ONE

Something needs doing,
Something needs done,
Who's going to do it?
I'm not the one!
I don't have time
I just simply can't,
I have too much to do;
My knowledge is scant.

Somebody ought to -
Someone really should,
If somebody doesn't
I sure wish they would.

Others might suffer
But I can't be the one
Who steps out boldly
For others to shun,
I can't be involved
How would it seem?
My family and friends
May think I'm extreme!

No not I . . .
But somebody should
And 'something needs doing'
Does no one much good.

Excuses and wishes
In thought and in deed
Often leave others
With no one to lead.
Somebody, somewhere
Might need to be me
A choice can be made -
What will yours be?

Occasionally my thoughts run about in my head in the fashion just written here. It puzzles me - are those my own words? or did I learn them somewhere?

I have memorized a few bits of poetry and other things.
But I think those words are my own. (At one time my memory was of great use to me. Just laugh - that was supposed to be funny!)

There are times when we fail to do things we know should be done.
We blame it on our memory or make some other reasonable excuse.

Just today I dialed a long distance call on my phone,
or at least I tried to.

I got a recording, "We're sorry, you must first dial a 1 when calling this number. Will you please hang up and try your call again." What? I swear I did dial a 1 -  why wouldn't I? I know the routine. I have done it a kazillion times at least.

I checked redial - there was not a 1.
CRAZZZZZY!!!

This was a fairly inconsequential thing - I dialed again, with the 1.

There are little things that seem unimportant.
I may negligently overlook them
or even deliberately refuse to take time for them.

Things like smiling at my spouse
or children
or even a stranger,
or letting the kid with only one item
(or the parent with a cranky child) go ahead of me in line
or opening a door for someone,
or speaking a kind word,
or saying nothing at all.

You could add to the list - didn't you wonder about  _______?

Sometimes * siiggghhh*
sometimes my choice is right and sometimes it isn't
and sometimes it doesn't even seem like a choice.
Sometimes it is like that pesky 1.
Sometimes someone else has to give me a reminder
about what is needful and important.

I hope you will remind me as politely as the recording.
Read it again or try it yourself
- go ahead
- you will get the same recording.

And IF I need to remind you, please don't be as cranky towards me as I felt towards that impersonal phone recording.

Yelling and crying or even silently pouting doesn't accomplish what you want or need.  I just needed to dial the 1.  I understand if you are incredulous about a reminder at times. I really did check redial.  I was sure the phone was broken and still wonder if the buttons were sticky or something. Excuses didn't connect my call though. I had to choose to dial the 1.

And the call was important.  If I don't get the required information it will affect many people that are counting on me. They might be very disappointed.

Sometimes I count on you.  Sometimes I am disappointed.  I hope we can talk about disappointments without grudges and recriminations, with kind and cheerful forgiving words.

Choices.

They CAN be such  little things.

MEMORIES OF MOM AMES

Today, 2 December 2012, marks the 92nd anniversary of the birth of Katherine May Shelton Ames.

Dawn and Katherine Ames 13 September 1947 Indianapolis Indiana

Her first child, Dawn Darlou, generously shares a few memories about Mom Ames as a guest blogger for the occasion. Thank you, DD, for this post.

"Katherine May Shelton was born December 2, 1920, in a snow storm, in a one room cabin way up in the hills of Washington. A little place called Winesap. Her Dad (Clarence Charles Shelton) had the flu and was too sick to go for a doctor so her mom (Sarah Isabel McNicholl Shelton) walked to the neighbor’s farm to ask them to go for the Doctor. They in turn walked to the sawmill to ask someone to go for help. Sarah went back to the cabin to wait for whichever came first; and of course it was my Mom.

"She had 3 older brothers (Herman, Charlie, Gib) and 2 younger brothers (Gerald and Donny); then when she was 21 her half sister was born. She was especial fond of her youngest brother Donald. She recalled that the day he was born they were sent to their cousins to play for the day and had a great time. They had to walk quite a distance to get there and on the way encountered a rattlesnake and got to have a car ride home. She remembers him being so beautiful that she fell asleep leaning on her mother’s bed looking at the baby; that she didn't know how he got there or if they got to keep him. She was 4 at the time.

"She was very sick when she was about 5, I think, and had to go to the hospital. I never knew all the details because she didn't like to talk about it but the inside of her nose had to be scraped and the doctor left the swabbing in and it rotted and she got sicker.

"Their family never had much, and lived in small houses all around Chelan County, mostly living off the land and what jobs her mom could get cooking and cleaning for others or at camps. Her dad was a woodsman. She told stories of going hunting with him and him telling her to find her own way home by following her feelings. She loved going to school and talked about living with other families when she was in grade school and ‘batching’ with her brothers when she started the 8th grade so they would be able to be close to a school to go to. Batching seemed to mean basically living on their own - mostly her and Gerald and Donny. During the depression they had very little to eat and they would go away from the other students during lunch because they didn't want people to know they only had an apple to share and would milk the horse for something to drink.

"One time one of the richer families in town got the 7 year itch. (I never was sure what that is equivalent to today.) The mother was so embarrassed and upset that no one else in the school had it that she asked if Mom could come over for a sleep over. Of course Mom caught it and took it home to her brothers who got it too and took it to school and everyone else in the school got it. They had to take sheep dip baths every night until they got rid of it. (I am guessing it was some kind of fleas or something like that) 

"Mom loved the animals that roamed the mountains around them but she had a healthy respect of the cougars. My memory fails me in remembering if it is one or two stories that she told but there was a large cougar that followed her and Gerald and Donny home one night and she figured the only reason it didn’t attack was because they had their horse with them. As I remember it there had been a cougar in the area that had killed a little boy and when they killed the cougar they found the little boy’s open jack knife in its stomach. They guessed that it was the same one that had followed them home.

