The theology of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is comprehensive, universal, merciful, and true. Following the necessary experience of mortal life, all sons and daughters of God will ultimately be resurrected and go to a kingdom of glory. The righteous-regardless of current religious denomination or belief-will ultimately go to a kingdom of glory more wonderful than any of us can comprehend. Even the wicked, or almost all of them, will ultimately go to a marvelous-though lesser-kingdom of glory. All of that will occur because of God's love for His children and because of the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, "Who glorifies the father, and saves all the works of his hands" (D&C 76:43)
The purpose of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is to help all of the children of God understand their potential and achieve their highest destiny. This church exists to provide the sons and daughters of God with the means of entrance into and exaltation in the celestial kingdom. This is a family-centered church in doctrine and practices. Our understanding of the nature and purpose of God the Eternal Father explains our destiny and our relationship in His eternal family. Our theology begins withe Heavenly Parents. Our highest aspirations is to be like them. Under the merciful plan of The Father, all of this is possible through the Atonement of the Only Begotten of the Father, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
FORGET ME NOT FLOWER (PRESIDENT UCHTDORF)
There is a German legend that just as God had finished naming all of the plants, one was left unnamed. A tiny voice spoke out, "Forget me not, O Lord!" And God replied that this would be its name. As daughters of God, we would be wise to never forget;
FORGET NOT TO: Be patient with yourself. We spend too much time and energy comparing our weaknesses to others strengths. Be happy with who you are and celebrate your small successes. They may seem tiny, but God notices.
FORGET NOT THAT: You are a daughter in God's kingdom. Never Forget that Heavenly Father knows you and loves you!
FORGET NOT TO: Find Joy in the Journey! Make the most of today! Find reasons to smile at everyone and be happy. Did you know a smile is contagious?
Ask yourself:
As a daughter of God, how am I able to find ways to remember who I am?
Do I smile at others? Am I a happy person? Do I think positive thoughts and make others happy?
FORGET NOT TO: Be patient with yourself. We spend too much time and energy comparing our weaknesses to others strengths. Be happy with who you are and celebrate your small successes. They may seem tiny, but God notices.
FORGET NOT THAT: You are a daughter in God's kingdom. Never Forget that Heavenly Father knows you and loves you!
FORGET NOT TO: Find Joy in the Journey! Make the most of today! Find reasons to smile at everyone and be happy. Did you know a smile is contagious?
Ask yourself:
As a daughter of God, how am I able to find ways to remember who I am?
Do I smile at others? Am I a happy person? Do I think positive thoughts and make others happy?
California Fires
On May 14, 2014 my work building was evacuated due to some fires that were headed towards us. It was very scary. I posted this on my facebook page. The fact that there were 11 fires at once and that someone probably intentionally set most of them is very disconcerting. I am writing this post to express my heartfelt thanks to Heavenly Father. I am thankful that so few homes and businesses were lost. I realize that those that lost their homes may not be so thankful. There was only one human life lost in this tragic crisis. The firefighters and police and city officials all acted quickly and with humanity. I am thankful that our family has been practicing preparedness and that we were able to learn where we need to improve. I am thankful for family and friends that cared for us and called to make sure that we were okay. I am thankful for a loving husband that took care of me and made sure that I did not overdo it in the smokey air. I am thankful that the cool weather has followed and brought some small showers to relieve the smoke and heat. I am thankful that my fellow brothers and sisters are so resilient during times of trouble. I am thankful for all of the humanity that was shown to each other and to the animals. I am thankful for signs of gratitude that I see along the road home. Even though the hillside behind my work building is no longer lush and green but black and charred the birds are singing every day. I am thankful that we will be able to watch this area grow again just like the human spirit.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Iaomai Letter from Board of Directors
To the Iaomai
Family,
This past year’s trip to
Huehuetenango in October was a great success. We saw over 1000 patients in the
clinic; we did 130 surgeries; we performed 200 diagnostic ultrasound exams and
counseled hundreds of patients and their families before and after surgery.
Great job team!
The team of 75 volunteers
returned home as changed people. We were privileged to watch so many patients
safely treated. Everyone suddenly has a new appreciation of the daily blessings
we take for granted. It never ceases to amaze me how volunteers from so many
different places, life experiences, and expectations come together to serve
others without regard for their own comfort.
Sean, Jonathan, Kari and
Greg all appreciate the kind words of many who have expressed their thanks and
appreciation for our preparations and organization of the team. We all consider
it our great privilege to serve you and our Lord in this calling. We receive far
more blessing than we could ever imagine.
This coming year we are
excited to be able to have two trips to Guatemala. The first trip is January
5-16 to Joyabaj, and a second trip September 29 - October 9 to a site to be
determined. We are investigating several sites other than Huehuetenango, but
that is still a possibility.
For the January trip, we
have also organized a stove team to go into the surrounding villages and assist
about 38 families by providing a stove to cook on that does not have an open
flame, decreasing the amount of firewood needed, directing the smoke out of the
home, and decreasing the chances of injury from burns. If this goes as well as
expected, we hope to offer a stove team on the fall trip as well. The stoves
cost $230 each and include a water purification system. The team installing the
stoves needs to raise the funds to cover them, which for this trip is nearly
$10,000. The team has raised or pledged so far about 2/3 of this. This is
amazing as we only added the stove project 6 weeks ago. For more information on
the stove project see : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_e0vOfjvH0.
As the year end
approaches, please consider a tax deductable donation to Iaomai, to the address
below. Feel free to designate your gift for a specific project, such as stoves
(either in Jan or Oct), medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, or general mission
expenses. No one on the leadership team is paid; we are all volunteers and 100%
of any donation goes to the missions. Our only expenses are a storage unit in
San Diego, accountant fees, IT expenses and our trip supplies.
Thank you for your
consideration and your part in changing the lives of so many. May God’s richest
blessings pour out on you and your loved ones this Christmas Season.
Blessings,
Iaomai Board of
Directors
Thursday, September 6, 2012
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.
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.
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