Thomas S Monson, is a living prophet and speaks to us today.
According to President Ezra Taft Benson, we have promised our obedience to the living prophet as he receives commandments and revelations from God. Elders Claudio Costa and Kevin R. Duncan, both of the seventy, referred to President Ezra Taft Benson’s 1980 devotional talk entitled: Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet.
The first of those fundamentals is: The prophet is the only man who speaks for the Lord in everything.
Our prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, has asked us to keep the commandments, to love our fellowman by serving them, and to seek after the less active and inactive. We should understand these are Gods priorities and that President Monson is his voice in communicating this to the church and the entire world. See D&C 21: 4- 6
The second fundamental is: The prophet is more vital to us than the standard works.
Our prophet, Thomas S Monson, receives specific revelations for us at this particular time dealing with our current needs.
Three: The living prophet is more important to us than a dead prophet.
The most important prophet to us right now is our current prophet, Thomas S. Monson, to whom the Lord is currently revealing his will for us.
Four: The prophet will never lead the church astray.
President Wilford Woodruff said, “The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as president of the church to lead you astray.”
Five: The prophet is not required to have any particular earthly training or diploma to speak on any subject or act on any matter at any time. Joseph Smith Jr., the prophet who stands at the head of this last dispensation, was a poor farm boy without almost any formal education. He stands as the supreme example.
Six: The prophet does not have to say ‘Thus saith the Lord’ to give us scripture.
Anything our prophet, his counselors or any one of the twelve apostles says is modern scripture. Remember ---President Henry B. Eyring, in the Saturday afternoon session (October 2010) said: It is proposed that we sustain the counselors in the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers and revelators.
Seven: The prophet tells us what we need to know not always what we want to know.
See 1 Nephi 16: 1,3
Eight: The prophet is not limited by men’s reasoning.
“Whatever God requires is right no matter what it is, although we may not see the reason thereof until long after the events transpire.” (Scrapbook of Mormon Literature vol 2 pg 173) Consider this revelation, The Word of Wisdom, given in 1833, long before tobacco was discovered to cause cancer.
Nine: The prophet can receive revelation on any matter—temporal or spiritual.
Brigham Young said: I defy any man on earth to point out the path a prophet of God should walk in, or point out his duty and just how far he must go, in dictating temporal or spiritual things. Temporal and spiritual things are inseparably connected, and ever will be. (Journal of Discourses, 10:363-364.)
Ten: The prophet may well advise on civic matters.
Consider: A Proclamation to the World. “The Family is ordained of God. Marriage is between a man and a woman and is essential to His eternal plan. . . .We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.”
Eleven: The two groups who have the greatest difficulty in following the prophet are the proud who are learned and the proud who are rich.
Twelve: The prophet will not necessarily be popular with the world or the worldly.
I caution you to be aware of ‘Selective Obedience.’ Choosing what revelation or counsel one will follow or reject according to ones personal whims can be dangerous. To those who demand chapter and verse of a particular piece of counsel---read the Ensign.
Thirteen: The prophet and his counselors make up the First Presidency—the highest quorum in the Church. See D & C 107: 80, D & C 112: 20
Fourteen: The prophet and the presidency—the living prophet and the First Presidency—follow them and be blessed—reject them and suffer.
I encourage all of us, as we desire to draw closer to God to Follow the Prophets. Read their words in the Ensigns and even pray about those things you find most challenging to accept.
“If we want to know how well we stand with the Lord then let us ask ourselves how well we stand . . . with his living Prophet and the Quorum of the First Presidency.”
On tap for next week--Tribunal book review.
January 31, 2011
QUICHE'
2 pie shells (unbaked)
20 oz. brocolli (or spinach, steamed)
8 slices bacon (fried crisp)
1/4 cup onion (finely chopped and browned in bacon grease)
1 - 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese (room temperature)
2 cups half and half
7 eggs
2 cups cheese (Feta, grated Mozerrella, Cheddar, Swiss or any combo you like)
Line pie pans with shells and flute the edges, set aside. Steam vegetable, if fresh, cut to small bite size pieces, drain. Fry bacon and onions, drain on paper toweling. Break up bacon into small pieces when cooled. In a mixing bowl, with hand mixer beat cream cheese and eggs, add half and half and onions. Divide vegetable evenly between pie shells, sprinkle with bacon, using all. Divide cheeses evenly between the two pies and carefully pour egg mixture over, using all (if fits). May be topped with cheese as desired.
