Monday, November 29, 2010

Secret Santa

My granddaughter and I did some Secret Santa things last night. I know it isn't even December but...I wish it were. I love the feeling and excitement that Christmas brings. How grateful I am for the spirit of Christmas that lives in the hearts of every child. To be able to see everything through child-like eyes, makes the season so much more simple and sweet. As I explained to her, what we were going to do and why we were doing this for someone, my granddaughter got more and more excited.
I have to admit, I am so grateful that the Lord has let me stay here on the earth, a little longer so that I could do some of these memorable things with my grandchildren. Each time I was diagnosed with Cancer, I wondered how long I would live, and what legacy I had left for my children and grandchildren? I felt like I wasn't finished, there were so many things I hadn't done or said yet. There were grandchildren that I haven't met, friends that I wanted to spend more time with, and things that I wanted so much to still do with Jeff and each one of my kids. I feel blessed to still be here, and am trying with all my heart... to fill each day with the things that will really matter most.
I hope we all can enjoy this upcoming season, with a sense of peace, hope and gratitude!

"I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month."  ~Harlan Miller

"Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself..."
~Norman Wesley Brooks, "Let Every Day Be Christmas," 1976

"Remember
This December,
That love weighs more than gold!"
     ~Josephine Dodge Daskam Bacon

Faith is a choice!

I love Sundays, especially when I feel good enough to go to church for the whole time. It feels like I am recharging my spiritual batteries, that have began to run low by the end of the week.

One thing I learned today( from a talk) was that... FAITH IS A CHOICE! The speaker who gave this talk is named Richard C. Edgley and he did an amazing job explaining this choice of ours. Here are a few key points that he brought up.
He suggests that because of the conflicts and challenges we face in today's world that we should choose faith. It is the choice of peace and protection. We must be aware that faith is not a free gift given without thought, desire, or effort. In Matthew 11:28 the Savior said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." And this again in Matthew 7:7 He says, "Ask, and if shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." The words that He used in these scriptures are action verbs-- come, knock, seek and find. Yes, faith is a choice, and it must be sought after and developed. Thus, we are responsible for our own faith. We are also responsible for our lack of faith. The choice is yours.
When we move forward into the unknown, armed only with hope and desire, we show evidence of our faith and our devotion to the Lord.
In Matthew 17:20 "If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to  yonder place; and it shall remove" Richard goes on to say " I have never witnessed the removal of an actual mountain. But because of faith, I have seen a mountain of doubt and despair removed and replaced with hope and optimism. Because of faith, I have personally witnessed a mountain of sin replaced with repentance and forgiveness. And because of faith, I have personally witnessed a mountain of  pain replaced with peace, hope and gratitude. Yes, I have seen mountains removed."

I loved the way he explained this subject of faith. I loved the analogy of mountains being moved. I personally can tell you, that I have seen and felt the same when...I chose faith! I hope we all remember that "Faith, has a short shelf life ", so we must choose it every day!
Good night dear friends!

( My daughter Lauren did photo shoots of the young women at church as Biblical Heroines, I am including this one of Hannah, because the story of Hannah in the Book of Samuel 1, is a perfect example of someone who chose FAITH!  She was amazing!!!!)

"Fear knocked at the door.  Faith answered.  And lo, no one was there."  ~Author Unknown

"Choose faith over doubt, choose faith over fear, choose faith over the unknown and the unseen, and choose faith over pessimism "  ~ Richard C. Edgley  November Ensign 2010

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Food for thought

My computer was down yesterday, I tried to send this post 4 times before I just quit. Jeff worked on it today, sooooo I hope this works. Thanksgiving was about food for our stomachs but this post today, is about food for our thoughts, just gives us something to really Think About! I hope you enjoy it!

Should you find it hard to get to sleep tonight; Just remember the homeless family who has no bed to lie in.

Should you find yourself stuck in traffic; don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work; Think of the man who has been out of work for the last three months.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; Think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; Think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week, for -15.00 to feed her family.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; Think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; Think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking "what is my purpose"; Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; Remember, things could be worse. You could be them!!!

 

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."    ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson  

"Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens. "   ~ Kahlil Gibran

"The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind."       ~ William James

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today started out early, when Lee woke us up and said it was snowing outside( I don't think we ever, out grow the excitement for snow, and especially on a holiday). Then around 9:00 Lauren and I got the turkey ready and going...you know the rest from there... sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce,  setting the table, Christmas music in the air, dressing, gravy and on and on. John, Amy and girls came over with the rest of the meal,and our sparkling cider...yes it was a great day! The only thing that could have made it better would have been if Brad and Krystal and our other family could have been with us!
One of our Thanksgiving traditions is ...after we all sat down and before the prayer, we always go around the table and everyone mentions something that they are grateful for... it always does my heart good to listen to how thankful my family is for soooo many things. At the end we asked Angie what she was thankful for, not sure if she understood or not, so Amy re-worded it. She said " Angie, what makes you happy?"  Her sweet response, without any hesitation was " My Heavenly Father". Yes, out of the mouths of babes!

We received a Thanksgiving email from some dear friends of ours, who just recently battled with cancer. Part of my friend's email  was to her kids and one thing that stuck me the most, was this part of her letter.