"She also gained a great knowledge of the things you could eat to survive and those that were not good for you. She told of how they use to chew pine pitch for gum but one night after chewing it all day Herman died during the night and her parents work until dawn reviving him (moderation in all things). She wanted to be a botanist and learn all she could about plants. After her children had all left home she did do a correspondence course and became a licensed Herbologist. She also took art classes and learned how to draw the plants and flowers with very good detail. She liked to paint old homesteads and mountain type scenery. She carried her camera with her whenever she was out so she could take a photo if she saw something she wanted to paint. 

"When she was about 15 there was a great religious upheaval in the surrounding communities and she attended some of the tent meetings but didn't think if God was a loving God that he would not like you to dress nice and to sing and dance so she decided to pray about it. She went out behind the barn and started to pray. She prayed for a long time and while she was praying a light came out of heaven it scared her so bad that she turned away. When she opened her eyes again she was laying on her back but she knew in her heart that there was a God and he loved her and it wasn't the God that the preacher’s were trying to sell to the people in that area. So when the missionaries came to visit with Dad many years later and she heard Joseph Smith’s experience she knew immediately that this was the church she should join when Dad figured it out. She loved the Lord and passed that on to her children. She seemed to have insight into many things that most of us just hope for, because she knew how to listen and act on the things of the spirit.

Katherine May Shelton and Wallace Will Ames 1942

"The first time she saw Dad she knew he was the man she was to marry. Our parents had a very special bond that most of us only wish we had with our spouses. Such as writing answers to a question at the same time as the question is being written while they were apart from each other during military service. She had that same bond with her children. She loved kids and wanted to use her growing up experiences so she was both a Cub Scout Leader and a Girl Guide Leader. 

"She became a seamstress and during the war she learned to use industrial machines and made tents for the soldiers. When my Dad first went out on his own and started his practice she kept things a float by taking in sewing. She had an old treadle White and we could often hear it going into the wee hours of the morning. She did a lot of other jobs during the war like wallpapering and some construction work. There were no men to do these jobs and she wasn't afraid of ‘mans’ work. 

"She always made sure her family was taken care of and we never went to bed hungry. When I was about 8 my dad was very sick and couldn't work so she made paper roses which were very beautiful. You couldn't tell them from the real thing unless you touched them, and I went door to door selling them.
"She loved her grandchildren and would give them all the time and love they would except she spoiled them but not with worldly things. My kids called her their 'witch Grandma' and still do. They called her a witch because she was always picking some kind of plant and drying in saying what it would be good for, she was so good a fixing things, she always had something brewing and she could twitch her nose.

"She didn't like wasting - especially food; kids that whined about what was put in front of them to eat; and people without good manners: table manners were the most irritating (especially from men).

"She loved to do anything crafty and was homemaking leader several times [for the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints]. Crochet, Candlewicking, embroidering, needle point, cruel, paint on cloth and oil painting, wood carving, beading , Indian beading and costume making, (including dyeing the feathers - PU ! yes, it smelled very bad when she was boiling Chicken feathers) and of course dress making, weaving (she had a loom at one time for bigger things). She collected and pressed flowers.

"Anything lovely, virtuous or of good report she sought after those things."

QUICK TO OBSERVE invitation

A prophet, seer and revelator, President Boyd K Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles counseled ... "If all you know is what you see with your natural eyes and hear with your natural ears, then you will not know very much."

How can I see than with my eyes?
How can I hear than with my ears?
How can I feel other than with my senses?

I can see the existence of many things in the world surrounding me very well. I can see that grass is green. I can see your face. I can even see through the glass of windows.

Sometimes my eyes can deceive me. Most of us know about the distortions of water or optical  illusions. When my eyes do not tell the truth my brain and previous experiences may filter and even 'correct' the information I am getting.

I can also choose where I direct my eyes. I can choose to avert my eyes from graphic or inappropriate input or embrace it.   I may also be blind to a neighbor's needs or even deliberately refuse to acknowledge your existence but that is not like 'seeing through you' except they are choices.

People that wear hearing aids often complain that the hearing aid amplifies ALL sound and is not selective. I can sit in my yard and listen to a bird sing and not notice a car on the nearby street. I can hear my husband's voice or my child's cry or laugh even though I may not be in the same room and even when it must be filtered through other noise.

I can also choose to ignore the ringing of a telephone or rude words. And I can listen to how you feel and hear many things your words will never vocalize. I do that by observing your eyes and posture, hearing your meaning as well as voice nuances, and observing your general demeanor.

My existence revolves around smell and taste and touch. Flowers and food, rough and smooth, texture and tension, warm and cool - and my fingers and face have an ongoing love affair with fabrics and textiles.

So much good stuff so little time! So many opportunities to see and hear and feel and yet there is more. What does it mean to 'observe'?

I learned the word for grass in my native tongue as well as the word for it's color, green. I also learned the words for sky and heaven with their subtle differences and, although the sky may appear to be blue, that air has no color and can not really be seen at all.

I learned that I can avoid nausea and/or fainting by looking away when I have blood drawn. I have learned inhaling the sweet aroma of new hay makes some people sneeze and suffer from allergies. I have therefore even learned some suffering may be readily inflicted or alleviated. I have learned to observe with all my senses.

I have some senses that, like the wind, cannot be seen or heard but must be noticed by their effects. I cannot explain how I know it is my child crying out amidst the noise of a playground or why I feel a sudden urgency to talk with a family member and find out about sudden and exciting or sad events.

David A Bednar, another apostle, teaches that we should be 'quick to observe'.  He explains the dual meaning of the word observe is both to 'look, see, watch, or notice'; as well as to 'obey, attend to, or keep' - as in observing the law, or following a practice or habit.

