Am I My Brother's Keeper?

As we prepare to live and learn from the feasting of the Lords words which we have witnessed and heard over this weekend I think of the words spoken about service to others and the celebration of 75 years of the church welfare programs. The answer to that question “Am I my Brother’s Keeper?” is written in those teachings from the Lord. And the blessings of that answer flood my heart every time I accept an opportunity to serve for the works of the Lord. Many of you know the blessings of service in the Lords Temples- Blessings that I can not even begin to explain or describe. But it is service in other parts of the Lords kingdom that I would like to Blog to you about— Have you ever served on a Saturday morning with your family to clean the Ward House? The blessing seen on Sunday of your teenagers not leaving their programs on the bench, their gum wrapper in the hymnbook holder, or little Clair not opening the glass door with her little hands but pushing on the bar because she spent great care to clean that glass yesterday… Have you ever served on a hot summer’s day at the stake farm? The blessing of the blisters left by the fencing repair lesson— the knowledge that the Lord not only has flocks of sheep but herds of cattle. Have you ever sat in the shade with the young men and young women after an afternoon of neighborhood weed pulling? The blessing of knowing that Sister Lizenbee or Brother Hawker will still be able to have that beautiful garden and knowing that when they have more zucchini then they can handle you will reap the reward and the YM/YW with enjoy your wonderful zucchini brownies. Have you ever taken a friend to the church cannery? Learned of the wonderful blessings of service to those we will never know. Saw the great love the Lord has for those in need? Or seen the quality and care that is shipped all over the world? Have you ever been a volunteer at the Bishops Storehouse? Looked into the eyes of young sister who just can’t make the two ends meet after the loss of her dear husband. Seen the Blessings of the Lord work though you, as you hold her sweet baby while she shops for her other three children. Knowing that her Sunday roast would be from one of the Lords cattle. And seeing the circle of service to the Lord continue as she takes her children to the Ward House on Saturday to clean all the little finger prints off the glass. Many of my greatest blessings have come though serving the Lord in His house, on His land, in His flocks, to His children. As the celebration of the greatest act of service, our great blessing of the Atonement comes I would say to you – Go and Do the things the Lord commands… The blessing you will receive will be more than you can count.

Is There An Easier Way?

I recall now what seems like a life time ago the meeting held in the Durfee Street chapel in which the first of many to come "ward splits" was to take place. Now having had an in with some of the muckady mucks I knew just where my house would fall in that split and I had no need to fear. I remember my father leaning over to me and asking me what I was going to do if I didn’t like the change. And the words of Nephi rang clear “I will go, I will do the things the Lord commands.” The opening song was sung, “I’ll Go Where You Want Me To Go” -- … But if, by a still, small voice he calls To paths that I do not know, I’ll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in thine: I’ll go where you want me to go. I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord, over mountain or plain or sea; I’ll say what you want me to say, dear Lord; I’ll be what you want me to be.” The story of the events that would take place over the course of the next 4 years and our 6 wards (yes 6 not The 6th) will have a chapter in my book but for now I will say, the muckady mucks that I thought I had an in with knew nothing and my world was now in a strange ward. But I had said it out loud “I will go and do the thing the Lord commands”. The Lord has a plan for us and to us it does not always seem like the clear and easy way, but it the Lords way. Like a baby chick we sometimes have to peck our way out of the shell we’re in today in order to have the strength to wear the feathers we need for tomorrow. Those changes in my life have given me strength; they have given me friends to lean on, and service to give. It does not always look to us like the clear and easy path, but it is the best way; the Lord knows how to give us the strength we need- strength to stand up for what is right, strength to lift others, and the strength to put it all in the Lords hands when we know we cannot do it on our own. The Lord knew there was an easier way, - Laban could have had a heart attack, but that would not have given Nephi the strength he would need to pull from later. You and I could have been rich but it may have made us foolish. I Lord knows us as he knew Nephi and he is blessing us with trials everyday. It is my pray that we can all learn the lessons the Lord has sent for us as quickly as we can. But if it is that your trial will last for a time may you walk all those days in the arms of the Lord. This is my pray for you: Brother Knight, Brother Orgill, Brother Miller, Sister Hamatake, Monty, Gramma D., and to both my mom and my dad--The road may seem long that is ahead but if you ask you will have great company along your path.

