OLD POSTS

The below posts are items that I have emailed to myself and wanted to put on my blog.  Finally I took a small break and posted them.  Feels Good!

There Is Sunshine In My Soul Today

You know how it is when you have such a great weekend that everything in life just feels calm and peaceful and full.  I had one of those this past weekend.  I was able to accomplish some things in my yarden and put in my freezer some more beans, jalapenos, and tomatoes.  We are slowly getting the yard the way we like and we put in some rocks for the aloe vera garden.  Looks so pretty!  Our grapes are turning purple.  We each ate one last evening.  They are still a little bit tart.  I received a new calling to serve with the little ones in nursery.  I am so excited and glad that the Lord called me to serve the little ones.  I get to work with some wonderful sisters that I love dearly.  I still get to lead the music in Sacrament meeting for a while as well and pick hymns from the hymnbook.  The hymn book is truly one of my favorite books.  My sweetheart and I will be celebrating 15 years this week.  Pennies are powerful was able to help the trip to the orphanages by aiding in the purchase of some much needed supplies.  Thank you so much sisters for helping make that possible.  So as the saying goes “My Cup Runneth Over”.  I am so truly blessed and I am thankful for all of the special people that add to that abundance in my life.

 

Here is to a week ahead  full of love, fun, and blessings.

Have I Done Any Good in the World Today

I have been thinking a lot about the hymn “Have I done Any Good in the World Today”.  For many this hymn makes them feel bad like they have not measured up but I want to put a different perspective on this sweet hymn.  I think most of you complete it very well every day more than you know.  Have I helped anyone in need, cheered up the sad, made someone feel glad.  These are the questions asked in the first verse.  I know that you mothers of young children do these things frequently throughout the day.  Kissing boo boos and just plain old being there.  The rest of you, well, you help me on a daily basis and make me feel glad because I know you are there.  As I sit in my office and do the daily grind, I can find much comfort that you are all just a mouse click away.  I also know that just letting that person running late for work cut in the traffic line without blaring the horn to let them know that the line cut was noticed, well they may not feel glad but they would not feel good if the horn blared so you are sparing some stressful feelings (your own included, and yes I am speaking from recent experience of just this morning.  The person cut right in and I was flustered at first and then considered that maybe he/she needed to get to work quicker than I this morning).  Or the smile you give to someone or the thank you to the cashier at the grocery store.  Just noticing someone could be what makes their day.  Giving someone the benefit of the doubt is a form of charity.  So remember friends, no matter how insignificant you think a gesture is, it may just be that ray of sunshine in someone’s life.  So here is to doing good in the world each day just a little bit at a time.

Service is the cure for selfish pity

The garden is flourishing so that is a good outcome for all of the heat and humidity.  Last week was a hard one at work.  That of course carried home and combined with the heat, made for a grumpy me.  On Wednesday evening, a sweet friend and myself went to the temple to fulfill a ward assignment.  We came out to the most beautiful sunset.  It was humbling to remember all of the beauties that Heavenly Father has created for us to enjoy.  Then on Friday morning, I just decided to be happy on that day.  I started to look for opportunities to serve others and a miracle occurred.  As soon as I stepped out of my self-absorption, the world around me changed and I was able to smile and laugh and find joy.  Then last evening our home teacher came and was asking us about why service is important.  I really think one thing leads to another.  Service allows us to step outside of ourselves and to see a different perspective.  This makes us grateful for our blessings which helps us want to serve others.  The cure for the good old fashioned pity party is indeed service to our fellow brothers and sisters.  Just imagine if everyone did this day in and day out.  What a pleasant world we would have.  But then, we can start with changing our own self and move outward to our families and then spread outward to our wards and communities.  Each one of us doing a little bit makes a huge difference.

 

Hope to always find joy in the journey.

Service is Beautiful

There is a shopping network that has been advertising “Christmas in July”. It is fun to hear the Christmas songs and to see Christmas type things and start feeling in the mood for that wonderful holiday.


It also made me stop and think of all of the giving my friends and sweet sisters do all year long. Our Pennies are Powerful effort was able to give $70 this July along with some other donations that I know will bring happiness to some of the orphans. I just want each of you to realize that everyone giving the few coins really makes a huge impact on the lives of these children and the people that donate their time and lives to care for them. It provides a little ease but more important is that they know they are not forgotten. We care about them and that realization is more powerful than the supplies that are purchased with these “pennies” of love. Just a reminder that the Iaomai opportunity for this year ends in mid September. The medical ministry is heading out the end of September beginning of October. With school shopping coming up, please keep in mind of any coloring books and crayons opportunities that can be donated for this. Also, thank you to everyone who has so graciously donated yarn for making mittens, blankets, and baby caps. Karen and I are working as fast as our hands will allow.