Elder Bednar also teaches,"Being quick to observe is a prerequisite to and a preparation for the gift of discernment. We can hope to obtain that supernal gift of discernment and its light of protection and direction only if we are quick to observe - if we both look and obey."
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George Q Cannon, a counselor to four LDS church presidents taught, “One of the gifts of the Gospel which the Lord has promised to those who enter into covenant with Him is the gift of discerning of spirits—a gift which is not much thought of by many and probably seldom prayed for; yet it is a gift that is of exceeding value and one that should be enjoyed by every Latter-day Saint. …
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“Now, the gift of discerning of spirits not only gives men and women who have it the power to discern the spirit with which others may be possessed or influenced, but it gives them the power to discern the spirit which influences themselves. They are able to detect a false spirit and also to know when the Spirit of God reigns within them. In private life this gift is of great importance to the Latter-day Saints. Possessing and exercising this gift they will not allow any evil influence to enter into their hearts or to prompt them in their thoughts, their words or their acts. They will repel it; and if perchance such a spirit should get possession of them, as soon as they witness its effects they will expel it or, in other words, refuse to be led or prompted by it.”
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I can choose to discern repugnant influences. I can choose to repel and expel such things from my sight, hearing and feelings.
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I can choose to observe things that are good - things that are happy, healthy, of faith, kind, right, true, peaceful - all good things - in both ways.

-

I have agency. I can make choices. Observing and discerning can help me make better choices - choices to be good - to have good in my life and to share it with my family and others, to be happy, healthy and kind; to be full of faith and have peace. 

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[ I ] believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, [ I ] say that [I] follow the admonition of Paul— [ I ] believe all things,  [ I ] hope all things,
[ I ] have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything  virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy,  [ I ] seek after these things. Article of Faith 13

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I hope you can see and hear and observe also.

I hope good things for you too. 

I invite you to join me.

Will you also 'seek after these things'? 

WREATHS

Otherwise known as SMALL CHANGES -

This is about that other project I mentioned I tackled.

I love beautiful wreaths.
It is commonly known as a symbol for eternity.

I hate most wreaths -
perhaps not the wreath per se but just how neglected they may be.

I owned one - a ratty one.
I bought it as the base for a project that I never got around to.
I hung it anyway. It was made of simple 'hay looking' materials painted white with a bit of sparkle tossed on.

It was OK by itself or with a few embellishments but over the years the paint became worn, the sparkle fell off and many areas lost broken bits and pieces. It had even become slightly lopsided.

Since I am having an affair with purple paint anyway I decided to include it in the frenzy.

I tried it first with 'proper' made-just-for such-things type of paint (left of course from a remodeling project) - that was a waste of expensive paint! The wreath became a lovely shade of lilac.

pre-glitter

I painted it purple with cheap spray paint -
and glittered it with purple too.




When I started to add embellishments and purple poinsettias
[including the original navy one I painted purple]

original navy poinsettia is on the right

 to the evergreen wreath I was working on, this other wreath was a natural target for leftover bits, ribbons, ornaments and excess creativity that seemed to be keeping me wired those days.

My total investment consisted of the wreath itself (that I bought for $3), a 5$ splurge for a spool of bright green ribbon and the poinsettias, berries and purple paint I was getting anyway - I did buy an extra stem ($1 a piece - 3 total) of each at the dollar store to be sure I did not run out. I am not counting the dead wreath from the attic, ornaments that will continue to live in my over-the-laundry storage bins, or the glue, glitter, and 3D glitter paint languishing in the craft cupboards but if you don't have such things you would have to plan for those purchases.  So about 12 - 15 dollars for the 2 wreaths. Estimate 20 if you have to buy the glitter/glue etc.

 [Sorry I didn't take any before pictures of the evergreen wreath - you will have to imagine it - you know you can - you probably donated it or one like it to the 2nd hand I bought it at - oh, and btw - tuck that image of your worn out wreath away in the back of your brain so we can find it again later.]

Little and simple changes may effect many things.
Good changes bring good results. Very small things can cause what look like and become great changes or effects.

The same is true in our lives.

I tend to sit in the same spot in the living room, on the same chair at the table, and kneel to pray by one side of my bed where my actions have become habit. One day I decided that spot on the couch was getting too worn so I now deliberately choose to sit in a different spot - usually.  When I sat in a different chair at the table the rest of the family almost couldn't sit down to eat! My habits apparently affect my family significantly.

Recently I decided to kneel around the corner on another side of the bed. Surprisingly, that decision affected my prayers - for the better. I think more about who I am talking with and what we are discussing. I really am surprised.

Little things - who knew?!?

Are you still imagining that wreath you donated?

Could it be this one?

I only made a few small changes!

HOPE

When I was a child I learned a song that forever changed my life. 

"Jesus once was a little child, 

A little child like me;

And he was pure, and meek and mild,

As a little child should be. 

So, little children, let's you and I 

Try to be like him,

Try, try, try.

I often pondered that Jesus was a baby and child. I had baby brothers. They grew. I was a child. I was growing. The pleasant melody surfaces every so often and runs through my mind, calling for me to remember that I am God's child. I consider being a child  - me, right now - as unlearned and simple as a little child - and growing. 

Jesus taught, "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Mathew 18:3)"

Henry B. Eyring, of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints taught, " ... to become like a child is ... to be like the Savior, who prayed to his Father for strength to be able to do His will .... when we have yielded in faith to Him, have responded to the Holy Spirit's direction to keep the commandments long enough and faithfully enough that the power of the Atonement has changed our hearts .... We will become as a little child, obedient to God and more loving. ( April 2006 General Conference)

How do I, an adult, grow like a child?

This week, while studying my Book of Mormon student Manual (page 139-141) along with the first part of the Book of Mosiah, I learned much about having hope from Neil A Maxwell, of The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, as he discussed how we might accomplish the task of changing our 'natures' to become more [child like] - like the Savior, "Personal righteousness, worship, prayer, and scripture study are so crucial in order to '[put] off the natural man'.(Oct 2000 General Conference)" 

In an earlier 1994 address 'Brightness of Hope' he suggested another tool, along with a caution for putting off the natural man: "Hope helps us to walk by faith, not by sight. This can actually be safer. When unaided spiritually, natural sight often shrinks from the odds (see 2 Cor. 5:7). It is immobilized by improbabilities. Mauled by his moods and intimidated by his fears, the natural man overreacts to, while hope overrides, the disappointments of the day. 

