I first learned about synergy at the Epcot Center inside Disney World many years ago. It had something to do with the whole producing more energy than the sum of the parts...or was it the other way around? Per Wikipedia, synergy is where different entities cooperate advantageously for a final outcome. Teamwork will produce an overall better result than if each person was working toward the same goal individually.
There have been times in my life when I have been part of a synergistic team. As students at Utah State, Shauna and I volunteered to be part of the relief efforts during the Teton Dam cleanup. There was a feeling among the participants that urged everyone to work a little harder. We fed off each other's energy. In a weird way, I also feel this concept at the Gear Up Seminars we attend each year for work. There are thousands attending for the same purpose of learning all we can about the new tax laws for the upcoming season. Each person could study on their own, but synergy of the combined whole is more conducive to learning.
I can imagine that Amy feels synergy in running her marathons. The individual runners add to the determination to finish. Synergy can be experienced in presidencies and councils, families, employees, neighborhoods, countries, congregations...you name it. Did we feel it after 9-11? Do we feel it in organized service projects or when we attend the Temple? I feel it at Education Week when 30,000 are gathered for the purpose of learning. What about an exciting Jazz game? There is some truth to the idea of "home court advantage".
One of my latest experiences was at the Salt Lake City's Susan G. Komen Race For the Cure. Ryan's work was competing in the fundraiser and got us involved. The synergy was tangible as 16,738 participants gathered in front of West High School...all wearing pink and white...all emotionally attached to a common cause. This was not really a race. Linda, Russ, Chloe and I opted for the one mile Fun Walk. About a hundred yards into the race, the Fun Walkers turned left while the other 3 to 5k runners went on ahead. Our pace was...let's just say the pace was an average between "snail" and "turtle". At one point we even stopped to watch the other participants from the sidelines.
On the other hand, Shannon, Ryan, Hayley and Cooper ventured out with the runners. At first their gait was slow because of the sheer number of people. But as the distance spread, so did the room to run. From our perspective as the runners advanced ahead of us, it appeared to be a mass of white shirts bobbing up and down. Hours later, everyone crossed the finish line...wherever that imaginary line was drawn in the crowd of people congregating at the Gateway Plaza!! (May I say that cell phones were a necessity. Otherwise, two weeks later, we would still be looking for each other in downtown Salt Lake City!)
It was just a sea of pink and white T-shirts. I felt we were actors on the set of Rawhide...head em up, move em out! Linda suggested our experience was much like Moses leading the children of Israel out of Egypt. And we all wondered what they did for potty breaks in the wilderness!! Survivor participants wore bright pink T-shirts. There were celebrations and congratulations spoken from pink shirt to pink shirt. Some white shirt participants wore tags on their backs indicating they were running in memory of Aunt Clara, or Mom, or Matilda the neighbor... because some don't survive. It was emotional and I was so grateful to be a pink shirter and not a name tag.
In the Wikipedia definition of synergy, they gave the example of two people wanting an apple from a tree. Neither person is tall enough to reach the juicy red apple. But if person A stands on the shoulders of person B, together they can not only pick one apple, but maybe a bushel of apples. I could have participated in the Race For the Cure alone. Ryan and Hayley could have done it without involving the rest of the family. But being there together and with the support of those of you with other responsbilities at home that morning, we combined our energy to make a difference and to create a wonderful memory.
I don't think any of us are tall enough to pick the apples from our trees in life. Figuratively, we have to stand on each others' shoulders. You have certainly allowed me to stand on yours for strength and courage and to stretch a little higher. Hopefully I can be strong when you need someone to stand on to reach your apple. Either way, together we stand very tall...not just in surviving cancer, but in all the concerns of our family. Another word for synergy is LOVE!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
The Dark Ages
For literature lovers, you might fantasize about living during the times of Julius Caesar, King Arthur, or even Kit Carson. But on the practical side, I doubt if any one of us would prefer living in 673 A.D. rather than 2010. Am I right? The Dark Ages sound exactly that: dark.
Last Friday, I had a suspicion that it was going to be a long night. As I was driving home from work about 6:00 p.m. the traffic light at 6000 South wasn't working. (Side note: it is amazing how many people don't know or ignore the traffic rules.) Sure enough, when I pulled into my driveway and hit the "Open Sesame" button on the garage door opener, nothing happened. Yikes, I had to walk an extra three steps to get into the house!
