Tues: 2nd Day Walk w/Christ-Prayer

A Day of Prayer: Read the following: Bible Dictionary-Prayer-7th Paragraph (As soon as...) Alma 13:28-29, D&C 9:7-8 (Access scriptures via lds.org, if don't have)

Challenge for day: Fill your day with prayer. Each time you feel the penny, offer a prayer in your heart. Spend a little more time morning & evening listening, praying to gain a better relationship with our Father & his Son.

Ask yourself: How well do I know Jesus Christ, His birth, ministry, church?
What did He do for me? Would I know Him now if I met Him?

There's a story about an interview for a man that is waiting outside a room who is next. He hears the conversation of two men going on. One is asking the other how well he knows Jesus Christ. The man answers all of the questions correctly, but overlooks a vital item. It's the second person's turn to enter the room, as he approaches the interviewer, he falls on his knees and cries, "My Lord, my God."

Journal: Do I really place my affection of my heart upon the Lord? Is mine a true relationship? Do I stop to hear? Do I listen & do?

Monday-My 14 Day Walk With Christ

Easter is in two weeks. It's so easy to get caught up in the world's way of celebrating with the Easter Bunny and all, that often we forget the real meaning the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I am taking a walk with Jesus for the next fourteen days and would love you to join me.

The only way we can really know another person is to walk in his shoes; think what he thinks, learn what he knows, say what he would say and do what he would do. Christ said, "Come follow me." I invite you to follow our Savior in all that you do & say.

You may say, 'I'm not good enough, I've sinned, He won't want me.' Even though I promise every Sunday that I will always remember Him, I often forget by Monday. We all make mistakes. Remember, He loves you unconditionally. You can do it. With God everything is possible.

Henry Ford said, "If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you're right."

Each morning make time to read the scriptures and challenge for the day. Drop a penny in your shoe or pocket, remembering that the penny says, "In God We Trust." The penny is a constant reminder that you are trusting in God to help you grow and change as you focus on Christ. Get a small notebook to record your thoughts & feelings each day as you evaluate how you did. If you miss some days, do those that appeal most to you.

Day 1: An Invitation to Walk with Christ
Read: John 8:12, John 1:27-28, 2 Nephi 31:12-13

Concentrate on walking WITH Christ. Strive to act as he would. Each time you feel the penny, have a prayer in your heart that you'll be able to come closer to Christ and walk as HE does with faith in our Heavenly Father & genuine love for others.

"Follow the pathway of the Lord. Walk in His footsteps." by Daniel S. Twohig

I walked today where Jesus walked, in days of long ago;
I wandered down each path He knew, With rev'rent step and slow.
Those little lanes, they have not changed-A sweet peace fills the air.
I walked today where Jesus walked, And felt His presence there.

I knelt today where Jesus knelt, Where all alone He prayed;
The Garden of Gethsemane-My heart felt unafraid!
I picked my heavey burden up, And with Him by my side,
I climbed the Hill of Calvary, Where on the Cross He died!

I walked today where Jesus walked, And felt Him close to me!

May you be blessed in all that you do, as you work toward achieving this goal.

Friday- Forsythia's Fleeting Fancy

Be on the look out for the forsythia bushes that are now in bloom as they are fleeting in their beauty. The neon yellow blossoms don't stay long. The groomed bushes look like giant balloons ready to float away. Others with their stragly branches reach up to catch our attention. A few petite ones remind me of a spilled cup of poster paint brightening some forgotten spot of the yard. Their cheery blooms brighten any sad soul when catching a glimpse of them.

Thirsty Thur- This is A Parent

Marilyn my neighbor has bent over backwards to help her grown children. Lynn & family live in the basement as they save for a home. It’s taken five years so far. He doesn’t know how lucky he is to also get baby sitting service most days by dad.

Her daughter,Annette, who’s been on her own ten years, just came home with hubby in tow from North Carolina. She quit her job to nurse him last summer, when he became seriously ill. Now both are out of work & need a hand. Dad drove cross country through snow storms to help them home.

What would the world do without amazing parents that set their conveniences, quiet days and those golden years aside to lend us a hand. My mom saved me several times scrubbing clothes from crayon stains out of the dryer, tending in a pinch and giving a recipe or good wisdom without a complaint. Dad hauled away junk, brought top soil when we built our home and loved unconditionally.