"While I cannot remember such a physically painful challenge as the cancer in my life, I have also never felt so close to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and appreciated the Atonement.  I would not exchange the experience for what I have learned and for how I have been blessed to see life through different eyes, and with a different heart.  I hope you can be grateful for that for me. 
And I hope that you are feeling the Lord's love for you, too, as you draw close to Him in your decisions, choices.  I know He is there for you, just as he has been there and continues to be there for me.  I hope you will remember that your mother trusted God and He never let her down!  And that she has faith and trusts that He is as mindful of you as He is her… "

I think the reason this hit home to me, is because that is exactly how I have felt, and exactly what I have tried to teach my children, through my whole cancer experience. I believe Mothers, think an awful lot alike.
So tonight I sit here and realize that my eyes and heart have been changed too, for the better! And for that I am very grateful. I am also grateful for each one of you, and pray that you were able to find something to be thankful for, on this wonderful Thanksgiving Day! 
Love, The Woodards

Thanksgiving snowman

"A single grateful thought toward heaven is the most complete prayer." Gotthold Lessing

Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action." W. J. Cameron

"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit." Albert Schweitzer

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Gratitude and Generosity!

I read this article today on Gratitude and Generosity, it was great! Here is the part that I would like to share with you tonight, or this morning. (I got carried away with my creating of Christmas gifts and forgot to look at the time). Anyway enjoy this and I hope it makes you stop and think ...like it did me. It is still cold outside, I hope all of you are staying cozy and warm!

Many of you have had the same experience I have had. And if you haven’t, you will: you will go to a hospital or to a house to comfort someone, and instead they comfort you. Or you try to encourage someone who seems to you to have so little, and yet they will express gratitude for things you take for granted.

To find gratitude and generosity when you could reasonably find hurt and resentment will surprise you. It will be so surprising because you will see so much of the opposite: people who have much more than others yet who react with anger when one advantage is lost or with resentment when an added gift is denied.

A poem describes that contrast: it is called “How Different.”

Some murmur when the sky is clear
And wholly bright to view,
If one small speck of dark appear
In their great heaven of blue:
And some with thankful love are filled,
If but one streak of light,
One ray of God’s good mercy, gild
The darkness of their night.
(Richard Chenevix Trench, in Sourcebook of Poetry, Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan Publishing House, 1968, p. 396.)  
Henry B. Eyring, “Remembrance and Gratitude,” Ensign, Nov 1989, 11

 

"Remembrance is the seed of gratitude which is the seed of generosity  ~ Henry B. Eyring

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Let it Snow, let it Snow, let it Snow!

Today was a fun day. It began snowing early on this morning and the predictions were that a storm was coming. Now for Washington, we don't usually have to worry about snow storms but, still it was looking a bit foreboding. I called Amy and the girls, and asked if they wanted to come over. They did and so we just had a snow day, it was so much fun, we made pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving, we made soup and hot chocolate... when we came back in, from playing in the snow. We also made Christmas gifts and even made a Christmas twill skirts too!

Tonight we are doing a sleep over, Angie is sleeping in the Secret Bed and soooo excited. Jenny is in her crib, in Lauren's room, so everyone is in safe and sound for the night.

Our family in Utah and Idaho think it's funny, when we tell them that school is canceled tomorrow because we have freezing weather and 3 -1/2 inches of snow! For them a foot or two of snow, is the only time things slow them down...but not here! Tomorrow isn't suppose to get above freezing, and so it looks like we get another family snow day! We love these days, just wish that Brad and Krystal were here to share in the fun! We really are missing them!


(This is Angie's first snow)

So I am thankful today for....

Snow...and how beautiful and clean it makes everything look.
Family...and the chance to be together and have fun ( and the fact that we liked to be together is no small thing!) 
Shelter...almost 5 years ago, we had a terrible storm and it left us without electricity for 7 days, we now have a gas fireplace and so no matter what... we will be able to stay in our home and at least keep warm. I know there are many people who don't have even that.
Food...glad that we have our food storage and enough for not only us, but others who may need it.
Health...for this moment in our lives, we are all pretty healthy. That is no small thing in our house! 
Friends...what a sad place our world would be without so many dear friends. Thank you for being in our lives!

"I think togetherness is a very important ingredient to family life."  ~ Barbara Bush

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Attitude of Gratitude

I read an article on Gratitude today, and thought it would be perfect to start this week out, since Thursday is Thanksgiving Day. So I will share with you some of the quotes in this article  ( The Divine Gift of Gratitude  November 2010 from Thomas S. Monson).

"When  you walk with gratitude, you do not walk with arrogance and conceit and egotism, you walk with a spirit of thanksgiving that becoming to you and will bless your lives"  ~ Gordon B. Hinckley

The article also mentioned the story in the New Testament from the book of Matthew, where the Savior had traveled in the wilderness for three days, more than 4,000 people followed and traveled with Him. The Savior realized that many of them probably hadn't eaten during the three days. When His disciples couldn't see how they could possibly feed that many people, the Savior looked at their situation differently. The disciples saw only what was lacking. The Savior asked how much food they had ( only seven loaves and a few fishes ). The Savior asked the multitude to sit down and He blessed and divided the food, then gave it to his disciples to distribute among the multitude.
The point is that the Savior gave thanks for what they had and then the miracle followed. After everyone had eaten, the disciples were asked to go back and gathered what food was left. ( which was seven baskets full ) . We all have experienced times when our focus is on what we lack rather than our blessings.

We can lift ourselves and others as well when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate without our hearts an attitude of gratitude.

"Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted"  ~ Aldous Huxley

"He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has"  ~ Epictetus

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Focusing on the challenge

Today I woke up with a terrible catch in my back, and throughout the day it has moved down my leg and up my back. I haven't been in this type of pain for awhile, and it was upsetting to me. I have been doing and going so much lately, that I really didn't want to go backwards. The worst part is, I don't even know what happened to cause it?  So it is late, but my sweet daughter Amy ( a massage therapist ) called me and invited me to come over and see if she could help give me some relief...so my post will be short tonight. I thought a nice thought ,would be better than me whining to you. I need to be more patient, but sometimes that is harder that it sounds.
Good night dear friends.

