Well, Thanks...I Guess

Some very nice person decided we needed some landscape assistance and pulled some of our dead amaryllis leaves. They left a small pile in the middle of the driveway sometime during the night. Kind of weird in a nice sort of way, don't you think? It would be nice if they came back and finished up the weeding. One can only hope.

School Spirit or What??

Today's ward (church congretation) bulletin made me giggle. Every week, they annouce the lesson for next Sunday's Priesthood and Relief Society (our women's organization) meetings. The lesson on the fourth Sunday is from a General Conference talk. It was listed as "Elder Robert D. Hales: "Christian Cougars". It should have read "Christian Courage". The funny thing is that our church owned university, Brigham Young University's mascot is the Cougar!! Someone has way to much school spirit!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

I have a longing in my heart today to hug my mom and tell her I love her. Unfortunately, she lives far away and is unable to talk on the phone. I'm not even sure if she knows who I am anymore. But, I know who she is and I'm so grateful to have been born to a wonderful mother. I love these quotes attributed to David O. McKay.

"The noblest calling in the world is that of mother. True motherhood is the most beautiful of all arts, the greatest of all professions. She who can paint a masterpiece or who can write a book that will influence millions deserves the plaudits and admiration of mankind; but she who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughters whose immortal souls will be exerting an influence throughout the ages long after paintings shall have faded, and books and statues shall have been destroyed,deserves the highest honor that man can give."


"Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother's image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child's mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss, the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness, the first assurance that there is love in the world.”

A THUMBS UP!!

As we headed to Santa Maria for an appointment this afternoon we saw a large caravan of firetrucks. The logo on the side said Elder Dorado County. That is up by South Lake Tahoe, at least an eight hour drive to the north. My heart filled with gratitude for these brave men and women. We could only assume they were headed to Santa Barbara to help fight the horrible fire down there. My desire was to tell them thank you, as we passed them on the freeway. A simple thumbs up was all it took to bring a smile to their faces. I'm so grateful for those people who put their life on the line and sacrifice time away time from their families to help fight these wildfires. Our prayers are with the residents of Santa Barbara and the firefighters. My God bless them.

Please Join Me

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

National Day of Prayer Task Force_2009 Theme Video @ Yahoo! Video

"The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. Our Task Force is a privately funded organization whose purpose is to encourage participation on the National Day of Prayer. It exists to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, to create appropriate materials, and to mobilize the Christian community to intercede for America's leaders and its families. The Task Force represents a Judeo Christian expression of the national observance, based on our understanding that this country was birthed in prayer and in reverence for the God of the Bible."

From the National Day of Prayer Web Page

RATS

"Oh, by the way, this is NOT an April's Fools joke!" That's what Mike told me right before he shared the wonderful news that when some of the Boy Scouts helped him to move our wood pile, a mama rat and two babies scurried out. Good thing I wasn't home. YIKES!!! I wonder where they went?? I guess I better not think about it took hard.

Monday's Memory

The little stuffed lamb was well used loved and dirty. It was my gift from a white elephant exchange. My little five or six year old mind really wanted to bring that stuffed little lamb home with me. It just needed some TLC (tender, loving, care). My mom, didn't quite see it that way however. I am sure she just thought, that thing was full of germs. At least that is what I imagine now, that I'm a mom. I was devastated when she made me throw that little stuffed lamb in the trash can, even before we made it home.

I have thought about that little stuffed lamb through the years. As I grew to adulthood and learned more about the gospel of Jesus Christ, it hit me, that lamb is like some people, they may be a little well used, or even dirty and we reject them. Do we judge people for what is on the outside and not for what is on the inside? Do you judge them for the mistakes they made. Can love transform a person? I believe it can.

There are also times that I look at myself as that little well used loved and dirty lamb. I think about the love that the Good Shepherd has for me despite my failings. At times I can be rebellious, judgmental, angry, and just plain lazy. But, no matter what, my Savior Jesus Christ, is there quietly leading, guiding and loving me. It is overwhelming and difficult for me to comprehend that kind of love.

Isn't it interesting how a childhood memory, such a small thing could leave such a profound meaning.

HALF A DOZEN

Isn't that a great number??

Six..half a dozen.

It could be half a dozen glazed donuts, or maybe half a dozen eggs, or possibly half a dozen ears of corn. YUM!! What else comes in dozens? I guess you could have half a dozen pair of shoes.

Oh, how about half a dozen children? That's what we have!! Or maybe I should say half a dozen wonderful grown up adults!! Some of my children are offended when I use the term children to describe them!!

How about half a dozen grandchildren? Now that sounds like a wonderful number!! And, that's how many grandchildren we will have at the end of the year!! Katie and Brad will be having there baby soon. That will bring us to five!! Drum roll please.....And now, John and Amy are expecting a little baby as a Christmas present this year!! We are all so excited!! Two new grandbabies this year. What could be better?? I like half a dozen!!