Once inside I tried to think of chores to do that didn't require electricity. No vacuuming, laundry, cooking, computer work, sewing (not that I wanted to do them anyway, but it was frustrating to be limited in my freedom). I couldn't listen to the radio, television, or CD player. I guess I could dust, sweep, sing, read and play the piano. As I ate my meager supper of grapefruit and buttered bread, and wandered aimlessly about the house, I frequently looked out the windows. What I saw was intriguing. In every direction, the neighborhood was alive with activity...outside. Dads were playing nerfball with the little boys. Girls were riding their bicycles. Teenagers were walking the dogs. And can you believe this one? Neighbors were actually visiting with each other on the sidewalks! Crazy, man! It dawned on me that instead of families being holed up behind closed doors cooking supper and being buried in electronic devices, they were living life. It was a phenomenon that only happens this day and age when the power goes out.
A couple of weeks ago I had my three month checkup. I was especially anxious to be told the results of the tumor marker testing. To my surprise and relief, all results were in the normal range. All except for a deficiency in Vitamin D. (Well, I'm deficient in a lot of ways...social tact, memory power, and sex appeal...but Vitamin D?) Dr. Ingersoll inquired about my exercising habits. I hung my head in shame. I explained the life of a tax preparer during January, February, March and April. She understood. She wrote out her prescription: daily walks in the sunshine.
I have found that easier said than done. In the last two months, have we had more than two days in a row without rain or snow? The forecasts have alternated between partly cloudy and mostly cloudy. I don't feel safe walking alone in any neighborhood. It's dark when I get up in the morning; too hot when I get home from work; and walking the block during a lunch hour only produces sweaty, swollen feet for the rest of the day. So what am I supposed to do? If I were smart, I'd do what my neighbors did on Friday night. I would turn off all the electrical gadgets and just go outside with the rest of the world.
Gone are the days when neighbors visited on the front porch; the children congregated in the backyard for tag and races; we walked to the store, church meetings, school and to the cornfields; we put the laundry outside on the clothesline to dry; or after a hard day's work, we meditated on the veranda. I think I could soak in a lot of sunny rays and Vitamin D if today were 1910 instead of 2010.
Vitamin D is important medically. I was reading last night in my Coping magazine where 69 percent of women being treated for breast cancer had low levels of D. These lower levels are linked to decreased bone mineral density and increases the risk of cancer recurrence. But maybe equally as important are the social implications. It would be easy to find myself deficient in neighborly kindness. I guess I better limit my dependence on electricity and get out in the sunshine and the neighborhood. You just never know when Rocky Mountain Power is going to take another vacation and I want to be ready.
So Monday I will be playing Hopscotch on the driveway. Tuesday I will be skipping in the park. I think Wednesday would be a good day to go door to door to see who's home. Thursday, I will take my lunch hour to buy a walking dog companion. Friday I will play hooky from work and ride my bicycle to Antelope Island. And Saturday would be ideal for planting pansies. If anyone wants to join me, turn off the GS64 (or whatever) and the oven. I'd be glad to have some company.
Last Friday, I had a suspicion that it was going to be a long night. As I was driving home from work about 6:00 p.m. the traffic light at 6000 South wasn't working. (Side note: it is amazing how many people don't know or ignore the traffic rules.) Sure enough, when I pulled into my driveway and hit the "Open Sesame" button on the garage door opener, nothing happened. Yikes, I had to walk an extra three steps to get into the house!
Once inside I tried to think of chores to do that didn't require electricity. No vacuuming, laundry, cooking, computer work, sewing (not that I wanted to do them anyway, but it was frustrating to be limited in my freedom). I couldn't listen to the radio, television, or CD player. I guess I could dust, sweep, sing, read and play the piano. As I ate my meager supper of grapefruit and buttered bread, and wandered aimlessly about the house, I frequently looked out the windows. What I saw was intriguing. In every direction, the neighborhood was alive with activity...outside. Dads were playing nerfball with the little boys. Girls were riding their bicycles. Teenagers were walking the dogs. And can you believe this one? Neighbors were actually visiting with each other on the sidewalks! Crazy, man! It dawned on me that instead of families being holed up behind closed doors cooking supper and being buried in electronic devices, they were living life. It was a phenomenon that only happens this day and age when the power goes out.
A couple of weeks ago I had my three month checkup. I was especially anxious to be told the results of the tumor marker testing. To my surprise and relief, all results were in the normal range. All except for a deficiency in Vitamin D. (Well, I'm deficient in a lot of ways...social tact, memory power, and sex appeal...but Vitamin D?) Dr. Ingersoll inquired about my exercising habits. I hung my head in shame. I explained the life of a tax preparer during January, February, March and April. She understood. She wrote out her prescription: daily walks in the sunshine.