Don't Let The Hope Die
What is life without salt and pepper? Of testing times and sorrows? I guess tasteless would be the word. In fact, they not only add taste to our lives, but also introduce us to new and unexplored sides of ourselves.
Looking at the bigger picture, salt and pepper situations give us an opportunity to step out of our comfort zones so that we grow, learn, fight and survive.
Life is like any other challenge. Once in, you only focus on winning and surviving, followed by happy moments when you propose a toast to victory and then get ready for another challenge.
The happy moments just mark the celebration of your survival and victory, hence are short lived. So, don't complain about lack of them in your life, for, it's the challenge that you need to focus on and not the celebration.
However tough the going may become, you need to keep going. Don't ever give up. Have faith in God, yourself and your abilities.


"If winter comes, can spring be far behind?"
--- P.B. Shelley

"Problems are common to all, but attitude matters."
--- Unknown

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Talents Part 2

As I mentioned last night we went to a presentation where Lauren's photography was being displayed. She had been asked at church if she could help the Young Women look like, different women in the scriptures? Each girl was assigned a certain scripture heroine, then they were to learn about each of their heroines. Here are a few of the posters that they printed off, for each girl to have. It was a great experience for the girls, as well as it was for Lauren.
She went right to work gathering fabric from me and collecting stuff from the second hand store, buying table clothes, shower curtains and etc. Then she and I sewed them into these beautiful costumes ( it really wasn't that much work on my part, I just did what she told me. I am so amazed that she could see the potential... in just an old shower curtain or a pair of drapes?

As I watched the girls do their presentations last night in front of their families. I realized for a moment, those girls truly felt like heroines themselves. They connected with these incredible women, they realized the strength and courage that they had to have. The spirit was so strong, I am grateful for leaders of these sweet girls, who were so inspired to give the girls something this incredible to work on. It was a wonderful night. How grateful we were that Lauren could share her talents with all of us. 

"Any human anywhere will blossom in a hundred unexpected talents and capacities simply by being given the opportunity to do so."
Doris Lessing

"As simple as it sounds, we all must try to be the best person we can: by making the best choices, by making the most of the talents we've been given."
Mary Lou Retton

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Talents

Tonight Jeff and I were able to go see some of our daughter Lauren's photography displayed at a meeting. Lauren had to work, so she couldn't be there. We were very proud to be there and to see the talent that she has improved on throughout the years. I will share some of it with you, when she emails them to me, it is such a neat experience to witness the talents that your kids have. Our kids have more talents that Jeff or I ever thought of having! How does that work? :)
So tonight I found this neat story ( by Steve Goodier ) about developing our talents, stay turned for Talents post # 2!

Sitting On Your Talent

If you are like me, there are some things you may feel you do pretty well, and others that you would not admit to having done even at gunpoint! I do play guitar adequately and I can make a memorable enchilada dish. I also enjoy working with people and I seem to have made it a lifelong project to learn how to become a better listener.

I never thought of myself as one who has any great talent, but like each of us, I have certain skills and abilities. Let me tell you a story, however, passed down through jazz circles. It's a story about a man who had real talent.

This particular man played piano in a bar. He was a good piano player. People came out just to hear him and his trio play. But one night, a patron wanted them to sing a particular song. The trio declined. But the customer was persistent. He told the bartender,

"I'm tired of listening to the piano. I want that guy to sing!"

The bartender shouted across the room to the piano player,

"Hey buddy! If you want to get paid, sing the song. The patrons are asking you to sing!"

So he did. He sang a song. A jazz piano player who had not sung much in public, sang a song that changed his career. For nobody had ever heard Sweet Lorraine sung the way it was sung that night by Nat King Cole!

He had talent he was sitting on! He may have lived the rest of his life playing in a jazz trio in clubs and bars, but because he had to sing, he went on to become one of the best-known entertainers in America.

You, too, have skills and abilities. You may not feel as if your "talent" is particularly great, but it may be better than you think! And with persistence, most skills can be improved. Besides, you may as well have no ability at all if you sit on whatever talent you possess!

Some people ask, "What ability do I have that is useful?"

Others ask, "How will I use the ability that I have?"

 

"Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best."  ~ Henry Van Dyke

"A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals."   ~ Larry Bird

 

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Heart of the Home!

I have always heard that Mothers are the heart of the Home. I do believe that is true.
Yesterday, I went to visit my dear friend, whose Mom ( also my friend ) passed away this August from Cancer. As I walked into their home, I realized that although the home looked nice, it missed the homey touches that their wife and Mother always provided. We didn't stay long, just needed to drop something off, but it was different to go in their home and not see my friend's smiling face. I miss her. There was a definite void, not that we mentioned it, but you could really feel the difference and that made me sad. When I got home and out of my kid's sight, I just broke down and cried. I wondered what my home would look and feel like, if I died. I worried about my kids and how they would do. How do you handle a void that big? How do you handle the loneliness? I know all the answers, but it doesn't seem to make it any easier at the very beginning of such a huge challenge.

When my Mom  passed away, I never went back to our Farm house again. When my brother's did, they said it really looked totally different with just Dad living there on his own. I am grateful that I didn't have to experience my home without my Mother there. Yes, the home is totally different without Mom in it.

I hugged my young friend 2 or 3  times, I imagine that she needed it...or maybe I just did! So that is still hanging with me some. Every time I think of them, I tear up. I wish those who still have their Mothers with them, would tell her how much they love and need her. Living without a Mom is really tough. Ok, now my heart is aching again and it is close to the Holidays (that's when I really start missing family) so... I had better close, or at least change the subject.