We helped deliver phone books one year for our daughter to make extra money, paying for gas, wages for school kids etc while letting her have the whole check. Tending on a regular basis for another daughter twice per week for eight years so her childcare costs were reasonable. Love keeps us holding, helping & hosting them.

Once a parent, always a parent. It’s apparent.

Wed.-What: Warmer Weather Bonus

My gas and power bills arrived yesterday. Combined they were $80 lower than I’ve seen for the past six months. What changed and how did they get so out of sight? This is how. A few years ago my power & gas was reasonable. The news started reporting that these poor utilities had been under charging the customer & would have to back bill.

I didn’t think much of it until my triple increased gas bill came. All winter as I’ve struggled to pay it, I moved the thermostat lower & lower. When I got home from work it would be turned up until bedtime. If I could find the booklet that tells how to set the auto adjust, that would be great. Last month I quit turning up the heat wearing a sweater around the house or a blanket when watching TV, not hard or inconvenient. Can’t do it when we have little ones, company or elderly visiting, but no problem we can accommodate.


The power was about the same increasing every month as I diligently kept all lights off, except the ones we were using. To me a well lit house means waste, a semi lit home says, ‘we’re home’ and a dark house says, ‘no one’s here’. When my kids were young, I always had the kitchen light on when they were home which meant: Mom’s here. A shiny porch light means welcome. Keeping these going has been important, but cutting back on computer, oven use, long showers, etc isn’t that hard to do. Warmer weather has also been a factor.

I'll be using the money I've saved to help pay a fraction of my taxes. That's another story.

Tuesdays-Tried & True: A Tiny Tot's Trust

It's interesting how children can be a friend to anyone and most want to be friendly to them, as well. In this day & age it isn't as easily done because of unfortunate events that have happened by a few taking advantage of a child's trust.

Even though we only see our grandson's four weeks out of the year at best, they are so excited when we get together accepting us in a heartbeat unconditionally. They are still very young not having learned all the prejudices that are so real in today's world.

AS we walked to the park with them, their daddy drove by in his truck. Kade hollered to him, "Dad, I got new friends!" We were immediately initiated as 'his' friends the day we arrived and hopefully held in that spot until the day we die. How important this makes one feel without any reservations about differences of age, appearance, etc.

If we could be as unbiased in choosing our own friends. I remember meeting a woman at work and instantly thinking what she was like. I was wrong, of course. When I got acquainted with her discovering what a dear person she was, I regretted placing her in my own misconception box. It's most important to let them decide for you by their actions, if they are worthy of your friendship or not.

I hope to always be considered 'a friend to my grand children' tiny tot or not.

Friday- Flying Feathered Friends

Since the last time I attended the Sandhill Crane Festival the goal has been to go on some birding tours. It became a reality this week as our bus pulled onto the road headed to the evening meal fields near the Royal Lake lookout. The cranes fly from their sleeping spots which are usually mud flats near water both morning and evening to the farm fields to eat. It was exciting seeing hundreds of the gray feathered friends grazing, dancing and cawing to one another as we watched through our binoculars or scopes. A blue heron, long beak curlew and Canada geese also were seen as a beautiful sunset finished off our evening.

Numerous classes about blue birds, owls, woodpeckers and raptors are just a few I was able to attend. Many fun projects were provided for the grandchildren making me wish I could also make their origami cranes, binoculars, paper mache bird masks and woven fish. Great minds worked together to provide an amazing experience for all.

Wednesday-When, Who & Where in Washington

We made it safely to Washington to enjoy the grandchildren, Sandhill Crane Festival & Clue-the Musical. The drive was good, as well as the weather and not much traffic. The beginning had a rough start because we got a speeding ticket as we had our maiden ride on the new Legacy highway. This is the first fine we've had in years, so we can't complain about getting it.

Eastern Washington is a beautiful with its rolling hills, orchards and the Columbia River. It's amazing how stiff you get when riding for hours, but made easier with a book on tape or cds from the library. Take advantage of your local library, community and schools to keep involved and reading.

Tues: Tried&True- 'Tis The Luck o’ the Irish’

How lucky my PBS radio station, KBYU, has been playing Irish music via Fred Child's selections. I was on time to work, it's a warm clear day, my husband fixed breakfast, & we are having an authentic Corned Beef & Cabbage Potluck lunch at work. You can't get much luckier than that, unless you see a leprecaun.

