dorm as a freshman in college. We were marched through a tunnel underneath the building. It was pitch black. In single file, we wandered for what seemed like hours. To be honest, it was a little unnerving. We would have welcomed even the slightest ray of light to guide us and relieve our phobias. Even the stroke of one single match can make the darkness disappear. Cancer survivors constantly state that they search for a new life, a new direction, a new passion after their illness. They tell of raising thousands of dollars for research; they jump out of airplanes; they quit their jobs and move to Borneo; and they take up belly dancing! I've been anticipating that bonfire of motivation to make meaningful changes in my life lately. Perhaps I need to be satisfied with a little flicker of a match that will encourage me to speak a little kinder, to be patient a little longer, and to be more obedient a little more. "This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine..." That's plenty of "fire for the deed"...for now.
So, next time you find yourself in a fearful place, wondering if you have the strength to face the challenge, go for it! You will find "fire for your deed"...so says Christopher.
Friday, October 2, 2009
# 1 On the Billboard Charts
I did a little internet research. Can you guess what the most recognized song is in the world? 2nd and 3rd place awards go to "For He's A Jolly Good Fellow" and "Auld Lang Syne". But number one is "Happy Birthday To You". I thought: we take this little ditty for granted. Who in the history of music should be given a Grammy for composing such a favorite song? There's only a handful of people who could answer this question. So I am going to give you the answer.
A song entitled "Good Morning To All" was written in 1893 by sisters Patty and Mildred Hill. They were kindergarten teachers in Kentucky, who wanted a simple, little song to teach their students. The actual birthday edition, taken from the sisters' earlier version first appeared in print in 1912. But credits and copyrights didn't enter in until 1935 when the rights were purchased for quite a few bucks! In 1990 it was estimated that the value of the song was near $5 million dollars.
Apparently the copyright will not expire in the United States until 2030, which means unauthorized public performances of the song are technically illegal unless royalties are paid. It is reported that in 2008, royalties paid just to sing the song in public totaled $2 million dollars. Have you noticed at IHOP or Applebees that the waiters sing their own original, celebratory song instead of "happy birthday" when honoring you on your special day? Isn't it a sad, greedy world when we can't even wish each other a "merry" birthday without a cost of $5,000! (To be honest, I'm probably infringing on copyright laws just by repeating what I read in Wikipedia).
Well, that's a bit of trivia. Why share such valuable information with you? Two reasons. First, October 2nd is a birthday to me. It is a 1st year celebration of my cancer experience. It was on October 2, 2008 that I received the phone call from Dr. Noyes that turned my life upside down. I refer to it as a birthday because of its similarities to my "real" birth that happened over a half century ago. When we are born, we are totally clueless, get turned upside down, slapped and we cry a lot. That's what happened to me. I had no idea of what lie ahead, and I felt as if I had been hit on the head. The only thing I could do for a long time was cry. But I began to learn many new things, and pretty soon I could smile, laugh, walk, talk...literally and figuratively.
But there is another reason why October 2nd is a celebration. I survived another 365 days! October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As part of the American Cancer Society's push in October, they sponsor Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. As I looked on their website, I found the following comments:
"In the fight against Breast Cancer, birthdays are signs of progress. We want more of them... A world with less breast cancer is a world with more birthdays...Each step you take lights more birthday candles."
So I am grateful I can celebrate a birthday today. I might even buy a cupcake, put a candle on top and make a wish. My wish would be that October 2, 2010, I can celebrate being "two". (Oh, hey, that should give me justification in behaving like a "terrible two"...awesome. I'll have to call on some of your children for pointers!) (Only kidding...you're children are angels!)
A song entitled "Good Morning To All" was written in 1893 by sisters Patty and Mildred Hill. They were kindergarten teachers in Kentucky, who wanted a simple, little song to teach their students. The actual birthday edition, taken from the sisters' earlier version first appeared in print in 1912. But credits and copyrights didn't enter in until 1935 when the rights were purchased for quite a few bucks! In 1990 it was estimated that the value of the song was near $5 million dollars.
Apparently the copyright will not expire in the United States until 2030, which means unauthorized public performances of the song are technically illegal unless royalties are paid. It is reported that in 2008, royalties paid just to sing the song in public totaled $2 million dollars. Have you noticed at IHOP or Applebees that the waiters sing their own original, celebratory song instead of "happy birthday" when honoring you on your special day? Isn't it a sad, greedy world when we can't even wish each other a "merry" birthday without a cost of $5,000! (To be honest, I'm probably infringing on copyright laws just by repeating what I read in Wikipedia).
