A Hyacinth For Thy Soul

I have always loved this beautiful verse, written by MOSLIH EDDIN (MUSLIH-UN-DIN) SAADI (SADI), who was a major Persian poet of the medieval 13th century. I think this poem is so rich with wisdom! Today I just had to make this picture in photoshop as I think of my many, many, blessings!

In my book "Joy Outweighs The Sorrow" I stated, "The only REAL poverty in this world is spiritual." I believe that! And, I love what the Lord teaches us in Isaiah 55:1 "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." When I read this verse I realise that the Lord gives us the most important things in this life freely, and if we listen carefully, we can hear the Lord whisper, "Look up, see your "tender mercies" the Hyacinths I provided today---just for you!

I'm so grateful for so much beauty, so much good, and so many blessings all around me everyday that feeds my soul, when I remember to look for them!

Grateful

That old question--is the glass half-empty or half-full? This year I want to see ALL the fullness in this beautiful world our Father in Heaven has provided. I want to see all the blessings in all the people in my life. I think it was Abraham Lincoln who said that if you look for the bad in someone you will surely find it. I think we find exactly what we look for in everything.

I remember the book "The Hiding Place" by Corrie Ten Boom. What a powerful book, I need to read it again. Her sister found blessings even in the fleas that infested their holocaust prison. She realized, and pointed it out to her sister and other prisoners, that the fleas protected the precious bible they had hidden from the guards. For her the glass was always overflowing with gratitude, and she was able to pass on faith and hope to all around her, even in the worst possible condiditons. This year I want to be like Corrie Ten Boom's sister Betsy!

Happiness/Gratitude

I really like this quote, because I believe it with all my heart!

"Happiness...does not depend on obtaining all the desires of our hearts. In large measure, happiness depends on our ability to feel gratitude for the abundance we already have." Carolyn Wright, Tambuli, Nov 1994, 11

Happy Thanksgiving!

From Grandpa's Jungle to Grandma's Kitchen

When A Migraine Is Good News!

I feel as though I was given my life back. Last week after another in a bazillion episodes of TIA symptoms Ron put his foot down and took me to the emergency room at University Hospital. They kept me over night for observation and tests, and determined that I was having an aberrant form of silent migraine (without the pain) which totally mimics stroke symptoms. They have put me on an anti-seizure medication which should stop the cycle.

I've been on the medication about a week and I have to say that I feel good! My mind is so clear, almost like someone who gets glasses for the first time and realizes that a leaf on a tree has veins in it. My biggest problem right now is deciding what to do with the rest of my life! I know I've spent the last decade (literally) waiting for a big stroke to kill me. When the symptoms happened they were really frightening!

Migraines sound so manageable compared to a stroke. I'm realizing (though no one can be certain when their time on earth is up) that I can probably see my grandchildren grow, go on a mission with my husband, and though I'd never want to be a burden, I may even be a really old lady for my kids to take care of!

Embrace This Day!

Embrace this day with an enthusiastic welcome, no matter how it looks!

Perspective

"The full cup versus empty cup is up to how we view our circumstances. And who we determine to follow!

Our ‘lot’ or ‘little’ may be dependent upon how poor or rich we observe our allotment to be. The gratitude in our souls for the road ahead of us, and the chance to walk it according to gospel truths, may determine how rich our journey seems."

(Vickey Pahnke Taylor)

A Few Times I've Seen "His" Image

Last week I was at DSW shoe store and noticed a tiny beautiful grey haired lady. We smiled as we passed each other and I had to turn around and watch her for a moment. Then as I was trying on a pair of shoes she startled me by giving her opinion of them. We struck up a conversation and I commented on her delightful accent. She was born and raised in England, but moved to Salt Lake in the 70's after joining the church. I wish I'd had a camera to capture "Ettie's" sweet face. This little woman in her eighties goes about doing good. After hearing of the divorces of some of the royal family in England, Ettie actually wrote a letter of encouragement to the Queen, telling her that under her difficult circumstances, Ettie believed she had been a good mother. The Queen of England graciously wrote back expressing appreciation for the encouragement. I could imagine gracious little Ettie being comfortable around the Queen and equally comfortable in the most humble shack. She made ME feel so wonderful, I walked out of that store feeling like a queen myself!

