Mathew 25

34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

35 For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

42 For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Our Garden ...2012 in Review (AKA Our Christmas Letter)

This has been a busy year for us. We have been adjusting to life back in Utah, and with Friends Old and New.

Here's just a glimpse at what we've been up to:

David, or Daddy as he's known around here, loves working for Halliburton. He is gone for approx 14 days, and then home for anywhere from 5 to 7 days after that. He works hard, and spends a lot of time on the road but this job provides pretty well for our Family of 7. He enjoys Football. His Favorite team is the Baltimore Ravens, and he's even got us watching Sunday Night Football on occasion. ;-)

Candace, we call her Mommy, keeps busy Home Schooling, Babysitting, running several Independent Consultant type businesses, and taking Kids to Soccer, Dance, and Music Class. She's constantly experimenting in the kitchen. Fortunately with a 99% success rate. She loves to have people over, hike, and keep David busy with spontaneous Family Outings during his week home. She also has become a Football Fan, favoring the New Orleans Saints.

Elizabeth (age 9) is in the middle of her 2nd year playing Soccer. It is an activity that she loves, and really is beginning to excel at. She loves to be a Mini Mommy. And she and Mommy have a lot of fun watching movies, and hanging out together. She's Mommy's 2nd set of hands, and helps out a lot with Jacob and Bella. She's even been able to apprentice baby sit a couple of times with our Friend, Celeste, and her Cousin, Kayla. She made some great strides over the Summer getting over her fears at Lagoon with Daddy, Mommy, and Kayla.

Elysia (age 8) has been in Dance for 6 years now. How time flies! She is sharp as a tack and keeps us entertained with her genius comments and ideas. She was able to be Baptized by Her Daddy on December 8th. She is a big help with Bella also. This year, she and Mommy got to Lagoon together for Mommy's Class Reunion, where she showed a passion for thrill water rides. She is a good reader, and picks up on math easily.

Abigail (age 6) is Our Special Abby. She keeps us guessing ;-) We like to tease her and call her "Bob". a nickname that came from getting her hair cut into a "bob". She is the Middle Child, and still kind of finding her "niche". She DID start Dance this year, and that motivated her to FINALLY potty train. She LOVES Dance Class, and is blossoming! She got to go to The Forgotten Carols with Mommy... just the 2 of them (though they joined Grandpa, Grandma, The Petersons, and Rockwoods)for her Birthday in a Special new dress that she got just for the occasion.

Jacob (age 3) is Our BOY! He is NOTHING like his sisters. He spends his days tormenting them, and finding new and creative ways to be independent and get into mischief. He LOVES to cuddle and dote on Bella... when he's not stealing her cup, binkie, or toys. He knows his colors, and excels with electronics and figuring out puzzles. He LOVES bonding with Daddy over Football and Soccer.

Arabella (Bella... 15 Months) Is A D O R A B L E and SPUNKY!!!! She holds her own being the youngest of 5. She is observant and knows a lot. She LOVES outings, and especially being in our Back Pack that we use for hiking. She is very independent and likes to explore... but not too far away from Mommy. She LOVES her Daddy (a little bit of a surprise with how much of her life he's been gone). And has a very "pet of the family" life.

As a Family, we enjoy watching movies... some of our Favorites are Pitch Perfect, The Twilight Saga, Harry Potter, and just about ANY musical; Glee, and Once Upon a Time together. We have also enjoyed the ability to have Zoo and Aquarium memberships to keep us busy. And have done a good bit of hiking as well. We like Sports, and traveling and hope to make both a more active part of the coming year.

David and Candace got to go see Wicked at the Capitol Theater, and The Kids really enjoy listening to the soundtrack for that and other musicals like Les Miserables, Hairspray, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat. For New Year's Eve, David, Candace, Elizabeth and Elysia have tickets to go see Wicked's Kristin Chenoweth in Park City and are really excited.

We miss our Wyoming Friends, but were blessed to spend Thanksgiving In Green River with the Kropfs and have a few visits from them throughout the year, including a very special Musical Number and Talk by Ivy and Sarah at Elysia's Baptism.

We are very happy to be closer to Family, and have enjoyed spending this past year getting better acquainted with cousins. Candace has had the privilege of Babysitting for David's sister, Deborah most Tuesdays. It's been fun to have David's brother, Dan's Girls go on outings and have sleepovers. And David and Dan's son, Sean are buddies.

Candace's Mom, GG, has been very involved in helping out with Our Crazy Bunch. And we are very grateful to be close to her.

For the 4th Of July, Candace, Elizabeth, and Abby got to spend the night downtown at the parade with Candace's Cousins, Katie and Randy's Girls and A Friend, Kristy. A tradition from Candace's Childhood that she was excited to share with Her Children.

We love the area and Ward (Church Congregation) we are in, and have made some great Friends.