Bake at 350 for 40 minutes. (Knife test doesn't work here due to cheeses.
Let cool 20 - 30 minutes before cutting. Maybe served warm or chilled.
20 oz. brocolli (or spinach, steamed)
8 slices bacon (fried crisp)
1/4 cup onion (finely chopped and browned in bacon grease)
1 - 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese (room temperature)
2 cups half and half
7 eggs
2 cups cheese (Feta, grated Mozerrella, Cheddar, Swiss or any combo you like)
Line pie pans with shells and flute the edges, set aside. Steam vegetable, if fresh, cut to small bite size pieces, drain. Fry bacon and onions, drain on paper toweling. Break up bacon into small pieces when cooled. In a mixing bowl, with hand mixer beat cream cheese and eggs, add half and half and onions. Divide vegetable evenly between pie shells, sprinkle with bacon, using all. Divide cheeses evenly between the two pies and carefully pour egg mixture over, using all (if fits). May be topped with cheese as desired.
Bake at 350 for 40 minutes. (Knife test doesn't work here due to cheeses.
Let cool 20 - 30 minutes before cutting. Maybe served warm or chilled.
January 25, 2011
Book Reviews by Marci Blackner
I just finished Ex Libris by Anne Fadiman. It is her "confessions of a common reader" meaning that each chapter is her thoughts about reading books. It is an easy read but very engaging. She writes about her feelings towards reading a book while actually being there in the location that it took place, or how she arranges her books on the bookshelf, or her reactions to editing errors, or the words written on the flyleaf, etc. I really enjoyed it as I related to her thoughts as well as didn't relate to them. I recommend it because it stretched my mind with difficult vocabulary and stirred deep emotions of my fondness for reading that mirrored hers.
I also read Mao's Last Dancer which is a true story of a young man growing up in China in the 1970's. I loved learning more about the communist rule in China at the time and how it affected him and his family and the customs and cultures of the country. It is a story of personal triumph over the odds of living in squalor and obscurity and through determination and hard work he is able to become a success as a dancer. It is a fascinating memoir that took place about the same time I was growing up here in America so I enjoyed making comparisons to my life here.
I also read Mao's Last Dancer which is a true story of a young man growing up in China in the 1970's. I loved learning more about the communist rule in China at the time and how it affected him and his family and the customs and cultures of the country. It is a story of personal triumph over the odds of living in squalor and obscurity and through determination and hard work he is able to become a success as a dancer. It is a fascinating memoir that took place about the same time I was growing up here in America so I enjoyed making comparisons to my life here.
January 24, 2011
Traitor (my review as promised)
With war raging in Europe, the only way Marie can be with Felix is to join the Allied forces. However, as Marie parachutes Into France to join the Resistance, she not only lands into the arms of her fiancé, but also drops into the hands of the enemy.
Major rolf Schulmann has been struggling between personal convictions and his duty to the German Fatherland. Now he must decide what to do with the captured fincee of the man who gave him a new chance at life—a man he once loved as a brother. The Gestapo will do whatever it takes to dispose of Marie. If Rolf helps her escape he will have enemies on all sides—is it a sacrifice he is willing to make? Can Marie possibly trust her life to a man torn between two masters?
Join acclaimed suspense writer Sandra Grey on a journey of unexpected twists and turns through the trenches of love, suspicion, and faith.
--Back cover—
Those who know me know that: I don’t read a book twice, watch a movie more than twice (the second time is to break it apart—sometimes rather cruelly to see what I can learn for my craft), or read a book series. This is my exception to that rule.
I strongly recommend Traitor to readers from teens to the elderly. This spell-binding journey took me on a wonderful roller coaster for the second time. Like a roller coaster it had unexpected ups and downs, twists and turns, with the expected build to the first drop. Tears warmed my eyes although I knew what to expect (I’d been here before.)
This historical novel warmed my heart, gladdened my soul and restored my faith not only in God, but His gift of talented writing to Sandra Grey. I’m not a student of history, as a matter-of-fact, I dreaded the required history classes, and yet, Sandra has brought me a history lesson I’ll not soon forget.
Five enthusiastic STARS for Traitor. I’ve already begun her second in the series, Tribunal, and I can hardly wait to get my hands on Trespass.
Major rolf Schulmann has been struggling between personal convictions and his duty to the German Fatherland. Now he must decide what to do with the captured fincee of the man who gave him a new chance at life—a man he once loved as a brother. The Gestapo will do whatever it takes to dispose of Marie. If Rolf helps her escape he will have enemies on all sides—is it a sacrifice he is willing to make? Can Marie possibly trust her life to a man torn between two masters?