I have found that easier said than done. In the last two months, have we had more than two days in a row without rain or snow? The forecasts have alternated between partly cloudy and mostly cloudy. I don't feel safe walking alone in any neighborhood. It's dark when I get up in the morning; too hot when I get home from work; and walking the block during a lunch hour only produces sweaty, swollen feet for the rest of the day. So what am I supposed to do? If I were smart, I'd do what my neighbors did on Friday night. I would turn off all the electrical gadgets and just go outside with the rest of the world.
Gone are the days when neighbors visited on the front porch; the children congregated in the backyard for tag and races; we walked to the store, church meetings, school and to the cornfields; we put the laundry outside on the clothesline to dry; or after a hard day's work, we meditated on the veranda. I think I could soak in a lot of sunny rays and Vitamin D if today were 1910 instead of 2010.
Vitamin D is important medically. I was reading last night in my Coping magazine where 69 percent of women being treated for breast cancer had low levels of D. These lower levels are linked to decreased bone mineral density and increases the risk of cancer recurrence. But maybe equally as important are the social implications. It would be easy to find myself deficient in neighborly kindness. I guess I better limit my dependence on electricity and get out in the sunshine and the neighborhood. You just never know when Rocky Mountain Power is going to take another vacation and I want to be ready.
So Monday I will be playing Hopscotch on the driveway. Tuesday I will be skipping in the park. I think Wednesday would be a good day to go door to door to see who's home. Thursday, I will take my lunch hour to buy a walking dog companion. Friday I will play hooky from work and ride my bicycle to Antelope Island. And Saturday would be ideal for planting pansies. If anyone wants to join me, turn off the GS64 (or whatever) and the oven. I'd be glad to have some company.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Deadlines
It was inevitable. I had to take several weeks off from writing my Grace Notes to take care of business. With only twenty four hours each day and sixteen of them being spent at work, there was little time for creative journaling. But I am anxious to be back, with the hope that my words will uplift and encourage both reader and writer.
This may surprise you...not the fact that I have an obsolete 1970 edition of a Merriam-Webster Dictionary, but of what I found as a definition. I looked up the word "deadline". Number One definition was: "A line drawn within or around a prison that a prisoner passes at the risk of being shot." Am I the only person that didn't know that? It makes sense, however. A line...you cross...you're dead. Not that the IRS would go to such extreme measures, but I felt missing the April 15th deadline was equally life threatening. So I put all my time and energy into the days leading up to the final day.
This may also surprise you. The IRS is somewhat merciful. If a taxpayer knows they cannot complete their return by April 15th, an extension for filing (not in paying, they still want their money)is granted. That's very thoughtful of them. I have two boxes of taxpayer files waiting for October 15th. But being human, they will probably sit there until October 13th, at which time there will be another scramble to meet the deadline.
Consider some of these other routine deadlines and extensions we face everyday.
Deadline: 4:45 a.m. wake up time
Extension: Snooze button
Deadline: "Be ye therefore perfect"
Extension: Repentance and forgiveness
Deadline: Lose 15 pounds by the end of the year
Extension: New Year's resolution
Deadline: Last Micheal Bolton song on my favorite CD
Extension: Auto replay
Deadline: Crossing off the "to do" list
Extension: New sunrise
Deadline: Starting time for Sacrament Meeting
Extension: Mormon Standard Time
Deadline: Mortality
Extension: Resurrection
Deadline: Complete and turn in a homework assignment
Extension: No, there is no extension. You accept the consequence of a failing grade
Let's face the facts of human existence. We are driven and ruled by the calendar and the clock. We need to be at the workplace by 8:00 a.m. Soccer practice begins at 6:30 p.m. Piano lessons last one half hour. Children need to be in bed by 9:00 p.m. The Jazz have 6.9 seconds to score two more points to win the game. The birthday cake is baked for 35 minutes. Home and visiting teaching must be completed by the 31st. The wonderful sale at Kohl's only lasts until May 15th. If we miss the deadline for inhaling good, semi-clean oxygen...well, that's a deadline you don't want to miss.
So, is there a moral to this Grace Notes today? Probably not. I just needed to explain my absence. But I am reminded of a scripture I used in Sharing Time last week. It is found in Alma 34:32. "For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors." Subsequent verses counsel to not procrastinate our repentance, because this life is our training for eternity. Perhaps, I have already shared this memory with you. I am reminded of an old Twilight Zone episode. A man has a pocket watch that stops time for everyone but the holder of the watch. In the beginning, it is great fun to push the button, and time and people stand still. He can rob a bank; eat a delicious meal without paying; play pranks on the statuesque-like neighbor, etc. With another push of the button, time resumes and life goes on. However, at the climax of the episode, while in limbo mode, the man drops the watch. It shatters and is irreparable. He wanders through the world...alone...forever...without TIME.