The Blessings of Night Shift

I have worked the night shift for years- in fact there was a time when I only worked night shift and call me crazy but it worked for me. Those days have come and gone and now the straight night shift can be a little hard on me but there are some blessings.

With the new school start time I am home before Brue leaves for class- he may say that is a blessing because having just come off a 12 hours shift I have no right to drive anywhere so he can take the car to school.

Weekend night shift gives me all kinds of extra time for the things I want, like lunch with my friends. I think one of the best blessing of this shift is having my weekly lunch with friends- be it Rosie, my mom, or maybe even Felicity - I have the time.

Some may not find the next thing as a blessing but it is one of the best- being on night shift I work mostly alone which means I drive back and forth by myself, this gives me lots of time to think, to ponder, to pray, and to listen for the answers to those prayers. I know I don't always take the time I need to listen to what the Lord has to say to me. Mostly at the end of the day I just pore my heart out then quickly pore myself into bed and don't take the time to hear the words I have been praying for.

With all that extra quiet time I see more. I see the Lords hand in the world around us- in the mountains, in the snow, in the sunsets and in the sunrise.

I am grateful for my job and some days more then others I am thankful for my night shifts.

"2010"

Wow -- Wow where does the year go?

I had a lot of goals for 2010, but there is no need to name them as most of them are still goals and have not yet come to be anything more then that. So setting the goals story aside for later I would like to see just what we did do in this year 2010--

January- Brue turned 17- Well there goes that child tax credit. Brue also had another MRI- It was good he is now on the 12 month program (he goes back in a month)

February- Not a lot going on this month but work work work for there are big thing in store.

March- Spring is in the air and it was time to get ready for

Prom

- Brue was going so it was tux fitting, and planning - Brue was the man in charge

April- FUN FUN FUN - and the great loss of our little ABBY and Easter. We started April off with a girls trip to the Melting Pot- this just had to be done Prom was just around the corner and for some of the kids in Brue group The Melting Pot was to far out of reach so we (my mom, myself, Felicity, Lori, and Rosie) were going to give those kids the night of their lives-

Then Prom- Games at the church, then home to change, back to the church for dinner then off to the Prom- Dancing, and good friends.

But now that prom was over it was time for the big girls to go and play- Viva Las Vegas Baby we were off to Vegas- Felicity had turned 21 and the Loin King was playing there did we need any other reason. What a great time we had. My mom, Myself, Rosie, Felicity and Brynn. This was big the those two young girls, this was Felicity's first trip without Ben and Brynn who would have a ring on her finger by the year end was going without her sweet Carlos.

May- this month only holds the greatest holiday- Mothers day- there is nothing better then being a mom. Know my kids love me, and doing all I can to give them the best.

June- Michael turned 20-- yep 20 - he is more then a big boy he is now a MAN- which would explain the fact that I have close to no photos of him. June would also being Family reunions and time spent in Ophir.

July- Happy Birthday to me- it is my last year in this age bracket you know the one 29to 30 something. Yep next year the big 4-0.

July is also the month the we celebrate life with a day of fun in the sun - Felicity calls it FREEDOM WEEKEND. I call it lucky we are all still here and as healthy as we are. What ever you call it - it is fun- we have the water slide, BBQ's, snow cones, and if I didn't know better I would say that the town has a great parade for us.

