This was our opening song in Sacrament meeting today, as well as in Relief Society.  I guess I needed to hear it.  I hope it brings comfort to others as well.

Hymn #123  Oh, May My Soul Commune with Thee
Oh, may my soul commune with thee
And find thy holy peace;
From worldly care and pain of fear,
Please bring me sweet release.

Oh, bless me when I worship thee
To keep my heart in tune,
That I may hear thy still, small voice,
And, Lord, with thee commune.

Enfold me in thy quiet hour
and gently guide my mind
To seek thy will, to know thy ways,
And thy sweet Spirit find.

Lord, grant me thy abiding love
And make my turmoil cease.
Oh, may my soul commune with thee
And find thy holy peace.

Stake Conference

We had a wonderful stake conference again.  I took lots of notes so I can remember the words that were said.  Sorry to say one of the talks I didn't take very many notes because I was busy listening.  That speaker was my brother-in-law, Kent.  He did a terrific job of making me think of things, so I was took busy listening and pondering to write.  Sorry Kent.  What notes I did take will help me remember my thoughts, which I'm not ready to share here, yet.  I will put them all in my personal journal.

Last night President Sharp showed us a Mormon Message that is also a book we have about a man who lost most of his family in a car accident because of a young driver.  He explains that he knew from the time he became aware of what had happened, he knew he had to forgive the driver.  It was a very moving video, not just about the loss the man experienced but forgiveness.  He stressed that if we don't forgive others for the things they have done to us, we are the ones who will miss out on blessings.  President Sharp spoke about how important it is that we forgive, and show it. We may think that we don't care, that we are free from the effects or pain of the things that hurt us, but if we don't let the person know, if we avoid them, if we don't let them know we are not holding any negative feelings about them, then sometime in the future we will realize that we are missing some blessings that would have come our way had we done as the Savior would have us do.  It is our responsibility to make sure our families are strengthened, that we aren't the link that is keeping families apart.  And "families" does not mean just spouses and children, but parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, grandchildren, etc.  When we are not working to strengthen families we are making Satan happy.   He talked about the need of repentance being as strong as the need of forgiveness, and that if we don't forgive we have greater need to repent than the person we did not forgive.  These notes are a blend of both of President  Sharp's talks, Saturday night and Sunday session.  They fit in very well together.

Mary Huntington also spoke on the same subject.  She told of a time when she was very offended by someone else and felt she had to call her parents and vent about it.  She was talking with her dad and he just said, "Mary, I'm sorry you are experiencing this, but you have to let it go or it will eat away at you for eternity."  She explained that he further said that if not in this life, but in the life to some she would have to learn that she could have made life better if she had let it go, that relationships are far more important than the anger, and that she was very wrong in not being understanding with the other person.

All the other talks were wonderful as well, but right now I have been pondering these three messages and seeing what I can do to strengthen myself.

I did have a scary experience when I nearly choked to death during the Sunday morning meeting.  I get these spasms when I can't swallow and I start to cough and can't get air, and I feel like I am ready to pass out before I start to breath again.  But that is another story.  I survived.

I am so thankful for the words I heard at conference. I hope I can keep the spirit I felt there and improve myself this week.

Another Wonderful Sunday

It seems I live for Sundays these days.  They are a great way to recharge my battery for the next week.  This Sunday was no exception.

We woke up about the usual time, but didn't need to get to church until an hour later because of the Brigham City Temple dedication.  We had debated about going to the early (9:00 am) session, but decided that with our home situation this week it would probably be easier to get ready for the 12:00 session.  And that was a good choice because it gave us the chance to watch one of our favorite Sunday shows, besides The Spoken Word.

We enjoy watching MormonTimes, which comes on at 10:00 right after The Spoken Word.  It is hosted by Michelle King and focuses on things that are important to Mormons.  Today she featured an author and her book.  I wish I could remember the author and the title of the book, but I am sure you can find it on the MormonTimes facebook page.  The book is about making your temple experiences even better.  The author started out talking about how a child knows that when you get cut, you wash your cut and put healing ointment on it, then wrap it in a clean covering so it can heal.  She likened this to the temple.  We are all hurt/broke/cut because we are human.  We go to the temple to wash our cuts, we have ointment put on to help us heal, then we are wrapped in a clean covering as we are healed.  These ordinances (baptism, washing and anointings, covenant making) all prepare us for the healing of the atonement. This got me thinking of the process in a totally different way.

Then she talked about the Story of the Good Samaritan.  We walk through life going lower because of sin, like the man who "went down from Jerusalem to Jericho" where he feel among thieves.  We are mortal and fall among temptations.  The Samaritan came to him, just as Christ has come to us.  He washed the man's wounds, and poured oil on him, and placed him on his own donkey (carried him), took him to an inn and took care of him.  He paid the price for the keeping of the man (atonement) and said the when he returns he will repay the inn keeper for whatever else he spends as he helps the man.  Christ will give us our reward if we help the sick and lowly.  He has already paid the price, but will also give us a reward.  He will carry us to the place of healing.  He will pour oil on our wounds. And help us to be healed, blessing others for helping us.

