Seat Belts Save Lives

I've actually taught my children something. Last night Sean was in a car accident with his cousin Travis. Luckily for us Travis was driving his car, unlucky for them though. Lucky for us noone was hurt. Unlucky for John and Diane the car was totaled. Lucky for us Sean and Travis were both wearing their seatbelts. Unlucky for the people living around the area where the accident occured. Travis had lost control of the car on the slick, wet roads and hit a major utility pole. It knocked out power from I-435 and Antioch to 95th and Switzer. The thing I taught my children was to always wear their seatbelts. Remember, I grew up in a time when cars didn't always have seatbelts and it wasn't required by law to wear them. So I wasn't in the habit of buckling up. When the kids were old enough to not be in car seats we made a game of buckling up. We would race to see who could be first and then that person could shout "first, best, and all the rest." When I was talking to Sean last night after the accident, I said to him I was glad he was wearing his seatbelt. He said that the game we played had ingrained it into him. It's a good thing too, because he would have been flying out the windshield otherwise.

Walk With Christ Day 8

Day 8
Shepherds
Prayer: Pray to know specific ways that you can improve, to strengthen your testimony and that your testimony will allow you to act with courage and without hesitation when you receive spiritual promptings to share the gospel or serve others.

Hymns: “Far, Far Away On Judea’s Plains” Hymns # 212

Scripture: Doctrine & Covenants 100:10 And I will give unto him power to be mighty in testimony. Luke 2:8-20

Thought: “These shepherds bore their special witnesses to family, friends, and neighbors. Their experience was retold in the courts of the temple, and from there was to be told among all nations of the earth. Luke tells us that after the shepherds had seen ‘the babe lying in a manger…, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child’ (Luke 2:16-17). Such was the declaration of the angel who stood before them that holy night, that these ‘good tidings of great joy’ should ‘be to all people’ (Luke 2:10).” (“Twelve Witnesses of Christ’s Birth”, Joseph Fielding McConkie, Liahona, 1992, December)

Questions and thoughts to ponder:
What characteristics/virtues did the shepherds possess as portrayed by their actions upon hearing the “good tidings”? How should we act when we receive spiritual promptings or counsel from our prophet?

Personal Application: What can we do each day, so that “good tidings of great joy” can “be to all people”?

Action:
1. As you receive answers to your prayer, record it in a journal
2. Prayerfully set small goals for improvement-write them down.
3. Pray to keep these goals uppermost in your mind throughout the day.
4. Periodically evaluate your progress.

Reflections on this day of the walk: I wonder sometimes what would I do if I saw an angel? Would I be receptive enough to recognize a heavenly messenger or would I think I was hallucinating? Would I be obedient to the message given? Am I even worthy enough to receive spiritual promptings from the Lord and do I recognize them when they occur? Do I have the faith needed to follow the prophet? The shepherds never questioned that they had seen the angels proclaiming the birth of the Messiah. Their response was "And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." (Luke 2:15)They obeyed immediately. Can I learn from their example or am I too hard-hearted?

Thoughts for the Day

As I have been pondering on Day 7 of the "Walk with Christ" my ward is doing, I reflect on what my favorite scripture foretelling of the Savior's birth. I think it would have to be the following; “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called wonderful, counselor, the mighty god, the everlasting father, the prince of peace.” Isaiah 9:6. I think of Handel's The Messiah. In my opinion one of the greatest pieces of music ever composed. It is such a tribute of love and testimony of the Divinity of Jesus Christ. The words from Isaiah set to music for me bring this scripture to life. The Savior is Wonderful and the Prince of Peace. If we allow him to be center in our lives then we can feel of His love. His Atoning sacrifice is the ultimate example of unconditional love for each of our Heavenly Father's children. I love the scripture found in Alma 7:11-12.
11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may bloose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
He not only took upon Himself our sins, but He also took upon Himself our sorrows. He knows how we feel when we go through trials. He knows of our heartache and loneliness that we feel. He knows how it feels to be shunned and rejected. He knows how each of us suffers. Yet He loves us any way. I can never do enough to repay Him for this selfless gift. The only thing I can do is to try and live my live as He would and show unto those around me unconditional love. The picture I have showing here is titled " O Jeruslaem" by Greg Olsen. It is one of my favorite pictures. I love the way the Lord is looking over the city, watching with loving care.