This year has been one of sacrifice and reward for us. And at this Special Time of Year, we are Grateful to be a Family and for Our Savior... His life, and His Atonement for us.

We are grateful for all of you who take time for us, and show you care whether it be through kind words, helping out with kids, joining us in our outings, keeping us busy, or celebrating with us. You hold a special place in our hearts.

May God Bless you and Yours in the coming year!

December 8, 2012

The end of The World... December 2012

I SWORE no more political posts on FB this year ;) BUT that was when I thought we'd be able to make it through 60 days without people shooting children and the President ... well. So since I'm trying to keep the politics away from there, and it's Christmas time, I'll post here:

Let's look at this logically: 1) Let's reduce military force for the 2nd most hated (by those who are jealous or have ever been screwed over by) country in the world. And then 2) Take guns a...way from every law abiding citizen. Does ANYONE know what that's a recipe for??? COOKED GOOSE (AKA Dead or Captive Americans by the millions!!!!)

Wyoming just passed a law making it illegal to take their guns.... it's their right to hunt. And I don't imagine many gun carrying Americans are giving up their right to bear arms without shooting everyone who tries to take their guns.

Tomorrow may not be the end of the world. But the future looks bleak in Our Country!!!!

In another time it was said "I have a plan. It will save every man. I will force them to live righteously.But give all the glory to me."

Would I Give MY Life?

I was thinking about it in the tub last night... Death terrifies me. Not passing from this life to the next. The trauma of what would have to happen to my body in order to make me pass. How much pain it would take before my body would not be able to function on ANY level again. If it were as simple as passing painlessly in my sleep, it would not terrify me. I can make my peace with God.

Well, that's not 100% true. I AM terrified of leaving My Children unprotected.

So, if I was face to face with a terrorist and it was my life or innocent children that were not my own, would I sacrifice my life for theirs.

OF COURSE I would!!!

And I know that should be a no brainer from any half decent adult. But it was a moment of truth for me.

And I'm glad to know I would.

I'm glad I can be a person of honor when push comes to shove.

Invites

It's kind of funny. I'm not a Cynic. Though I might be viewed as one by some. And I am neither negative or a Pessimist. I am a REALIST. Actually, a pretty sharp one at that.

And when I invite people to things, I already KNOW who will say what. There are variables, of course... The excuses vary slightly. But there are NO surprises.

Post 667

I have to post just to change the #. Before this post, I have 666 posts. And that cannot stay.

SOOOOOOOOOO

I will be posting about GOD as I tip the scales ;-)

I read a post by Ginger about following instincts.

And I am grateful today for a Mother who taught me by example how to listen, and then without shame follow those instincts. Or Promptings.

And it became a part of who I am.

SO much so that it is 2nd nature for me.

And no matter HOW many people tell me I'm foolish. No matter WHO tells me I am wrong, I go with what I feel is the right answer. Not the popular answer. After all, God isn't telling them how I need to handle the situation... it doesn't apply to them. It's specific to ME!

And I am so very grateful for the promptings that have lead me to where I am.

Holly said once,"I hope your kids don't resent you for keeping them home rather than sending them to school." And at THAT moment, I KNEW that my choice to NOT send them was not just MY thoughts. Because I new at that moment that if I DID send them, I was going against my very core instincts. And I KNOW I would regret going against my CORE instincts!!!!!

COLUMBINE STUDENT'S FATHER 12 YEARS LATER !!

Guess our national leaders didn't expect this. On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado, was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful.

They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent this man as a voice crying in the wilderness.. The following is a portion of the transcript:

"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers.

"The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used.. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart.

"In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent

I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy -- it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best.

Your laws ignore our deepest needs,
Your words are empty air.
You've stripped away our heritage,
You've outlawed simple prayer.
Now gunshots fill our classrooms,
And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere,
And ask the question "Why?"
You regulate restrictive laws,
Through legislative creed.
And yet you fail to understand,
That God is what we need!

"Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts.

"As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America , and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA -- I give to you a sincere challenge.. Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone!
My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"
- Darrell Scott

Change #5

If you are my Friend, I care about you.

But you don't have the right to expect this to be a one way Friendship.

If you need a ride, I will give you one. If you can't afford to pay me for gas, a gallon of milk will do.

(This is an example. Meaning that I expect you to contribute in the way you can. I can help with A, you can help with B. We put them together for a mutual beneficial relationship.)

Change #4

My Focus on finances and extras: Tithing FIRST; MANDATORY bills like rent next; saving for a rainy day, and building up a stock of food, essentials, and means of protecting Our Family 3rd.

Fun, jewelry, etc are after ALL of that is taken care of.

Change #3

My focus is on the 7 of us FIRST. My Children, and Husband come first. I will not give "Friends" considerations that they don't get.

My focus is on Our Extended Family Next.

And Then Our Friends.

THEN strangers.