She reminded me of an old man I met in China in 2006 when Ron and I were privileged to visit Beijing and Xian on a company convention. We were in Beijing, rushing as a large group through Jingshan Park down a covered walkway, when I passed this old man riding slowly on a curious, oversized tricycle. He smiled up at me and I immediately felt wonder—I felt loved. I felt a safe, warm, electric connection and I wondered who he was. I stopped to take his picture and then he held my hand and patted it and looked into my soul with his wise old beautiful, light filled eyes! This all happened within moments and then Ron was there pulling me away—away from a timeless place, far removed from the bustle and noise—to rejoin our group before we became separated. I felt the glow for hours.

These rare and memorable encounters remind me of a quote from C.S. Lewis: "There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts civilization—these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a knit. But it is immortals with whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit—immortal horrors or everlasting splendors . . . your neighbor is the holiest object presented to your senses. It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship . . . ~C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory, (1949)

These encounters also remind me of Alma 5:14: "And now behold, I ask of you my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God. Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?"

A few times in my life I have truly seen "His" image!

I Can't Count My Blessings!

My goodness. I started counting my blessing this morning and my cup is running over! Isn't fall just the most beautiful season? But, then there is the new beauty of spring and of course the quiet rest and stillness of winter! Ah, but can anything surpass a summer rose? I love this beautiful world the Lord has given us!

Christ as Our Forerunner

Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Hebrews 6:20

This morning I read a post on Donna's blog "Connections" about Christ as our Forerunner. "A forerunner is an extremely picturesque and evidently ancient calling. He may now be seen to the best advantage in the large towns of Egypt. When rich people drive or ride abroad, a servant attends them, called, a sais, or groom, whose duty it is to run on foot at some distance in front of his master’s horse or carriage."

According to Donna this runner clears the way in the busy crowded streets, opens gates, announces and waits upon their master. As I contemplate the Savior of the Universe doing something like this for me, it takes my breath away! I seem at a loss for words to express myself. It truly is something amazing to contemplate and gives us an insight into how the Lord views us and our potential! I cannot help but think of the temple and what we learn about there.

I recommend going to Donna's site to read her entire post. For me it is an incredibly deeper insight into "Christ as our advocate with the Father!"

http://donna-connections.blogspot.com/2009/10/christ-as-foreunner.html

Beautiful Flowers - Beautiful Night

I wrote this post on July 29th and I'm finally publishing it tonight.

Today I bought some ragtag, leftover flowers at Walmart, and put them together in hanging baskets. I hung them in the empty space by our swimming pool where we had to remove a diseased tree and some shade flowers under the apple tree. They look so happy tonight. I had to visit them just before I went to bed. The night was warm and comforting and beautiful, and as I stepped outside I was greeted with the sweet scent of my huneysuckle and a loud chirping cricket! My little pots of leftover flowers looked so much happier than when I brought them home. I think the Miracle Grow is already reviving them! This week I have felt like the "leftover" flowers, but as I tended to the least of His flowers today, Heavenly Father worked His own loving, comforting miracle in my heart. I'm also grateful for dear friends who tenderly minister to me and love me! Thank You!

I took the pictures tonight. What a difference ten days of love has made to those "marked down" rescued flowers. Doesn't it make you want to sit on the lawn swing by the apple tree and talk into the warm night about wonderful things? Can you smell the honeysuckle, and hear the crickets!

How I love my Heavenly Father who gave us flowers to “gladden our heart!”