Walk With Christ Day 7

Day 7
Christ’s Birth—Nativity

Scripture:“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called wonderful, counselor, the mighty god, the everlasting father, the prince of peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Matthew 1:23
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
Other Scriptures: 2 Nephi 17:14, Luke 1-2, Matthew 1-2, Alma 7:10, 3 Nephi 1:19-21.
Song: “Joy to the World” Hymns # 201,
Quotation: “Let us in our lives give to our Lord and Savior the gift of gratitude by living His teachings and following in His footsteps. It was said of Him that he “went about doing good.” As we do likewise, the Christmas Spirit will be ours.” President Thomas S. Monson, Church News, 14 Dec. 1996
Prayer, Questions to Ponder, actions to take: Today in your prayers ask, How can I show the joy and gratitude I feel in knowing that Jesus is the Savior of the World? Ponder: In what ways have I felt our Savior’s love for others or me today? How is Jesus both Wonderful and a Prince of Peace in my Life? Record your thoughts in a journal or share them with someone or your Heavenly Father in your evening prayer. Or other action: Find one way to “do good” today through an act of secret service. Share a special verse in the scriptures with a friend, family member or in family scripture study that has helped you more fully celebrate the birth of our Savior.
Other Resources: Merrill J. Bateman, “A Season for Angels,” Ensign, Dec 2007, 10–15

Thanksgiving 2008

It's that time of year when this nation celebrates a day of thanks. We celebrated in our usual way. We went to my brother-in-law's home and had a leisurely day of eating and enjoying each other's company. We are not an exciting crowd, but we at least like each and get along well. Then some went down to the Plaza to watch the lights turn on and some went to a movie. The highlight of the Plaza for Rebekah was she was able to get David Cook's (American Idol) autograph. It was funny how she got it too. Ask her about sometime, I'm sure she would love to tell the story.

I am grateful for so many things. I have obedient children, a loving husband who puts up with me and that is saying a lot (I haven't been the easiest person to live with), a new granddaughter, and I live in a country where I can worship according to the dictates of my heart. I am truly blessed.

On another note as part of our celebration the kids are all planning on getting up early to get to the good sales. More power to them. I did that one year and that was enough for me. Besides, I don't have any money to spend right now anyway. I'm still trying to get caught up on the bills from summertime when Joe wasn't driving the bus and from when we were trying to help Bernie. We're still paying for that. (Long story on that and you don't want to get me started.) So Christmas this year is going to be lean. Joe thinks he will be getting a bonus from his company, but I'm not counting on it. This time of year is always hard for me. But, I'll put on my painted smile and at least pretend that I am fine.

Walk With Christ Day 6

Day 6 Joseph
Prayer: Pray for charity and a greater capacity to obey.
Song: When Joseph Went to Bethlehem Children’s Songbook, pg. 38)
Scripture: Matthew 1:19, Matthew 1:18-25
"Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily."
Thought:
“As a father I have thought often of Joseph, that strong, silent, almost unknown man who must have been more worthy than any other mortal man to be the guiding foster father of the living Son of God. It was Joseph, selected from among all men, who would teach Jesus to work. It was Joseph who taught him the books of the law. It was Joseph who, in the seclusion of the shop, helped him begin to understand who he was and ultimately what he was to become.” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Maybe Christmas Doesn’t Come from a Store, Ensign, Dec. 1977
“Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet.… Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other.”
Elder Marvin J. Ashton, The Tongue can be a Sharp Sword, Ensign, May, 1992
Questions and thoughts to ponder and apply:
The scriptures don’t give us many details regarding Joseph, but we can learn from the little we have. While engaged to Mary, Joseph discovered she was pregnant. What must he have felt? Betrayal, disappointment, embarrassment, pain? Jewish tradition punished adultery by stoning. But Joseph was a just man, and apparently also a kind and gentle man, and had decided to quietly and privately break the engagement. But when he was visited by an angel in a dream who explained the situation, he quickly changed his course of action – quite possibly that very night: “Then Joseph, being raised from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife.” (Matt. 1:24). This disposition to obey instantly was certainly instilled in Christ as a child as he followed the example of his foster Father.