I am grateful for deadlines. We need them to motivate, direct and urge us on to do and to be. They serve the purpose of dividing up our minutes and hours into manageable segments of progress. Oops, got to go now. My deadline for writing is up and I have to get my hair dried. If I miss that deadline, I frizz!!!!!
This may surprise you...not the fact that I have an obsolete 1970 edition of a Merriam-Webster Dictionary, but of what I found as a definition. I looked up the word "deadline". Number One definition was: "A line drawn within or around a prison that a prisoner passes at the risk of being shot." Am I the only person that didn't know that? It makes sense, however. A line...you cross...you're dead. Not that the IRS would go to such extreme measures, but I felt missing the April 15th deadline was equally life threatening. So I put all my time and energy into the days leading up to the final day.
This may also surprise you. The IRS is somewhat merciful. If a taxpayer knows they cannot complete their return by April 15th, an extension for filing (not in paying, they still want their money)is granted. That's very thoughtful of them. I have two boxes of taxpayer files waiting for October 15th. But being human, they will probably sit there until October 13th, at which time there will be another scramble to meet the deadline.
Consider some of these other routine deadlines and extensions we face everyday.
Deadline: 4:45 a.m. wake up time
Extension: Snooze button
Deadline: "Be ye therefore perfect"
Extension: Repentance and forgiveness
Deadline: Lose 15 pounds by the end of the year
Extension: New Year's resolution
Deadline: Last Micheal Bolton song on my favorite CD
Extension: Auto replay
Deadline: Crossing off the "to do" list
Extension: New sunrise
Deadline: Starting time for Sacrament Meeting
Extension: Mormon Standard Time
Deadline: Mortality
Extension: Resurrection
Deadline: Complete and turn in a homework assignment
Extension: No, there is no extension. You accept the consequence of a failing grade
Let's face the facts of human existence. We are driven and ruled by the calendar and the clock. We need to be at the workplace by 8:00 a.m. Soccer practice begins at 6:30 p.m. Piano lessons last one half hour. Children need to be in bed by 9:00 p.m. The Jazz have 6.9 seconds to score two more points to win the game. The birthday cake is baked for 35 minutes. Home and visiting teaching must be completed by the 31st. The wonderful sale at Kohl's only lasts until May 15th. If we miss the deadline for inhaling good, semi-clean oxygen...well, that's a deadline you don't want to miss.
So, is there a moral to this Grace Notes today? Probably not. I just needed to explain my absence. But I am reminded of a scripture I used in Sharing Time last week. It is found in Alma 34:32. "For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors." Subsequent verses counsel to not procrastinate our repentance, because this life is our training for eternity. Perhaps, I have already shared this memory with you. I am reminded of an old Twilight Zone episode. A man has a pocket watch that stops time for everyone but the holder of the watch. In the beginning, it is great fun to push the button, and time and people stand still. He can rob a bank; eat a delicious meal without paying; play pranks on the statuesque-like neighbor, etc. With another push of the button, time resumes and life goes on. However, at the climax of the episode, while in limbo mode, the man drops the watch. It shatters and is irreparable. He wanders through the world...alone...forever...without TIME.
I am grateful for deadlines. We need them to motivate, direct and urge us on to do and to be. They serve the purpose of dividing up our minutes and hours into manageable segments of progress. Oops, got to go now. My deadline for writing is up and I have to get my hair dried. If I miss that deadline, I frizz!!!!!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Time Out
For those of you who have been patient and willing to read my thoughts, I announce a "time out". The stresses of tax season have caught up to me and I am only able to take care of the necessities of life. I would bet you all have "been there" and "done that" at times in your lives.
So for now...at least until after April 15th...Grace Notes is on hold. I'll let you know when the publication will be renewed. Thanks, Ann
So for now...at least until after April 15th...Grace Notes is on hold. I'll let you know when the publication will be renewed. Thanks, Ann
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Help Wanted
Unfortunately "Help Wanted" signs are not too common in storefront windows in these times of economic stress. There are plenty of helpers with desire, but very few opportunities to contribute. However, this last week I have noticed different "Help Wanted" requests and it all started with a beautiful pink hat.
HELP WANTED: a prayer. I just happened to walk by our office foyer and noticed a client waiting for an appointment. The bright pink hat with a flower attached caught my attention immediately...combined with that "look" in her eyes. I knew that look and my heart ached for her. After her appointment, Steve confirmed my suspicions. She was in advanced stages of cancer and treatments. That night I offered a prayer on behalf of a total stranger. Quite often I express such prayers. I have asked for blessings on anyone who is having a chemo treatment that day, or anyone that has just heard the news of their condition. Through our faith, I think Heavenly Father blesses those we don't know just as much as the loved ones we constantly remember in our prayers.