What an amazing June we had. Our Eric was born, Julie & Aubrie came from Philadelphia and we had such a wonderful, wonderful visit! And, we had a surprise birthday party for Ron's 60th birthday! All this in the space of a couple of weeks. Busy, busy--- fun, fun summer! We miss Julie and Aubrie so much. They just have to get a job closer to home after Brent finishes school.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Another Tender Mercy

My goodness, how much I get done by getting ready for the day EARLY! My back is sore but my heart is full! Each year we have tried to do at least one thing to improve our yard. This year I wanted to get the brick like edgers to finally do some nice edging around our grass and shrubs. Well, I can't complain because we did get a fence and I really am grateful for it. But, oh human nature, we long for that which we cannot have.
This recession is really getting to Ron's business. He is under so much stress. He works twice as hard for about half the money. It's hard to take a 50% cut in pay and we wonder where it will end, but oh, I'm so grateful we have an income and a deed to our home! As I was working in my flower garden I felt a little sad I couldn't have the nice manufactured edging as I pulled some weeds out of the makeshift rock edging I did in front of my porch. As I looked at the rock I realized I really do love the copper and granite and dark and blonde colors in it. In fact I intended to match those colors in edging. I got a sudden idea to gather more rock from my yard. Yes, we have the stoniest ground! I thought of the picturesque stones walls we saw in England and realized that people built them from the rocks they had to clear from their land to farm. They used what they had and it was charming. Well, I've spent the morning gathering rocks. Mostly little rocks. And, I've made an edging. The LORD provided the materials! As I worked I thought about how the rocks were like people, all sizes and shapes. Some plain, others colorful and beautiful. But together they make a fine edging. Most of them were living in obsurity, half buried, just waiting to be discovered and appreciated! At least I appreciate them!
May 5, 2009 (New Fence)
March 9, 2009 (Old Fence)

What a difference 2 months can make!

Come What May And Love It

Elder Wirthlin passed away today. What a wonderful man. I used his talk from conference last month for my visiting teaching message. I love his message because it is something I am only beginning to understand and barely trying to implement in my life. Ron can handle adversity like this. So can Becky. At Becky's wedding breakfast her father paid her the highest compliment when he said to her new husband, "Zak, I want you to know that when things go wrong (and they surely will) I can think of no one I would rather be with than Becky!" He then went on to tell the story of their camping trip on the top of a mountain. They had back-packed in and set up camp barely before it began to rain. And then all night long it rained and it was cold and the water seeped in. Finally about 4:00 a.m. their tent collapsed with the weight of sleet and snow. It was pitch black outside and they could do nothing but wait until dawn to pack up and hike out. So, the two of them laughed and told stories as their teeth chattered and they continued to get wet. Instead of complaining and gripping Becky eased the load. Ron felt bad enough that his daughter was in this miserable situation. I love that she can do that!

I'm trying so hard to be more like Ron and Becky! (He taught her how) what an example they are to me. I'm grateful that he has put up with me all these years when I have not responded as well. In my family growing up everyone's glass was always half empty and I saw Elder Wirthlin's comments literally played out on a daily basis growing up. He said:

"Have you ever seen an angry driver who, when someone else makes a mistake, reacts as though that person has insulted his honor, his family, his dog, and his ancestors all the way back to Adam? Or have you had an encounter with an overhanging cupboard door left open at the wrong place and the wrong time which has been cursed, condemned, and avenged by a sore-headed victim?

There is an antidote for times such as these: learn to laugh."

I have observed both Ron and Becky say, "Well, you can't change it anyway, might as well make the best of it!"

I think I am able to understand this whole concept better, because I am learning to be grateful! Several years after Robert died my Relief Society President challenged me to count my blessings! She wouldn't leave me alone until I promised her that I would count five blessings a day. She was so ernest and kind I did it for her and it was pretty easy for about a week. But, the only rule was I could not count the same blessing twice, so it forced me to become more and more specific. I did it for a few months and I could NOT believe how it changed my life. I love the hymn "Count Your Blessings"! It's almost my favorite hymn. It constantly surprises me "What The Lord has done!" And, done, and done, and done, and done! I'd start listing all my blessings but NO ONE has time to read them all!

Thanks Elder Wirthlin for the wonderful Thanksgiving message! And thanks, Ron and Becky for living it!

Hey!!! Hoorah!!! I think I finally did it! I had a good attitude on Thanksgiving day didn't I? I thought the whole thing was pretty funny even while it was happening---maybe even funnier than Ron did. Of course food is pretty important to him, and I didn't really care that much because I didn't have to cook, so I don't know how much it counts, but still---I laughed! I LAUGHED when the day went wrong!

