Sunday thoughts

I attended the Relief Society general broadcast last night. It's kind of like a Conference sneak preview, of sorts—a good way to kick off the week before one of my favorite weekends of the year.

I particularly loved President Uchtdorf's talk. He has such a way of speaking with humor and directness. You really feel that he understands us, and tells it like it is. He is real and uplifting at the same time.

5 things it would be wise not to forget:

1. Forget not to be patient with yourself.

• God is fully aware that we are not perfect. It is part of our mortal experience to have weaknesses, and He wants to help us turn all our weaknesses into strengths.
• Be compassionate and patient with yourself.
• Celebrate all of the small successes in your life and in your family. Our journey toward perfection is long and we should celebrate every small step along the way.

2. Forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice.

• Some sacrifices are better than others.
• Am I committing my time and energies to the things that matter most?

3. Forget not to be happy now.

• Many people today are waiting for their golden ticket—that magical thing they think will ensure their future happiness. It could be a certain job, a dream home, a fervently-desired blessing. If we spend our days waiting for fabulous roses, we could fail to notice the beautiful forget-me-nots that are all around us.
• The happiest people are those who notice and celebrate the beauty and wonder of everyday life.

4. Forget not the "why" of the gospel.

• We sometimes view the gospel as a list of obligations to fit into our already busy lives. The gospel of Jesus Christ is not an obligation—it is a pathway to happiness. It should cease to be a burden and instead become a delight.
• Seek out the beauty and majesty of the why—it transforms our small acts of obedience into larger acts of consecration.

5. Forget not that the Lord loves you.

• No matter how dark your days, no matter how insignificant you may feel, you are not forgotten. You are loved by the king of heaven and of earth.
• You are closer to heaven than you suppose.

I loved this meeting. I felt inspired, strengthened, and uplifted. This was just the appetizer. I can't wait for the full meal next weekend!!

Sunday thoughts

Recently a member of our stake presidency (also a member of our ward) came in to talk with us in Young Women's.

He spoke of the tender feelings of his heart – his grandson had died just a day or two prior to his visit. This little boy was born prematurely, had many health problems, and had spent most of his short life in Primary Children's Hospital. As he related to us the details of his grandson's last day on earth, he could barely speak for the tears that were falling. I'm sure all of us felt heartbroken as well as we imagined those poor parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and everyone else who loved little Johnny.

He told us that he had been called upon to give many Priesthood blessings in the preceding days and weeks, and that each time he did, he felt the adversary trying to overwhelm him. In fact, he felt like Satan was out to get him, really bearing down on him as he tried to do what was right.

This became very difficult to endure, and ultimately he felt the need to say aloud: "I choose Jesus Christ," at which point he could physically feel the adversary retreating.

I was so struck by his words, and have been thinking about them ever since. How powerful it is when we choose the Savior and His way!

What if my children and all of our youth could catch the vision of being empowered by choosing Jesus Christ? What if I could remember this on an hour-by-hour basis? It would change everything. Temptations would be easier to withstand; judgment would disappear; others would become more important to me than myself; love and peace would fill my heart.

I am notoriously forgetful, but this something worth remembering, so I will give it my best effort.

I want to choose Jesus Christ today and every day.

Sunday thoughts

All last week, I worked (like crazy) on making quote books for camp.

People missed the deadline for submitting quotes (of course).


I spent quite a bit of time shopping, looking for paper that was cute and reasonably priced. I finally settled on kraft cardstock.

They took forever to format.

In all, about 8 hours of cutting was required (!). Fortunately, Michelle did about 3 hours of that for me, and Nicole helped with the hole punching. Another leader helped me finish the punching once we got to camp.


The girls loved them, so I suppose it was all worth it (but I hope I don't have that assignment again next year!).

A few of my favorite quotes from the books:

"There is no more compelling motivation to worthwhile endeavor than the knowledge that we are children of God, that God expects us to do something with our lives, and that He will give us help when help is sought." – Gordon B. Hinckley

"A ship in harbor is safe, but that's not why ships are built." – John A. Shedd

"Many times I have been drawn to my knees by the sheer knowledge that there was nowhere else to go." – Abraham Lincoln

"Make sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm." – Abraham Lincoln

"It is not possible to sin enough to be happy. It isn't possible to buy enough to be happy, or to entertain or indulge or pamper ourselves enough to be happy. It is not possible to hide enough or run far enough away from trials and troubles to be happy. Happiness and joy come only when we are living up to who we are." – Sheri L. Dew

I especially love that last one.

one year ago

It's hard to believe that one year ago today, my darling grandmother died.

I count it among my greatest blessings that I was able to be with her at the end, even though she was not conscious. It was wonderful to be surrounded by so many family members who all loved her so much, and I am glad I was able to say goodbye to the woman who was so influential in my life.

And to hear the sweetest goodbye that her sweetheart offered.