HELP WANTED: a teeter-totter dad. My boss's son was in my office last week helping with computer glitches. He was explaining how his life was so busy and so stressful, but that he had decided to take last Wednesday off work. He told his staff that he had something important to do. (This is a perfect MormonAd.) His three-year old son was ecstatic when they arrived at the local Play World and saw the balls, the slides, the inflatables,...you name it, they had it. This man spent several hours playing with his little boy. I'm not sure who was happier that night as they were safely tucked in their beds. It was a memorable day for both.
HELP WANTED: someone to notice. We went visiting teaching this week. I will admit, we have had the name of a new sister on our list for several months. We didn't do anything in November. In December we made a stop-by visit and introduced ourselves through the screen door. I sent a note in January. But for February, we really made the effort. She was very nice. In fact, her fifteen-year old daughter was "visit taught" as well as her husband who is not a member. Sharon and I didn't have to worry about carrying on a conversation. They just took over and visited with us. They seemed so genuinely happy that someone had finally noticed their presence in our community. That's all we want, isn't it?
HELP WANTED: someone at the right time, at the right place. Another sister we visit teach is Sis. Burgess. She is one of the sweetest elderly sisters I know. Her husband has not been well for over a year. But last week, he insisted on going outside to rake some leaves. Yes...you can guess what happened. His legs lost their strength and he went down. Sis. Burgess saw him from her kitchen window and rushed out to help. But being the short, fragile woman she is, she didn't have the muscle to raise him to his feet. Just then, a Roy City police officer drove by, noticed their plight and stopped to render service. Thankfully, Bro. Burgess is no worse off because of his fall. I would like to think that anyone in an "unmarked" car would have taken time to offer aid... not just a cop on duty.
"I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow-creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."
I need to live more by those famous words because "help wanted" signs are everywhere. Too often I close my eyes to those that are blinking for attention. I may not be able to "cure" the world, but I certainly can pray for a pink hat lady...somewhere.
HELP WANTED: a prayer. I just happened to walk by our office foyer and noticed a client waiting for an appointment. The bright pink hat with a flower attached caught my attention immediately...combined with that "look" in her eyes. I knew that look and my heart ached for her. After her appointment, Steve confirmed my suspicions. She was in advanced stages of cancer and treatments. That night I offered a prayer on behalf of a total stranger. Quite often I express such prayers. I have asked for blessings on anyone who is having a chemo treatment that day, or anyone that has just heard the news of their condition. Through our faith, I think Heavenly Father blesses those we don't know just as much as the loved ones we constantly remember in our prayers.
HELP WANTED: a teeter-totter dad. My boss's son was in my office last week helping with computer glitches. He was explaining how his life was so busy and so stressful, but that he had decided to take last Wednesday off work. He told his staff that he had something important to do. (This is a perfect MormonAd.) His three-year old son was ecstatic when they arrived at the local Play World and saw the balls, the slides, the inflatables,...you name it, they had it. This man spent several hours playing with his little boy. I'm not sure who was happier that night as they were safely tucked in their beds. It was a memorable day for both.
HELP WANTED: someone to notice. We went visiting teaching this week. I will admit, we have had the name of a new sister on our list for several months. We didn't do anything in November. In December we made a stop-by visit and introduced ourselves through the screen door. I sent a note in January. But for February, we really made the effort. She was very nice. In fact, her fifteen-year old daughter was "visit taught" as well as her husband who is not a member. Sharon and I didn't have to worry about carrying on a conversation. They just took over and visited with us. They seemed so genuinely happy that someone had finally noticed their presence in our community. That's all we want, isn't it?
HELP WANTED: someone at the right time, at the right place. Another sister we visit teach is Sis. Burgess. She is one of the sweetest elderly sisters I know. Her husband has not been well for over a year. But last week, he insisted on going outside to rake some leaves. Yes...you can guess what happened. His legs lost their strength and he went down. Sis. Burgess saw him from her kitchen window and rushed out to help. But being the short, fragile woman she is, she didn't have the muscle to raise him to his feet. Just then, a Roy City police officer drove by, noticed their plight and stopped to render service. Thankfully, Bro. Burgess is no worse off because of his fall. I would like to think that anyone in an "unmarked" car would have taken time to offer aid... not just a cop on duty.
"I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow-creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."
I need to live more by those famous words because "help wanted" signs are everywhere. Too often I close my eyes to those that are blinking for attention. I may not be able to "cure" the world, but I certainly can pray for a pink hat lady...somewhere.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
FHE, Ann Style
For one of my Personal Progress goals, I need to plan and present a Family Home Evening lesson on the topic of how it requires faith to be obedient to a gospel principle. My house plants and I could hold our own FHE, but it would be much nicer to share it with you.