I know that the things are not what changes lives but the love that goes with them. The powerful love that we can express to them that their Savior, Jesus Christ loves them and knows who they are. That changes their lives, FOREVER!

I am so thankful for the beautiful examples and daily acts that inspire me to become a better person.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Or should I say Happy Sweetheart Day! I love my sweetheart and I am so thankful for him. He makes me feel like a queen every day!

Tonight we are going to make a special dinner at home. I made the dessert. A strawberry cake with frosting and heart sprinkles. We also have chocolate ice-cream for the side. He is making ribs, corn on the cob, and salad. YUMMY!! Then we are spending the evening snuggling and watching junk tv. Or in other words "House" because it is one of my favorite shows.

Today and Tonight are going to be AWESOME!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

I am so thankful for today. I have a wonderful sweetheart that makes me feel like a queen every day. We are planning a wonderful sweet dinner together at home this evening. I made a valentine cake for dessert with little heart sprinkles and everything.

This weekend I gave a talk in Sacrament meeting on 1 John 4:20-21. I am grateful for inspired leaders who guide us and help us to learn and grow.

Today is going to be AWESOME

Patchy Pants

I have a pair of pants that I use for gardening. They are old and soft and the denim is worn so that they are finally feeling comfortable. You know, where they are like an old friend. I LOVE MY PATCHY PANTS. I would wear them everywhere except that I would embarrass everyone I know. Well. The bottom on these patchy pants has worn out. Holes huge holes. So I took some fabric that I love from my fabric drawer and put patches on my bottom. Hence the name Patchy Pants. They are adorable. How many people can say that they have butterflies, Christmas angels, Christmas teddy bears, and more butterflies on their rear end.

Patchy Pants rule!

SAN DIEGO TEMPLE

My Sweetheart has been wanting to put a nigh time picture of the San Diego Temple up in our Bedroom/Bathroom area. So, when I had to order some other items from the distribution center, I ordered a temple picture. $1.00 for an 11x17 picture. It is absolutely beautiful. We framed and hung it up this past weekend. Now there is a reminder of where he needs to take me someday so we can be ETERNAL COMPANIONS. I think I will do some vinyl lettering that says "Families are Forever" over our closet door to tie it all in.

Small and Simple Things

I have been pondering for a while now on what happened last evening. One of our sweet next door neighbors was found dead in his home last evening. It was a long night for all involved. I am proud of our first responders to this. They handled every aspect with respect dignity and courtesy. They were very professional. During the crisis and after the Fire, Sheriff and ME were gone I discovered that it is the small and simple things that matter most. Jim and I were most fortunate to be available to take the young niece (11 years old) into our home to avoid being with the body and watching it taken from the home. We got to know this young lady better and she us. It was a good thing. Then as the niece and her mom were going to go and be with family for the rest of the night, we had on hand some small items that were needed. They were insignificant to us but to her it was one less thing she had to worry about. Several other close friends and neighbors were each able to do some small thing, one will call the complex HOA and make sure that the man’s van is not towed away, one is a co-worker and will be able to tell the office so she need not worry about that. Each of us doing some small thing made a big difference to her. Also, just holding them and crying with them became a sweet act of service.


Mosiah 18:8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; 9 Yea, and are awilling to mourn with those that bmourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—
Alma 37: 6 Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.

I am so thankful for the hope of the gospel and how sweet the small and simple things are.

May we also see our blessing and be grateful for each moment.

Live this moment as it it may be your last

This is late in posting but.... my sweetheart sent me a copy of the obituary for our neighbor that passed away. It was a great tribute to this man. May all of us live to be remembered like this…..


“He never tired of listening or lending a helping hand to anyone who might need it; generous to a fault, judgments left to God. …He lived as if the world was a roller-coaster ride to delight in and will be sorely missed by all who got the chance to ride with him for a ways. Contributions can be made to: Wounded Warriors Fund, the next homeless person you meet or in the form of a reconciliation with someone who has wronged you.”

Just another angel to help us become better today than we were tomorrow because of his example.

Hope we can count our blessings no matter the circumstances we are in.  Each of us could be called "home" at a moments notice.

Fifteen Beautifully Blessed Years

My sweet husband and I celebrated our 15th Wedding Anniversary on August 9.  How blessed I am to have this man in my life.  He helps me with all of my quirks and loves me unconditionally.  He humors my funky ideas.  He is the person I want to spend the rest of my life waking up with and ending the day with.  He makes me laugh and laughs when I cry at movies.  He knows my likes and dislikes.  He spoils me rotten and makes me feel like a princess.  If I had a daughter I would want her to find someone like him to marry.  I pray that my son uses his example to pattern his relationships and service to mankind.