On a happy note, I was able to go and teach at the Quilt Shop again today. How grateful I am for my up time. It used to be, that I had to be down most of the day and now I am up and out, more often than not...it feels great! I love being around all those incredible ladies and being around all that much beautiful fabric, doesn't hurt either!   ( If only I had lots of money to spend there ).

Well thanks for listening dear friends, you are all such a big  part of my life...yes each of you! Have a wonderful evening.

"A little girl, asked where her home was, replied, "where mother is."
-- Keith L. Brooks

"A mother holds her children's hands for a while...their hearts forever."
-- Author Unknown

"Children and mothers never truly part -
Bound in the beating of each other's heart."
-- Charlotte Gray

Monday, November 15, 2010

The difference a teacher can make!

I love this story! I have to admit, if this were my story, I would have drawn a picture of all of your hands, because you have made that big of difference in my life! Thank you!

The Hand

At first it sounded like a Thanksgiving story, but the more I reflected on it, the more appropriate it seemed for any time of the year. The way I heard it, the story went like this:

Thanksgiving Day was near. The first grade teacher gave her class a fun assignment -- to draw a picture of something for which they were thankful.

Most of the class might be considered economically disadvantaged, but still many would celebrate the holiday with turkey and other traditional goodies of the season. These, the teacher thought, would be the subjects of most of her student's art. And they were.

But Douglas made a different kind of picture. Douglas was a different kind of boy. He was the teacher's true child of misery, frail and unhappy. As other children played at recess, Douglas was likely to stand close by her side. One could only guess at the pain Douglas felt behind those sad eyes.

Yes, his picture was different. When asked to draw a picture of something for which he was thankful, he drew a hand. Nothing else. Just an empty hand.

His abstract image captured the imagination of his peers. Whose hand could it be? One child guessed it was the hand of a farmer, because farmers raise turkeys. Another suggested a police officer, because the police protect and care for people. Still others guessed it was the hand of God, for God feeds us. And so the discussion went -- until the teacher almost forgot the young artist himself.

When the children had gone on to other assignments, she paused at Douglas' desk, bent down, and asked him whose hand it was. The little boy looked away and murmured, "It's yours, teacher."

She recalled the times she had taken his hand and walked with him here or there, as she had the other students. How often had she said, "Take my hand, Douglas, we'll go outside." Or, "Let me show you how to hold your pencil." Or, "Let's do this together." Douglas was most thankful for his teacher's hand.

Brushing aside a tear, she went on with her work.

The story speaks of more than thankfulness. It says something about teachers teaching and parents parenting and friends showing friendship, and how much it means to the Douglasses of the world. They might not always say thanks. But they'll remember the hand that reaches out.   © 2004 Steve Goodier

"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them,
is the true measure of our thanksgiving."
W.T. Purkiser

"Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action."
W. J. Cameron

REVELATION

Today at church I gave a talk. Some have asked if I would share it on my blog and so I will. I love being asked to speak because I learn so much when I study, pray and research out a certain subject.
My topic was WHAT IS REVELATION? I started out by sharing a personal story. It's a bit long to read, but I hope you enjoy it!

When Brad was in the 4th grade he began to struggle a bit, he got teased about the things he didn't have, about the type of clothing he wore ( which weren't brand names), why he didn't have certain movies or games. As we worked on helping Brad to learn to hold his own and be grateful for what he had, I still prayed that he somehow would feel like he fit in or at least know that he was enough.
Then Basketball season came, and I was excited because Brad loved basketball and was a very good little athlete, I was hoping this was the place where he would fit in. For one reason or another the boys on the team, didn’t really gel that well together, and so one of the Mothers came up with the idea that we should get the boys together and do something fun. I was all for it, until she told us that they were going to do a sleep over.
All the Mom’s were in agreement of the Sleep Over …except me.  Jeff and I had come to the realization that we did not want our kids to ever do sleep overs . That became a rule in our home and really up until that point, none of the kids ever fought about it. I tried to explain to the other Mothers, that Brad would not be there because of our family Rule, I could not believe the pressure that I felt as a Mom and an adult, to have Brad come…just this once.
Well, even with that pressure and the pressure of Brad begging when he found out, I felt like I was in a really tough spot as a Mom. I got on my knees and pleaded my case to the Lord, I asked him if I was being too protective? Should we let Brad go just this once? Was this rule too strict, and were we going to ruin our children’s chance of having fun childhood memories? The questions went on and one, finally when I stop talking and started listening, it was then that the answer came loud and clear and yet very simple…YOU HAVE ALREADY MADE THIS DECISION!
Now, I am here to tell you that the pressure didn’t get any better, actually on Friday it got worse because a couple of different Mothers started calling me. They assured  me that the boys would be well supervised and wouldn’t be allowed to stay up too late. Brad came home sad from school, because he was the ONLY boy on the team NOT going. Yes, that was a terrible weekend to say the least.
Monday morning came, and Brad and I both were worried I think about the pressure that was going to be on him from not going. I sent him off with a silent prayer in my heart that somehow, he would be ok. Later that day Jeff called me from work, he asked me if I had seen the paper?  I hadn’t and so he said hurry and go get one or borrow one from the neighbor. I was shocked when I opened the paper up and there on the front cover was an article and the title was  7 BOYS MOLESTED AT A SLEEP OVER IN KIRKLAND! Yes, this was the very same sleep over that Brad was invited to!
I had a million emotions that went through me as I read the paper and cried…
Sorrow … for the boys that had been abused
Anger… at the Mom’s that had put so much pressure on me
Guilt …that I doubted our Family Rule
Gratitude …that the Lord had revealed to me, that I was on the right path, and that Brad had been kept safe!