Hope is particularly needed in the hand-to-hand combat required to put off the natural man (Mosiah 3:19). Giving up on God and on oneself constitutes simultaneous surrender to the natural man. Daily hope is vital, since the 'Winter Quarters' of our lives are not immediately adjacent to our promised land either. An arduous trek still awaits, but hope spurs weary disciples on."

I experience such growing. 

Sometimes it is difficult.

President Eyring further taught, "... the things we do are the means not the end we seek. What we do allows the Atonement of Jesus Christ to change us into what we must be. Our faith in Jesus Christ brings us to repentance and to keeping His commandments ... In time our natures will change. We will become as a little child." 

I want to change.

I want to become His child. 

JUST BECAUSE

Remember.

Do you?

I want you to remember I love you.

I want you to know you are loved.

Many years ago, at a General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, President Spencer W. Kimball stood before a world wide television audience and spoke from his heart. He said (among other assurances about the love God feels for each of his children) "I love you, each one of you ..." He tenderly spoke of the feelings he has for every member of the church and for all of mankind.

A sister in law openly and loudly scoffed, "He does not - he doesn't even know me. He can't love everybody. He doesn't even know them!"

I was shocked.

I was honestly surprised that she thought he had to know her to love her.  And more especially that she could not personally accept his genuine profession.

I asked her, "Susie (Susie Somebody - closely related to Annabelle Anybody and Nelly Nobody) - Susie," I asked, "Don't you think that he would if he did?"

I have pondered that many, many times since then.
It often comes to mind and takes a circuit.

Do you know you are loved?

Even complete strangers are concerned for your happiness and pray for your well being.  I often ask God to be mindful of those who are poor, sick, in need or have cause to mourn - among other things. When I see you struggling with the cart and the baby, or the door and the walker, or at a distance with tears streaming down your face (or your face contorted in some unfathomable emotion) then, as my heart aches for you and again later as memories of the things I see or hear surface, I ask for comfort and strength - for you.  I do anything I physically can and then I call upon God, our Father in Heaven to look upon you, lift your burdens and help you find your way - to grant you all that will help you and bring you lasting happiness.

I won't divulge details of the conversations I have with God about those I know by name - that is very private - but even if you don't believe a real and lovingly concerned, omniscient parent watches out for our best good and interests you need to know that I care - at least all that I, as a hopelessly imperfect human being, possibly can.

I do want you to know that I think on each of you each day, personally, individually, by name and age, by face and problem, by joys and activities - among other things.  I look at your pictures.  I remember little things I know you like, or hate, and even if I am totally out of the park wrong I still find you on my mind.  I love you.

BTW - have I told you lately that I love you?

20/20

I have wonderful vision. To me that was normal.

I could see clearly, in exquisite detail, even at considerable distances. I observed that I saw highway signs before anyone else seemed aware of their existence much less their content but did not think beyond that to any of its implications. 

Examining intricate stamps or coins has been a pleasure that required no aid.  Bring on fine print – no problem.  I gave no thought to simple tasks of reading, sewing, and being aware of all my surrounding near, far and in-between.

I had no problem seeing animals several miles away on the ranch when I was growing up. While riding, if my father said, “Mr. Soandso’s cow is at such and such a place,” or  “has a calf laying nearby” I could see the brand or markings to observe he was correct and confirm if the calf was moving and what color it was. I could tell if the motion on a far slope was an antelope or deer, and if the bird gliding on the updrafts over the hillsides was an eagle or a hawk and what it had picked up in its talons after a sudden swooping dive. 

I also could thrill to the texture of the tiniest parts of flowers or stones, fur and feathers or even the varied bits of soil that clung to uprooted weeds, crumbled away from rushing waters or flipped aside for scurrying insect legs. My mother noted such things and taught me to look for the barbed structure of a feather, the glinting texture on moth or butterfly wings, the subtle structural parts of leaves or grasses and such things as the translucent wonder and never ending changes reflected by so many different creatures’ eyes.

She taught me how their eyes did not see the way mine did but I took it for granted that most people’s eyes saw pretty much the same. I knew some people needed glasses to help them see better but comprehending the complex dynamics that entailed was significantly beyond my ability and experience.

I now admit I thought a lot of people made a lot of fuss about eye care and glasses and felt a bit blessed that I didn’t need to – and yes I admit to vision snobbery.

Somewhere near age 50 a radical change began.  My arms held objects a bit farther away and I liked to have stronger light and …

and then my arm got too short.

RIDICULOUS! My life became ridiculous – and continues to get worse. Reading became work and somewhat tiresome – but I love to read so I got reading glasses.  Now I have to have the right pair to even see across the room – and a much stronger pair to do handwork.  I just don’t do much of it anymore – and there is little pleasure in needing to set up a production to look at a single stamp or coin – such things now fall into the category of ‘time consuming hobbies’.

All this to say, wow – did you ever consider all the things your body does without you needing to consider it is doing it?  And what about the eyes or ears or limbs that other people have that do not do what yours can do?

If I wore earplugs for a shopping excursion or to watch TV would I appreciate the difficulties my husband has every day or at least become more aware of how irritating a hearing aid can be? What if I had to hear everything in my world through my cell phone's speakers? – YIKES!

If I put on dark smudged glasses and went to the library or watched a movie could I learn greater patience for those that are sight impaired?

Recently I suggested a family home evening lesson to my daughter.  If specific injuries, diseases or handicaps were assigned (or randomly drawn) for each family member and they agreed to the limitations of that assignment for several hours – like through a day, an afternoon, or even just a couple hours of specific activity time – what would result? 