Join acclaimed suspense writer Sandra Grey on a journey of unexpected twists and turns through the trenches of love, suspicion, and faith.
--Back cover—
Those who know me know that: I don’t read a book twice, watch a movie more than twice (the second time is to break it apart—sometimes rather cruelly to see what I can learn for my craft), or read a book series. This is my exception to that rule.
I strongly recommend Traitor to readers from teens to the elderly. This spell-binding journey took me on a wonderful roller coaster for the second time. Like a roller coaster it had unexpected ups and downs, twists and turns, with the expected build to the first drop. Tears warmed my eyes although I knew what to expect (I’d been here before.)
This historical novel warmed my heart, gladdened my soul and restored my faith not only in God, but His gift of talented writing to Sandra Grey. I’m not a student of history, as a matter-of-fact, I dreaded the required history classes, and yet, Sandra has brought me a history lesson I’ll not soon forget.
Five enthusiastic STARS for Traitor. I’ve already begun her second in the series, Tribunal, and I can hardly wait to get my hands on Trespass.
TAMALE CASSEROLE
1 can Hormel Tamales (I like this brand for the sauce.)
1 can chili
1 can corn
1 can black olives
2 cups mild cheddar cheese (grated)
tortilla chips
Cut tamales into bite size rounds, drain corn, drain and cut olives into quarters. Mix with chili in mixing bowl and add 2/3 of the grated cheese. Spoon into casserole dish. Top with crushed chips and the rest of the cheese. For a party presentation, line casserole with chips before the toppings go on. Bake in 350 oven for 30 minutes or until cheese is lightly browned. If made and frozen before baking, add 20 minutes to baking time.
This is a favorite at our house. This isn't enough for our family and one guest, therefore we double the recipe and bake in a 9 x 13 pan.
1 can chili
1 can corn
1 can black olives
2 cups mild cheddar cheese (grated)
tortilla chips
Cut tamales into bite size rounds, drain corn, drain and cut olives into quarters. Mix with chili in mixing bowl and add 2/3 of the grated cheese. Spoon into casserole dish. Top with crushed chips and the rest of the cheese. For a party presentation, line casserole with chips before the toppings go on. Bake in 350 oven for 30 minutes or until cheese is lightly browned. If made and frozen before baking, add 20 minutes to baking time.
This is a favorite at our house. This isn't enough for our family and one guest, therefore we double the recipe and bake in a 9 x 13 pan.
January 8, 2011
Book Tour Stop on January 13, 2011
She paced the small confines of her bathroom as she waited the obligatory two minutes for the result. Yet, part of her sensed the truth. Not only did Austin take her self-esteem and plans for happiness, but he also took her get-out-of-this-marriage-free card.
The plus sign glared at Meg from the white plastic frame of the pregnancy test. The test fell from her hands and clattered into the bathtub as Meg’s back slid against the wall until she reached the floor.
“I’m pregnant,” she said into the quiet.
Meg never imagined she'd end up like this. With nowhere else to turn, she's forced to rely on the family she pushed away, the church she abandoned, and an unexpected friendship to help her find her forgotten melody. Meanwhile Matt is still mourning the loss of his wife. But determined to keep things together for his daughter's sake, he decides starting over in a new place might be just what his family needs.
This touching story combines romance with redemption and real conflict to remind you it's never too late to find joy. Kaylee Baldwin's capable hand renders a sincere, heartfelt story of rediscovery and hope. Perfect for romantics of all ages, this book will captivate your heart and rekindle your belief in the magic of music.
Kaylee Baldwin grew up in Mesa, Arizona, and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in English literature.
She currently lives in southern Arizona with her husband, Jeremy, and their three children. When she is not writing, Kaylee enjoys reading, starting new craft projects, and spending time with her family.
Kaylee is running a contest! Whoever comments a the review post on any of the blogs in the tour, will be entered into a drawing to win a copy of Meg's Melody.
Contest is now closed. Thanks for entering.
Meg’s Melody deserves five (5) STARS.
One STAR for writing a novel dealing with pregnancy that I can comfortably share with my teenage daughter. Unlike many novels on the bookstore shelves, Kaylee keeps it clean even when involving the gynecologist.
One STAR for reminding me of the bitter-sweet memories of my pregnancies. From the positive pregnancy test---to the morning sickness---to the weight loss and gain---to the Braxton Hicks and the exhaustion of labor. Even the “new mother syndrome” of not putting the precious new arrival down.