Today I looked through the pictures I took at the hospice and during the funeral preparations. I decided that those were too sad. I prefer to remember her as she was right up until the end: vibrant, witty, unselfish, supportive, loving, refined.

Denise had the brilliant idea of marking this occasion by doing something that Grandma would have done: baking and then taking the goods to someone who could use a lift. I made her buttermilk bread (for the first time), and I will be delivering it tomorrow morning to the women that I visit teach, along with some Conference note-taking sheets.

My mom sent several of us a package, to be opened today, in remembrance of Grandma.

I think it's just perfect. I hung it up today above my kitchen window. Even though I think of Grandma often (maybe even more often now that she's not with us), I don't think I can have too many reminders.

Tonight when I got in the car, instrumental jazz was on. Normally, I would hurriedly switch the channel. But tonight, I left it on and just remembered how much she loved it.

I thought I might even do some ironing today. But then I thought, let's not get crazy...

Today was a happy day. I love remembering CJP, and how blessed I am to be a part of her family, and to be the recipient of her tutelage. Besides, I know she would want us to be happy.


p.s. Tomorrow starts General Conference weekend, one of my two favorite weekends of the year! www.sugardoodle.net has a bunch of printable packets for kids, an awesome packet for youth, and even a great page for adults taking notes (packet #10)! Now, off to mix up some of CJP's doughnut dough...

Sunday thoughts

Today was our stake conference, which was actually a regional conference that we watched by broadcast in our ward building. We went 20 minutes early, but we still ended up sitting in the cultural hall. (I don't know if I could have convinced my family to go earlier, but I was ready, I should have just gone by myself to stake out a comfy spot!)

Between our adult's session last night and the general session this morning, this weekend has been a spiritual feast.

Today we heard from Elder Snow, Sister Beck, Elder Holland, and President Packer.

Elder Snow

- O remember, remember.
- We keep journals, build monuments, and go to the temple to help us remember. We renew our covenant weekly to remember the Savior.
- Remembering past spiritual experiences can give us the strength to carry on, but witnesses in the past dim over time. Even some of those who have received a visitation by angels have forgotten those burning feelings .
- Our testimonies must be continually fed with new spiritual experiences.
- Why are we reluctant to use the gift of the Holy Ghost? He helps us to become pure, sanctified. He will reinforce and strengthen our testimonies.

Sister Beck

- You're doing better than you think you are.
- Heavenly Father loves you so much.
- We could still be doing better.
- With all of the struggles in our world, the only thing that will save us is our faith.
- It takes faith to move into the future.
- We actually fought for the opportunity to come to this world and have a difficult life!
- If we weren't experiencing adversity, we wouldn't have to rely on the Spirit and the atonement of our Savior.
- There is no escaping the work and responsibility of being a mother. (it is as I feared)
- There are too many distractions creeping in. We are spending hours on the computer that could be used nurturing children. A computer is no more than a tool to us, just as a dishwasher or a washing machine.
- We don't need to be discouraged or fearful. We only need to have faith.
- We cannot be perfect, but we can prioritize, and if we will concentrate on what is essential, our Heavenly Father will help us to accomplish all that is necessary.

Elder Holland

- He spoke of pioneer efforts to tame the wild expanse that was to become Utah County. They cut a precarious road into the canyon precipice. One young family that was temporarily left behind left their small children at the cliff's edge and plunged their wagon and horses down. When help arrived, the father called out, "Forget it, fellows! Belle here is all that a man needs to make this journey!"
- During a meeting in which several men were called to take their families and settle a forsaken area called the Muddy, one girl sobbed inconsolably. Her friend asked:
"Why are you crying? I know my father won't go!"
"There's the difference," the first girl replied, "Nothing could prevent my father from doing his duty, and I wouldn't own him as my father if he did not go when he was called."
- These people had grit, spunk, and determination, both young and old. Where does that kind of spunk come from? From faith in God and in Jesus Christ.
- We all will need that kind of rock-ribbed, furnace-refined, spiritually-girded kind of faith.
- There are still waste places that need to be built up. Some of them are in our own hearts and in our homes.
- Build up your physical and spiritual strength; build up a reservoir of faith that you can call upon.
- Our testimonies should be simple and deep, not complex and superficial.
- Faith is better nourished and protected and longer-lasting when it is built up and strengthened in the family.
- The times ahead will try the courage of the best of us, but the forces of righteousness will always prevail.
- He will pour out blessings upon you for your faithfulness; he will make us equal to our tasks.
- Trust God and believe in good things to come.

