Have I done any good in the world today?

I'm back... I went to Amy and John's for the weekend while Jeff was out of town. I thought I would be able to write every night in my blog while I was there, but I stayed so busy with the girls ... that I just went right to bed at night pretty beat ( this grandparent stuff isn't for sissys you know :).

It is late tonight too, and we just got home and trying to unpack. So I have decided to tell you about my fun weekend ...tomorrow ...since there is so much to tell!
One thing that happened this weekend was with my son Bradley and his family in Texas. After all of flooding, Brad was able to go and be part of the volunteers who were helping out the victims and their homes. The devastation happened only 20 minutes from their home. Here were the photos he sent on FB and what he said about it...

"I had such a humbling experience volunteering to clean up and gut homes in Wimberely that were flooded. So devastating."

"Thanks to The Red Cross who provided today's lunch. I couldn't believe how many organizations and local restaurants donated meals and snacks for the volunteers. So neat to see all the help"

"Water made it about 4ft up the walls so we had to completely remove all the drywall and insulation to the ceiling."

After talking to him, it made me think of a song that I have heard all my life called... Have I done any good in the world today? Here is a music video of a couple of popular artists singing it. It is very touching and a very appropriate question for all of us to ask ourselves each day.

watch it HERE:
Good Night dear friends!

His promise!

This week, I found out that two of my dear friends were just diagnosed with Cancer. I so remember both times, that I was diagnosed with Cancer. It is like your whole world is turned upside down and everything is put on hold. Actually the best word is...your whole world gets  Prioritized. All the things that you worry and become preoccupied all day long with, now changes because you, your life and your family become front and center. Your priorities become crystal clear.
I remember looking out the window and watching everyone going on with their day as if nothing was different and I thought, the world just keeps going on and no one knows that my family and I are going through something terrible.
I felt the same way when my Aunt Ina died, we lived with her in her home for the first 10 years of my life. She was my best friend, protector and my world. The day of her funeral, I remember the Milk man coming early in the morning ( as he did each week ) to drop off our milk ...and I thought it was so rude of him not to realize that my sweet Aunt had passed away. He didn't know her, but  I thought he should have, I thought everyone should have known my Aunt Ina, I loved her so much. And as we left her funeral, I remember looking out the window of our car and I couldn't believe that everyone's world was still going on, as if nothing ever happened. Something did happen and to a 10 year old girl, it was the biggest thing in my life, and for some reason I thought everyone should at least stop for a moment and recognize that my Aunt had passed away.

So I try hard to remember when I am around these people that I am respectful that their whole world has changed in an instant. The things that normally filled their days will be exchanged for appointments and treatments. A huge change in their lives is going on and so even though I can't do much, I can pray for them. I can try and send them cards and letters of hope and encouragement.
Both of these individuals are already amazing people with great family support. They will do fine, they will share something with the world as their courage shines through on their darkest days. How grateful I am to know that there is a God in the heavens, who loves us and knows us by name. He will keep His promise to be with us. For that we can be sure!
Good Night dear friends!

Hello World!

Today is our youngest daughter Lauren's birthday!
It was only 24 years ago today, and it seemed from the moment she came out that she was ready to take on the world. Here she is at 2 years old, holding her new brother Lee!

 She totally saw the world in her on different way and this sign for a baby's room seemed to be made just for her.


There was never a dull moment in our home from the time she was born, she has brighten our days, shocked us beyond imagination, kept us laughing and crying when she is gone. Now this 24 year old sweet girl is graduated from college, working, and married!


 How proud we are of her and how BAD we miss her. But she is where she is suppose to be, and blessing the lives of the people in Idaho.
So Happy Birthday dear Lauren! We love you and are so proud of the beautiful young woman you have become!

Ok now for my motivational part of my blog...

I just watched this music video...
The song is called Hello World
Sweet message, great reminder to slow down, be patient, be forgiving and to be grateful for each MOMENT!
Good Night dear friends!