August- I ended July sick and that flu start August out a little ruff. But it ended up being the same as most August- school shopping, but this year was just a little harder for Brue is a Senior and has already told me he will be going to school in Logan. I did get some great new things this month- For my birthday back in July Felicity gave me a new front pouch- so with a little paint and lots and lots of hard work I got it. While she was doing that Ben and Michael were busy putting in the new floor in the kitchen that I had had for over a year- It's all new and so very nice.

September- First thing we went on a trip- everyone took a few days leave from work and school and off we went to Flaming Gorge- the trip started out bad but we made the best of it and ended up having the time of our lives. (except my mom who got really sick- but she said she loved it).
I spent the end of the month in San Fransisco for training- it was not as ruff and it sounds, my dear friend Barbara went with me and at the end of our training week we had Brue and Lacy fly out for the weekend. We had a great time.

October- Brynn got married- she was a beautiful bride, and everything was so very nice. Ben and Felicity have been married for one year- wow - wow - where does the year go!
Felicity had to have here wisdom teeth out the end of October so she came a stayed a few days with us because Ben had to work- I love that they are close enough to come home.

November- The month of Thanks- I spent the month trying hard to remember all the things I have to be thankful for- it help me to count my many blessing - This was a great way for me to prepare for the Christmas season.
Thanksgiving is at my home- and this year I got new carpet just in time- I LOVE my new carpet it go every well with the new porch and new kitchen floor. and then my Gramma give me here old (but very new) couch- love love love all the new.

December- My baby girl is 22. I tried to prepare for Christmas in a was that I would be able to enjoy some of the things that are out there to do and not just "get Christmas over with"-- We went to the lights, went to the movies, made candy, and even made sugar cookies my personal favorite.

But here we are- it feel like it my have taken me longer to type this blog then the whole year took- Time is moving to fast- as the new year comes I would say to my family and friends "be safe, and spend time with one another" May this new year bring you great joy and little sorrows. My you laugh lots and cry only at sad movie and happy moments.

There is not a time of year that I don't Love- I love the spring as it reminds us of things to come. New life just busting to get out and see the world. Spring gives us the ever reminders of forgiveness. That all things can start anew, that is her gift. I love the summer days, long and warm. The time with family and friends in the mountains, sitting by a lake (just sitting because I don't like fishing) or climbing that peak or wading in that cool water. Summer gives us the longing for hard work, summer day give us the time we need to do the things we must. I love the fall, nothing sounds sweeter then the crunch of leaves under your feet. Fall bares all its fruits for us. It gives us the sweet taste of the Lord land. But winter cold and curl, some may say what's to love but I love winter- some would say she is even unforgiving but she is not; she is the rest the world needs for all of those other things. Winter starts us into the season of gratitude, a time of giving and family traditions. Not only does winter chill our toes but it warms are hearts. She reminds us of our blessings. She honors our Savior. It is in the winter months that we again find time to reconnect with our loved one both near and far. Winter draws us out of the world and all it hustle it makes us find time for family dinners, game night, stories to our children. We bring out the ornaments of years past and all the memories that those years - those winters have given us. So as you step into the cold of air of winter remember that as she touches your fingers and toes, when she chills your nose, take the time to honor the time she has given you spend it wisely, saver the long night home by that warm fire and make a new memory to decorate winters to come.

Things I thought: BUT NOW I KNOW

So today was kinds of an arrand day, take the dog for shots, get new tires, have my eye glasses fixed, SO,

I thought that the new 1000 North road would be so much faster-

Now I know- I can make it to the vet in just 12 minutes. Now if they would just fix RS 112 maybe I could make it in just 11 minutes.

I thought Lola my cute little puppy is going to weight more then 4 or 5 pounds-

Now I know, she is 13 weeks old and weighs 4 lbs and 2 ozs already.

I also thought she was very smart- now I know she is very smart she knew to crawl down my shirt when the owner of a very large bull dog dropped her leash and came over. Even though the bull dog (Stella) just wanted to give Lola a sniff.