President Packer

- The pioneers had the easy part – from now on it's going to be rougher.
- As a young seminary teacher, he was struggling with one of his students. He asked a mentor when he would be justified on giving up on the boy. His mentor replied, "What if he was your boy?" It was a sermon that changed his life.
- The Lord is voting for you and Satan is voting against you, so it's your vote that counts!
- The adversary has his limits, and he can only do what we let him do. We are in charge of him as regards our own lives.
- Agency is probably the most important principle of the gospel.
- Are you so touchy that you cannot be corrected? We must be willing to receive correction, even if it comes from our children or our spouse.
- Ask your Father. Never forget that you have a father and you can call on Him at anytime. He will not leave you comfortless.

I can't remember who said this, but it stuck with me:

- We need miracles and w e should be praying for miracles.

I'll have to save my notes from last night's session for another day. All I can say is that, for the first time in quite some time, I am not feeling overwhelmed. I feel filled, and encouraged, and determined. Hallelujah.

remembering Christmases past

*We used to spend the night at my grandparents' house on Christmas Eve. I always had a hard time going to sleep. Sometimes Grandma would slip me something to take to bed with me, like a little tin of almonds, even though I had already brushed my teeth.

When we woke up in the morning, we had to wait at the top of the stairs for all of the adults to be ready to go down. The women would all put on their makeup and get ready for photos. It was sheer torture, but I didn't really mind. I've always loved delicious anticipation. Grandpa would go down to get the fire started and see if Santa came. Finally, finally he would give the all-clear and we would run down to see what Santa brought. Going through the stockings has always been my favorite part of Christmas.

*My mom used to make me nightgowns for Christmas, and I can distinctly remember one year when she made a matching nightgown for my doll. I thought it was the best idea ever.

*I used to be a bit of a snoop. Mom warned me that if I found where she had hidden my Christmas gifts, she would take them all back. I found them. I'm not sure I can rely on my memory, but as I remember it, I got different gifts that year, which was a real disappointment. However it all went down, one thing I know for sure is that that cured me forever of spoiling the surprise. Nothing could induce me now to do anything that would jeopardize the surprise of a gift. Marc used to have a very hard time waiting -- he would try to give me a gift early because he couldn't stand the suspense. I always vehemently refused, and now he is good about preserving the all-important element of surprise.

*As I have mentioned previously, I was Mom's wrapping assistant. She would put the gifts in boxes and affix a Post-It with the recipient's name so that I could help without being privy to the contents. We always had tons of gifts to wrap, and although we would try to do it earlier, we always seemed to have a lot left to do on the 23rd. So Mom started a tradition to make it more fun. We would stay up as late as necessary on the night of the 23rd to get it all done, and then we would have a sleepover next to the Christmas tree. I thought it was great fun. (Wasn't she brilliant?)

*One year when we were living in Denver, we woke up on Christmas Eve to a blizzard. We opened our front door and it was like a wall of snow. I was immediately concerned about our prospects of getting to Grandma's house. We couldn't have Christmas without going to Grandma's house, could we?

Grandpa and my Uncle Lee tried to come and get us with the pick-up truck and tire chains (they lived about 25 minutes away), but to no avail.

To my everlasting relief, our family decided to postpone Christmas for one day. We stayed home on Christmas Eve and made tunnels in the snow. My mom and I put on our boots and trudged around delivering friend and neighbor gifts. And the next day, we made it to Grandma's house and pretended that it was still Christmas Eve.

*A very pervasive memory: it seems like every single year, Mom warned us that they were going to have to cut back on Christmas, that it would be maybe a little meager, or not as lavish as usual. But I never remember a single Christmas that didn't feel lavish to me. What's that all about?

*During one of our first Christmases together, Marc was in graduate school at the University of Washington and we of course didn't have much money. We walked over to the University Bookstore and picked out a book for everyone on our list. The bookstore wrapped them at no charge and shipped them to our loved ones. It was all too easy, we totally felt like we had gotten away with something.

*Max's first Christmas was a memorable one for me. We spent it at Marc's parents' house in Oregon. Michelle and Bob were there with Nicole, who was 9 months old. Max was 6 months old. It was so fun to see the babies interact with each other (Nicole kept hitting Max on the head with a wooden rattle), especially since they are still good friends. Michelle gave us some Sandra Boynton board books, which have been a hit at our house ever since. Between nursing, baby cereal breaks and naps, I think it took us all day to open our presents!

*And who could forget Christmas 2007, when our furnace died? We woke up on the morning of the 23rd to a very cold house. It was a Sunday, so we couldn't get anyone to fix it until the 26th. We had some space heaters, but they knocked the power out of most of the house. So we bundled up as much as we could. Marc cooked hash browns in the bathroom. We didn't have any lights on the tree, but at least we had plenty of daylight. We spent the next day at our neighbor's house keeping warm. Unforgettable.

Sunday thoughts

The overriding message that reached me in church today was: turn to the Lord first. Not after you read a book on the subject, not after you drive yourself crazy turning over every nuance of your problem in your mind, and not after you exhaust every other possibility. Seeking help through prayer is not a last resort proposition. Sometimes I need that reminder.