I love holidays St Patrick’s, Valentines, Easter to decorate & celebrate.
I pull out all my red, green or pastel things & place them on the mantel, entry table, front door & such. You don’t have to buy new ones every year, just go through the house selecting everything that goes with the hue you need. Set them in a few focal areas to make a statement and wa la, you're there.

My super organized neighbor, Jody, always gets her decorations up first. I wondered how she could be so prompt. Instead of asking her, I started to replace my Halloween decorations with the Thanksgiving ones and so on thru Easter. It makes me look organized as well. Everything I look at takes on that color for awhile until the day passes. It's crazy.

Buy plates, napkins & such at the $1 store to give as gifts or use during the week to lift everyone’s spirits. Focus on buying things that have the color of the holiday instead of buying into the commercial candy only. For St Patty’s get green apples, grapes, veggies & such. Cover cans of nuts, tissues or make cards with paper to match the season. Everyone will think you are so clever.

Often plays, parades & parties are excellent things to do as well, at little expense. Just look in the entertainment section of the local paper to find out what’s going on for the week. Why not get into the action & find all your green, red or whatever colored clothing you have to play dress up games. The the kids & even adults love doing it, too. Remember to take pictures and enjoy life.

May you have 'the luck o the Irish' and see a rainbow at the end of the day.

Sunday: Sacred for Sale

This is the Jordan River Temple. We have over 125 temples in the world.

I'm pretty cranky, upset and sad about a TV show that aired today, Sunday. I don't normally let these things get to me, but when it offends my beliefs I must say something. I didn't watch it but heard & read about it. Many of my friends encouraged me to write to the studios asking for removal or put a stop to the show.
I feel bad that I procrastinated too long and didn't voice my opinion.

I have the great privilege of calling myself a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ & in the Holy Ghost. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel."

This religion is based on the Church of Christ's day. Temples are an important part of this religion where we perform sacred ordinances. When they are portrayed for profit inappropriately to debase or make fun of the religion they represent, it hurts.

Please view the following address to get the correct reason why we have temples.
http://www.youtube.com/mormonmessages

Thank you

Saturday, Sites & Sounds: Something So Simple

My bags even match the sign. Another shopper asked if I would like to be in picture. Sometimes it's so hard to ask, but others are more than willing to help.

I spied this sign at the grocery store yesterday, as I got out of my car reminding me to get my 'going green' bags. Usually I remember them at the checkout instead & feel frustrated at forgetting them. It was great to fill them up in the store without using any plastic or paper to add to the landfills. For only $1 they last a long time, hold your goods and you know your helping the environment. I put them in the pocket of each front car door to quickly grab and go. Something so simple helps all of us.

Someone recommended adding just $5 to my Church donations in January that would help out alot. If 33% of all contributors did that, think how much more there would be.
It's such a small amount even in this economy. I know I could add the $5 every month or so. We'd be helping others & not even feel it. Something so simple helps those who need it so much.

I feel guilty when driving in busy traffic or a long shopping line of people to see the guy behind me let a person in. Now why didn't I do that. Acting kind feels even better when they wave or say thanks. It makes me feel so good. Something so simple encourages others to pass it on.

Go Green! Give to Others! Be Kind! You will never regret your decision, it's so simple.

Friday- Thirteen Fine Facts to Remember

1. Have Faith, in God, yourself and your loved ones
2. Avoid Fear, ‘Perfect love casteth away all fear’
3. Food, eat the healthy food first, then a few snacks.
4. Finances, be careful to spend what you have, & save more.
5. Find the courage to say, Yes or No, when you need, too.
6. Get the Facts before you act, saving yourself a lot of problems.
7. Friends make life enjoyable.
8. Have Fun everyday to stay sane, happy & loving life.
9. You have the Freedom to choose, live and be what you want to be.
10. Families are Forever, but do things with them now.
11. Forget yourself and think of others First.
12. Forgive your fellow man as you discover an increase in peace.
13. Put your best Foot Forward as you exercise, choose wisely & fulfill your dreams.

Thoughts on Thursday-To Top It Off

This wallpaper picture is similar to today's show.

This morning the full moon took it's time dropping out of sight. To top it off two cloud formations like giant five fingered hands one on the east horizon the other on the west, spread their long digits in a 45' angle toward the top of the sky. Each side competing with the other to see who made it to the top first. At 7:45 a.m. thanks to Daylight Savings Time, the sun threw splashes of pink and gold to each team's side.