I thought that Les Schwab tire was the best place to get my new tires- Now I know that they are the most reliable auto place I know. They are great to honor their warranties.

I also thought is was funny that they would give FREE BEEF- Now I know! with my new tires we got a FREE beef summer sausage, beef jerky, and deli mustard.

And I thought you must feel safer when driving on brand new fresh tires- And once again I now know. The fear of the next flat is gone. Thanks Les Schwab.

I thought there was no way that the warranty on my eye glasses would cover the fact that Lola got them last night and chewed them up. And now I know-- IT DOESN'T-- I have a great eye Dr. and they do all they can for my family but the warranty will not replace the lens if the puppy drags them under the bed and chew them up.

And lastly I thought maybe the best after errand snack could be McDonald's fries with chocolate Wendy's frosty. And now I know -- IT IS.

"One of Those Week"

This is "One of Those Weeks" you know the ones, the ones we all dread- When you can foresee things not going right. I hope I'm wrong because this is not the week for it to be "One of Those Weeks" there is just way to much riding on it.
It start with Monday as most weeks like this do- but this Monday I have work to do. Now it is important that you understand that even at work I don't have much work to do. It is light around here and as my good co-worker Bruce says our job is 99.5% readiness and we are damn good at our job. But not this week - this week I have to play on that other .5% and there is real work to be done, not hard work, just real work. I have to have the draft in by Tuesday ( that is my own dead line because I know I will have to resend it I always do. It's not the way I do the report it is just that the higher ups think they have to make a change even if one is not needed (why is that))
Then there is Tuesday and Wednesday they are just like any other day- to work in the morning, home in the evening. I do have a scrapbooking class on Tuesday- I love the class, I love the friend who has the class- but I HATE going- at the end of a 14 hour day all I want to do is go home, put on some PJ's and maybe have some toast. I'm not sure how I got into this year long, once a month scrapbooking thing again but if you know how to make me like going let me know would you please.
Then there is Thursday- now you would think that because I am taking Thursday off of work I would be happy to go to the city, have lunch with my kids, or do some shopping. But not this Thursday- you see this Thursday I get to take my youngest son Brue to the Doctor to have yet another MRI- you see Brue has something growing in his head that is not supposed to be there. It is growing slow and some of it has even been taken out, but it is there and every 6 to 9 months the doctors want to look at it. That is the biggest part of why this is "One of Those Weeks" . I woke up this morning with that knot in my gout and one in my throat. I know the Lord has a plan for us and I know that Brue can handle that plan- it is the waiting that is hard- a week (a month, a year) of thinking the worst even though I know the best doctors care for him and the most prayers are said for him, you can't stop my brain for running on overdrive. On the other hand that could be good because it is days of prayer and that can't hurt any can it.
Then on to Friday- (See my mind knows we will make it to Friday and even to the weekend) Friday is Brue's birthday- he will be 17 - 17 what the heck my baby 17, just where did the time go. Now to Brue the time I'm sure has been slow. All those years of school, waiting for what may seem like forever for the summer to come or school to start back up so he could see his friends. I know that summer he was so sick was the longest one of his life. But for me it has been but a moment, from the first trip to the ER to this trip for another MRI I think has one been a week or two - but NO 17 years of time, 17 years of summers, of doctors, of hair cuts, of lunches together. And what it all comes down to is, if Brue is 17 years older then am I too? Again I ask where has the time gone to.
My kids give me a hard time about loving my 3 dogs like my kids, but the dog don't have birthdays to remind me of how old I am getting. (kids that is just one more reason they move higher up the list every year)
So you see this is going to be "One of Those Weeks" you know the ones- ones full of great joy and gratitude for the blessings in my life-
I have a great job, I have great friends, I have great kids, I have great dogs, We live in a great country with doctors who are the best at what they do, and I know that my Father in Heaven love me - he has a plan for me and my family and with him we can get to the end of this week and so many more like it.