I suggested things like casting an arm or leg, blind folds, or the earplugs as well as invisible things like heart disease, diabetes, or allergies.  Each would receive some instructions about their limitations and during a discussion time all would be free to notice additional difficulties they might think could be faced or ways to overcome the limitations.  The family would then try to help all family members to participate fully in the activities of the day.

Near the end of June as I weeded, walked, and worked in my home and yard I became acutely aware of the movements of my muscles – especially in the leg that would have a surgical procedure on 2^nd July. I carefully considered many things I would not be able to do and made sure I had prepared activities that might be pleasant ways to while-a-way a few hours or days. 

Almost a month has passed. I haven’t done anything.  Looking at the light and shadows has been sufficient entertainment some days. Physical Therapy and personal hygiene marathons make watching the back of my eyelids a pleasant option.

Do you know that standing is a pleasure, that sitting on a chair (or any other place)  is a thrill or that being able to ride in a car as it bumps along the street is to be treasured?

How many things can you see 20/20?  How long since you noticed you are able to walk, eat, hear, talk, dress, think, learn or feel? Yes, even feeling is a privilege – it is so much better than being numb.

Each day I notice new things to be grateful for.  I am especially grateful for people – friends, family, medical staff, and even complete strangers that are encouraging or courteously considerate. I am so happy to have educational opportunities, clean water to drink, delicious food to eat, and loved ones to share it all with.

And I know the reality of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is nothing greater than that. There are so many without so much.  I am rich! I am blessed - I am in awe! My vision is so much better than it has ever been. 

How's yours?

BEST GIFT

I received few tangible gifts this Christmas.

We had no little children here.
We had to make our own excitement,
 our own 'Christmas'.

We almost, really, didn't.

We put off the budget.
We traveled and enjoyed other's festivities.
We looked at a few things in stores but bought nothing.

Belatedly we realized we would arrive home very late on the 24th and that food in the house was only what was in storage - no Christmas treats or traditional foods - only a frozen turkey in the freezer. And not only were we out of fresh vegetables, including potatoes, but when the stores closed they would not be opening again until Sunday and we do not shop or buy on the Sabbath so that meant Monday for us.

We arrived at a grocery store in a town 2 hours still to home - it was closed already, we drove on and with 10 minutes until closing we found an open grocery store. With no budget, shopping list, or menu plan - YIKES!!! we grabbed a loaf of bread, a bag of potatoes, a bag of oranges and a few other such items we know we regularly get on shopping trips.  That would have to do. I also did not have the calendar in front of me to say that missionaries would be coming over for dinner Sunday evening.

Now that is not a gift! or a great way to do Christmas. We cooked that frozen turkey, invited some friends over who thoughtfully and generously provided lovely home baked rolls and canned cranberry sauce, and I made a couple of pies for dessert - yes, from scratch but I still would rather buy Marie Calendar's pre-made crusts. We still have lots of apples and some berries from harvest. Thankfully loved ones dropped off some home baked goodies and a nice spread, that looked wonderful, took shape.

We have so much.  We hardly missed the frenzy of shopping and stressful preparation. We mostly celebrated with the things we already had.  We are so blessed.

And I did receive on special prompting.  I wished for something to top off the pie and suddenly remembered that a local drugstore (with a small food section) is open on Christmas Eve.  We made the trek and got some frivolous things like whipped cream, candy and chips for the festivities.    Moroni chapter 10 verse 5 teaches that by the Holy Ghost we may know the truth of all things. I know that idea just popped up when needed.  I know I was inspired to remember that.

That is the best gift I got this Christmas.
A gift of having 'remembrances' brought to mind.

I was tempted just a tiny bit to wish for things bought at a store. But then I remembered Christmas is a little bit more. My daughter and grandchildren had been reading the Grinch story and know what? - Christmas CAN come without "... ribbons, ... packages and tags. It can come without boxes [or candy] or bags ...".

The Holy Ghost can bring to our remembrance the thing that matters most - the truth of the good news, the gospel, that angels sang that sacred day - Jesus Christ, the very son of God, was born - and he will return again to earth. Because of him and by him and through him ALL God's children here on the earth will merit a kingdom of glory greater and more wonderful than we can now imagine.  Because of him and through him and by him there is HOPE for each and every single one - even a Mr. Grinch and a Mrs. Scrooge! [and you will have to find your own link to Scrooge - there are so many endless sources I am sure you can find one readily].

There are somethings that I know with certainty.  I look forward to that day when our Savior, Jesus Christ, will return to rule and reign on earth.  I cherish the hope to bow to him then and worship him face to face.

HONESTY AND INTEGRITY

In accounting class this week we are asked to explain success and post a business motto.

The assignment states,

"Topic Lesson 10 (Chapter 11):

Many companies have mission statements that outline their values and objectives. They describe desires to provide the best service or products possible, to do so in a competent and trustworthy manner, to provide a superior value to customers, and so forth. Most often, these mission statements are framed nicely and hung in the reception area of the company’s headquarters where they do little more than provide an attractive decoration on the wall.

The 13th Article of Faith states: “We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul-We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”

Consider this as a personal mission statement for your career or business dealings. Ponder various aspects and post your thoughts about how it could make you more successful or prosperous. How do you define success?

What are the strengths of the 13th Article of Faith as a mission statement for your occupation? What are its limitations? If you were to write your own mission statement, what would it say?

I answered:

The 13th Article of Faith would look terrific done in word art or calligraphy in the popular styles of today.

For example it could be cleverly arranged in groups of vinyl word phrases as a focal wall in the reception area. I think it would be a business draw—perhaps a bit ‘in your face,’ but why not?

It would make a bold declaration to anyone and everyone regarding personal morals, and the kind of integrity expected of and in the company and of its employees, as well its expectation of its customers. Believing in the good in people encourages them to exemplify the good they know is expected of them.

What would you think if you walked into an office and this was wall sized staring back at you?