Opening Song: Saturday is a special day, it's the day we get ready for Sunday. We clean the house, and we shop at the store, so we won't have to work until Monday. We brush our clothes, and we shine our shoes. And we call it our get-the-work-done day. Then we trim our nails and shampoo our hair so we can be ready for Sunday.
Opening Prayer:....do I need to remind you to fold your arms, close your eyes and bow your heads?
Scripture: Isaiah 58:13-14 (I will paraphrase) If we turn aside from doing our "own" thing on the Sabbath day and call it a delight, then God will bless us.
Lesson on the Sabbath Day:
1. The weekend. Is this technically the last day of the week or the first day of the week?... actually both. It commemorates the 7th day of the creation when God rested from His labors. But after the time of Christ, it became the first day of the week in celebration of the resurrection. At the end of the week, I find it a wonderful time to think back on the previous six days and take inventory of what I have done, or haven't done...a nice ending to the week. It is also a good first day, to plan for upcoming activities and responsibilites, repent and promise to do better...a nice beginning to the week. I think of it as a time to empty the "garbage" and fill up the "tank".
2. The Sabbath. The word Sabbath comes from the Hebrew word meaning day of rest. It's purpose is to give us a certain day of the week to direct our thoughts and actions toward God. It is not just a day to rest our physical bodies from work. But it is a day to energize our spiritual bodies for work. God gives us six days to take care of our temporal needs. It's only fair that we show our devotion to Him by giving one day back. And selfishly, isn't it wonderful to have a day away from the concerns of the world?
3. The Sunday. I didn't take the time to google the word "Sunday", so I will tell you how I feel about the noun. Whenever I see the word or speak it, I immediately think of the color yellow...because of the sun. It's a sunny day even if the clouds cover the rays. A couple of years ago, Elder Wirthlin gave a beautiful Conference talk saying: "I think that of all the days since the beginning of this world's history, that Friday [Christ's crucifixion] was the darkest." But he went on to say "The despair did not linger because on Sunday, the resurrected Lord burst the bonds of death." (Ensign November 2006 page 30). He ended by reminding us that no matter how dark our Friday is (or Tuesday or Wednesday...) Sunday will come. With Sunday comes the yellow rays of hope, spiritual energy, and renewal.
Testimony: It takes faith to observe the Sabbath day and to keep it holy (Exodus 20:8). We are all busy and could use some extra time. And to spend three straight hours in church, when we could be accomplishing something more immediate? May I share my testimony that the blessings come from honoring God on His day. Most every year I am faced with the temptation to spend at least one Sunday at work during tax season. The little devils are convincing that I won't be able to meet the April 15th deadline unless I put in extra hours on Sunday. But I learned quite a few years ago that he who honors God, God will honor (1 Samuel 2:30). I remember very well a Sunday before the 15th. While coworkers were busily adding, subtracting and calculating refunds, I spent the day (in faith) watching General Conference. I held on to the promise found in Isaiah, hoping that God would perform a miracle on my behalf. The following week as we faced the deadline, clients came forward asking for extensions; coworkers asked if they could help; I was able to get more done in less time. I know that Heavenly Father blessed me to do what I needed to do because I obeyed in faith.
Games: There are many good things we can do on the Sabbath. Unscramble the words to determine proper activities for the day. (I hope I didn't leave out important vowels or consonants... I will give you the answers in the next blog...remind me).
ttedan cchruh eemtgnis
erda hte pstruciser
siivt fymali
slinte ot dogo suicm
ymflai styohir
mlafiy mohe negnive
wtrie tteerls
pferrom hcurch cisvree
sert
uojanrls
ymflai cncloui
Refreshments: No Bake Cookies
2 cups sugar
1 cube butter
1/2 cup cocoa
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup peanut butter
3 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 cup milk
Step 1: Mix sugar, milk and butter in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
Step 2: Remove from heat and add vanilla, cocoa, and peanut butter. Mix well.
Step 3: Add oats and coconut, and stir until completely combined.
Step 4: Drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper and let cool.
Closing prayer:...Gather your family around you tonight. After you say "amen" give them loves and kisses from me.
Opening Song: Saturday is a special day, it's the day we get ready for Sunday. We clean the house, and we shop at the store, so we won't have to work until Monday. We brush our clothes, and we shine our shoes. And we call it our get-the-work-done day. Then we trim our nails and shampoo our hair so we can be ready for Sunday.
Opening Prayer:....do I need to remind you to fold your arms, close your eyes and bow your heads?