How do I react when I am injured by the actions of another?
How can Joseph’s example of charity and obedience guide my own actions?
When my course of action is changed by the promptings of the Spirit am I quick to obey?
Actions:
I will follow Joseph’s example of charity and obedience and try a little harder to be a little better today!
In the copies we had printed we were not able to include the words to this song, but I can include them here. I've also included the website where the music can be found. We sang this song for our Christmas program at church one year. I think it's a lovely tribute to the man who cared for the Savior as a child.

Other resources: “Guard Him, Joseph” by Sally Deford Ensign Dec. 2007
Guard him, Joseph, as he slumbers, there behind the stable doors
Let no errant sound distress him, tread thou softly on the floor
Linger watchful round the manger; hush thy voice and still the beasts
For thou hast within thy keeping Christ, the infant Prince of Peace

Guard him, Joseph, through the darkness; watching o'er him till the dawn
Bid the shepherds enter meekly, stand in wonder, gaze in awe
Trim thy lamp and shield thy candle; see they burn all through the night
For thou hast within thy keeping Christ, the everlasting Light

Guard him, Joseph, from all danger; keep thy vigil nigh his bed
Let no harm nor grief befall him; stand thou in a father's stead
When his mother's arms be weary, hold him gently as thine own
For thou hast within thy keeping God's own well-beloved Son.
Copyright © 1996 by Sally DeFord, all rights reserved. This song may be copied for incidental, noncommercial home and church use. This notice must be included on each copy made.
http://www.defordmusic.com/guardhimjoseph.htm

Walk With Christ Day 5

Day 5
Mary--Blessed Art thou among Women"
Prayer--Make a commitment with the Lord to be more worthy. Be specific in what you want to repent or change in your life. Adopt the motto "I can do hard things."
Song “Walk in the Light” Hymns # 304
“Mary Lullaby” Children’s Songbook # 44
Scripture-Luke 1:28 And the angel came unto Mary and said, "Hail thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
Questions: Mary was found "worthy to be the mother of Jesus
1. What were her qualifications to be the mother of Christ?
2. What did the Lord look for in the mother of Christ?
Do you remember what you felt as you gazed into the eyes of a newborn baby? How clean and so pure and so recently from heaven. Just as Mary gazed into her baby's eyes, we can identify with her thoughts and prayers for her little son. We want to teach our children to become worthy to remain clean and pure and to make right choices.
Luke 2:51-56 Mary taught Jesus as a young boy to walk in the light
In the Ensign Nov. 2006, Look toward Eternity! --Elaine S. Dalton writes; Each one of us need to feel and know the importance of living a worthy and pure life. It is our personal worthiness that will qualify us to fulfill our individual earthly missions.
Action—
1. Choose one thing that will help you be more worthy. Make a plan and ask Heavenly Father to help you. Be specific and pray and repent.
2. Teach your children to choose to be worthy. Ask them what Mary might teach Jesus when he was a boy.
3. List the qualities of Mary. What would God look for in a mother for Jesus. (Luke 1-2--READ)
4. Read Elaine S. Dalton's article in the Ensign and choose to help a mother with a newborn baby by having your family do something for them. "They shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy." Elaine S. Dalton. Talk with your children and make this your slogan for the family.

I can only imagine the thoughts that Mary might have had. I know she was a virtuous woman. She was also obedient. She was a woman of great faith too. She was willing to do that which was very difficult. She was humble as shown Luke 2:48. She was valiant. These are only a few of the qualities that she has. I'm sure she was patient, kind, persevering, as well as loving. Mary was a woman worthy to be called the mother of the Savior.