Now if I can only laugh next time . . .

So Thankful!

What a funny Thanksgiving we had this year. So different! I told Ron that this is one we will remember because: tragedy plus time = humor! We didn't have a real tragedy so the day became something to laugh about as it unfolded.

Kids, as you know your Dad is a good sport! All I can say is it's a good thing that Kristi made him such a lovely turkey dinner when he was with her and Julie last month. He kept saying, "It's okay, I had a great turkey meal a few weeks ago!" Thanks, Kristi! And, thanks Jules for the "turkey a-la-king" you made your Dad before he left!

Now, about Thanksgiving: All of our children had dinner at the in-laws this year, so that left Ron and I. I have fed the five-thousand for 36 years (which I love and look forward to many times more) but I decided it was time for a year off, so we planned to go out to dinner and a movie. The movie we wanted to see wasn't there. (We didn't check, we just assumed!) So we saw "The Boy In Stipped Pajamas" which was really well done, but a little sobering and sad for Thanksgiving Day. Okay! So, it was then on to dinner. Except we didn't even think that almost EVERY restaurant in town was closed --- even the fast food! After driving around forever we found one open with a line longer than you could believe. So instead we found a Smith's open, and we figured we'd get something from the deli. Could you believe it was closed? I was grateful though that the workers were home and didn't have to work.

Well, we bought a store brand pizza, brought it home, and baked it (it was the WORST pizza I have eaten in a long time!) I think the taste was even worse than the heartburn it gave me afterward! Then, it was off to a viewing. That's right, a friend of ours died and the family had the viewing on Thanksgiving!

Sometimes you just have to laugh! The evening ended early because we had the temple this morning. We get up at 3:45 a.m. so we try to get a really early night! Before bed we had pumpkin pie (I made some the day before) so the day wasn't a complete loss! Ron really enjoyed his, but after the pizza pie my stomach was rolling a bit. It was a good thing we'd had it earlier for lunch. It was great then.

And I'm still thankful! I'm so thankful that I have my sweetheart to share such a day with! A man who never complains about the food I serve, and can laugh when things don't go as planned! All in all it was a great day!

Variety of our Bounty

I was at the store today buying fresh fruits and vegtables. As I put the beautiful oranges, apples and bananas into my cart I looked around at all the variety of wonderful foods we are priveledged to have. I felt a sudden surge of gratitude to our Heavenly Father for this amazing bounty! What a wonderful time in which we live.
I could not help but remember when I was a little child . . . and oh, how I loved fruit. I could NEVER have it except in the fall when I could pick it from a tree. My best friend and I would ride our bicycles to the banks of the canal in West Jordan, then climb the abandonded fruit trees that grew along it's banks, and make ourselves sick eating apricots and green apples! My bike was a very, very old one we found in my Grandmother's garage. My friend Pauline helped me paint it with flat grey wall paint, you know to improve it. We both thought it was just beautiful even though the rude boys in the neighborhood relentlessly teased me about it. Just know that I'm pretty sure I have large leg calfs to this day from riding that broken down thing.
I also felt a surge of gratitude for Ron. He works so hard and takes care of me so wonderfully well. I am a very blessed woman indeed!

Gold Fish

I woke up this morning at 6:30 thinking about giving our "alms" in secret, and the blessings that gives, when I was struck with the thought that our Lord is the greatest example of this as He is in all things! He quietly and anonymously gives us our daily breath, and so many millions of tender mercies that most of us never notice.

I thought that we are all like little ungrateful goldfish in a bowl, who complain about the terribly frightening and inconvenient changes of water each day. Yet, those very water changes give the gold fish a clean environment and fresh oxygen, without which they would soon die. The flakes of "manna" fish food that rain down on them daily is merely eaten as their due, without a glance upward of thanks or gratitude or understanding from whence they came!

I am filled with gratitude this morning for my Savior! I want to spend the day looking up --- and maybe I will see a tiny glimpse of his hand sprinkling down blessings!