Don't Worry...

Last week as I was eating supper, I turned on the television for company. The viewing options were limited. I chose an episode of Wheel of Fortune. One contestant explained his appearance on the show was a result of his "bucket list" ( a list of things he wanted to do before he kicked the bucket). Unfortunately, he lost the game, but at least he had the satisfaction of a goal accomplished. It reminded me that several years ago I started my own bucket list. I searched for the scraps of paper I wrote on and want to share some ideas with you.

• Take art lessons


• Enter something in the Weber County Fair (...done that!)


• Travel to Tahiti, Mount Rushmore and Heanor, England


• Participate in walk/runs for charity


• Invest $500,000 towards retirement (might as well aim high)


• Open and operate a music store or studio


• Go back to school


• Visit some South America ruins


• Attend a session in the Nauvoo Temple


• Hike Diamond Head


• Sing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir


• Install a swimming pool in the backyard


• Volunteer as a Girls Scout leader


• Take a hot air balloon ride


• Shake the hand of the prophet


• Find "Sarah" (as in...Sarah Singleton, born 1776)


• Be a grandmother

This week's conference talk is Elder L. Tom Perry's found on page 7 of the November 2008 Ensign. "We can't predict all the struggles and storms in life, not even the ones just around the next corner, but as persons of faith and hope, we know beyond the shadow of any doubt that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true and the best is yet to come." Making a bucket list seems to indicate we believe such a principle. But...

No offense, but I think the most obnoxious song ever written and recorded is Don't Worry, Be Happy. Those lyrics are so annoying to those of us who have a lifetime membership in the Pessimistic Club. I am an expert in allowing fear to replace faith and worry to crowd out the happiness that is to be found in today and tomorrow.

Last Friday I had a three month checkup. The doctor pronounced my heart and lungs healthy. That is positive. It was suggested the pain in my shoulder was probably some sort of "...itis", i.e. arthritis or bursitis, not cancer related. That was positive. However, one of the lab tests measures protein levels in the blood and is used to see if cancer may be recurring. An acceptable level is between 0 and 40. After chemo and radiation last year, my baseline number was 26. In October, my level was 28. On Friday, the level had raised to 36. I thought to myself, if the trend continues, by my next three-month checkup, it will exceed the upper 40 limit. Okay, I'm starting to panic here.

As I have tried to calm down the last few days, I realize I have two choices. I could worry for three months about something beyond my control. Or, I could put the data in storage and start working on my list. Why waste 90 days of precious life worrying when I could be doing so much more...productively. But there is another problem. It is tax season. I really don't have time to fly to Brazil this time of year. As an alternative, I have decided to revise, simplify, and downsize the bucket to make it a "sand pail" size. It will be so much more fun than worrying.

• Instead of taking art lessons, I will do the connect-the-dot puzzle in my newly acquired Friend magazine.


• I'll try to walk around the Newgate Mall during lunch hours and at least think charitable thoughts.


• I won't have time to spend money, so I will put $10 extra toward my half million retirement fund. Only $499,990 to go!


• I have several Mo Tab CDs. I'll sing along with them as I drive to work each morning.


• Once a week, I will wear my swimming suit in the bathtub.


• I can visualize the Land of Nephi as I read my verses from the Book of Mormon.

During the next three months I will use the motto: "Don't let your worries get the best of you. Remember, Moses started out as a basket case." Oh, and one more revision to my list. Attending Primary is a lot like being a Grandmother. You play games, read stories and sing songs for an hour or two. Then you send them home for their mothers to deal with for the week. One more crossed off the list!

Creation 101

If you went to church last week you know we are studying the Old Testament this year. Of course, "...in the beginning" was the creation. As I read and reread the account in Genesis, I find I have many questions. Do mosquito brains feel pain as they are flattened to your skin? How do carrots know the orange grows down and the green grows up? What do cows think about as they graze in the meadow all day? How many worlds are there and is my eternal companion living on planet #649 right now?

Another question might be, was it extremely difficult for God to create everything? Or was it a fun time? Maybe both? Nothing is impossible with God. And aren't we grateful He got gravity right? I've attempted to make cookies before. Rolling that dough into a perfect round ball isn't easy. I turn away for a microsecond only to find that ball I tried so hard to shape has "splattened" all over the cookie sheet. I hope gravity holds us together just a little bit longer than my chocolate chip cookie dough.

And then there was Adam. The scriptures tell us the beasts of the field and the fowl of the air came to Adam to see what he would call them. Wouldn't that be an entertaining assignment? Here comes a very strange creature waddling towards you. You think it looks like a "scruntchnestodip". But God, overhearing you, kindly suggests that maybe "puppy" would be a better name.

For this edition of Grace Notes, I have returned to commenting on the October 2008 General Conference. The idea of creation reminds me of Pres. Uchtdorf's message to the sisters. He advised one way to experience happiness here on earth is to utilize our divine attribute of "creating". "The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before." (Ensign, November 2008, page 117).

Just this morning as I was trying to create energy to roll out of bed, I stretched my legs, my arms, my whole body. As I reached in a long stretch, my hands automatically made shadow puppets on the ceiling. For a few seconds, I experimented in making dogs, fish, strange animals...and once I thought my shadow puppet looked just like Lamb Chop. Silly, I know. But it was a fun way to start the morning.

This idea of creating is what brought on the project Grace Notes in the first place. I also set a goal to crochet an afghan. The goal was met. I not only made an object, but in donating it to Carly to use in the Festival of Trees, money was generated and maybe warmth was created for someone using it this winter. I love to create music, not just through the piano, but by voice, or by switching on the stereo, turning up the volume to the radio, or inserting a CD. I create peace as I clean my home. I create order when I mow the lawn. I create a bond when I visit with a friend. We are creating all the time.