Artsy people can make my 5 minute image fantastic and arrange it to fit any size and shape of wall but I imagined it down a tall narrow wall, mostly useless for anything else except just being an element of architecture.

This mission statement would turn that spot into a business proposition and conversation piece. It might even become a draw. The limitations of any motto or statement involve the people implementing the goals of the statement. The things that motivate an individual, and the effort he or she is willing to expend in pursuing any specific accomplishment defines the parameters of success or failure.

My personal motto would be Elder Dube’s (of the Seventy) October 2013 instruction,
“Look Ahead, and Believe.” We must always be aware of and looking toward the future, while believing the best and working toward it.

Some definitions of success mean to finish something perfectly or completely. Success for me personally is making my best effort (but as President Hinckley quipped it has to be “my very best”) to complete a particular goal or assignment.

THE BOX BEHIND THE CHAIR

USLCHMission 13

General Conference talks were inspirational. One of my personal favorites was by Dale G. Renlund.1 He told a story about their family’s tiny, black dog – a toy poodle named Lady.

He shared, “Lady was smart, energetic, and great at fetching a ball. She was willing to retrieve a ball anytime, anyplace, and for as long as anyone was willing to throw one.”

He explained how one day he threw 2 balls, a blue one and a yellow one. His story about the result provided a bit of a parallel to some of our experiences as we prepared for this mission, and felt like too many things demanded our attention too often, and for too much time. It seemed exhausting and a little overwhelming. And even now, there constantly seem many things demanding our attention - more things than humanly possible to accomplish within the time constraints available. 

We stored the majority of our possesions, and brought some things we knew we use regularly.

Elder Ames tells it this way:

Well, we thought we brought everything we would ever need; BUT once all the boxes were empty and put away, we started making lists.  Then we took those lists and went shopping.  We were missing basics like our salt shaker and pepper grinder – we brought the pepper corns but no grinder!  We went and bought the smallest can of pepper.  We needed a mandoline to prepare vegetables.  Surely there had been enough room in one of those boxes for a mandoline!

While we did not find all the list items, we did purchase a mandoline, and several other essentials. We unsuccessfully shopped many times for a good can opener. Although our apartment is furnished nicely the can opener had chips in a partially bent blade.

In truth we hadn’t yet found a can opener which would meet our standards when one evening Sister Ames asked me what was in the box behind the chair.  I responded knowingly that it was just another box of videos. (VHS tapes to digitize at no cost at the FamilySearch center, in our ‘spare’ time. We brought too many of those!)

However, I stopped whatever it was that I was doing and went and opened the box.  It was not videos. 

Right near the top was our super useful can opener. We also found the salt shaker and pepper grinder (we hadn’t bought one of those because the ones we found cost a lot and that’s a lot of pepper).  We found our mixer and all its attachments (that had not made it onto our shopping list yet.)  There were two turn tables of stuff everyone needs in the kitchen, and we now have two mandolines - we will probably use the old one.  We had purchased a mini muffin pan, that Sister Ames was already missing, and now have 3 - there were 2 in the box. 

Sometimes when I’m counting the blessings I ask the Lord to show me the ones I am missing – the blessings I have that I don’t even know that I have - like that box.  It had been sitting behind the chair for three weeks full of stuff that we needed, or need, or will need.  Now, I look around to see what I might see and think about each thing and about how it might be a blessing. 

I wonder if there are other missing boxes - boxes which I need to open.”

Elder Renlund sympathized: “I cannot add more time to your days or eliminate the many concerns modern life brings. But I can offer this counsel: Not all matters are of equal value, …2” and he then suggested the teachings of scriptures and prophets.

Our late prophet, “President Russell M. Nelson taught, ‘Whatever questions or problems you have, the answer is always found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.’3

“And President Dallin H. Oaks, the Lord’s living prophet today, simply declared, ‘Jesus Christ is the way.’4

Elder Renlund continued: “You need not be like our little dog, Lady—confused, discouraged, and overwhelmed—when facing too many balls; you do not need to crawl back to bed and cower. Instead, keep your eye on the ball.5 Focus on the Savior. Seek for the 'precious gifts His Atonement can impart.' Then you can joyfully and confidently sing with the children:

‘I will trust in Jesus. I will hear His call.

He will never leave me, even when I fall.

Jesus gives me power, lifts and comforts me,

Helping me to live and grow eternally.’6

"Because Jesus Christ completed the Atonement, He has the power to help you along your earthly journey and to redeem you from death, both physical and spiritual. Celebrate the joyous message of Easter every day by reflecting every day on the blessings you receive because of Him.7 ‘Open wide your broken heart and let your Savior in!’”8

1.  Dale G. Renlund, "Because of Jesus Christ"

2. Dallin H. Oaks, “Good, Better, Best,” Liahona, Nov. 2007, 104–8.

3. Russell M. Nelson, “The Answer Is Always Jesus Christ,” Liahona, May 2023, 127.

4. “‘Jesus Christ Is the Way,’ President Oaks Says in First Interview as Church President,” Church News, Oct. 16, 2025, thechurchnews.com.

5. "In the late 1800s, the phrase “keep your eye on the ball” was literal advice to players of sports like baseball and cricket; to hit successfully, the players had to watch the ball closely as it approached. The phrase later transitioned into a figurative use, warning people to stay focused and not to lose sight of their primary goal. This idiomatic usage has been common in English for over a century."

6. “I Will Walk with Jesus,” Hymns for Home and Church, Gospel Library.

7. Dallin H. Oaks, “What Has Our Savior Done for Us?,” Liahona, May 2021, 75–77.

8. “Behold the Wounds in Jesus’ Hands,” Hymns for Home and Church, Gospel Library.

FOLLOWING IN FOOTSTEPS

SNOW - inches on everything - deeply - breathe -
 there that is better, cold invigorating snow - 
yay for snow!