That story really touched my heart and helps me see things in a newer, deeper way.  I am thankful for that lesson.  Follow the link above to hear the entire interview with the author.  She has so many insights and my words do not give it justice.  I am looking forward to reading the book myself.....(hint to my children :)

At the temple dedication  it was stated that the lessons we learn in the temple are much like the message of mortality:  the creation, the fall, and the atonement.  Brother Nelson said this is the 14th temple in Utah, and the 139th in the world.  It brought to my memory when I was in high school seminary and we were having a Seminary Bowl contest.  One of the questions was: How many temples are there in the world today?  Brother Law said the answer was 12, but I challenged him.  I said there were at least 14, not remembering if it was 14 or 15.  We looked it up, not an easy feat because of no internet back in those olden days.  It turned out I was right because Ogden and Provo had been dedicated and they were Number 14 and 15.  Brother Law's Seminary Bowl answers were now out-dated.  Back in 1973-74 there were 15 temples in the world.  Today there are 14 in Utah only.  What a big change.  Still waiting and praying that someday our valley will have a temple, making it easier for all of us to get to a temple without a 2 hour drive over a mountain pass, which can be dangerous during the winter.

Another point that Brother Nelson spoke about was the temples prior to Christ's time on earth, and the temple during Christ's time.  During Christ's first cleansing of the temple, he called the temple "My Father's House."(John 2:16)   During the second cleansing of the temple he called the temple "My House" (Luke 19:46), and later He called it "Your House".(Luke 13:35)  It was then the people were told they would see him until later.

There were several other speakers during the dedication that raised points that I want to study in the next few weeks.  I hope I can get some time to research out their points.

In all, I learned a lot today and am looking forward to further scripture study.

This week has been very difficult for my husband and I as we have suffered while our bathroom is being gutted and repaired.  We have learned to appreciate our pioneer ancestors and the trials they went through without the facilities we so much take for granted.  We are thankful for the kind people who have offered their homes to us, the kind words of concern, and the offers of help.  We are just looking forward to having our home put back together again.

As for health, Garth is doing fine, but it is a slow process.  He is able to walk about 1-2 miles every day, but then it takes a long time to recover from the work-out.  He is helping me out in school by coming in and helping during the end of our reading hour and all of the math.  I really appreciate his help.

My legs are not getting any better. It is still unknown why the pain is so terrible.  I can stand on my leg for a long time, but stepping OFF the leg just brings me to tears.  I drag my leg along for several steps until the pain finally goes away.  My arm is going fine, but I can see that when the colder weather comes it will be stiffer and more painful to straighten out.  But in all, I guess I am doing fine.

We are both very thankful for all the blessings we do have, and pray for each of our family members to receive the blessings they desire at this time.  We don't always know the trials each of them is facing, but we pray for them all just the same.

I know that the Lord is in control and we receive the blessings He has in store for us if we are striving to do as He would have us do.  Our trial may be that we listen to His answers, to His directions, as He speaks to us.  That we accept that His will be done, and learn how to accept that in our own lives.  I know there are many blessings I would like but for some reasons right now I am being asked to wait for them.  It is difficult and trying sometimes,, but I am willing to wait because I know the Lord knows me and knows what is best for me.  Sometimes it is easy to doubt, but today, I know it is true.  I am writing this today so that in those days when I doubt I can read this and remember.

Great Sunday Lessons

It has been a very tiring week.  School started on a Tuesday, which made it seem extra long because we usually start on a Wednesday.  That one extra day made me tired!  One good thing did happen because of that.  We had Back-To-School night on Thursday, so with school starting on Tuesday, that meant we had an extra day in-between to get ready for the night.  That helped a lot!  We again had a family night with hot dogs, chips, and drinks.  We were hoping it would bring out more people, but it didn't seem like it.  However, when I counted the parents of my students I was surprised to have so many between the two different sessions.  I can't remember exactly right now, but I had more than half of the parents of my students there.  It was great.  I always wonder if I am able to give them information that will be helpful to them as they begin their journey as third grade parents.

We went to pick out things for our bathroom (that is a story in itself.  Suffice it to say our bathroom is broken and we need to fix it. Not something we wanted to do right now, but can't help it.) I hate spending money so it was a very difficult thing for me to do.  I hate spending, and I had making decisions because I'm not sure of my decisions and then get frustrated with myself.  It just wasn't a pleasant experience.

The one good thing was our visit with Nicky.  She has gone through some tough times this past summer, and along with the tough comes some good.  We love her and pray for her each day.  Some of our prayers on her behalf are being answered and more will be, we are sure.  We want her to be happy, to find those things that will bring her TRUE happiness.  That means hard choices need to be made, but we are sure she will be able to make the choices that will bring her the blessings she has been promised.  We also want her to know that we love her, and believe in her.  We are there to support her in the good things she does.