 Watch it HERE:

Hello World

by Lady Antebellum

Traffic crawls, cell phone calls
Talk radio screams at me through my tinted window I see
A little girl, rust red minivan, she’s got chocolate on her face
Got little hands and she waves at me
Yeah, she smiles at me

Well, hello world
How you been
Good to see you, my old friend
Sometimes I feel cold as steel
Broken like I’m never gonna heal
And I see a light, a little hope in a little girl
Hello world

Every day I drive by a little white church
It’s got these little white crosses
Like angels in the yard
Maybe I should stop on in, say a prayer
Maybe talk to God like he is there
Oh, I know he’s there
Yeah, I know he’s there

Well hello world
How you been
Good to see you, my old friend
Sometimes I feel as cold as steel
And broken like I’m never gonna heal
And I see a light, a little grace, a little faith unfurls
Well hello world

Sometimes I forget what living’s for
And I hear my life through my front door
And I breathe it in
Oh, I’m home again
And I see my wife
Little boy and little girl
Hello world
Hello world

Well the empty disappears
I remember why I’m here
Just surrender and believe
I fall down on my knees
Well hello world
Hello world
Hello world

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Well dear friends, this has been a wonderful, busy, a bit crazy, a little sad but non the less, the most wonderful time of the year!
I have still been struggling with my health some and so by the evening some nights, I haven't even had the energy to blog.... I have missed that.
I had my computer get another virus, and so for 5 days that has been down and unable for me to use. I think it get's sick as much as I do:)
We have had a Christmas visitor, a young person who needed to get out of a bad situation and needed a safe environment to be in. So we opened our home to her a week and a half ago. We are all learning from this experience but trying hard to provide a safe and healthy place and yet encourage her to make different choices and take advantage of this opportunity. Lots of late night talks and that is probably a bit of why my health is struggling a bit. Sleep is vital to me and vital to my healing.
My heart is missing my kids this time of the year, I realized as I put up Christmas decorations by myself, that this was the first year that I haven't had Lauren and Lee here to help me with that. I am sure Lee probably isn't missing that a lot, but Lauren has always loved the holiday decorations and I have been missing her enthusiasm and love for the holidays!
The girls came over for the weekend, and we were able to do some wonderful Christmas things. I will update you all on that later.
Still this video that I watched today, reminded me of what Christmas is all about. May we be able to slow down and truly think about that...these upcoming days. 
I have missed you dear friends....thanks for being a part of our lives!


Special collaboration results in largest live nativity in the world!

What happens when you gather world-class musicians, YouTube celebrities, a donkey, two sheep, a camel, and 1,000+ people dressed as angels? The Guinness World Record for the Largest Live Nativity Scene, plus an epic YouTube music video. Watch The Piano Guys, David Archuleta and a host of others in this newly released video sure to bring the spirit of the holidays into your home.
You can watch the video HERE:

Family is....everything!

This story is of a couple, who adopted children from all over the world. It is amazing and inspiring. Just goes to show you...that family can be anyone you LOVE! It will do you heart good to watch this short video right HERE:


Good night dear friends!

Every Mother needs to read this!

I loved this article by Jason on the battle of PORNOGRAPHY! I truly believe we need to do all we can to help our children and families from the effects of it in our homes and lives! If we won't protect our homes and families...who will?
 Nothing good comes from it!

Good night dear friends!

Why my kids’ computer is in the living room

While visiting our home for the first time, a friend noticed the iMac sitting on a small desk in the corner of our very open living room. “That’s an interesting spot for a computer. Is that temporary?”

I laughed. “If by temporary you mean until all of my kids move out of the house, then yes.”

“But it’s so out of place.”

“Maybe,” I answered, “but you know what’s even more about of place? Pornography.”

As he nodded and the gears seemed to turn, I explained the painful lesson of another friend. Several years ago he discovered that his son’s first exposure to online pornography hadn’t come in a locker room, school bus or behind the backyard shed, but in his child’s own bedroom on the other side of a leaky web filter.

Think it can’t happen to you?

According to the 2014 Annual Report produced by Covenant Eyes, nine out of 10 boys and six out of 10 girls were exposed to pornography before the age of 18. Even the unintentional exposure is shocking: 28 percent of 16- to 17-year-olds have accidentally stumbled upon it. Perhaps most tragically, 15 percent of boys and 9 percent of girls have seen child pornography.

Yes, it can happen in your home.

Increasingly, parents equip children with desktop computers or laptops and don’t hesitate to give them privacy by setting them up behind closed doors in their bedrooms. Even with the best Internet filtering systems money can buy, that’s like placing pornographic magazines or movies on their bedroom bookshelf and hoping they don’t become curious.