SO WHAT IS REVELATION?  Revelation is communication from God to man. It can occur in many different ways.
In its more familiar forms, revelation or inspiration comes by means of words or thoughts communicated to the mind,  by sudden enlightenment, by positive or negative feelings about proposed courses of action, or even by inspiring performances, as in the performing arts.
“INSPIRATION COMES MORE AS A FEELING THAN AS A SOUND.”
Years ago I heard one of my Bishops, give a talk about this very subject of Revelation, and he quoted from a talk given by Brother Dallan H. Oaks. It impressed me so much that I wrote those notes right in my scriptures and I read it often.
In this talk he mentions that there are 8 purposes of revelation. He also mentions that he hopes by talking about these purposes that we will all recognize the extent to which we have already received revelation or inspiration and resolve to cultivate this spiritual gift for more frequent use in the future.
Here are the 8 purposes…
1. To Testify… to testify or witness of  the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ and that your Heavenly Father lives. 
2. To Prophecy…Speaking under the influence of the Holy Ghost and within the limits of his or her responsibility, a person may be inspired to predict what will come to pass in the future.
3. To comfort… to comfort us in the loss of  a loved one, you may feel their presence with you, comfort and assurance your sins are forgiven.
4. To uplift… this feeling of uplift raises our spirits and can also help us resist evil and seek for the good. This can also be done by reading the scriptures or listen to good music and through the art.
5. To inform…. This may be that the person is given the words to say in a particular situation. Some occasions this sacred information has been given face to face from Heavenly Personages. Or it could be that you have lost something, and are guided to find it.
6.To restrain… this is to restrain us from doing something. It is one of the most common forms of revelation. It often comes by surprise. If we are obedient it will steer us away from the things we should not do.
7. To confirm…this is a common way to seek revelation to propose a particular course of action and then pray for inspiration to confirm it. But we must do our homework. There is a balance between agency and inspiration. We’re expected to use the gifts and talents and abilities, the sense and judgement and agency with which we are endowed
8. To impel…. to impel one to action. This is when revelation comes when it is not being sought and compels one to action that may have not been proposed. It is more rare but..also more significant!
I am so grateful for personal revelation in my life…
It is through revelation, that I knew as a child, in the middle of an abusive situation, that my Heavenly Father was there and that He would help me make it through that part of of my life
It is through revelation, that I knew that I should serve a full time mission
It is through  revelation, that I was told that Jeff was indeed the one I was to marry
It was through revelation, that I knew how to mother and protect each one of my kids
It was through revelation, that I found my cancer the first time and was told to go and seek medical help
It was through revelation, that I found comfort in the loss of my mother
It was through revelation, that I was given strength and direction on dealing with cancer for the second time
It was through revelation, that I have been able to overcome the many feelings of inadequacy in my life.
It was through revelation, that I was told not to worry about the numbers of days that I would live, but to live each one to the fullest!
I am eternally grateful for this safety net the Lord has provided for us. I pray that each day I will live worthy to have and use this gift.  I don’t know why anyone would want to go throughout their life …without it. I bear testimony that Heavenly Father has not left us here to be on our own, that through personal revelation we can communicate with him. That through revelation given to a living prophet, we can be guided through this turbulent times. 
I love this quote that bests sums up my feelings on this subject... 

“The Spirit of the Holy Ghost is the greatest guarantor of inward peace in an unstable world…it will calm nerves; it will breath peace to our souls…it can enhance our natural senses so that we can see more clearly, hear more keenly and remember what we should remember. It is a way of maximizing our happiness."  ~James E. Faust

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Just Five More Minutes

Since I only have about five minutes myself tonight, I will share a sweet story about Time! Enjoy!

While at the park one day, a woman sat down next to a man on a bench near a playground.

“That’s my son over there,” she said, pointing to a little boy in a red sweater who was gliding down the slide.

“He’s a fine looking boy” the man said. “That’s my daughter on the bike in the white dress.”

Then, looking at his watch, he called to his daughter. “What do you say we go, Melissa?”

Melissa pleaded, “Just five more minutes, Dad. Please? Just five more minutes.”

The man nodded and Melissa continued to ride her bike to her heart’s content. Minutes passed and the father stood and called again to his daughter. “Time to go now?”

Again Melissa pleaded, “Five more minutes, Dad. Just five more minutes.”

The man smiled and said, “OK.”

“My, you certainly are a patient father,” the woman responded.

The man smiled and then said, “Her older brother Tommy was killed by a drunk driver last year while he was riding his bike near here. I never spent much time with Tommy and now I’d give anything for just five more minutes with him. I’ve vowed not to make the same mistake with Melissa.

She thinks she has five more minutes to ride her bike. The truth is, I get Five more minutes to watch her play.”

Life is all about making priorities, what are your priorities?
Give someone you love 5 more minutes of your time today!  ~ Author unknown

Friday, November 12, 2010

Two years ago today!

I have to admit, just reading my post two years ago, still makes me a little nervous. I remember well that day, and the days that followed my mastectomy. I have survived it, and that is good. It actually took way more of an emotional toll on me that I thought it would. I really didn't think it would be that tough, but it was. The pain was bad, the shock of seeing my body cut up like that was tough and the fear of once again, trying to battle cancer ( with all the decisions that come with that ) , was much harder than I ever imagined. But I am still here and doing well. I don't the sadness about the loss of my breast, as much as I used to. And I sorta feel like normal, on most days. I won't write tonight because I felt like I should let you read again, my post from 2 years ago today. So if you or anyone you know is going through your own battle with cancer, that you can know you aren't alone. Cancer is tough, but you are tougher, don't forget that.
I am so glad that is behind me. I am so grateful that I am still here and getting more healthy each year. I am thankful to have had another year with my family and friends. Yes, time does heal things, and I am so glad it does!