Gratitude

A dear sweet sister in my ward inspires this next post. Thanks Ashlee. 3 years ago for family home evening Linda had us do a lesson on gratitude. Three weeks prior to Thanksgiving that year we were to start writing once each day something for which we were thankful. We couldn't repeat each other or ourselves although I think we stretched it a bit on a few of them. I've grouped them by days and the responses are given in order Joe, then me, Linda, Daryn, Sean, and Rebekah. (Laura was at BYU at the time so she didn't get to participate with us.) We also each had a different colored marker with which to write. It was a very fun activity and helped us all to remember to be grateful for all with which the Lord has blessed us. Some of the responses may seem to be silly, but all are sincere. I'm glad I saved it on the computer. It was nice to have a rememberance of that time.
Our Gratitude List
Oct 30
Cars that need little maintenance, The Atonement of Jesus Christ, heater, food, friends, and Blackie the Guinea pig.
Oct 31
Joy, family, refrigerators, fun, cars that go, and the Gospel.
Nov 1
Work, washing machines, education, Chewbacca, computers that are small, and names.
Nov 2
Telephones, temples, blankets, fast computers, entertainment systems, and Badger the Guinea pig.
Nov 3
Acquaintances, shelter, sump pumps, couches, DVD players, and television.
Nov 4
Chinese food, anesthesia, ibuprofen, breakfast, DVDs that go with the DVD player, and bodies.
Nov 5
Work & the Glory movie, talents, baked potatoes with chilli, cheese, sour cream, butter, the works, school lunch, cooking infomercials, and duct tape.
Nov 6
Propio Spanish Services, anything with chocolate, fast food, dinner, toilets, and camcorder.
Nov 7
President Bush, anything that helps with genealogy, the sun, El Libro de Mormon, walls, and bikes.
Nov 8
Rush Limbaugh, electricity, glasses, Bible, lowered gas prices, and the Book of Mormon (not a repeat because this is in English)
Nov 9
Conservative talk radio, indoor plumbing, smiley faces, Doctrine & Covenants, trees, and holidays.
Nov 10
Office to work from, central heating and air conditioning, birthdays, Pearl of Great Price, birthday parties, cups.
Nov 11
New shoes, antibiotics, first aid kits, shoes plasma flat screens, and trials.
Nov 12
Work at the hotel, the Plan of Salvation and Happiness, lawn mowers, Christmas, fruits, and (someone missed a day, but I can't remember who.)
Nov 13
Peace, the ability to read, feet, paper, vegetables, and bracelets,
Nov 14
Vacations, Christmas time, legs, procrastination, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and the great outdoors
Nov 15
Obedient children, living in and being a citizen of the USA, arms, unbirthdays, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and fans.
Nov 16
Good books, quilts, heads, pronouns, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and the color yellow.
Nov 17
The book Focal Point, modern appliances, snowmen, vitamins, birthday presents, and fireplaces.
Nov 18
Different languages, Word of Wisdom, Christmas songs, edible things, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and eyes.
Nov 19
General Conference, talents, fire, muscles, Turkey Bowl, and the ability to spell.
Nov 20
Atkins, Gift of Agency, little babies, this green marker(this is Daryn's favorite color), stake dances, and presents
Nov 21Prophet Joseph Smith,




living prophets, closets, wood that can be burned, Thanksgiving, the letter “R”.
Nov 22
Pres. Faust, Proclamation on the Family, cousins that live down the street, PAX TV birthday cakes, and cough drops.
Nov 23
Good movies, seasons, the chocolate advent calendars we get every year, blonde hair, football, and water.
Nov 24
Local church leaders, holiday traditions, slippers, the ceiling, hoods on coats, and plane tickets

Walk with Christ Day 4

Day 4
Innkeeper
Hymn- # 78 Children’s Songbook- "I’m Trying To Be Like Jesus"
“Room in the Inn,” New Era, Dec 1989, 10–11
Prayer – Pray for to feel true Charity and guidance in finding service opportunities.
Scriptures-
Matthew 25:35 “I was a stranger, and ye took me in.”
Matthew 25:40 “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
Thought:
“Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus.” Neal A. Maxwell, “‘Settle This in Your Hearts’,” Ensign, Nov 1992, 65
“Before we can successfully undertake a personal search for Jesus, we must first prepare time for him in our lives and room for him in our hearts. In these busy days there are many who have time for golf, time for shopping, time for work, time for play—but no time for Christ.
Lovely homes dot the land and provide rooms for eating, rooms for sleeping, playrooms, sewing rooms, television rooms, but no room for Christ.
Do we get a pang of conscience as we recall his own words: “The foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” (Matt. 8:20.) Or do we flush with embarrassment when we remember, “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7.) No room. No room. No room. Ever has it been.” Thomas S. Monson, “The Search for Jesus,” Ensign, Dec 1990, 2
Questions to Ponder:
Do we ever act like the innkeeper, missing helping someone that needs us?
What worldly attributes do we let get in the way of more important things in our lives?
Action:
Invite a family over for dinner and have a lesson using the story, “Room at the Inn.”
Give service to someone today that may normally be overlooked.
Other Resources:
Neal A. Maxwell, “‘Settle This in Your Hearts’,” Ensign, Nov 1992, 65
Lynette K. Allen, “‘Room at the Inn’,” Liahona, Dec 1991, 6
Thomas S. Monson, “The Search for Jesus,” Ensign, Dec 1990, 2