But my favorite is creating memories. Just for fun on some Sunday afternoon, take a notebook and start listing good memories...just a keyword or a phrase. After an hour or two, take a break and give your hand a rest. Then you can count how many more Sundays it would take to complete your list! A year's worth of Sundays? A whole lifetime?

It took God six days to create all of this for us. Whether it was literally six days or six thousand years doesn't matter. It took patience to see the process to the end. With each phase He pronounced it "good". In fact, after He created us, He called us "very good." I know I have experience in creating a mess, creating a problem, or even creating distractions. So I've got to remember to use my God given desire for good purposes.

Finally, we are just interns here in mortality, learning to be like Father. If I am a good girl, I will be allowed to create worlds of my own someday. I was imagining how I might create snowflakes. I would probably be tempted to change the chemistry and make them all different colors. Wouldn't that be a sight? Why didn't God use some imagination for snowflakes; purple, red, gold, green, blue and orange all coming down at once? But after some consideration, I admit God's wisdom. When all those snowflakes start to melt, what a messy, mucky brown color they would make puddled together. Not a pretty sight. And the inspiring orange autumn, the exciting green spring, and the pleasant yellow summer would pale in comparison to the gumball effect of that first snowfall. I guess white is the perfect color for winter and I still have a lot to learn as I continue to do my homework in Creation 101.

Hurray for 2009

Happy New Year! I was reading just this morning in the Standard Examiner of their top ten news stories of 2009. Of the ten, I think only one was positive. For millions of people 2009 was a year to forget. In fact, many feel the same about the entire decade. Our family was no exception in facing trials and hard times. But, do you realize how blessed we have been? To confirm this statement, I would like to list the top ten reasons why 2009 was a fan-tabulous year for the Singleton family. (Disclaimer: these are not in any particular order...and please, don't be offended if I don't mention everyone by name.)

1. Our family added and multiplied. We didn't divide or subtract. The year began with McKean willingly (maybe even joyously) coming to our family. Cooper legally became a member, even though he had been in our hearts for months. We added Alicia midway through the year. And by the end of the year, Cooper was anxiously awaiting the arrival of his little sister...Okay, he has no clue that he will be sharing attention, but his parents are anxiously awaiting Cloe's arrival.

2. Sure, there were serious health issues to face. Stairs proved very hazardous for Kathleen and Linda. Grandpa endured months of treatments and doctors' visits. I continued therapy. Two broken arms healed: one pink and one blue. Lauren recovered well from surgery. Car accident victims mended. Everyone had their turn at the familiar, yet unpleasant, human pains and sicknesses. We are still together for another year.

3. Our family was no exception to hard economic times. It is scary to have responsibility to feed a family while being in a precarious employment situation. Some of you had to take on a second job to make ends meet. You are great inspiring examples of hard work and integrity. Rob endured in patience and faith until an opportunity came along (albeit in Moab!) David's teaching position was spared. Jes found advancement. Allen's job was retained and they found a beautiful home closer to Salt Lake to ease the burden of commuting. Ilene realized retirement was quite pleasant. Bottom line: we struggled, but we're okay.

4. When you are young, each additional birthday is exciting. Tyler and Jackson chose baptism this year. Nathan was ordained a Deacon and Ashley advanced into Young Womens. We've got a wide range of CTRs and other Primary descriptions. "Sunrise, sunset...when did they grow to be so tall?"

5. We can communicate with each other. There were some doubts, even anxiousness that some little members didn't have much to say. Some therapy, sign language instruction, and patience allowed Lilly, Bennett and Tate to progress at their own pace. We know there will come a time when they will talk incessantly (age 4-8) and then they will revert back to not talking (age 12-16), and who knows after that.

6. We saw the world! Scott and Alicia's trip was the most romantic and exotic...their honeymoon to Ireland. What a thrill! There were trips to Seattle, New York, Australia, Yellowstone, Chicago, Alaska, Canada, California, South Carolina, Ohio, Colorado, Missouri, New Jersey, Jackson Hole, Orlando, Wendover, Las Vegas, Alabama...(Note, the majority of these places were visited by one person: Nate).

7. We took advantage of opportunities: The adult ladies ran races. The younger ladies danced. The older men and the younger men went on campouts and raced in derbies. Too numerous to count were the piano recitals and concerts. Some conquered gymnastic moves, others excelled and even sold art. A few took advantage of additional schooling. There were spelling bees, Reflection contests, basketball...baseball...soccer games, chess tournaments, leadership conferences, talks in Primary, new church callings, singing events. The list could go on and on. We are more talented, skilled, smarter...and tired than we were a year ago.

8. Old traditions were renewed and new traditions were started. Most memorable was the flag raising ceremony on Memorial Day. I was so proud of the family for being reverent and respectful. I was so proud of our family scout leaders and cubs for their proficiency in handling that ceremony. Each year this tradition will grow bigger and better. Our family became so large this year that we needed to alter the location of our Christmas party. The accommodations were great. So even tweaking the "old" brought a good "new" tradition.

9. Rob was inducted into the Davis High Track and Field Hall of Fame. He was not the only hero of 2009. Every mother and father in our family deserves their names on the Hall of Fame board. (And sometimes I bet you feel you are running a marathon, or the 100 yard dash...or jumping high hurdles). You are great parents who love, teach, honor and take care of your families. That's the most important achievement of the year...and the eternities.

10. We loved each other. What more can I say!

So as you reflect on 2009, there will undoubtedly be some memories of heartaches, fears, anxious moments and times you would just as soon forget. Go ahead, I think we have permission to forget those. But do not forget reason number ten. This past Christmas was a very emotional reminder to me that we stick together in good times and in bad. We are here for each other. Thank you for reminding me in 2009 what this life is all about!

Primarily speaking...

"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!

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!

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.

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.