As we have gone through so many experiences this summer I am learning more and more about our responsibility to ourselves and others as far as support and love.  Today's sacrament meeting, Sunday School, and Relief Society lessons were all about love, support, contention,  and judging (and not judging others).  Contention is Satan's way of getting between people.  He is so smart about using it.  He knows that he can cause people to judge others as being 'not worthy' and thereby cause contention.  And when there is contention there is a lose of understanding, causing a lot of love, and in the end, destroying a family which is the basic unit of heaven.  And Satan wins.  At every point along the way things can change.  People may do wrong, make poor choices, do things that go against the word of the Lord.  This would bring the Lord's judgement upon only them.  But when others exercise their own judgment again that person, the 'wrong' grows to include the judge-er as well. If the judging is spread to others, contention can arise, which will spread the 'wrong' to even more people.  Notice all those "IFS" .  Things do not have to grow like this.  The original person will always be accountable for their choices, as will everyone else.  But, if we choose to judge, cause contention, spread words that discourage love and acceptance, we are also in the wrong.  We will receive the consequences for our actions.  Satan knows this.  What side do we want to be on?  The Lord would like the first person to accept their choices, and the rest of the people to show love, acceptance, support, and encouragement, so the contention does not grow and spread.

Then, in Relief Society, Shirley Van Ziverdan gave the lesson from the Ensign, which was President Uchtdorf's lesson about STOP IT!  She did a great job and pointing out the contention, judging, and forgiving that he stressed. It just went right along with the Sunday School lesson.  I guess I needed this lesson.   Here are some of my notes from her lesson:

Contention never was an allie to Christ.
Choose to either be right or want the relationship.
Strive to be compassionate.
Martha judged Mary, but Jesus' rebuke came when Martha complained.  If she had not complained Jesus would have noticed BOTH women's contribution to the feast.  It's OK to choose to do different things, but if we complain about another person, we might not receive the notice we desire.
Jesus walked among those who needed His love.  We should do the same.

 King Benjamin taught:

“Perhaps thou shalt say: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just—

“But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath done he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God. …

“And if ye judge the man who putteth up his petition to you for your substance that he perish not, and condemn him, how much more just will be your condemnation for withholding your substance” (Mosiah 4:17–18, 22).

And this:

My disciples, in days of old, sought ^aoccasion against one another and forgave not one another in their hearts; and for this ^bevil they were ^cafflicted and sorely ^dchastened.

 9 Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to ^aforgive one another; for he that ^bforgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.

 10 I, the Lord, will ^aforgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to ^bforgive all men.

In all, I learned a lot today.  But I didn't learn now to keep my fonts the same.  I'll experiment on that later.  I'm going to watch the special about Romney right now.

A New Year

If today is any indication of what the new year will be, it must be a great one!  What a wonderful way to start out the year for me.  I realize that not everyone is starting out the year with happiness and good things going on, but I sure did need the jump-start I got today.

First of all, we had a later church, so I didn't have to get up at my usual waking time to be to church by 9:00.  I actually slept until about 7:30, when just did not much until time to get ready for church.  We always leave for church about one-half hour before it is time for the meeting to start, at least that is our goal.  I am usually at the organ and I like to be playing before people start coming into the chapel.  And Garth has the calling to be an usher so he likes to be at his post early, so 10:30 was the time we wanted to go out the door.  At almost 10:00 I was in the process of getting the final touches on myself when I realized we should have been listening to The Spoken Word while we were getting ready.  I quickly turned on the TV and listened to the last song.  Then we just kept watching as the next show came on. It was a new show to us, since we have been in church by this time during the past year.  It is called Mormon Times and is hosted by Michelle King.  She had a guest author on who was speaking about her book.  I was sold on it as soon as she started to speak.  It is called "Live Life...and See Good Days".  She told that in her book she has 12 ways to see the good in every day, but today she focused on just three.  She was full of scriptures that helped her make her points.  Oh, to know the scriptures like she must!  (I ended up finding the book at Deseret Book and got an ebook copy for less than $10.00!  Can't wait to read it!)

Point #1 - Rise above what you are asked to do.  I didn't get the scripture for this reference, but she talked about how the Lord will help us overcome any obstacle we are met with.
Point #2 - Let your heart have great experiences - Sometimes we have to allow our hearts to feel and experience the good in things.
Point #3 - List what you love - Alma did so in his writing, even though he went through many trials.  In Alma 26:37 he is listing what good things he had, and how much joy he experienced, even through his trials. Ester spoke of her days of gladness.  She showed her Grandmother's Happiness journal, where she wrote the things that made her happy.  What a keepsake to have.

The show then went on to other things, but I went into the kitchen and looked through the latest Ensign.  I read the article on page 17 from Bro. Todd Christofferson, about how we need to keep close to the Lord every day so we can get the blessing He has for us.  He told how the people of Israel relied on the Lord giving them manna for their food each day.  It took them 40 years to learn that the Lord will keep his promise of manna, of food enough for their substance, to learn that they can rely on the Lord in all things.  He stressed that we also need to learn this lesson, that we can count on Him to give us the blessings we need when we learn to rely on Him and learn to go to Him with our needs.  This just really struck me and gave me lots to think about.

We saw a really nice video on the writing of the Book of Mormon in Sunday.  It was a seminary video, but helped me remember that the plates of gold are abridgements of larger plates, and who wrote each part of the Book of Mormon.  I liked it and hope we can see more.  It's been a long time since I have been to Seminary, and I know we didn't have fun videos like that!  More like film strips!

Then, the frosting on the cake, came at Relief Society.  I think it was meant just for me.  Our Relief Society president said she was inspired to have her sister-in-law speak to us.  I had noticed that most of the Law family was here visiting and was excited to get a hug from Janice Law, Dallin's wife.  They always sit in front of us, and they are always kind to us and acknowledge us every time they visit.  They know how special Bro. and Sister Law have been to our family.  So when I heard she was giving the lesson I knew it would be special.