I'm posting this next part during the afternoon. I decided to take some goodies to different families in my ward. I was going to take some cookies. I made 4 dozen and each dozen was burnt. I was sooooo frustrated. I had the oven set at a lower temp than the recipe called for and even a shorter baking time and they still burned. It seems like things were conspiring against me today. So instead I made brownies. These are all very active families who are always serving others. In my mind they are always willing to lend a hand when needed and are followers of the Savior. No they don't need the treats, but I thought it would be nice if I could give them something. I know it wasn't much, but right now it is all I am able to do. I just hope that it's good enough and that they enjoy them.

Walk With Christ Day 3

Here's Day 3
Elizabeth
Prayer:
Pray to develop a deeper faith in Christ through the study of the lives of Elizabeth and her family.
Hymns: “Let the Holy Spirit Guide” # 143 LDS Hymns
“The Still Small Voice” #106 Children’s Songbook
Scriptures: Luke 1 Luke 1:40-41, 46-47

40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of
Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with
the Holy Ghost:
46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my SaviourThought: Long years ago and distant miles away, a marvelous miracle occurred. In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there lived a priest named Zacharias and his wife, Elisabeth. “They were … righteous before God.” However, long years of yearning had returned no reward—Zacharias and Elisabeth remained childless. Then appeared to Zacharias the angel Gabriel, who proclaimed: “Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. He shall be great in the sight of the Lord.” Preparing the Way by Pres. Thomas S. Monson Ensign Feb.2002
Questions and Thoughts to Ponder and Apply:
How can we remain faithful and avoid discouragement when our sincere prayers are not immediately answered in the way we desire? Do I recognize my answers when I get them? Do I really search for the answers that may not be obvious?
How can we follow the example of Elizabeth and Mary, who had faith enough to know in their hearts the great importance of their children? Am I raising my children to know of their potential in the eyes of God?
Through the Aaronic Priesthood and living righteously we are all deemed eligible to the “ministering of angels.” Am I listening?
Actions:
Like John the Baptist, we should focus our service on helping others come to Christ.
· Bear your testimony to non-member family or friends
· Invite someone to attend church meetings or activities with you
· Magnify your calling, big or small. It is an offering to the Lord.
Other Resources:
Luke 1, Lesson 2: “My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord”, New Testament Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, 5, Thomas S. Monson, “Preparing the Way,” Ensign, Feb 2002, 2, Elder Merrill J. Bateman, “A Season for Angels,” Ensign, Dec 2007, 10–15

As I ponder the first question asked I think back to the talk by S. Michael Wilcox titled "The Fourth Watch" He relates the story of the Savior watching the disciples struggling in the ship against the storm. How in the fourth watch of the day, the last possible moment when they are truly despairing, that is when He comes to help. I know the Lord hears our prayers, but He waits to answer them when it will benefit us the greatest. If He were to answer when we first ask we would not learn the things He has in mind for us. It is not for us to determine when that Fourth Watch is either. I know the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored on the earth and I am thankful to be a member of His church.

Walk With Christ Day 2

Day 2
The prophecies of Christ’s birth
Prayer: Pray for a sense of the joy felt by the prophets of old who testified of the coming of the Savior’s birth. Express thanks for the hope that was felt through these prophecies and for the gift we have in knowing Jesus came to this earth.
Songs: “Samuel tells of the Baby Jesus”, Children’s Songbook pg. 36
Scriptures: Isaiah 7:14, 3Nephi 1:13, Helaman 13-15, Mosiah 3: 5, 7-8,
Thought: “Christmas is prophecy fulfilled. On the eve of His birth, the voice of the Lord came unto Nephi, saying, “Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfill all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.”
What did the holy prophets of old declare? Isaiah, more than 700 years before the birth of Christ, prophesied, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign;

Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
What will you and I give for Christmas this year? Let us in our lives give to our Lord and Savior the gift of gratitude by living His teachings and following in His footsteps. It was said of Him that He “went about doing good.” As we do likewise, the Christmas spirit will be ours.”
Thomas S. Monson, “What Is Christmas?” Ensign, Dec 1998, 2
Questions and thoughts to ponder: Why would Heavenly Father want people to know about the Savior’s coming birth? What difference do you think it made in peoples’ lives to have these prophecies?
Personal Application: What prophecies do we have today that help you look forward with hope? How can these prophecies help you to be prepared and joyful?
Action: Take time to read your patriarchal blessing and ponder the promises made there. Think about how those promises have come to pass or imagine how they will yet come to pass. Consider the Savior’s birth and how the prophecies of that event and the prophecies in your own blessing relate. If you have not yet received a patriarchal blessing, consider doing so.

As I ponder the suggested action for this day, I think back on this past year. My battle with the Blue Monster started many years ago, but I actively addressed the issue this year as I have had to face and come to terms with the abuse of the past. It has been the hardest trial I have faced in my life thus far. Even more difficult than when I had a miscarriage. However, I have been given promises in my patriarchal blessing that bring me hope that I will win the battle against the Blue Monster. It will just take time.

Walk with Christ Day 1

Our Relief Society for our December Enrichment Activity decided to do a two week Walk with Christ. Different members of the RS Board took an assignment to write a thing about a part of the Saviors life. Then we put it all together in a book and were asked to do one page each day until the activity on December 9. Here is the entry for Day 1.
Day 1
Jesus Christ – Always Remember Him
Prayer: Each week on Sunday we have the privilege and blessing to renew our baptismal covenants. We promise to always remember Him in exchange for the blessing of having His spirit with us. As you kick off your walk with Christ – sincerely pray to remember him more often, improve your relationship with Him, and take full advantage of having His spirit to be with you..
Hymns: “I Need Thee Every Hour” Hymns, page 98
“ He Sent His Son” Children’s Songbook, page 34
“If the Savior Stood Beside Me” Friend Oct 1993, page 14)

Scripture: 2 Nephi 25: 26, 3 Nephi 27:27, 3 Nephi 18:7, 11, Moroni 10:32-33
And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know what source they may look for a remission of their sins.
Thought: Thoughts of Jesus (should) be far more frequent and much more constant in all times and seasons of our lives. How often do we think of the Savior? How deeply and how gratefully and how adoringly do we reflect on His life? How central to our lives do we know Him to be? (Howard W. Hunter, Ensign, May 1993)
When you choose to follow Christ, you choose to be changed. . . . Can human hearts be changed? Why, of course! It happens every day . . . It is one of the most widespread of Christ's modern miracles. If it hasn't happened to you—it should. (Ezra Taft Benson, “Born of God,” Ensign, Jul 1989, 2)

Questions to Ponder / Personal Application
If you could see the Savior standing by your side, throughout the day, would there be a change in you?
Would you have more courage, show more kindness, be more humble, be more careful of the words you use.
What would you have to change to be comfortable in His presence?
How can I follow in Christ’s steps today?
In all my decisions today I will ask, “What would Christ do?”

Action: In your daily activities, think about how you can focus more on Christ.
Hang the word “REMEMBER” in a place in your home that you often look. Every time you read it, evaluate yourself and how you are doing in remembering the Savior. Is there anything that you need to change?
Spend time over the next two weeks diligently learning about Christ and how to become more like Him.
Other References:

Spend time searching out articles and quotes on Christ at www.lds.org. If possible, take the opportunity to watch Special Witnesses of Christ.

I have done the action suggested and added a picture of the Savior to the word "remember" I will put this by my computer because I am at the computer every day several times during the day.

Is It Long Enough Yet

Okay Christal, this one's for you. I figured Sean is not going to see this and sometimes you just have to do things. This is when the hair is too long. A few years ago while Sean was asleep, Linda and Rebekah decided he needed a new hairstyle. This is what they came up with. Needless to say he awoke half way through, but they finished the job. I thought it was hilarious. He was a good sport during the whole thing.