Not able to keep my eyes on the road as the competition heated up, I suppressed the desire to jump out of my car to shout, "And the winner is!" I couldn't decide as the western clouds twisted themselves into long gnarled tree trunks catching the moon in it's dawdle to bed. The eastern strands turned into ropes as it pulled the sun up, trying to win.

It's not possible to take a photo of this one of a kind phenomena. Just knowing man can never create anything like it, is enough to keep us humble.

Wednesdays: Wallowing With Why Me?

'Why does everything always happen to me' is a thought we've all entertained.

Life gets the best of us when too many negative events start to happen. It's worse when health is one of the problems. Your head aches, an appointment's forgotten, a flat tire, ticket for speeding, in trouble at work or none at all can be handled one at a time. Put them together with even more challenging things and we become a full blown mess. Depression can set in if we brood over or internalize the problems.

The best thing to do is to focus on your blessings. Look around to see the beauty in the smallest thing. Visualize a recent happy time, listen for the song of a bird, remember a humorous joke, play your favorite music or visit a friend in need.

'I cried because I had no shoes, then I saw a man that had no feet', is a good thought to remember when life gets the best of us. It could be worse, so much so, that being thankful for what God has given us, helps keep life in perspective.

'Count your many blessings, Name them one by one,
And it will surprise you, What the Lord has done.'

Wish away that wallowing by repeating a positive phrase over and over until you become it. 'Why not me', will soon be your attitude.

Tuesdays: Tried & True-Task Takeover X Two

PVC pipe shelfs to help keep things organized.

This is one of those events we only dream of, they never really happen.

On days I have to get a lot done, I make a ‘To Do’ list. Jobs to do, people to call, things to buy, etc. You know the drill. Sometimes I include my hubby on the list, with his very own ‘Tasks’. He’s good to take them down fast, while I languish with mine moving them from day to day until accomplished or forgotten. Often, they’re back on the top of the list with a star next to them, because they've become a priority all of a sudden. It doesn’t pay to procrastinate.

Saturday I heard Allan kicking around in the basement, knowing I had put ‘Clean Basement’ on my list. After waiting awhile, I went down to see what he was up to. Sure enough he was doing the job! Wow! I thought about offering to help, but why? How many times had I done it without his assistance? Besides, he would throw away the items that I couldn’t. Remember how our treasures are junk to others. Mine were being tossed out the window to be trucked away with a few of his. If I didn’t see them, it would be best. As Martha Stewart would say, “It’s a good thing.” If I want his help, I have to take it on his terms.

He took the dirty task of cleaning the basement & tossed out 25% more stuff than I would. That is definitely task takeover times two. Win, win!

Memories on Monday: Making Matters Worse

It’s funny what insignificant things annoy us, to the point of becoming a stress mess. You know, when you barely arrive at a party to notice your hubby has a big dribble stain on his shirt. That ‘happy to be here’ feeling instantly leaves as you wonder why he can’t choose the new shirt you just bought him, to wear.

What will people think if they see it? She never does the laundry, what a slob he is or some other judgmental thing. Now you notice the dirty shirt tale isn’t tucked in, but all the other guys have taken care of theirs. He looks even worse as you notice the day old growth on his fat face. Your anger starts to build, as you study this man ready to chop his head off any moment now.

Working into a lather and ready to holler at him with the announcement that you must go home immediately to change clothes. Your mind recalls valuable ‘conflict training’ information that says, ‘Who’s problem is this anyway?’ 'It’s his.'

You ask, ‘How often does this happen to you?’discovering a tiny spot on your pants. Maybe he just needs glasses. Is it worth ruining your night over, humiliating him or having a fight about? Get over it, move on & forget it. So you do. What a fun time is had & who knows maybe no one noticed the spot. If they did, so what, judge on.

The next day, pull out every pair of pants & shirt he wears, washing them. Now to sort, label and arrange his closet thus: For Outings, Work, Church, Dirty jobs, 'Don't you dare wear this' and so on to prevent it happening again or not.

Sometimes it’s best to just keep our mouths shut and ignore it. Save yourself alot of stress.

Sites & Sounds of Saturday -Whom Shall I Serve?