November 12, 2008
Today is the day! I guess ready or not I am going in this morning for a mastectomy. Having a mastectomy is what I always thought would be the worst nightmare for any woman. But we  have studied, researched and prayed soooooo much about it and realize it is the best choice for me and my health to do this. Having two tumors really narrowed my options. No matter what road I go down next, we realized that we needed to get these cancerous tumors out.

We interviewed different doctors and have decided to go with Marion Johnson from Evergreen Hospital, she seemed very knowledgeable and what can I say ...she has got to be good, because she has the same name as my mom ! My mom has been gone now for almost 8 years and there is never a day that goes by that I don't wish that I could see her or at least talk to her. I have heard my whole life that those who have already passed away are not really that far away from us, actually closer than we think. I pray today that my mom will be close, I could use all the help I can get!

So with that decision we have all decided to WEAR PINK today and think positive. I heard the quote TRIUMPH IS JUST THE "UMPH" AFTER THE TRY!  I have a feeling that is just exactly what I am going to have to do today. I am trying not to be scared and trying not to be discouraged and will give it a little more effort and umph today and for the next few coming weeks to conquer one of the biggest challenges in my life.

Well, I need to go get ready. Once again...thanks for you love, concern and prayers. I could probably use a few extra ones just in case and if you want you can join us in ...WEARING PINK ! Love, Lynn

 

"Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself, and know that everything in this life has purpose. There are no mistakes, no coincidences. All events are blessings given to us to learn from."                           ~ Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

"Sometimes your only available transportation is a leap of faith."  ~ Margaret Shepherd

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Wanting to die at home.

In the news today, there was an article of a man and his dying wish. He did not want to spend his last days in the hospital but at home. The article goes on to talk about foundations that try to make people's last wish...(or their bucket list) come true, and what a difference it made. Maybe some day that would be a note worthy cause, to do some volunteer work for? It is a sobering thought but also a nice one, to help those who want to spend their last days at home. Here is part of the article.

Final days: Dying find comfort in creating special spaces at home  ~ Joyce Wadler  The New York Times

According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, most Americans would prefer to die at home. It's a choice that necessitates a number of physical changes, like setting up medical equipment and bringing in a hospital bed. For some people, however, what matters more is altering their environment in a way that makes them feel better emotionally — creating a place that represents their final idea of home.

For someone else, of course, the final idea of home might be something very different. The crucial thing, said Dr. Cheryl Phillips, a past president of the American Geriatrics Society and the chief medical officer for On Lok Lifeways, a not-for-profit organization that provides services for the frail elderly in greater San Francisco, is finding out what makes the person who is dying feel most at ease. "If there was one thing that would make a difference, what would it be?" she said. "It's amazing how creative people can be to make these special wishes come true."

Virginia Fry, a counselor who has been the director of the Hospice and Palliative Care Council of Vermont for 30 years, believes people should have a bucket list for the environment where they spend their last days — including what it should look like, and how it should sound and smell. Smell is particularly important because the odors of illness can be intrusive, Fry said. Often, people try to mitigate that problem by putting out bowls of potpourri or dabbing essential oils on light bulbs.

WARM SAND IN WINTER...To create a happy environment for a woman in Vermont some years ago Fry and her organization went way beyond potpourri. The woman dreamed of going to Hawaii, but she did not have a lot of money, Fry said, and she was too ill to travel. And so the hospice organization brought Hawaii to her

A GARDEN FROM CHILDHOOD...My granny's garden fed our stomachs and our senses. My granny fed our souls."

A HOUSE IN NATURE..."Bernd was just in love with that barn," she said. "For months and months before he died, he wanted to sleep in it all the time. It was comfortable to him because it was rustic and he felt like he was outdoors. We would sit out and look at the stars and the mountains."

COMING HOME...Rothenburgh did not want a hospital bed, so Jim Lewis found her a twin bed, with a comforter in a pattern that matched the dress Rothenburgh wore at her son's wedding. He filled the room with family pictures, including a photo of her at the wedding

"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."  ~Jane Austen


"Home is a shelter from storms - all sorts of storms."  ~William J. Bennett

"There's nothing half so pleasant as coming home again."  ~ Margaret Elizabeth Sangster

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

One Solitary Life!

Now my family makes fun of me listening to Christmas music all year long, but once Halloween pasts...they seem to give me a break. Today a dear friend of mine spent sewing and creating, we had such a wonderful time. I never had a sister in my life but I have to admit, so many of my dear friends...feel just like a sisters to me. While we were sewing, my daughter Lauren was working on her photos for a new Christmas card this year. I believe this one, is going to be my favorite. Isn't this a sweet picture? So of course, I had to write my blog about Christmas. I hope you enjoy it!

One Solitary Life

Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in an obscure village. He worked in a carpenter shop until he was thirty, and then for three years he was an itinerant teacher.

He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never owned a home. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never traveled, except in his infancy, more than two hundred miles from the place where he was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompanies greatness. He had no credentials but himself.

While he was still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. One of them denied him. He was turned over to his enemies. He went through a mockery of a trial. He was nailed upon a cross between two thieves. His executioners gambled for the only piece of property he had on earth, his seamless robe. When he was dead, he was taken down from the cross and laid in a borrowed grave through the courtesy of a friend.