Change #2

ALL of My Family and Friends will be reminded of my Open Door Policy. I am always here if they (you) need me.

But you (they) know how to contact me.

I'm done inviting.

I'm done pushing to be there.

If you (they) invite, I will come. If they (you) want to be a part of our festivities, they (you) are always welcome.

Change #1

My first Resolution... that I'm not waiting until New Year's for:

I will not be buying "Luxuries" until those in my immediate circle have what they need.

If My Mom is in need of new clothes, they come before my movies and play time.

No Success can Compensate for Failure in the Home

My Cousin posted a status about how semi automatic weapons should not be allowed in the general public's hands.

I agree.

My Aunt commented "Did you see what happened in China, yesterday, as well? They have banned guns but are now using knives and box cutters. We need to get back to serving and caring for our neighbors. Home teaching and visiting teaching, in my opinion, is a beginning and can do much to help families who are in need."

And I say "Too much responsibility has been taken from the Family."

Society is expected to carry the slack for what the family fails to do. And society (yes, sometimes the family too) pays when the individual "breaks".

While visiting teaching, and caring for our neighbors is good advice, the care of the individual rests with the immediate and extended family. Not everyone in the world has visiting teachers, but most have some family.

Which brings me to the 2nd topic on my Blogging mind. Homeschooling, or Un Schooling as what Home Schooling with out a curriculum is now called, is what I have come to believe is the divinely inspired choice for Our Family.

And I believe that more and more people are going to turn to it. I don't believe in living in fear. But I do believe in being proactive about My Family's safety. And I also believe that in this changing for the worse world we live in currently, that keeping My Children home with me is the right choice.

My short comings as a parent need to be worked through. Not pawned off on society.

Society is so busy trying to compensate for and control the environment that Parents, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles need to step us and be in charge of.

And it's just not Society, or the Governments job... or right!

If we as Parents, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles fail in our God given right and responsibility to raise upstanding adults, then what can we expect?

Are you a Sheep or a Shepherd?

I went with Abby and My In Laws to The Forgotten Carols on Abby's Birthday.

And I'm glad we could be there with them, but sitting separately.

The need for The Spirit to be there in the intimate way it was with just Abby and Me.

And I realized that all of these people sit together in an auditorium and sing, and cry. And then they leave. And once they are out those doors, it's over.

They are sheep. They come to be fed. They feel The Spirit. They feel a connection. And then, they go back to what they were doing before.

They do not take on the role of Shepherd. They might not go out and be unkind. But their connection to their Brothers and Sisters is replaced with the busy routine of their lives.

And I remember General Conference in October where we were reminded of The Lord coming to Peter and asking "Do you love me?" When the answer was "Of course, I love thee." The Lord responded with "Then Feed My Sheep."

We are all Children. Even those of us who are Parents.

And though we are all Sheep, we need to eventually become Shepherds as well.

We need to leave being fed, and then go and feed others.

I am FULL!

I am overflowing with so much this Holiday Season. Some good, some bad, some in between.

I am angry, I am grateful, I am sad, I am awestruck....I WAS afraid. I AM hopeful.

I L O V E my life and My Little Family.

I think I am seeing clearer than in the past. And now I need to make my mouth be quiet till I sort out if I'm actually supposed to SHARE what I see.

I WILL say that Christmas is going to be a turning point. I swear it is.

I am not spending ONE penny that I don't have a SUPERIORLY good reason to.

This is hard, as I have looked around, and Jacob and Elizabeth DEFINITELY need some new clothes. And all of My Kids need at least one pair of new shoes.

But I'm going to pay my tithing FIRST. And then my major bills. And see what that does.

And starting Christmas, I am expecting more of certain people, including myself. And not including as many people in as many things.

Safe Harbors

There are refugees among us
That are not from foreign shores;
And the battles they are waging
Are from very private wars.
And there are no correspondents
Documenting all their grief,
But these refugees among us all
Are yearning for relief.

There are refugees among us.
They don't carry flags or signs.
They are standing right beside us
In the market check out lines;
And the war they've been fighting
It will not be televised,
But the story of their need for love
Is written in their eyes.

This is a call to arms,
To reach out and to hold
The evacuees from the dark.
This is a call to arms,
To lead anguished souls
To safe harbors of the heart.

Can you see through their disguises?
Can you hear what words won't tell?
Some are losing faith in Heaven
'Cause their life's a living Hell.
Is there anyone to help those
Who have no where else to flee?
For the only arms protecting them
belong to you and me.

This is a call to arms,
To reach out and to hold
The evacuees from the dark.
This is a call to arms,
To lead anguished souls
To safe harbors of the heart.
Can you feel the pleas of the refugees
For safe harbors of the heart?

This is a call to arms,
To reach out and to hold
The evacuees from the dark.
This is a call to arms,
To lead anguished souls
To safe harbors of the heart.
Can you feel the pleas of the refugees
For safe harbors of the heart?