Scripture: Isaiah 58:13-14 (I will paraphrase) If we turn aside from doing our "own" thing on the Sabbath day and call it a delight, then God will bless us.
Lesson on the Sabbath Day:
1. The weekend. Is this technically the last day of the week or the first day of the week?... actually both. It commemorates the 7th day of the creation when God rested from His labors. But after the time of Christ, it became the first day of the week in celebration of the resurrection. At the end of the week, I find it a wonderful time to think back on the previous six days and take inventory of what I have done, or haven't done...a nice ending to the week. It is also a good first day, to plan for upcoming activities and responsibilites, repent and promise to do better...a nice beginning to the week. I think of it as a time to empty the "garbage" and fill up the "tank".
2. The Sabbath. The word Sabbath comes from the Hebrew word meaning day of rest. It's purpose is to give us a certain day of the week to direct our thoughts and actions toward God. It is not just a day to rest our physical bodies from work. But it is a day to energize our spiritual bodies for work. God gives us six days to take care of our temporal needs. It's only fair that we show our devotion to Him by giving one day back. And selfishly, isn't it wonderful to have a day away from the concerns of the world?
3. The Sunday. I didn't take the time to google the word "Sunday", so I will tell you how I feel about the noun. Whenever I see the word or speak it, I immediately think of the color yellow...because of the sun. It's a sunny day even if the clouds cover the rays. A couple of years ago, Elder Wirthlin gave a beautiful Conference talk saying: "I think that of all the days since the beginning of this world's history, that Friday [Christ's crucifixion] was the darkest." But he went on to say "The despair did not linger because on Sunday, the resurrected Lord burst the bonds of death." (Ensign November 2006 page 30). He ended by reminding us that no matter how dark our Friday is (or Tuesday or Wednesday...) Sunday will come. With Sunday comes the yellow rays of hope, spiritual energy, and renewal.
Testimony: It takes faith to observe the Sabbath day and to keep it holy (Exodus 20:8). We are all busy and could use some extra time. And to spend three straight hours in church, when we could be accomplishing something more immediate? May I share my testimony that the blessings come from honoring God on His day. Most every year I am faced with the temptation to spend at least one Sunday at work during tax season. The little devils are convincing that I won't be able to meet the April 15th deadline unless I put in extra hours on Sunday. But I learned quite a few years ago that he who honors God, God will honor (1 Samuel 2:30). I remember very well a Sunday before the 15th. While coworkers were busily adding, subtracting and calculating refunds, I spent the day (in faith) watching General Conference. I held on to the promise found in Isaiah, hoping that God would perform a miracle on my behalf. The following week as we faced the deadline, clients came forward asking for extensions; coworkers asked if they could help; I was able to get more done in less time. I know that Heavenly Father blessed me to do what I needed to do because I obeyed in faith.
Games: There are many good things we can do on the Sabbath. Unscramble the words to determine proper activities for the day. (I hope I didn't leave out important vowels or consonants... I will give you the answers in the next blog...remind me).
ttedan cchruh eemtgnis
erda hte pstruciser
siivt fymali
slinte ot dogo suicm
ymflai styohir
mlafiy mohe negnive
wtrie tteerls
pferrom hcurch cisvree
sert
uojanrls
ymflai cncloui
Refreshments: No Bake Cookies
2 cups sugar
1 cube butter
1/2 cup cocoa
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup peanut butter
3 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 cup milk
Step 1: Mix sugar, milk and butter in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
Step 2: Remove from heat and add vanilla, cocoa, and peanut butter. Mix well.
Step 3: Add oats and coconut, and stir until completely combined.
Step 4: Drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper and let cool.
Closing prayer:...Gather your family around you tonight. After you say "amen" give them loves and kisses from me.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Fumbles and Foibles
If you are a regular follower of my blog, you may have noticed I missed the weekly publishing deadline. The last few days have been somewhat of a struggle at work and my soul has longed to be with Alexander in Australia (...and his no-good, horrible, very bad day!) But life could be worse. My bet is there were a few football players who have not had the best of weeks either.
I admit I didn't pay much attention to the Super Bowl hype this year. I barely knew who the opposing teams were and saw only five minutes of the game. But in those five minutes, I did see the "interception" that some thought lost the game for the Colts. In the weeks leading up to the game, everyone believed Indianapolis was a sure bet. No one could beat Peyton Manning! And then he throws the ball to the other team. Although, was it really his fault? Of course not. But it reminded me of the Brett Favre interception a few weeks earlier that kept Minnesota out of Super Bowl contention. Even the greatest of players would like to push the rewind button and do it over again.