Nineteen wide centuries have come and gone, and today he is the centerpiece of the human race and the leader of all human progress. I am well within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever were built, all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has this one solitary personality.

- Unknown  ( Contributed by Kathy Pinto )

 

"No man can follow Christ and go astray."  ~William H.P. Faunce

"The wise still seek Him."  ~Author Unknown

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Simplifying our lives!

I was looking up quotes for simplifying life, and found some wonderful ones by Marjorie Pay Hinckley (a Mother herself)! It is always good to hear wisdom from someone, who has been there done that.  I do think that we as Mothers, especially young Mothers ...try to do it all, and I personally don't think it is even possible! But learning to prioritize would be a start, that is why I liked this first quote...

"We women have a lot to learn about simplifying our lives. We have to decide what is important and then move along at a pace that is comfortable for us. We have to develop the maturity to stop trying to prove something. We have to learn to be content with what we are."

As I watch young Mothers now, I vividly remember some of the same joys, trials, frustrations that they are having. I too have been there, done that and just count myself thankful... that I lived to tell about it! Some times, you just have to laugh or smile, because you can't change the situation. And in the long run ( with some things ) it won't make that much difference any way!

"The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache." 

If I could give any advice to you young Moms, who are trying so hard...it would be SLOW DOWN and try to enjoy your little ones more, they will be grown before you know it! I too have to remember this, even as an Old Mom, I still have to watch how I spend my time and energy. Remember Motherhood is the toughest and yet the best job! So try to enjoy it more!

"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.
I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp.
I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children.
I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden.
I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder.
I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived."
Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Monday, November 8, 2010

Drug problem?

I loved this story about how we teach our kids. It took a funny twist on a serious problem, but it is absolutely true. Read and find out if you believe the same?

Different drug problem..................
The following letter has appeared on the inter-net and was viewed by many readers. Many felt it would be appropriate for the readers of Avoyelles Parish.
The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a Methamphetamine lab had been found in a old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question, "Why didn’t we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?"
I replied, I had a drug problem when I was young: I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather. I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn’t put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me. I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity. I was drug out to pull weeds in mom’s garden and flower beds and cockleburs out of dad’s fields. I was drug to the homes of family, friends and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to now the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood, and if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.
Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, or think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today’s children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place.
Submitted by concerned citizen  by...Randy and Melanie Bordelon

"In raising your children spend half as much money and twice as much time"

"If you raise your children to feel that they can accomplish any goal or task they decide upon, you will have succeeded as a parent and you will have give your children the greatest of all blessings"  ~ Brian Tracy

"If you bungle raising your children, I don't think whatever else you do matters very much" ~ Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Reminder of Gratitude

Today at church, one of the lessons was about Gratitude. A teacher shared an experience about her own life as a young Mom. This was a time when she was really struggling, really frustrated and really discouraged about her life. Her husband worked out of town a lot, she was a stay home Mom with four little children, trying to make finances meet and plus, help out with the farm, that they were living on. One particular Sunday she was very overwhelmed and discouraged. While wondering how she could possibly keep going like this, how could she handle anything more,there was a song that was sung in church that touched her heart, and changed everything for her. Even years later, she says that she is changed, because of this song and the effect it had on her heart that day. 
Here are the lyrics ( I may have shared it with you before ), but it's worth repeating!

COUNT YOUR MANY BLESSINGS

  1. When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
    When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
    Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
    And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
    • Refrain:
      Count your blessings, name them one by one,
      Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
      Count your blessings, name them one by one,
      *Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
      [*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]
  2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
    Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
    Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
    And you will keep singing as the days go by.
  3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
    Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
    Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
    Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
  4. So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
    Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
    Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
    Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Johnson Oatman, Jr., pub.1897

Gratitude is vital for a happy life, I know this to be true! May we all count our blessings more often!


"To express gratitude is gracious and honorable, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live with gratitude in our hearts is to touch heaven"

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it."  ~ William Arthur Ward

"When you are grateful fear disappears and abundance appears"   ~ Anthony Robbins  

Saturday, November 6, 2010

And the stockings were hung...

After having a rough couple of days, I got up this morning feeling pretty good. My thoughts seemed to be in a better place and I was grateful for that. My pain was less, and so I actually felt more like my old self. At noon, I was able to teach another Demo class at the Quilt Shop. There were a lot of women who came today and my first demo was standing room only. It was so fun to teach a quick and easy way to do your Christmas stockings. Everyone liked how simple it was, and just in time for them to do their own stockings.
I actually could have used this quick pattern a couple of years ago, when I was redoing all of our Christmas stockings. Since our family was growing, it was time to make all new matching ones, I don't have a photo of them right now, but I will try and find it. They are applique, which does take a lot of time but I wanted to make them something that the grand-kids would love and that would last for a long time. But when I was designing them, I had trouble with the lining and the cuff. Oh how I wish I would have know this simple little trick, in making the perfect stocking!
We had such a good turn out, that the owner asked me to teach it again in 2 weeks. During that time, I will try to come up with some new and simple ideas to make for Christmas. Can you tell this is right up my alley? Being accused all my life...of being Mrs. Santa, this is the perfect job for me!  Plus, the energy I get from meeting all those wonderful talented ladies is great! I love making new friends, and that is exactly what I get to do when I am there, some of them I feel like I have known for a long time.

Gratitude was my profound feeling today, grateful that I was feeling better and in less pain, grateful that I liked what I saw in the mirror today ( that is no small thing ), grateful for friends who love and support me, on my tough days, grateful that I was healthy enough to go teach this class, grateful for the kindness of this sweet shop owner, and grateful for my talents and the opportunity to share them! Yes, it was a good day!