I actually kind of like snow.
Not having dangerous roads
or getting stuck,
but skiing, sledding, snowflakes, snowmen and all the other fun and invigorating things that come with snow and winter generally. I like seeing the footprints of birds and animals and shoes/boots and even tires. 


I went for a walk a bit ago - 
before the snow came, 
but it had been here before that and things were fairly icy and nasty out.


On my block my neighbors hadn't bothered to shovel sidewalks and frequent freezing and thawing storms had made that first block very treacherous.  


On the next block came the plowed street and then a street between here and where I was headed that has been mostly blocked off and is used as a walking short cut.  

I could see people tracks - just a few.  Some big fellow had been along while the snow was fresh and then the sun had melted the footsteps down to bare pavement.  My little feet fit into the footsteps and I decided it might be a good plan to 'follow' the footsteps.  I thought it might be safer to walk on the payment than the snow and ice.  There were a few other fresher prints that had crunched through on the colder days (since that warmer one) but they had not melted.


So I started out to step in the steps. I quickly found I could not safely do so. Although my little feet fit in the tracks nicely my short legs could barely reach from one to the next - that was not only exhausting but not particularly safe either. 

Really - have you ever tried to walk, step by step, in someone else's footsteps? 4 of my steps equaled 3 of the big ones - or maybe it was 5 of mine to 4 of those - I couldn't decide but my stride definitely came up short and did not match. I think you or someone like you walked along again the same day I did.  I tried to line up our prints. 


That block was past and I noted that many cars had mostly polished the ice off the intersecting cross street. 

It isn't really used much either.  The next block MIGHT have a car drive down it - nothing there and no reason for any car to turn there or drive along it but once in a blue moon a car might - and sure enough on the part that can still be driven along there had been - one. I could see the tracks. 

They were nicely melted too.

I tried walking along one wheel track. 

It was just a smidge too narrow - I know because later I took a short cut along a strip of concrete edging that was perhaps only an inch wider.

I gave up trying to line up my feet one in front of the other and balance along the tire track. I just walked along the snowy part but along the concrete edging I had no difficulty at all.






I thought about trying to follow 'others' most of the way as I walked that mile or so. Perhaps it is not as easy as it appears to be.  Though we may pass the same way please don't judge me if I walk more slowly - perhaps my stride is shorter or your balance better. And if I stop and snap cell phone pictures - well - what if I do?


I know you would have to be very patient if you tried to walk in my footsteps.  You might wonder why the steps are so close together or why one shoe has a different shape and sometimes tread.  And btw is it your toes that turn out or in? 


During some physical therapy I spent part of my time on an elliptical trainer. It was very difficult for me to make the machine get going.  Over the holidays we 'acquired' an older, used model that was counting its days until dust in a garage after passing through multiple forgotten or discarded exercise programs. 


I have learned something funny about walking/running.


Does your right arm swing with your left leg or with your right leg? The elliptical swings the opposite arm and leg together.  It felt very awkward to me.  I wondered if it was not set up right, until I realized that my normal gait is not opposite.  I swing my left arm and leg together and my rights together - at least until I really get moving.  I don't notice the changeover but when I get moving they swing opposite. I wonder if that has always been the case or if it is a learned way of walking with crutches or some such thing.   


My husband laughs - he thinks it is because of the way I see.  I have a astigmatism.  My two eyes see as if independent from each other. I have very little depth perception, terrible eye hand coordination, cannot use binoculars (I look through them one eye at at time) and I hate 3D movies. 


I think I see things my own unique way - no snide remarks permitted!  I am very far sighted and get nauseous if I sit too near the front of chapels, auditoriums or movies. I love to sit as far away as possible - and resent being asked constantly to 'move forward'.  It makes me sick - seriously! I try to compromise with people that like to sit near the front - are you nearsighted?


As we pass along to our ultimate destinations please allow for my steps being over 'there' a bit and moving like the tortoise compared to the hare. And I will sit nearer the front with you, read upcoming signs before you  can really see what is on them - or whatever. 


And let's shake our heads and laugh together sometimes -
at how truly unique, special and OK we each are.  

TRIAL: KNOWING SELF

Now and again, as I study, I learn something.

Some little thing that forever alters my views.

Or answers some nagging doubt or question.
(I have those sometimes - especially during trials.)

 Such an answer was in  Lesson 22 from John Taylor:

(Teachings of the Presidents of the Church.)

Being Perfected Through Trials.

Prophets declare we all WILL face trials.

John Taylor taught, "You and I cannot be made perfect except through suffering: Jesus could not (Hebrews 2:10). ... there is no other way .... It is the process by which knowledge is increased and peace will ultimately be established universally. ...(page 111)."

Such declarations leave my heart cold.

I waffle there - must I really?

Thankfully prophets also declare solutions and concise instructions. They tell us to "Cease to fear" (Richard G. Scott 7 April 2013).

Such were also the teachings of Elder Jefferey R. Holland on 7 April 2013. He told the classic story of a troubled child and a parent's agony from Mark Ch. 9. "Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. (Mark 9:23-24)."  

Elder Holland taught, " The father asserts his strength first and only then acknowledges his limitations. His initial declaration is affirmative and without hesitation." He encouraged us that we have more faith than we think and we can start where we are.

"In moments of fear, or doubt or troubling times, hold the ground you have already won," he said, "even if that ground is limited. In the growth we all have to experience in mortality the spiritual equivalent of this boy's affliction or this parent's desperation is going to come to all of us. When those moments come and issues surface, the resolution of which is not immediately forthcoming, hold fast to what you already know until additional knowledge comes."

I experience such moments.

Moments, and longer, of testing.

I have learned to pray.

I have learned to sing.

Sometimes a song is a prayer.

President Taylor taught, "We complain sometimes about our trials. We need not do that. These are things that are necessary for our perfection. We think sometimes that we are not rightly treated, and I think we think correctly about some of these things. We think there are plots set on foot to entrap us; and I think we think so very correctly. At the same time we need not be astonished at these things. We need not be amazed at a feeling of hatred and animosity. Why? Because we are living in a peculiar day and age of the world; which is distinctively called the latter days.