Crossing our fingers isn’t enough.

Just do the research; no filter is flawless or fool proof. There is no greater barrier than the transparency that comes from computers being used in the high traffic areas of your home. As the axiom goes, often attributed to former Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard Thad Allen, “Transparency breeds self-correcting behavior.”

Every home should set it own rules, but in our house, my children ask permission before using any piece of technology. Even my 15-year-old daughter asks permission for every single song or app download to her iPod.

Is it a bottleneck? Absolutely. Isn’t a little inconvenience a small price to pay for the safety of a child? And it isn’t just about inappropriate content – it’s about time. Parents should see what kids are doing on the computer and for how long.

Given that virtually every device in your home but your toaster has Wi-Fi capability, it’s good to have boundaries for things like smart phones and tablets. Carefully consider in your own family whether it makes sense to ban the laptop from your child’s room, but permit the tablet. In our home, none of my children are permitted to use smart phones or iPads in their bedrooms.

If you’re longing to be featured on the cover of Interior Design Monthly or participate in your local Parade of Homes, the ugly computer in the living room might be a deal breaker.

On the other hand, life is priorities. I doubt many have developed pornography addictions at a computer in the living room with the kids watching the Disney Channel a few feet away or playing Legos on the floor.

Let’s be blunt: Your computer in a public place is not the perfect solution. Unless you’re ready to unplug from the world entirely and move to the mountains, there isn’t one. We must remain vigilant and never let down our guard, no matter where the technology is placed. But this is a start worth the sacrifice.

Some may read this and think to themselves, “We can’t protect our kids forever.”

They’re right. But while we can, we should.

No, we must.
I read the article Here:

Be Soft!

Thought this was a great quote.
Hope you enjoy it.
Night dear friends!


"Be soft.
Do not let the world make you hard.
Do not let pain make you hate.
Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness.
Take pride that even though the rest of
the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place."
                                                                ~Kurt Vonnegut

10 tips on learning how to change yourself for the better!

I loved this article and especially this quote ...

“As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world – that is the myth of the atomic age – as in being able to remake ourselves.”

That is so true, it is important that we look inward when thinking of changing things. I love the 10 tips that Gandi gives, you can read the whole article.here:

"If you change yourself you will change your world. If you change how you think then you will change how you feel and what actions you take. And so the world around you will change. Not only because you are now viewing your environment through new lenses of thoughts and emotions but also because the change within can allow you to take action in ways you wouldn’t have – or maybe even have thought about – while stuck in your old thought patterns."

Gandhi's 10 Rules for Changing the World

1. Change yourself.
2. You are in control.
3. Forgive and let it go.
4. Without action you aren’t going anywhere.
5. Take care of this moment.
6. Everyone is human.
7. Persist.
8. See the good in people and help them.
9. Be congruent, be authentic, be your true self.
10. Continue to grow and evolve.

"The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems." --Mahatma Gandhi


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One Amazing Lady!

I read today in the Costco Connections magazine, an article about a lady named Temple Grandin. She is a Doctor of animal science and professor at Colorado State University, a best -selling author, the subject of an Emmy Award -winning HBO biopic, a much -in-demand public speaker and a consultant to the livestock industry on farm animal behavior. She also has autism.
You can learn more about the movie here:  You can read about some of it below too.
found photo here:
 Staring Claire Danes, Julia Ormond, Catherine O'Hara and David Strathairn Temple Grandin paints a picture of a young woman's perseverance and determination while struggling with the isolating challenges of autism at a time when it was still quite unknown. The film chronicles Temple's early diagnosis; her turbulent growth and development during her school years; the enduring support she received from her mother (Ormond), aunt (O'Hara) and her science teacher (Strathairn); and her emergence as a woman with an innate sensitivity and understanding of animal behavior.
Undaunted by education, social and professional roadblocks, Grandin turned her unique talent into a behavioral tool that revolutionized the cattle industry and laid the groundwork for her successful career as an author, lecturer and pioneering advocate for autism and autism spectrum disorder education.
This visually inventive film offers insights into Grandin's world, taking the audience inside her mind with a series of snapshot images that trace her self-perceptions and journey from childhood through young adulthood to the beginning of her career, and beyond.