Janice spoke about trials she has had to overcome in her life and how her trials have helped her turn to  Christ.  Her main thought was spoken many times:
 Whatever you focus on expands. 
Truer words can not be spoken! She stressed that we should be careful what we think about because it will consume our thoughts and grow out of porportion to reality.  You can find proof for what you look for.  If you feel you have been slighted or mistreated and that is your focus, you will find all the proof you need to convince yourself, and others, that you are right.  She told of a time when she felt down about things others had done, and she went to the Lord to find out what to do.  Her answer was to "bury your weapons' or the things you use to hurt others or to keep your pain going.  Just as the Book of Mormon people were told to bury their weapons so they wouldn't fight any more.  She quoted Ezekiel 36:26-27 where the Lord tells us that He will give us a new heart, a new spirit.  We need to pray to get that spirit and heart so that we don't feel the pain from others, and before we spread the pain on to others. 

She stressed that putting our focus on Christ will help us overcome any negative thoughts we might have, whether they are about ourselves, or our lot in life.  If we have difficult appointments we need to go to, if we focus on how the Lord can (and will) help us, we will see that the time will go much better.  If we focus on how difficult it is, we will see that it is difficult.  We need to put our focus on how He will help us, not how He tries us. 

She gave us several pointers on how we can focus on Christ.  #1 - Choose a street that you drive on every day, and decide that while you are on that street, or block, or area, that you will think about Christ.  #2 - Think about Christ as you fall asleep, thinking of stories or scriptures about Him, or ways you felt close to Him that day.  #3 - Tell yourself that you will think about Him at certain times of the day (doing dishes, or combing hair) and make it a habit.  Moroni 7:33 If you have faith in Him, He will give you power. 

She told how she was very hurt by something someone said, and how she wanted to call her mom, or her sister, or someone and tell how hurt she was.  Then she decided to kneel and pray about her hurt, realizing that if you focus on anger it will get bigger, but if you focus on Christ and think of the other person also at the feet of Christ asking for forgiveness, it makes it a little easier to calm those hurtful thoughts.  After Mormon had seen the terrible state of his people and the horrible things they were doing, he still wanted his son, Moroni, to remember how the Lord can lift you up.  Moroni 9:25.  If we are faithful to Christ, He will lift us upward.  Another scripture she used was D&C6:36-37.  Look unto Him in every thought, doubt not, fear not.

I really was impressed with the quote "Whatever you focus on Expands".  I see that in so many parts of my life, and those around me.  Some of those thoughts can consume us, while others help us to grow. No matter what situation we are in, we can look for good, and focus on good.  Especially focus on how the Lord can help us.  There is reason for everything, and He will help us find the lesson in all our situations.  We just need to focus on Him.

Just Some Random Thoughts

Garth told me it is time for an update, so since I love him and do EVERYTHING he tells me to do, I will write something.

Our life has just been filled with daily things.  Since our fun weekend with our family we have gone through many different emotions and experiences.  We didn't come home to Orangeville after the fun weekend in Salt Lake.  After the time at This is The Place Park, we spent another night in Salt Lake, then headed to Logan to attend our grandchildren's Primary Program.  Of course, it was great because they were wonderful. :)  We stayed there for a few more days because Barrett was going in for surgery that you can read about here on his wife's blog.  We are happy to say that the many prayers and people fasting have helped us see a miracle of health.  As far as we know, things are going well for him. 

We also had a great time with Barrett, Chantel, and the kids here for a weekend.  We so appreciate the time they have spent with us, and so thankful for them for helping us in so many ways.  We can't thank them enough.  They are working with all our children to help us do some of the things we have not been able to do here in our home.  We are humbled by the ways our kids are helping us, and we so appreciate it.  We love you all and pray for all of you to be blessed with those blessing that are waiting for you.

Today, we went to stake conference, which seemed really strange because we just had stake conference last month.  I'm sure there hasn't been another time when we have met as a stake twice within 2 months.  The meetings this week were very good.  Last night we listened to a therapist who works with people with addictions, specifically addiction to pornography.  She didn't talk about how to over the addiction, but how to help our loved ones and how we can help others who might be suffering from any addition.  Some of my notes say: 