I know that as other men we have our trials, afflictions, sorrows, and privations. We meet with difficulties; we have to contend with the world, with the powers of darkness, with the corruptions of men, and a variety of evils; yet at the same time through these things we have to be made perfect. It is necessary that we should have a knowledge of ourselves, of our true position and standing before God, and comprehend our strength and weakness; our ignorance and intelligence, our wisdom and our folly, that we may know how to appreciate true principles, and comprehend and put a proper value upon all things as they present themselves before our minds.

It is necessary that we should know our own weaknesses, and the weaknesses of our fellow men; our own strength as well as the strength of others; and comprehend our true position before God, angels, and men; that we may be inclined to treat all with due respect, and not to over value our own wisdom or strength, nor depreciate it, nor that of others; but put our trust in the living God, and follow after him, and realize that we are his children, and that he is our Father, and that our dependence is upon him, and that every blessing we receive flows from his beneficent hand (page 203)."

Related Scriptures: Psalm 34:19; 2 Corinthians 4:8–18; 1 Peter 4:12–13;Alma 36:3; Ether 12:6; Doctrine and Covenants 121:7–8

Thank you President Taylor.

Perhaps I can accept my life with more grace.

I have experienced learning about myself as you say.

I do know myself better because of trials.

I do comprehend my own "strength and weakness" better.

I am willing to learn my "true position before God".

I want to "appreciate true principles".

I accept that all "flows from his beneficent hand".

I testify that the additional knowledge and help promised by the prophets, like Elder Holland, does come. God is omnipotent and loving. He is mindful of us and does help and bless us, even if only to strengthen us like Alma's people (Mosiah 24).

I am nearing the end of my Book of Mormon classes. This past week I read:“And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me … for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men … (Moroni 7:33).”

My student manual, page 391, quoted Elder Holland teaching, “that one of the profound themes of the Book of Mormon is the role and prevalence and central participation of angels in the gospel story ….” Elder Holland's teachings then expanded my understanding about “those more personal ministering angels who are with us and around us, empowered to help us and who do exactly that (Ensign Jan 1996, 16-17).” Why am I so surprised? I have read and heard such promises many times. General Conference talks in 2011 were peppered with such references but this time I heard so much more and felt powerful comfort and hope from the promises for such help.

In General Conference Elder Holland encouraged us to "hope on, journey on .... even if you can no more than desire to believe." He promised, on Sunday afternoon, "God will send help from both sides of the veil."

I am so grateful for scriptures and prophets. I feel so weak and foolish. Why am I troubled by the simple things of this life? With the father of the possessed son I too cry “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief (Mark 9:24).”

PERFECT

I am NOT perfect.

Can I be? 

Now there is something to ponder!
And when?

As we look forward to the time Jesus Christ will return to earth - a time of prophesied peace - Paul counsels all that seek to obey the command to be perfect found in the New Testament (and as taught by Jesus in the Book of Mormon), regarding their choices and resources amid the extreme wickedness that will prevail.  In 1984 Ezra Taft Benson, taught that 'Paul also saw our day' and in 1995 Boyd K. Packer said that the time Paul is referring to is now.

I am contemplating what Paul taught.

He explains that "all scripture [instructions given by inspiration] ... is profitable ..." and lists 3 specific things it is 'profitable' for: doctrine, reproof for correction, and instruction for righteousness.

I can study and ponder the scriptures given long in the past and the words prophets are giving us today. They will teach me true doctrine, help me make course corrections AND comfort me when things are difficult or discouraging by helping me learn and understand what to do and when to do the things that I should do to be more like my Father - my Heavenly Father.

 Mathew 5:48 specifically commands us each to be perfect like our Father in Heaven is perfect. How is he perfect? In the footnotes the Greek meaning for perfect is to be complete, finished, fully developed.

[I am grateful for scriptures that are so readily available - words of both ancient and modern prophets in my home, or car, and even at my fingertips as searchable documents any time, any where.]

A footnote for 'perfect' in verse 48 directs me to revelation given to Joseph Smith,  Doctrine and Covenants 67: 13. I paraphrase in parts, "[I am] not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels; wherefore [I must] continue in patience until [I am] are perfected."

I feel a sudden sadness, even despairing hopelessness but then I remember the word's of Paul. I think on scripture stories of men and women, girls and boys that were able to 'abide' seeing God and/or angels.  My ancestors knew Joseph Smith as a human being, like me. HE was able to 'abide' the presence of God and ministering angels ...

In Mathew chapter 5 verses 44 and 45 Jesus teaches us to love our enemies,  (blessing those that curse us, doing good to them that hate us, and praying for them that despitefully use us and persecute us) so that we, as children, can be more like our Father which is in Heaven.

A footnote on the words 'may be' in Verse 45 indicates that a Greek translation would be 'may become'.

I like that -
I may become like our Father in Heaven -
I am His child.

How am I like my dad?
What ways do I wish I were more like him or less like him?

My father here in this life is a good man and although not perfect nevertheless is an rather excellent example. He keeps working at being better every day.  That is one way I hope I am like my father: he tries to be the best he knows how to be; continuing to learn, gain knowledge of good things, and become better - changing to be better.   

Our Father in Heaven IS perfect.
He lives within the knowledge he has.

2 Timothy 3 enlightens me a little more as Paul warns those trying to perfect themselves, in this manner, about 'perilous times'.  I think if you were to read it you would understand it differently that I have.  I think it would warn and/ or comfort and teach you in things you need to know.  Romans 2 is the same.  Paul teaches me that it is not the outward appearance of my actions that will help me to be able to become like my father but rather the inward desires that are in my heart and mind. As a reformed and converted anti-Christian Paul should know!

Apparently I can become perfect -

it will be an ongoing process -

so can you -

IF we want to.