Thank you Sweetheart and here is to so many more years together.  I love you more than words can express!

Moles, Voles and Gophers OH MY! Or Bye Bye Little Gopher

Well for a few months we had little mounds of dirt in our garden.  They would appear overnight.  Hmmm.  So I googled and googled and learned much about Moles, Voles, and Gophers.  Thought we had a Mole because none of the plants were disappearing.  Dug around, found a tunnel, stuck a garden hose in, turned on the water, water spurted out about 5 feet over and 3 feet down between the railroad ties holding up the hillside.  Hmmmmm.  Harumph!!!! says I and I call hubby out who immediately begins laughing.  He asks the question "Have you never watched Caddy Shack?".  So I began laughing too and then the games began.  I kept unhiding the opening to the "tunnel" and in the morning a little mound would be up where the opening was the night before.  And Repeat.  And Repeat.  And Repeat.  Well a few months go by and I am actually thinking having a mole for a garden pet is kind of funny.  THEN one morning I go outside and half of my marrigolds are just GONE!!!!!  WHAT!!!  Okay so now this is not funny or cute anymore.  The next morning,  more marrigolds have disappeared to be stored in the gopher larder.  Not kidding.  Moles store worms and grubs, gophers store roots and vegetable matter. 

So I was talking at church and one of the sisters had a gopher and had a brother from the ward come and take care of it.  So I went and talked to this brother and he and his family own a pest control company.  He came out on Monday afternoon and put some poison in the ground.  Two weeks later and no mounds of dirt.  It is kind of icky to think of a gopher dead in the hillside but at least he is "buried".  While he was at it the brother from church sprayed for spiders and ants, etc.  We are officially on a pest control plan. 

No more gophers, black widow spider bites, or spiders falling from the ceiling onto my face at night.  That is icky let me tell ya!

Along Came A Spider

We are still having some plumbing issues in our home and finally Saturday afternoon/evening I decided to do some much needed yarden work.  First off, the weeds are out of control and second off, I needed to do something that would make me feel in control of the situation.  I usually wear my shoes so that I can mow, weedwack, etc without harm but I knew I would not be using equipment that afternoon and went barefoot.  I love barefoot.  The way dirt and grass feel between my toes and the moist moss feels so soft.  So I was sitting down weeding when I felt something biting my foot.  I only had one more weed to reach so I finished it off.  I figured I was being stung by a centipede or something.  I moved my foot and a pretty big black spider started crawling up a nearby container.  I thought it might be a black widow so I stopped and finally subdued it enough to turn it over.  There it was.  The red hourglass.  I knew that it what had bitten me.  Sure enough a few moments later my foot swelled and my toes tingled and went numb.  I figured oh well and continued gardening for about 1 1/2 more hours.  I kept watch on my foot but nothing else happened.  Glad I am not alergic to the venom.  The bite site itches where my shoe fits and I know my foot is still a little swollen but no harm no foul.  I did have to kill the spider so she probably feels like it was great harm.  First a human had her crunched with the foot and then messed with her to turn her over and then smooshed her with a rock.  Bad day to be that black widow spider......

Perspective-The Knot

We had a lesson in Relief Society a few weeks ago.  It was about eternal progression and perspective.  The teacher held up a string.  It was meant to represent eternity.  There was a small knot along the way.  That little knot represents mortality.  Wow what a visual representation.  This mortal journey is so small comparatively and yet the choices we make are so profound for the rest of that string.  Also, it was a great reminder that we have always been on our eternal journey.  This mortal realm is still part of that.  We have a beginning before today and a progression beyond that we cannot even comprehend.

Happy Birthday To Me

Today is my birthday.  I am happy and contented.  I am where I am supposed to be with the person I am meant to be with.  Life is a journey and I am glad that Heavenly Father has allowed me to continue on a little longer.