I think the thing that really touched me was about her upbringing. When she was little in the 1950's, she did not speak until the age of 4- but benefited from the structure provided by her mother and school administrators.  ( Her father recommended she be institutionalized, but her Mother refused.) It was at an Aunt's cattle ranch in Arizona one summer, during her teens, that Grandin first became connected to horses and cattle and discovered a shared characteristic between animals and those with autism. Both think by making visual associations.  "Temple Grandin has helped all of us understand the power of different ways of thinking and being, " adds CSU President Tony Frank.  She had to figure out how people behave in order to modulate her own behavior accordingly, and that's the behavior that makes her work on behalf of people with autism possible.

She goes on in the article to talk about all the people who come to hear her speak, she said " A lot of people who come to the events- I estimate 75-80 percent of them- are probably interested in Autism. One thing I am getting concerned about is I'm seeing too many kids who are considered mildly autistic come up to me and all they want to talk about is their autism. I'd rather have them tell me about their science project or how they are training dogs or that they are in the 4-H or they like to write science fiction. Tell me about what you like to do! Autism would totally take over if I let it, but I am not going to let it."

Anyway, what an amazing story of an amazing lady.

Someone has to sit on the curb, or do they?

As I woke up this morning, I was shocked that I already had some bad thoughts about myself ...racing through my head. As Jeff and I talked about struggles that we each have... and how different our struggles are. So true. I don't really remember ever having a time that I didn't have to Daily Work On My Thoughts! I am grateful that I at least acknowledge it, but some times I feel a bit worn down by them. I think it is because I am hurting more now also. Being in pain every day seems to take a toll on a lot of things, including my thoughts. When I read this quote, I thought..NO THAT IS NOT TRUE! That is the world saying some of us aren't good enough, but we can at least stand on the curb and wave or clap! I am so grateful that I know that each one of us all Sons and Daughters of God. That gives us a potential that the world can't even comprehend! And so none of us should have to or be expected to just SIT ON THE CURB!
And I love this quote (below) about Mother's and how they raise their sons, to treat all women as a Princess. All you have to do is look at the paper, news or billboards... to see that the World doesn't believe in this quote! I know that I struggle each day with negative thoughts about myself, not being good enough, smart enough or acceptable enough. But each day I pray that I will realize my potential and for every bad thought that comes my way, I try to have a positive one to push it out! That usually works really well. That is also why I am grateful for my blog. It makes me continually look each day for the good and positive things in the world, so that I can share them with you!
Good night dear friends!

"The man who treats his woman likes a Princess, is proof that he has been born and raised in the arms of a Queen."


"Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and 
twice as beautiful as you'd ever imagine!"

To Believe!

Since we all just got home today, and my granddaughters are doing a Sleep Over, I have decided to share  a song that my dear friend sent to me. It is amazing and very motivating! What a talented young lady! To listen to it....go Here:
Good night dear friends!

Are we truly listening?

Today at church, the speakers talked about the listening to the spirit. They gave a story that I have mentioned before...it was about a man who is in the park and hears the beautiful song of a bird, but looks around and realizes no one notices it. But when he took a coin from his pocket and dropped it to the ground, everyone heard the sound and stopped what they were doing. The comparison is... are we able to hear the spirit of the Lord, with all the loud noises and contrast of the world? What do we do to make sure we are truly listening?

I love the scripture in St. John 14:25-27 It is where he is speaking to his disciples and explaining to them that his time upon on the earth is just for a little while. He knows of their concern when he leaves, then in 26-27 He says the most incredible thing...26 "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." 27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

I do believe it takes a lot to tune out the noises of the world and truly be able to hear that still small voice of the spirit. It takes a desire to have the spirit, you have to want it and do whatever you can, to prepare yourself to receive it. The speaker shared some ideas of what she does to help her listen better.

1. Pay attention to the music that you are listening to all the time....Is it something that would keep you from hearing the spirit?

2.Don't gossip.... Remember that is not only spreading horrible rumors but mentions it is gossip if you are saying something about a person, that  you wouldn't say if they were there in the same room. That is food for thought!

3. Read the scriptures daily..... How often do we spend hours, watching TV shows or movies but we wouldn't think of spending even a few minutes reading, searching and pondering about the ?