We are all human. We make mistakes constantly. Some are worth a few million dollars accompanied with Super Bowl fame and even a trip to Disneyland. Others are insignificant but cause us a lot of personal embarrassment.
Several years ago I was asked to speak in Sacrament Meeting. I got there a few minutes early to be reverent. As I was sitting on the stand, I looked down and noticed I had on two different kinds of shoes. They were basically the same style, but definitely from different pairs. I was embarrassed and tried to keep my feet under my chair the best I could and hoped the bishopric wouldn't notice as I stood to speak. Dumb mistake, but not the end of the world. In fact, I laughed about it this week in remembering...you see, I almost did it again.
I was late in getting ready for work. Before leaving the house I ran to the closet in the dark and slipped my feet into what I thought was the only pair of dress shoes on the floor. As I walked away, I felt a slight limp, like one leg was shorter than the other. I turned on the light and sure enough, two different shoes.
Human foibles. They can be quite entertaining at times. I've got to learn that my life isn't over if I trip over the door mat going into church and lay splat on the floor. (No, that hasn't happened...but now that I write it, it will!) Or another example. Last Sunday night we had our last choir practice for Stake Conference. I was just about to sing a really good high note, but hesitated a nano second. (The choir angels must have had their hand over my mouth). It's a good thing I waited because no one else sang. Dead silence. I would have been the only one singing and that would have been the end of my singing career.
We need to give each other some slack. If the paperboy misses the porch, the man pulls out in front of you on Riverdale Road, the Sacrament prayer needs to be repeated, the Bishop rambles on and on, the Utah Jazz have an off night, the checker rings up your Fruit Loops twice...do I get upset? Well, I do. But I am working on being much more tolerant with others and myself. And that's maybe the hardest, to allow ourselves a fumble once in awhile.
It would be a pretty dull world if we were all perfect. (Now don't get me wrong. That is our ultimate goal.) But in the daily routine of oopses, please forgive me if I call you Cindy instead of Ethel, or if I snore during your lecture presentation...or if I accidentally forget to release the volume pedal for the sacrament hymn. It's all in being human.
I admit I didn't pay much attention to the Super Bowl hype this year. I barely knew who the opposing teams were and saw only five minutes of the game. But in those five minutes, I did see the "interception" that some thought lost the game for the Colts. In the weeks leading up to the game, everyone believed Indianapolis was a sure bet. No one could beat Peyton Manning! And then he throws the ball to the other team. Although, was it really his fault? Of course not. But it reminded me of the Brett Favre interception a few weeks earlier that kept Minnesota out of Super Bowl contention. Even the greatest of players would like to push the rewind button and do it over again.
We are all human. We make mistakes constantly. Some are worth a few million dollars accompanied with Super Bowl fame and even a trip to Disneyland. Others are insignificant but cause us a lot of personal embarrassment.
Several years ago I was asked to speak in Sacrament Meeting. I got there a few minutes early to be reverent. As I was sitting on the stand, I looked down and noticed I had on two different kinds of shoes. They were basically the same style, but definitely from different pairs. I was embarrassed and tried to keep my feet under my chair the best I could and hoped the bishopric wouldn't notice as I stood to speak. Dumb mistake, but not the end of the world. In fact, I laughed about it this week in remembering...you see, I almost did it again.
I was late in getting ready for work. Before leaving the house I ran to the closet in the dark and slipped my feet into what I thought was the only pair of dress shoes on the floor. As I walked away, I felt a slight limp, like one leg was shorter than the other. I turned on the light and sure enough, two different shoes.
Human foibles. They can be quite entertaining at times. I've got to learn that my life isn't over if I trip over the door mat going into church and lay splat on the floor. (No, that hasn't happened...but now that I write it, it will!) Or another example. Last Sunday night we had our last choir practice for Stake Conference. I was just about to sing a really good high note, but hesitated a nano second. (The choir angels must have had their hand over my mouth). It's a good thing I waited because no one else sang. Dead silence. I would have been the only one singing and that would have been the end of my singing career.
We need to give each other some slack. If the paperboy misses the porch, the man pulls out in front of you on Riverdale Road, the Sacrament prayer needs to be repeated, the Bishop rambles on and on, the Utah Jazz have an off night, the checker rings up your Fruit Loops twice...do I get upset? Well, I do. But I am working on being much more tolerant with others and myself. And that's maybe the hardest, to allow ourselves a fumble once in awhile.
It would be a pretty dull world if we were all perfect. (Now don't get me wrong. That is our ultimate goal.) But in the daily routine of oopses, please forgive me if I call you Cindy instead of Ethel, or if I snore during your lecture presentation...or if I accidentally forget to release the volume pedal for the sacrament hymn. It's all in being human.
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