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This is the quilted stocking I designed and made!

"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me."   ~ Erma Bombeck  

"Every human has four endowments, self awareness, conscience, independent will and creative imagination. These give us the ultimate human freedom...The Power to choose, to respond, and to change."                         ~ Stephen R. Covey                                                        

"To find out what one is fitted to do, and to secure an opportunity to do it, is the key to happiness."                    ~ John Dewey

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Gratitude for the children!

I am so grateful for the children in my life. My granddaughters, my nieces, great- nieces and nephews, my friend's children, my adopted children (without the papers), and my own children. They truly make life worth living.
I haven't felt too well the last couple of days, because I am still struggling from pain. We actually tried some new exercises last week in Physical Therapy, which seemed to have made my neck worse. For over 3-4 days I have had a migraine, and I have been very discouraged. Once I got back to Physical Therapy, she adjusted my neck and we decided to drop some of the new exercises, and we are going to try a few different ones, hopefully they will help my neck get stronger and feeling better soon.
That is why I didn't write in my blog last night, I was struggling to find something positive to say. I feel like some times, I tell you too much. Yet I do feel that I need to be honest, just in case anyone else is going through tough times. I knew that I was feeling down, when I looked in the mirror yesterday, I thought I sorta look like a freak since my mastectomy. I was shocked that I felt that way. I normally don't think like that, I normally look at myself, and realize how grateful I feel to still be alive and able to enjoy my family. I realize my what a blessed woman I am to have my wonderful family and incredible friends and soooooooooo many blessings! Yes, I need to remember to keep my feelings and thoughts in check. Then remember this too shall pass!

When my little granddaughters came over today, I realized no matter how bad I feel, they make me smile and feel soooooooooooooo much better. I smiled today when I saw Jenny playing with my youngest daughter Lauren's favorite teddy bear. Yes, life is precious, it's the little things that make the difference.  I need to remember that today. Thanks dear friends, for always being there!!!

  "Every child born, has innate goodness."  ~Chinese Proverb

  "Children are one-third of our population and all of our future"

  "Children will not remember you for the material things you provided but for the feeling that you cherished them."   ~Richard L. Evans

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Just Be Happy!

Here is a neat article that is simple but sooooooo true. Just think about it!
Night dear friends!

"As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he."
Proverbs 23:7

Just be happy. Sounds too simplistic, doesn't it? But, in actuality, we can have much more happiness if we choose to consider things from a positive perspective.
Everyone experiences the ups and downs of life, however, we can make a decision to dwell on the negative or practice what the old saying says to do: "When life give you lemons, make lemonade!"
It really boils down to your attitude and you have the ability to mold your attitude into any shape you like.
Here are some tips:

  • Ignore those who tell you that life is too difficult to be happy. What do they know?
  • When you awaken each morning, be thankful for another day, even if it's raining.
  • Smile at those you meet, even if they don't return the favor.
  • Don't borrow trouble. Each day has enough of it's own.
  • Don't allow trouble to bury you in its gray mire of sorrow.
  • Don't give in to negative thinking.
  • Be positive even when others are not.
  • Refuse to give up on anything worth having or doing.
  • Do something you enjoy each day, even if it's just a walk in your neighborhood.
  • Whistle as you go through the day.
  • Work at being happy because it's worth it.

You're human, like everyone else, and from time to time you need a little pick-me-up in your decision to be happy. When you reach that stage, find someone else who has decided to be happy. Join forces with him or her and march forward in your decision to be a happy person.
Simply speaking, a happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes.
Choose today to just be happy - as much as it depends on you! 
~ Aseem Kaistha 

"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have."  ~ Frederick Keonig

"Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've  decided to look beyond the imperfections."

Monday, November 1, 2010

Finding your niche in life is important!

What a wonderful thing it is, when we find our true niche in life!  Enjoy!

A cab driver taught me a million dollar lesson in customer satisfaction and expectation. Motivational speakers charge thousands of dollars to impart his kind of training to corporate executives and staff. It cost me a $12 taxi ride.

I had flown into Dallas for the sole purpose of calling on a client. Time was of the essence and my plan included a quick turnaround trip from and back to the airport. A spotless cab pulled up.

The driver rushed to open the passenger door for me and made sure I was comfortably seated before he closed the door. As he got in the driver's seat, he mentioned that the neatly folded Wall Street Journal next to me for my use. He then showed me several tapes and asked me what type of music I would enjoy.

Well! I looked around for a "Candid Camera!" Wouldn't you? I could not believe the service I was receiving! I took the opportunity to say, "Obviously you take great pride in your work. You must have a story to tell."

"You bet," he replied, "I used to be in Corporate America. But I got tired of thinking my best would never be good enough. I decided to find my niche in life where I could feel proud of being the best I could be.

I knew I would never be a rocket scientist, but I love driving cars, being of service and feeling like I have done a full day's work and done it well. I evaluate my personal assets and... wham! I became a cab driver.

One thing I know for sure, to be good in my business I could simply just meet the expectations of my passengers. But, to be GREAT in my business, I have to EXCEED the customer's expectations! I like both the sound and the return of being 'great' better than just getting by on 'average'"

Did I tip him big time? You bet! Corporate America's loss is the traveling folk's friend!

----- Lessons:

  • Go an Extra Mile when providing  any Service to others.
  • The is no good or bad job. You can make any job good.
  • Good service always brings good return

 

“Find something you love to do and you'll never have to work a day in your life”   ~ Harvey MacKay