Kathy Kinghort:
*When people run from emotions, they run to something to replace the emotion. So if they are running from caring, they replace it with something else. 
*We need to face our emotions, call them what they are, and work through them.
*We need to share feelings, especially those that are uncomfortable to talk about.  If we have feelings 'against' a person, especially someone in our family, we must confront the feeling and talk it out with the person.  And an email or facebook message isn't that way to do it.  It just be a phone call or face-to-face talking.  But it shouldn't be confrontational, either, but done in love because family is most important.  It must be done in a loving way, with everyone looking for a solution and working together.
*Don't deny or put the blame on someone else.
*Do not be deceptive.  Be honest. Figure out what emotion you are reacting to, name the emotion, and you can have power over it.  She told a story about how she was traveling to Idaho to present at a group of people.  She wanted to take the 'sporty' car but her husband said she would get a ticket. Se assured him she would drive carefully, but sure enough, she did.  Her immediate thought was "I won't tell my husband." Then she immediately wondered where that deception came from.  She decided it was pride.  Her pride was hurt because he was right, she did get a ticket and was mad that he was right.  She could have paid the fine without him even knowing it, but that would not have been honest.  She called him up and told him right first thing, that she had gotten a ticket, she would pay it, and she didn't want to talk about it any more.  There was no need to discuss it any more, she had faced it, knew it was wrong, told him, then it was time to drop it.  It wouldn't do him any good to laugh at her, get angry at her, anything.  It was over, she knew how he felt, he knew she was honest with him.  That is the way relationships should be. 
*If we are doing things we don't want our spouse to see, (gaming, playing, looking, spending time visiting with someone we shouldn't, etc) we need to be honest with ourself and do what we need to do right at that moment to stop it.
*How do we react to our emotions?  What do the scriptures show us?  All through the scriptures there are example of how people have reacted to the same emotions  we feel today.  Like others, we need to stop, and walk away from evil things.  Like Nephi, we need to confront our loved ones and tell them what they know they should be doing.  Learn to look to the scriptures to find our answers.
*When clients come to her, she explains that they cannot get over an addiction in a day, week, or month.  But they can think, "What do I have to do to stop today?"  Take each day as it comes, and stop for that day. 
*Get on your knees, ask for help.  Don't get on your feet and run away, drop to your knees and ask for help.
*Do not isolate yourself.  Even adults, no matter what the circumstances.  Adults think they can keep computers in a place where no noise from the family bothers them, but no matter what, the computer needs to be in the open where everyone can see. 
*Start talking about feelings.  Ask each other "How did you feel today?"  What made you upset?  What made you happy?  Don't just ask about how school or work was.  Get our children talking about feelings, and seeing how adults work through their feelings.  Everyone has times they are sad, but what do they do about it?  How can we help each other?
*She suggested looking at "salifeline" if we need more help
She said so many things that were good suggestions.  I just couldn't get all of them down. 

We then heard from Sis. Slack, an assistant matron from the Manti Temple.  She spoke of blessings we can get from temple attendance.
*She suggested we read Elder Asay's comments in the 1997 Ensign, as well as Oct. 2010, page 75. 
*We are promised our loved ones will be watched over when we attend the temple.  I remember this from the time we had small children.  That was a great comfort to us when we traveled to the temple.
*Families will be closer to each other.  Another great promise.
*The veil will be thin.

President Slack - There should be a picture of the temple in every one's room.
*The atonement didn't just happen in the garden, but on the cross, and in the tomb.
He made us feel better about our travel to Manti.  He said it is very difficult to get over that mountain.  In fact, he and his wife would be traveling to Salina to get home to Mt. Pleasant because of the storm over the mountain.  He admitted our travel is very difficult, but the Lord recognizes it is so.

President Sharp - I always love to listen to him.  Although the spirit was very strong, as soon as he stood up to talk there wasn't a sound in the place.  It was like the spirit doubled.  All the members of our stake know he loves us so much and always has so much to tell us.  His message was that we need to allow others to repent. 
*We must have faith unto repentance, and love unto forgiveness.
*We must begin where we are, but we don't need to stay there.
*It is our duty to love unto forgiveness.

This morning we listened to a broadcast from Salt Lake, with Tad Callister conducting.  Here are my notes:

David M. McConkie:

*Don't forget the priesthood - A father learns his duty in a quorum. As a priesthood holder, he needs to be in his quorum meeting, where he learns to be a father.  Mothers must be in Relief Society or Primary where they learn to be mothers.

      Garth and I remembered when he was in the Stake Sunday School Presidency and we had a General Authority here for conference.  During the adult meeting on Saturday night, he spoke about the importance of all three church meetings, but really explained how important each one is.  He actually got down on his knees to the left of the podium, leaned against that railing there, pointed to everyone and said "Sunday School is where you study the scriptures.  Be there to learn.  Priesthood and Relief Society is where you learn to be parents.  Be there if you aren't teaching Primary."  He said there was no excuse for not being there.  He said it so pointed, even told bishops, counselors, clerks, presidencies, that there should be no counting of money, no presidency meetings, no interviews, nothing during Sunday time.  Be where you are supposed to be.
*The advisary attacks the home - He isn't at church, but in our homes.  Don't let him win over our homes.
*Kids need parents who love and teach the gospel. 
*Quorums should teach how to teach our children, how to be good parents, and good spouses.
*Don't assume that others know - teach the duties of parents.
*Live so you have the spirit of the Lord with you.

Jean Stevens - General Primary Presidency

*Find ways to make General Conference fun for kids.

*We need to get to higher ground by listening to those who are older and wiser.

*Do not give up if everyone in your family is not holding tight and getting to higher ground.  Go and get them.

*She then quoted a scripture (I think it was Isiah 41: 10) the words to How Firm a Foundation...(I always think in songs.)

Tad Callister - Quorum of the Seventy

*Some homes are simply boarding homes - with no relationships

*The Lord can change your hearts toward each other.

*He strengthens marriages.