Plumbing, Expense, and Hidden Blessings

Sometimes in the moment of mortality, the blessings are truly hidden.  On Sunday evening I went to get the dish soap out from under the sink and my finger brushed the floor of the cabinet.  I thought that it felt funny and slimy and was worried that some soap had leaked out.  I took out the garbage can and then some of the many cleaning products out from under the sink.  Low and behold the particle board had been soaking up water from a drip for ? how long.  There was actual mold growing on the board.  YUCK!  So I called my sweetheart in a panic and we wiped down the board and put some old yucky towels under the place where the water drips.  It only drips if you actually run the water in the sink.  Next morning, my sweetheart called the plumbing company that we use and trust.  They came out and discovered all of the many instances where prior owners had cut and spliced the pipes under the sink.  He offered to do a 40 point inspection for free so my sweetheart agreed to it.  He found out that our water pressure is too high which probably factored into the dripping pipes.  Also, our water heater was completely corroded and all of the under the sink pipes are badly corroded.  Apparently where we live has extremely poor water.  Also, the current water heater was not installed according to code and also had one of the pipes against the dry wall instead of the mandatory 1 inch space which could have caused a fire.  I won't mention the cost as it is astronomical to get all of these items repared or replaced.   We are also installing a filtration osmosis system that should help keep the minerals and corrosion down.  This should also help our washer, dishwasher etc run longer as well.  Apprently it will also help with laundry and showering to be using cleaner water.  My sweetheart saw the gunk coming out of the water heater and he was amazed that we had been using that water to prepare food, wash dishes and clothes, not to mention showering and drinking that water as well.  The good news is that our actual pipes are in good condition.  So at first we were shocked at the sticker price as they say but we looked at the blessings afforded from this.  We eliminated the risk of our home catching fire from the water heater, the water heater now has the overflow container that the original should have had, the pipes did not burst, and we discovered that the fire sprinkler system gauge is also corroded and dripping and could have burst at any time.  The cost is little more than our deductible for Home Owners insurance for a catastrophe that would have been more than just inconvenient.  This morning when I took a shower the water was hot instantly and with only a slight turn on the faucet knob.  So it may seem very expensive but the Lord has provided and also protected us in this.  I can feel the love he has and the blessings that He has given us in this.

Back from Vacation

We spent a lovely week in Laughlin with Mom and Dad S.  It was nice to get away and relax.  The river was full and beautiful.  We drove through some storms to get to our destination but it created a coolness that was enjoyable.  It was nice to see the rain in the desert.  Such a contrast with the browns and grays and greens.  There were no flash floods and the cajon pass was  a non event.  Those were the two things I worried about and once again worried for nothing.  It was a great time for the body and mind to be calm and rejuvenate.  Mom and Dad S are restocked for another 6 months and they are doing well.  Heavenly Father watched over our travels to and fro and we are very blessed.

Article of Faith #13

I am still working on my personal progress Knowledge value.  One of the required experiences is to memorize the 13th article of faith and to recite it.  I recited it to my sweetheart.  Then we were to attend some kind of performance and using the article of faith as a guide, evaluate the performance and write in our journal about the experience.  I went to a High School performance of "Legally Blonde".  I love the movie.  The kids did a great job and the performance was a delight.  Some of the singers were so awesome that they may indeed have singing careers ahead of them.  Some of the youth from the wards in the area were actors in the play.  I enjoyed the performance and laughed and cried.  They were really good.  Then I started evaluating it against the 13th article of faith.  "We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul-We belive all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things.  If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."  With that criteria I would have to say that some of the lyrics in the music were not lovely or of good report.  They at times used the Lord's name in vain and then there were some thematic elements that did not meet this criteria either.  A lot of it was good, but there was much that was not.  It put a different perspective on how I felt about the play and perhaps the movie as well.  It is interesting when you start off with that article of faith in your mind.  Perhaps I need to do this more frequently.  It really made me start to think about the types of entertainment I listen to.

Knowledge-Faith

So my sweet sister and I have been working on our Personal Progress. I am currently working on Knowledge and she is working on Faith. Our values crossed paths. She needed for me to express what attributes of Faith we need in order to teach our children this first principle of the gospel and I needed to write in my journal on a specific topic after giving a talk on that topic. On February 26 I had the opportunity to talk on faith in Sacrament Meeting. Here are the things I shared with my sweet sister on the value of FAITH:

I think some of the qualities a woman has to have to teach this principle of faith to her children are courage to stand up and do what we believe is right even when others (even of our own faith sometimes) don't agree. I also think we have to be steadfast and immovable. We need to have Christ be the center of our homes and lives. We have to have the courage and strength to watch and be involved in the kinds of books, movies, programs, and music that is uplifting and strenghthening to us and those around us. We have to constantly feed our faith through church attendance, partaking of the Sacrament, reading scriptures, Temple attendance, praying and fasting. We must find time to be still and quiet so that we can hear the Holy Spirit guide and direct us. We have to be strong in the gospel and allow it to enter our whole being. We need to believe and have faith. I learned by doing my talk that you can believe in something but not have faith in it. However, you cannot have faith without belief. Faith is a verb and requires action. We must be willing to ACT on what we BELIEVE.

Back from Year End Prison

Finally, year end is over!!! Yeah!!! I can breathe and be me again. I look forward to a weekend in my yarden to reassess things and get into the groove again. I actually played in my craft room last evening rolling coins for pennies are powerful. Already have $16.00 towards the Summer event. Catching up and loving it.

Where have I been?

I have been in Accounting Time. Doing well but busy is a word that is inadequate to describe. See you in February.