One STAR for sharing gospel principles as they related to her characters.
One STAR for sharing real relationships, not the sugar coated ones that are too good to be true. She introduces us to the people in Meg’s life, each one with his or her strengths and faults, inviting us to read on to learn of their influence for good or ill.
And one really big STAR for reminding me of how important music has been in my life over the years.
The plus sign glared at Meg from the white plastic frame of the pregnancy test. The test fell from her hands and clattered into the bathtub as Meg’s back slid against the wall until she reached the floor.
“I’m pregnant,” she said into the quiet.
Meg never imagined she'd end up like this. With nowhere else to turn, she's forced to rely on the family she pushed away, the church she abandoned, and an unexpected friendship to help her find her forgotten melody. Meanwhile Matt is still mourning the loss of his wife. But determined to keep things together for his daughter's sake, he decides starting over in a new place might be just what his family needs.
This touching story combines romance with redemption and real conflict to remind you it's never too late to find joy. Kaylee Baldwin's capable hand renders a sincere, heartfelt story of rediscovery and hope. Perfect for romantics of all ages, this book will captivate your heart and rekindle your belief in the magic of music.
Kaylee Baldwin grew up in Mesa, Arizona, and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in English literature.
She currently lives in southern Arizona with her husband, Jeremy, and their three children. When she is not writing, Kaylee enjoys reading, starting new craft projects, and spending time with her family.
Kaylee is running a contest! Whoever comments a the review post on any of the blogs in the tour, will be entered into a drawing to win a copy of Meg's Melody.
Contest is now closed. Thanks for entering.
Meg’s Melody deserves five (5) STARS.
One STAR for writing a novel dealing with pregnancy that I can comfortably share with my teenage daughter. Unlike many novels on the bookstore shelves, Kaylee keeps it clean even when involving the gynecologist.
One STAR for reminding me of the bitter-sweet memories of my pregnancies. From the positive pregnancy test---to the morning sickness---to the weight loss and gain---to the Braxton Hicks and the exhaustion of labor. Even the “new mother syndrome” of not putting the precious new arrival down.
One STAR for sharing gospel principles as they related to her characters.
One STAR for sharing real relationships, not the sugar coated ones that are too good to be true. She introduces us to the people in Meg’s life, each one with his or her strengths and faults, inviting us to read on to learn of their influence for good or ill.
And one really big STAR for reminding me of how important music has been in my life over the years.
January 6, 2011
Jeanne’ Recommends . . .
. . . a list of books that I (Jeanne’) recommend to my friends to read. Unless indicated, they are free of any language, sex, or graphic violence. The ones indicated as having mild language and violence are books I would unhesitatingly recommend to anyone because I think they are fabulous books that are authentic to their story and do not use the language or violence for gratuitous means. I've separated the books into genres and mostly listed my favorite authors or books at the beginning of each section.
Amish Fiction
Kathleen Fuller (all)
Mary Ellis (all)
Pleasant Valley series by Marta Perry (good overall Christian author)
Newbery books
After Tupac and D Foster and Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson
Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! by Laura Amy Schlitz
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
YA Fantasy
Gail Carson Levine (all)
Shannon Hale (all)
Margaret Peterson Haddix (all)
Crown Duel/ Court Duel by Sherwood Smith
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken
The Wide-Awake Princess by E. D. Baker
Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Aurelia and Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund
The Seer and the Sword by Victoria Hanley
Princess of the Midnight Ball/ Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George
The Shifter/ Blue Fire by Janice Hardy
Historical Fiction/ Romance (mostly Christian)
Georgette Heyer (all her Regency; she’s the best!)