*Commit to make it work.
*There is no other alternative - work together.
*Think of it as the "I" principal.  How can "I" be better?  Ask your spouse, How can I be better?
*Communicate with a contrite spirit.
*Blame doesn't change - patience, willingness helps.
*No good in winning an argument and losing a marriage.
*Make each other happy.
*Our spouse needs our time.  Give it to them.
*Courtship after marriage.  But it can happen in the home, not always away from home.
*A husband's willingness to help with household chores shows love.
  He really stressed how a husband MUST help out.  It is no more HER duty.  The home belongs to both.
*Stay out of debt - unnecessary debt to get ahead.
*Speak in kind voices - strengthen the relationship
*Compliment each other.
*Make parenting a joint effort.
*Plan together - family home evenings, schedules for the week, etc.
*Pray together...pray together...pray together
*The Lord can work miracles in our marriages.  He wants to be our partner.  He wants our marriages to work and WILL help us.

Russell M Nelson - Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

*The Lord has need of each of us.

*Bring every one person back.

*Satan would like you to defile your body.

*We are raising our children in Satan's territory.  We must teach our children to overcome it.

*Exercise your own agency.  That is the conflict.

*Body and spirit - our choices determine our happiness.
*Satan never sleeps.  He works at us all the time.
*Consequences - we obey laws because we should.  We will be held accountable for obeying God's laws.
*Secret chambers - shun pornography - it is as addictive as meth.
*We should stand for the right to declare our love of Christ.
*If we are on the Lord's side He will be on our side.  He will help our children and our children's children.  -----I'm going to hold him to this promise!  By making sure I am doing what I need to do to show the Lord I am on his side.  That is the clue...We have to show that we are on His side.
*We must work to show our worthiness.

As usual, we came away from conference with a stronger determination to do better, work together better, to show the Lord that we want to be worthy of the blessing and promises He was ready for us.

Sometimes it seems that a testimony is just something that is recited each month by the same people in fast and testimony meeting. It might be something that other people can have but that seems to be lacking in ourselves. Or we just become so complacent with our believes that we don't notice our own testimony. A testimony can fade if we don't put forth some effort to keep it, which can happen without us even realizing it. When I get "lazy" and "slothful", when I don't take the time to read the scriptures or pray, that strong feeling of testimony fades, so slowly that I don't even realize it. Because I have had hands placed upon my head and given the gift of the Holy Ghost to be my constant companion, I might still feel a prompting that I need to do something to work on my testimony. The Holy Ghost may still be able to prompt me to read or pray just a little bit, to get that testimony come to life again. Just like the tiny spark in a fire that has been allowed to burn out, that when air is blown on it the fire flickers slowly back to life, a testimony can return a small flicker at a time. My responsibility is to feed it the correct fuel to return my testimony to what it once was.

As we grow and learn in the homes of our parents, most of us just mindlessly attend church, read the scriptures because the family does, pray together because the family does, and do all those "right" things because the family does. Hopefully our parents have taught us the essential things that we can base a testimony upon. One of those essential things is that we need a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ for ourselves. There comes a point in every one's life when we must decide for themselves if ourselves if we believe in Jesus Christ or not. In order to know for ourselves we must put in the time, effort, and energy to receive our own testimony. Because we have been blessed with the gift of the Holy Ghost, we are entitled to receive an answer to our prayers on one condition, that we remain worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost. That means that we live our lives, make the decisions that we should, so that a member of the Godhood can give us the witness we need to keep that fire burning. Several times the past few weeks I have heard speakers reinforce that true happiness can only come into our lives when we are living worthy to have the Holy Ghost with us to answer our questions and prompt us to do that which is right.

For some reason I have had this burned into my soul the past few weeks. Here is what the church says about having our own testimonies: (This is taken from lds.org)

"A testimony is a spiritual witness given by the Holy Ghost. The foundation of a testimony is the knowledge that Heavenly Father lives and loves His children; that Jesus Christ lives, that He is the Son of God, and that He carried out the infinite Atonement; that Joseph Smith is the prophet of God who was called to restore the gospel; that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Savior's true Church on the earth; and that the Church is led by a living prophet today. With this foundation, a testimony grows to include all principles of the gospel.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have the sacred opportunity and responsibility to obtain their own testimonies. Having obtained a testimony, each member has a duty to nurture it throughout life. Happiness in this life and throughout eternity depends largely on whether individuals are "valiant in the testimony of Jesus" (D&C 76:79; see also D&C 76:51, 74, 101). Testimony grows through the application of the following principles:

The quest for a testimony begins with a righteous, sincere desire. Speaking to a group of people who did not yet have testimonies of the gospel, Alma taught: "If ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words" (Alma 32:27).

Testimony comes through the quiet influence of the Holy Ghost. The results of a testimony can be miraculous and life changing, but the gift of testimony usually comes as a quiet assurance, without spectacular displays of God's power. Even Alma, who had been visited by an angel and had seen God sitting on His throne, needed to fast and pray so he could receive a testimony through the power of the Holy Ghost (see Alma 5:45–46; 36:8, 22).

Testimony grows gradually through experiences. No one receives a complete testimony all at once. It grows as individuals show willingness to serve in the Church and to study, pray, and learn. It increases as individuals obey God's commandments."