Well, that's a bit of trivia. Why share such valuable information with you? Two reasons. First, October 2nd is a birthday to me. It is a 1st year celebration of my cancer experience. It was on October 2, 2008 that I received the phone call from Dr. Noyes that turned my life upside down. I refer to it as a birthday because of its similarities to my "real" birth that happened over a half century ago. When we are born, we are totally clueless, get turned upside down, slapped and we cry a lot. That's what happened to me. I had no idea of what lie ahead, and I felt as if I had been hit on the head. The only thing I could do for a long time was cry. But I began to learn many new things, and pretty soon I could smile, laugh, walk, talk...literally and figuratively.
But there is another reason why October 2nd is a celebration. I survived another 365 days! October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As part of the American Cancer Society's push in October, they sponsor Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. As I looked on their website, I found the following comments:
"In the fight against Breast Cancer, birthdays are signs of progress. We want more of them... A world with less breast cancer is a world with more birthdays...Each step you take lights more birthday candles."
So I am grateful I can celebrate a birthday today. I might even buy a cupcake, put a candle on top and make a wish. My wish would be that October 2, 2010, I can celebrate being "two". (Oh, hey, that should give me justification in behaving like a "terrible two"...awesome. I'll have to call on some of your children for pointers!) (Only kidding...you're children are angels!)
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Food For Thought
This just might be the "corn"iest Grace Note you've read. For over fifty years I've said at least one prayer per day over the food I ate. And for fifty years it was more out of habit than a desire for a blessing. In fact, I have even felt guilt (and some embarassment...you know, when you ask the High Priest Group Leader to bless the refreshments at the ward talent show, which consists of cupcakes, cookies and red punch!). How can I really ask God to bless supper tonight with nourishment: pizza, pop, sweet roll and cheesy bread! Well, He is a god of miracles, I guess.
That all changed this last year. Day after day as I was going through chemo, I would feel sick to my stomach. Even after the nausea subsided, the metallic taste in my mouth lingered and made breakfast, lunch and dinner less desirable than usual. I often, and I mean often, would pray over my meals with the plea that it would give me healing strength and taste good.
Several years ago, Mom, Dad, Kathleen, Alan and I went on our own "pioneer trek". As we were touring the Visitor's Center at Martin's Cove, I remember being humbled as the missionaries told of the pioneer Saints starving. What they had to eat (animal hides or spoiled whatever), was prayed over...they prayed that their stomachs and their bodies would be able to accept what little was available. That impression has stayed with me over the years. It makes me more appreciative that I have clean water to drink (from the tap and not the nearest stream...which in my case would probably be Weber River in West Warren...not a trip I want to make each time I feel thirsty). I appreciate that I have a refrigerator, microwave and McDonalds nearby. I have a variety of food to choose from. And if I can get my act together, I can eat healthy.
So, I've put together a few "one liners" using food words to share some additional truths I've learned through my cancer experience. Here it goes:
When life handed me a "lemon", I prayed a lot for "peas" and comfort. I can testify it came. But as a human "bean", there were times when I attended many pity parties, hosted by myself. Each morning as I was "dressing", I imagined that there was noone to "carrot" all; that I was all alone and "berry" discouraged; and I tended to "loaf" around. I tried to "milk" it for all it was worth (and despair isn't worth much). After "stew"ing about it alot, I realized heavenly help was not far away and I had all of you to pull me up and get me going again. Often people would encourage me and say, "orange" you gonna be happy today? You know, it's totally up to you! So I would "roll" with the "punch"es; "squash" the negative thoughts; and "tuna" out the little devil sitting on my shoulder.
I knew much was at "steak". An attitude can hinder or help in healing. I also knew I had "butter" be good so that I could be worthy of God's blessings. I got "egg"cited about writing my Grace Notes. Friends and family supported me with gifts, hugs, phone calls and prayers. You knew I was in a "pickle"and going "bananas", but you came...sometimes in a "pear" (as in visiting teachers) and sometimes you would "pop" over as a group (a.k.a. Young Womens). None of you were "chicken" even though cancer is a fearful word. Sometimes it's hard to know the best way to serve, but you just "Dew" (that one's for you, Brooke). I "donut" know how to repay all the kindnesses offered. I could send you each a "flour". But those daisies and baby's breath don't last forever. So I will just offer my love and try to pay it forward. As the song says, "...if you're ever in a "jam", here I am." "Lettuce" be up and doing for each other.