Deeanne Gist (all; set in various periods of American history)
Tamera Alexander (all; set in mid-1800’s Colorado)
Mary Connealy (all; humorous Western fiction)
Julie Klassen (all; set in Regency-era England)
Boston Jane series by Jennifer L. Holm (humorous YA Western)
The Agency series by Y. S. Lee (YA Regency-era mysteries)
Forevermore by Cathy Marie Hake
Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson
A Tailor-Made Bride and Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer
Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz
Contemporary Christian Romance
PJ Sugar series by Susan May Warren
French Twist series by Sandra Byrd
Just Between You and Me by Jenny B. Jones
Georgia on Her Mind and Love Starts with Elle by Rachel Hauck
Driftwood Lane by Denise Hunter
Mixed Signals by Liz Curtis Higgs
The Cubicle Next Door and Moon Over Tokyo by Siri L. Mitchell
Favorites/ Must Reads/ Books to Make You Think (some mild language/ possible violence)
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke (an amazing audio book)
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
The Thief (and all other Attolia books) by Megan Whalen Turner
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Marley & Me by John Grogan
The Tipping Point and Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly
The Blue Castle by L. M. Montgomery
Amish Fiction
Kathleen Fuller (all)
Mary Ellis (all)
Pleasant Valley series by Marta Perry (good overall Christian author)
Newbery books
After Tupac and D Foster and Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson
Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! by Laura Amy Schlitz
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
YA Fantasy
Gail Carson Levine (all)
Shannon Hale (all)
Margaret Peterson Haddix (all)
Crown Duel/ Court Duel by Sherwood Smith
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken
The Wide-Awake Princess by E. D. Baker
Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Aurelia and Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund
The Seer and the Sword by Victoria Hanley
Princess of the Midnight Ball/ Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George
The Shifter/ Blue Fire by Janice Hardy
Historical Fiction/ Romance (mostly Christian)
Georgette Heyer (all her Regency; she’s the best!)
Deeanne Gist (all; set in various periods of American history)
Tamera Alexander (all; set in mid-1800’s Colorado)
Mary Connealy (all; humorous Western fiction)
Julie Klassen (all; set in Regency-era England)
Boston Jane series by Jennifer L. Holm (humorous YA Western)
The Agency series by Y. S. Lee (YA Regency-era mysteries)
Forevermore by Cathy Marie Hake
Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson
A Tailor-Made Bride and Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer
Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz
Contemporary Christian Romance
PJ Sugar series by Susan May Warren
French Twist series by Sandra Byrd
Just Between You and Me by Jenny B. Jones
Georgia on Her Mind and Love Starts with Elle by Rachel Hauck
Driftwood Lane by Denise Hunter
Mixed Signals by Liz Curtis Higgs
The Cubicle Next Door and Moon Over Tokyo by Siri L. Mitchell
Favorites/ Must Reads/ Books to Make You Think (some mild language/ possible violence)
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke (an amazing audio book)
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
The Thief (and all other Attolia books) by Megan Whalen Turner
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Marley & Me by John Grogan
The Tipping Point and Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly
The Blue Castle by L. M. Montgomery
December 21, 2010
Choose the Best for Christmas this Year
The holidays are always a busy time of year and this year has seemed more so for me. I don’t regret the opportunities to serve and give. And yet as Halloween disappeared with the goblin’s candy so did my reserves. One day at a time, steady as the drummers marching cadence, my bucket of strength, emotional, spiritual and physical gradually siphoned off to those around me. At first I didn’t notice and in subsequent days I reminded myself to tighten the cinch on my growing load and pick up my dragging pace to get through it. Somehow I believed that if I just ignored the lessening of my reserves they would magically regenerate or at least hold strong for the duration.
Thanksgiving arrived and with it a full house. My reserves magically held, buoyed by the adrenalin rush of youth around me. I enjoyed the frenzied pace of young love with its varied ups and downs and shielded by the love of my husband and children. The crowd retreated to their respective homes, the last moving two weeks after the holiday. Then the quiet descended . . . and with it the weight of fatigue. Quiet hours gave way to painful silence. I gathered my wilted energies and determined to move forward. Serving neighbors and friends would most certainly prove the cure for what ailed me.
I made a list of friends to serve and added what holiday treat each enjoyed, encouraging the tiring elf on my shoulder. “Hush, ‘tis the season of giving. Give more.”
As the closing credits of our family Christmas tradition rolled up on the screen before me the tiring elf on my shoulder crumbled. My tears burned at the back of my eyes and I sagged into my husband’s shoulder to hide. My children could not see these tears, tears that would prove the last drops in my proverbial bucket. I fought the tears back long enough to clean-up only to sob into my pillow. “Tomorrow . . . I’ll think about that tomorrow” . . . Silly Female.
Fatigue evolved into depression by the time daylight arrived and I knew not why. I prayed, half-heartedly at first. I opened my email account to find a note from the publisher. “Oh no . . . I can’t take a rejection right now.” I delayed until after morning family prayer. I wrapped the last of my Christmas presents wishing my husband would forgo his trip to Fred Myers. I begged my daughter not to buy me anything, threatening her that I would take it back. Her countenance crumbled, I stopped and apologized for the hurt I had caused reminding myself to “Fake it until it feels real.”