End of quote

As parents, Garth and I tried to teach our children the things that we know to be true. We might not have done a great job of it, and we realize that each of our children need to gain their own testimony. But it is our desire that they life their lives so that they can have the Holy Ghost as their companion to help them find that testimony of their own. We love all of our children and want them with us for eternity. It is our prayer that they all gain their own testimony by reading the scriptures (more than a day or two, or even a week, or month), pray for answers and help in their lives, and make the decisions to live their life so the Holy Ghost can testify to them. Yesterday in Sunday School it was again said that the Holy Ghost cannot testify of things that are NOT true. He cannot testify to un-truths, only to things that are true. So we each need to ask the correct questions to receive answers to things that are true.

I know that Jesus Christ laid down his life for us to have eternal life, and that we each have a responsibility to live so that His gift of the atonement can work for us. I know that there is a way for us to return to live with our Heavenly Father again, which is what He desire most for us. It is His plan. We just have to take the right steps to get there.

Just Some Research

Saturday I traveled to Provo for a lunch with my sisters. We missed having our oldest sister and her daughters with us, and Tammy wasn't able to be there, either, but it was nice to visit with those who could come. As always, the conversations were even better than the food, and the food was great. I always have a difficult time deciding what to order because it all looks (or sounds) so good. Pictures, please, on the menus!

Our conversation lead me to some thinking, so I decided to do some of my own research. Maybe it is because I haven't had to write any papers for college classes, but whatever the reason, I wanted to look up some references on one of the points we discussed, just for my own knowledge. The question came up about the Word of Wisdom and where the directive came to include tea and coffee with the "hot drinks." I remembered an institute class from college where we studied modern issues with latter-day prophets directives, kind of like the pierced earrings issue. We had a lesson on caffeine, tobacco, and drug use. There was a hand-out about coffee, especially de-decaffeinated (at the time de-caf was a new thing). I remember the hand-out because I saved it for a long time but apparently I dejunked it lately.) So I got on LDS.org and did some research. Now, mind you, it was just for my information and not to justify myself or anyone else, just a silly thing I like to do when a point interests me. I'm not trying to justify myself, point any fingers, change the world's opinions or anything, just writing my findings about the subject. I hope no one takes any offense or thinks I'm out of line....just writing my findings here. You are all still free to do and think what you want and I will love you all anyway.

I was wondering if there was any documentation as to when coffee (and tea) were specifically mentioned as part of the Word of Wisdom. The Word of Wisdom states:
5 That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him.
6 And, behold, this should be wine, yea, a pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make.
7 And, again, astrong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.
8 And again, tobacco is not for the abody, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.
9 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.

No specific reference to coffee here. What exactly are "hot drinks"? Many people will asked "What about hot chocolate, wassail, and other hot drinks? So more research....
When I searched "Word of Wisdom" I found this under "Additional Information:
Tea and coffee (see D&C 89:9; latter-day prophets have taught that the term "hot drinks," as written in this verse, refers to tea and coffee).

When people purposefully take anything harmful into their bodies, they are not living in harmony with the Word of Wisdom. Illegal drugs can especially destroy those who use them. The abuse of prescription drugs is also destructive spiritually and physically.

So, latter-day Prophets added it, but when? More research. I couldn't find anywhere where Joseph Smith said anything about coffee and tea, perhaps he enjoyed a cup himself and didn't want to change his lifestyle! :) So, where do we find it mentioned: The earliest thing I can find is from Brigham Young, the prophet who followed Joseph Smith, so he must have been the first one to mention these two substances. Here is what I found:
The Spirit whispers to me to call upon the Latter-day Saints to observe the Word of Wisdom, to let tea, coffee, and tobacco alone, and to abstain from drinking spirituous drinks. This is what the Spirit signifies through me.
He also states: I know that some say the revelations upon these points are not given by way of commandment. Very well, but we are commanded to observe every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (DBY, 182–83).

I thought it was interesting that he reminds us it was not given by way of commandment, but we should follow what the prophets say. But why add tea and coffee?
In the same article we find this:
This Word of Wisdom prohibits the use of hot drinks and tobacco. I have heard it argued that tea and coffee are not mentioned therein; that is very true; but what were the people in the habit of taking as hot drinks when that revelation was given? Tea and coffee. We were not in the habit of drinking water very hot, but tea and coffee—the beverages in common use (DBY, 182).
I wonder when people first started drinking hot chocolate? There is more about the benefits of all points of the word of wisdom, including eating grains, fruits, and sleeping enough but not too much. There is a lot in the "directive" which I personally don't follow to a "tea" (pun intended). I don't think I am the only person in the world who doesn't follow the WofW with true fidelity.

There is also documented information about the affect of caffeine on the body:
Coffee and the caffeine it contains plays a major role in dozens of diseases in the United States, from the number one killer, heart disease, to the number one physical complaint, chronic fatigue. (Goulart, 1984 This is taken from an article called "Caffeine-The Subtle Addition.

Medical researchers have long suspected that coffee consumption contributes to diseases affecting the heart or the blood vessels attached to the heart. Obtaining conclusive data, though, has been difficult. Many studies measured coffee drinking at a time remote from reported heart problems. Other studies did not adequately consider important variables such as cigarette smoking, age, and cholesterol level in the blood. They could not establish whether the heart disease primarily resulted from drinking coffee.