Meals on Wheels food cart for Senior Citizens
Reading Books for 1st Graders

Don’t miss the opportunity to serve others even when you can’t think of what to do or who needs help. Four years ago I began taking Meals on Wheels to senior citizens. Getting to know these forgotten people is a choice experience, as I’ve visited them weekly. They don’t ask for much, just a friendly hello and an ear to listen.
Don’t stop there, because schools need your help, too, with no limit of things to do. I print, fold & staple the reading books for 1st & 2nd grades of a local school. That is 40,000 sheets or 80 reams of paper my company donates to these children for take home readers.
Veterans always need hand made cards. Some friends & I make holiday cards, taking them to the VA hospital to distribute to our heros.
Hospitals & shelters need comforters, stuffed animals & time spent showing love.
Boy (& Girl) Scouts working on their Eagle projects need supplies, money & support benefitting all.
Our neighbor needs us to take out or bring in their trash can, shovel their snow, pull their weeds or any number of things they cannot do today. This winter I loved shoveling the walk next door since they were sick and unable to do it.
Most of all, Thank you, to Mom’s neighbor for helping her.

Fiesta Friday: Freezing w/Friends

I convinced some friends to brave the cold and go snow shoeing with me at Tanner's Flats this weekend. The weather was clear, warm, beautiful and we had the place to ourselves. The rocks in the stream looked like giant snowballs, lacey ice skirts hung from the water flowing over stoney ridges and echoed crisply in the air. Big game tracks of moose, elk and bobcat were closely observed and followed by our trusty party of five.

Friends make life memorable so make the time to have fun together. So seldom do these events work out that I would like to freeze frame our event forever.

Wednesday- Who, Why, What Was I Thinking?

What Was I Thinking:
When I didn't start our 2008 taxes until today? A year's worth of transactions, bank statements, who was this check for & where did this money come from headaches.

When I didn't back up my computer at work. How ironic my desk calendar said, "New horizons of joy & pleasure readily can open before the person who gets rid of the clutter." Well, I did that, lock, stock & barrel.

When I decided to walk 4 miles with a fifty mile an hour head wind suffering burnout halfway.

When I wanted to buy the Barbie Diamond Castle for my grand daughter's birthday. It costs $399. Maybe the papergoods party packet will be enough $29. Back to square one.

When I checked out four chick flicks? What a blessing they were, when Brayle & Hunter came over & we watched two of them.

When I went to a lecture by Michael Wilcox, getting groggy twenty minutes into it & had to pinch myself for 70 minutes to keep awake. I've got to get more sleep.

What was I thinking? Not much, that's for sure.

Tuesdays-Tried & True: 3/03/03 Grandma Grace's Day

Grandma Grace was born today 106 years ago on March 3rd, 1903, in England. Her dad was an English gentleman and a shop keeper who joined the LDS Church when my grandmother, his oldest daughter, was six months old. Thus began the goal of saving to come to America to be with the Saints. At the age of eight, their family of five boarded a ship with red bonnets their grandmother had knit for them to wear. She was able to see the little red heads at the railing until they were far out to sea. This was the last time she would see her own daughter, Bertha, Grandma Grace's mother, who died giving birth four years later.

What a beautiful angel my grandmother was, always working, baking, doing laundry and gardening whenever we visited. Seldom raising her voice as she quietly endured challenges of raising nine, a self employed/made husband, farm, seamstress, poor eye site and more. I’d love to sit and visit with her now hearing tell of her own experiences. Every single grand child felt they were her favorite and that means a lot.

What a great example she set, never complaining always giving, and giving with love in her heart. Thank you, Grandma, for the legacy of love you left.

Memories on a Monday-A Magnificent Morning More or less-

There’s a spectacular light show that takes place just before the sun rises most mornings lasting only moments. It’s a daily gift from God. If you’re lucky enough to see the million dollar minute, the $20 cosmic ones at the planetarium will never equal it. Cameras are usually forgotten at home on these days.

Today as the sun rays hit the edges of two clouds they were highlighted in fireball pink giving the impression of two giant baby face profiles side by side. The fat cherubs looking south with their rosy cheeks were watching for spring to come flying in at any moment. Occasionally there’s a second less brilliant show within minutes of the first one. The Lord does a rerun for those that missed it or sleep in.

An hour later as I drove to work the same outline could be seen vaguely in the gray clouds, but if you didn’t see it at 7am, it was nothing at 8. How could I let a failed C drive at work with all my files lost get me down? Nothing was backed up beyond it, no disk and year’s worth of creativity, notes, letters & such down the drain. It was all gone in an instant, but I had that sunrise to fall back on to keep me going.