1 Month Old

Yesterday Celeste was 1 month old yesterday. She is starting to show her personality a little. She is a quiet little lady. She loves to snuggle just like her mommy used to except she isn't as fussy. She is definitely her mother's daughter even though she looks like her daddy. These are a few pics that I took of her on her 1 month birthday. She's old enough now to fit in jeans and a t-shirt. The t-shirt says party animal.

Twilight Party

Okay all you Twilight fans, I succumbed to peer pressure and attended the midnight showing early this morning. I have to state that I am not a huge fan of the first two books in the series. I went to the movie, solely to socialize with my friends. I thought the movie was going to be a little hokey and I was right. It was still fun to watch though. What was really funny was to see the actions of all the teenagers watching the flick. They were a hoot. I think that was more entertaining than the movie. The pics are of some of my book group buddies that have read all of Stephenie Meyer's books and really liked the Twilight series. We went to Houlihan's first for dinner and then to the theater. We weren't able to sit all together but we were close enough. It was a fun evening.

Bekah's New Do

Here I'm posting all these pictures of Celeste (the most beautiful baby in the world. Okay so I'm a little biased) but I have hardly any of my kids. I decided to post some of Bubba (her nickname don't ask me why) with her new hairdo. She likes to get creative. She was also trying out different headwear. She took these pics herself.

Saturday Night Fever

John Travolta look out. You have some competition on the dance floor. Who says disco is dead? Ah ah ah ah staying alive,staying alive...

Big Blue

Today has been a little better in regards with the battle against Big Blue. Today was our ward Primary program. Yesterday, the Primary president asked if I would bear my testimoney of the truths the children would relate during their Sharing Time. I really didn't want to because of Big Blue, but I told her I would. I think because of that, I was more receptive to the truths taught. The program was based on the song "I Am a Child of God". That is my favorite Primary song. The children would then relate experiences that went with different parts of the song. It was one of the best programs I've attended. The kids did such a wonderful job. Plus they were absolutely adorable.

White Knuckles

It's 1:30am and I can't sleep. It's not that I don't want to be in dream land,I just can't seem to fall asleep. I have the Big Blue Monster to thank for that I think. This last week has been a huge struggle to get much of anything done. I'm just glad the kids are old enough to take care of themselves.
I've been participating in a clinical research trial for the past 5 1/2 months for a new medication for depression, but I don't think this particular drug works for me. I started on the lowest dose and have worked my way up to the highest, but I don't see any change. I thought in August it was starting to work, but I was wrong. I guess I was hoping for some kind of miracle with the meds, but I still feel worthless, have a sense of hopelessness, and I'm sad a majority of the time. I'm also tired all the time, yet I can't sleep. It is so draining to pretend that everything is hunky dory when I feel so bad. What's worse is that I have a little social gathering to attend tonight and though I really like being with the people that will be there, I don't want to go. However, I will paint on a smile and pretend I'm fine when inside I feel like crud. AllI can do is to just keep plodding on.

Oma and Opa Come to Town

This last weekend has been a whirlwind visit with my parents. They came to town to see their first great-grandchild be blessed. They arrived Friday night and will return to Seattle Monday morning. It was a very special day. Frankly I am surprised they came, but I'm glad that they did. Friday we spent the time just visiting. I was babysitting Celeste that night so her mommy and daddy could go on a date.
Since I was tending the little angel, I took her with me to visit with my bother and his family in Liberty. That's where my parents were staying. A huge thank you goes to my sister-in-law for hosting them. Thank You Deb!!!!!!! Saturday we went to the new temple site or at least where we thought the new temple will be built. The pictures didn't turn out that great so I won't post those. Then Sunday was the big day. Nathan, my son-in-law blessed his little daughter. It was a beautiful blessing. Joe told me that as Nathan was giving the blessing Celeste was smiling. I think Celeste is the perfect name for this little angel as she is a gift from heaven.



















Some may think it to be a little old fashioned, but I think it fits her to a "t". All in all it has been an enjoyable time.
Celeste was wearing the dress that I wore when I was blessed. My daughter Laura also wore it. Linda had her own that she wore, but unfortunately was stained and we were not able to use it. This dress is very special to our family because the fabric used in the blessing dress was from my mother's wedding dress. It has yellowed with age, but that makes it all the more beautiful.