4. Pray always...When you wake up in the morning, make sure that the first  person you talk to is the Lord. It is so tempting to wake up and put on the TV or go straight to the computer and get your email or check face book. Not that any of those things are bad, but if you want to hear the spirit, you need to pray. You need to ask your Heavenly Father to help you today to hear and feel the spirit. There are many things that take up our time, and before we know it ...the day is done and can we say that we heard and felt the spirit that day? That is how God is going to communicate with us, that is how He will teach us. That is what the Savior promised His disciples, and it stands true for all of us today!

I don't know about you, but I personally need the Spirit ( Comforter ) with me each day, not only to calm my fears, and give hope to my soul, but to help me in my decision making throughout that day. As a Mother, I think it is vital to listen to that spirit to help me, teach  and guide my children. How grateful I was today reminded once again to stop and listen!

Service and gratitude

   My youngest brother Ty works for the Humanitarian Department for our church. He is an amazing man and one with great compassion, which makes him perfect for the job. He also is very well educated and speaks many languages.
   When he was a small boy, I used to have him help me with my homework ( that's sad...I know, but a girl has to do...what a girl has to do ). Never mind that he is 10 years younger than me! Shhhh...we don't want that to get around! :)
I have always looked up to him, even though he is younger. He is strong in his faith and lives exactly what he believes, you don't see that often enough, in today's world.
   He just recently went to Peru, for one of the humanitarian projects, and I asked him when he got back, if he would send me photos or information about what he did. Mainly so we as a family, could share in his experience. Here is the article that he sent me. It made me feel grateful for all my many blessings, plus it also touched my heart to see such amazingly strong and faithful people.

Service and gratitude fueled recovery in quake-weary Peru

By Jason Swensen
Published: Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010

PISCO, PERU

Church members in Pisco, Peru, and neighboring cities will tell you they've lived two distinct lives: before and then after Aug. 15, 2007. On that date a massive 8.0-magnitude quake devastated several cities in southern Peru, claiming hundreds of lives and thousands of homes.

Photo by Jason Swensen

Church Welfare Services worker Ty Johnson, far right, speaks with members Eduardo and Sonia Torres outside their new home in Chincha, Peru. The Torres' lost their 2-year-old daughter, Jessica, in the 2007 quake. Their home was also destroyed.

The quake remains a defining event for members here. They look back on the catastrophe with equal parts grief and gratitude. Grief for those who were lost. And gratitude for the many who enlisted faith, service, hard work, priesthood principles and Relief Society resourcefulness so others might endure and emerge, both physically and spiritually, from a monumental disaster.

http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/60265/Service-and-gratitude-fueled-recovery-in-quake-weary-Peru.html

"There are two big forces at work, external and internal. We have very little control over external forces such as tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, disasters, illness and pain. What really matters is the internal force. How do I respond to those disasters? "  ~ Leo Buscaglia

"There's no disaster that can't become a blessing, and no blessing that can't become a disaster"                  ~ Richard Bach

"Knowledge is going to make you stronger. Knowledge is going to let you control your life. Knowledge is going to give you the wisdom to teach their children. Knowledge is the thing that makes you smile in the face of disaster."  ~Avery Brooks

LISTEN

It is late and we just got home from watching the Olympics at the neighbor's house. It was neat to see athletes from all over the world all come together. The sad part was there was one of the Olympic athletes that was killed during one of the practices. I just wondered how his family handled the whole Opening Ceremony? I was glad to see that during part of the Opening Ceremony they honored him, and everyone had a moment of silence and prayers for him and his family. It was a bittersweet program.

My daughter sent me this tip today and I thought I would share it with you tonight.

Interesting tip for the day, is if you rearrange the word "silent" you get the word "listen".

 

How true it is... that listening is more than just being quiet.  So many times when I take the time out, to not only be quiet, but to tune in to what I need to be thinking about and feeling, those have been some of the most profound moments of my life. I really need to do that more often, with all the noises and things in the world screaming for our attention. It is vital that we take time out to not only be QUIET but time to LISTEN.

"THE FIRST DUTY OF LOVE IS TO LISTEN."  ~ Paul Tillich

"Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force...When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand. Ideas actually begin to grow within us and come to life...When we listen to people there is an alternating current, and this recharges us so that we never get tired of each other...and it is this little creative fountain inside us that begins to spring and cast up new thoughts and unexpected laughter and wisdom. ...Well, it is when people really listen to us, with quiet fascinated attention, that the little fountain begins to work again, to accelerate in the most surprising way." ~ Brenda Ueland