Okay, that's enough food for thought. I probably could think of more but I don't want to "ham" it up. Maybe you can give me newer, more clever ideas. But bottom line: I have come to appreciate the opportunity to thank Heavenly Father for food and daily strength. Lately, I have thanked Him specifically for the delicious peaches. And I have sincerity as prayers are offered to request his blessing. We take our food for granted, at least I know I did in the past.
That all changed this last year. Day after day as I was going through chemo, I would feel sick to my stomach. Even after the nausea subsided, the metallic taste in my mouth lingered and made breakfast, lunch and dinner less desirable than usual. I often, and I mean often, would pray over my meals with the plea that it would give me healing strength and taste good.
Several years ago, Mom, Dad, Kathleen, Alan and I went on our own "pioneer trek". As we were touring the Visitor's Center at Martin's Cove, I remember being humbled as the missionaries told of the pioneer Saints starving. What they had to eat (animal hides or spoiled whatever), was prayed over...they prayed that their stomachs and their bodies would be able to accept what little was available. That impression has stayed with me over the years. It makes me more appreciative that I have clean water to drink (from the tap and not the nearest stream...which in my case would probably be Weber River in West Warren...not a trip I want to make each time I feel thirsty). I appreciate that I have a refrigerator, microwave and McDonalds nearby. I have a variety of food to choose from. And if I can get my act together, I can eat healthy.
So, I've put together a few "one liners" using food words to share some additional truths I've learned through my cancer experience. Here it goes:
When life handed me a "lemon", I prayed a lot for "peas" and comfort. I can testify it came. But as a human "bean", there were times when I attended many pity parties, hosted by myself. Each morning as I was "dressing", I imagined that there was noone to "carrot" all; that I was all alone and "berry" discouraged; and I tended to "loaf" around. I tried to "milk" it for all it was worth (and despair isn't worth much). After "stew"ing about it alot, I realized heavenly help was not far away and I had all of you to pull me up and get me going again. Often people would encourage me and say, "orange" you gonna be happy today? You know, it's totally up to you! So I would "roll" with the "punch"es; "squash" the negative thoughts; and "tuna" out the little devil sitting on my shoulder.
I knew much was at "steak". An attitude can hinder or help in healing. I also knew I had "butter" be good so that I could be worthy of God's blessings. I got "egg"cited about writing my Grace Notes. Friends and family supported me with gifts, hugs, phone calls and prayers. You knew I was in a "pickle"and going "bananas", but you came...sometimes in a "pear" (as in visiting teachers) and sometimes you would "pop" over as a group (a.k.a. Young Womens). None of you were "chicken" even though cancer is a fearful word. Sometimes it's hard to know the best way to serve, but you just "Dew" (that one's for you, Brooke). I "donut" know how to repay all the kindnesses offered. I could send you each a "flour". But those daisies and baby's breath don't last forever. So I will just offer my love and try to pay it forward. As the song says, "...if you're ever in a "jam", here I am." "Lettuce" be up and doing for each other.
Okay, that's enough food for thought. I probably could think of more but I don't want to "ham" it up. Maybe you can give me newer, more clever ideas. But bottom line: I have come to appreciate the opportunity to thank Heavenly Father for food and daily strength. Lately, I have thanked Him specifically for the delicious peaches. And I have sincerity as prayers are offered to request his blessing. We take our food for granted, at least I know I did in the past.
The Continuing Story...Grace Notes 2
I know I have said this before: writing my original Grace Notes was a "tender mercy". Allowing myself to be creative; forcing myself to focus on the positive; and setting a goal to write each week was a major factor in surviving the dreadful combo: chemo, radiation and tax season. I have appreciated your loving comments as you read my words and feelings. I wrote with all of you in mind.
I am now in "recovery" mode. But I find I still have emotional issues to deal with and I'm in therapy...lifestyle therapy...and it would be healing for me if I can share my thoughts (even if no one is there to listen). So I am joining the 20th century (not the 21st...I'm still quite behind the times!) and become a "blogger". This is very strange to me and I'm not totally sure of what, how, where, when... But, I'm going to give it a good try. By blogging, you can read my words, if you care to, and I won't even know if you don't. It's a win-win situation.
My goal is to write a little editorial once a week. It will be good for my soul!
I am now in "recovery" mode. But I find I still have emotional issues to deal with and I'm in therapy...lifestyle therapy...and it would be healing for me if I can share my thoughts (even if no one is there to listen). So I am joining the 20th century (not the 21st...I'm still quite behind the times!) and become a "blogger". This is very strange to me and I'm not totally sure of what, how, where, when... But, I'm going to give it a good try. By blogging, you can read my words, if you care to, and I won't even know if you don't. It's a win-win situation.
My goal is to write a little editorial once a week. It will be good for my soul!
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