Since 1980, however, several research teams have published significant medical reports demonstrating that the chronic abuse of caffeine is very risky. Researchers at the National Center for Health Statistics and Johns Hopkins Medical School, for example, recently published their findings from a thirty-year study that confirmed a close relationship between coffee intake and coronary heart disease. (LaCroix et al., 1986.)

But what about de-caffeinated drinks? From the same article: Some people avoid caffeine by switching to decaffeinated coffee. However, several medical investigations over the last decade have shown that between 40 and 50 percent of decaffeinated coffee drinkers have gastrointestinal difficulties, such as ulcers, colitis, or diarrhea. (Goulart, 1984.) Decaffeinated coffee stimulates the production of stomach acid because the roasting of coffee beans releases harsh acids and oils that irritate stomach linings. One study of 13,000 patients in Boston, Massachusetts, area hospitals also showed that the risk of developing myocardial infarction was the same for decaffeinated coffee drinkers as it was for regular coffee drinkers. (Health Letter, 1982.)
It goes on to say that the effects of restlessness, jittery, irritability, nervousness, etc, are directly related to body-size, which explains why none of that
seems to affect me! This article ends with the following:

According to a statement in the Priesthood Bulletin of February 1972 (volume 8, number 1), “There has been no official interpretation of [the] Word of Wisdom except that which was given by the Brethren in the very early days of the Church when it was declared that ‘hot drinks’ meant tea and coffee.

“With reference to cola drinks, the Church has never officially taken a position on this matter, but the leaders of the Church have advised, and we do now specifically advise, against the use of any drink containing harmful habit-forming drugs under circumstances that would result in acquiring the habit. Any beverage that contains ingredients harmful to the body should be avoided.”

What about the caffeine in chocolate, or other sodas or drinks? Here is a chart that shows the amounts of caffeine in these:

I would post the chart here but the formatting doesn't copy right. If you are interested you will just have to follow the link. But it shows that there is a significantly larger amount of caffeine in coffee. Now, a 44-oz cup of Pepsi or Coke is approaching the same as a cup of coffee. Diet pills have even more.

Myself, I used to drink cherry coke all the time. I stopped when I was told that because of my asthma medication, the carbonation wasn't good for my bones. It wasn't the caffeine I was worried about, but the soda part. I will drink a root beer with a hamburger, but with most meals i drink water. That is just my preference because of my medical condition. As for coke vs. Pepsi, I don't really like the taste of either. Just my own opinion.

So, for what it is worth, that is what I found. I will continue to eat chocolate, I love my hot chocolate in the morning (the hazel nut is wonderful, but I also like the raspberry, or cherry chocolate.....) I love roasted vegetables, but also eat more meat then I should. I don't get enough sleep...and don't exercise enough. I guess I don't follow the word of wisdom the way I should, but I'm still okay with it. I see the benefits of its message and see where I need to improve, but I will still fall short of following it to a TEA. (something I never have tried)

Busy Weekend

I spent Saturday getting my supply of chili sauce for the year all bottled and ready for winter. Nicky was here and helped me by putting the tomatoes into the hot water and fishing them out and into the cold water. I peeled tomatoes, and peeled tomatoes, cut them and measured. Yes, I got all the salt and sugar in this year. It should be a good patch. All that cooking and stirring got us 11 1/2 pints of chili sauce. And Nicky got a good laugh at me trying to fish out the hot lids from the water. It was a quiet day because we didn't even have a BYU football game to watch.

Sunday morning I was very slow getting ready for church. The time just passed away and before I knew it, it was already 8:10 and I didn't have make-up or hair done, and was still in my robe. I hurried to get a sice of toast so I could take my medicine, then rushed to get thrown together and out the door. And we were still the first ones there! It was my turn to play the organ this month so I had to start by 8:45 (My rules, no one else's.) I just can't handle it when I walk into a meeting and there is no prelude music. It really sets the mood of the meeting IF someone is playing and someone else is listening. Lately, no one but Dad listens.

We were planning on rushing on up to SLC to listen to Lexi in her Primary program. She called Saturday night and really wanted us to come see her. I said we might not be able to get there, and I could hear the tears in her voice and it just broke my heart. I can't stand to hear my little ones cry! Big kids, cry all you want, but little one's can't. So, after a LONG meeting (overtime, no 'practice song'), we made it to their church just before it started. Man were Koy and Kayden excited to see Grandpa! Lexie was so good with her part and sang all the songs so well. We were glad to be able to be there.

We went to IHOP for lunch so Josh didn't need to cook dinner. Not that he isn't a good cook, but we were rushed to get back and wanted to have time to visit with the kids and.....just an excuse. I know Lexi loves IHOP, even if she didn't have a really great experience there. The one good thing was that Kayden at a whole pancake and 1/2 of another one! He was so proud of himself! He had to show us his empty mouth. He can stuff as much in his mouth as Barrett could at that age. But he chewed it and swallowed it all. We were so proud of him!

Dad and I got home in time for The Amazing Race and time to rest a little bit. It as a very busy weekend after a busy week.

This morning I finished Maxwell's name on his Christmas stocking! Now all I have to do is get the fabric for the back and get it sewn together and sent off. Making any bets about getting it all done by Christmas?

Now I am going to bed. I wrote two three page papers and I am tired.