I prayed again after they left and this time an answer seemed to stare me in the face. The November Ensign with the Conference Report lay open on my desk to President Uchtdorf’s address. I procrastinated instead, opening the wrong e-mail. The editor thanked me for my submission and assured me she would see to it that it received its due attention. I sighed glancing at the Ensign.
I love President Uchtdorf. His gentle counsel never fails to warm my heart. Would his address hold the comfort I stood in need of?
Of Things That Matter Most
By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Trees and Airplanes---yes, they do have something in common. I smiled remembering the cadence of his voice, the first for several days. Then the message meant for me . . .”it is good advice to slow down a little, steady the course, and focus on the essentials . . .” A simple but critical lesson. One I needed to remind myself of often. I had allowed myself to move “. . .at an ever-increasing rate, regardless of the turbulence or obstacles.” My business of serving other was fast becoming a vice. I had barely turned to Heavenly Father, reading scriptures just to finish the Book of Mormon by the end of the year, muttering words of prayer that I knew had gotten no further than the four walls. And my family? My list of whom to take the baked goodies to had become more important than the family time planned to prepare them. And the love that should have gone into each batch? I wondered if I had remembered to add that ingredient. Sure I was going through the motions, then too I was beating myself up over not working on Dark Days of Promise almost most of every daylight hour.
“The wise understand and apply the lessons of the tree rings. . . They resist the temptation to get caught up in the frantic rush. . .”
Maybe more powerful a message for me than all the rest was a passage that reflected something I had written in Dark Days of Promise months before President Uchtdorf said it. Of course, he may have said it better than I ever will. He said, “These core doctrines and principles,” he is speaking of the gospel of Jesus Christ. “though simple enough for a child to understand, provide the answers to the most complex questions of life.”
BAM
My Heavenly Father loves me. He knows me. He hears and answers our prayers (even those we don’t dare enunciate for fear of it being counted as naught.) “The holy scriptures and the spoken word of the living prophets give emphasis to the fundamental principles and doctrines of the gospel.” And for me, when I listen, they are the instruments that sing to my soul, bring me peace, and answer my prayers.
Thanksgiving arrived and with it a full house. My reserves magically held, buoyed by the adrenalin rush of youth around me. I enjoyed the frenzied pace of young love with its varied ups and downs and shielded by the love of my husband and children. The crowd retreated to their respective homes, the last moving two weeks after the holiday. Then the quiet descended . . . and with it the weight of fatigue. Quiet hours gave way to painful silence. I gathered my wilted energies and determined to move forward. Serving neighbors and friends would most certainly prove the cure for what ailed me.
I made a list of friends to serve and added what holiday treat each enjoyed, encouraging the tiring elf on my shoulder. “Hush, ‘tis the season of giving. Give more.”
As the closing credits of our family Christmas tradition rolled up on the screen before me the tiring elf on my shoulder crumbled. My tears burned at the back of my eyes and I sagged into my husband’s shoulder to hide. My children could not see these tears, tears that would prove the last drops in my proverbial bucket. I fought the tears back long enough to clean-up only to sob into my pillow. “Tomorrow . . . I’ll think about that tomorrow” . . . Silly Female.
Fatigue evolved into depression by the time daylight arrived and I knew not why. I prayed, half-heartedly at first. I opened my email account to find a note from the publisher. “Oh no . . . I can’t take a rejection right now.” I delayed until after morning family prayer. I wrapped the last of my Christmas presents wishing my husband would forgo his trip to Fred Myers. I begged my daughter not to buy me anything, threatening her that I would take it back. Her countenance crumbled, I stopped and apologized for the hurt I had caused reminding myself to “Fake it until it feels real.”
I prayed again after they left and this time an answer seemed to stare me in the face. The November Ensign with the Conference Report lay open on my desk to President Uchtdorf’s address. I procrastinated instead, opening the wrong e-mail. The editor thanked me for my submission and assured me she would see to it that it received its due attention. I sighed glancing at the Ensign.
I love President Uchtdorf. His gentle counsel never fails to warm my heart. Would his address hold the comfort I stood in need of?
Of Things That Matter Most
By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Trees and Airplanes---yes, they do have something in common. I smiled remembering the cadence of his voice, the first for several days. Then the message meant for me . . .”it is good advice to slow down a little, steady the course, and focus on the essentials . . .” A simple but critical lesson. One I needed to remind myself of often. I had allowed myself to move “. . .at an ever-increasing rate, regardless of the turbulence or obstacles.” My business of serving other was fast becoming a vice. I had barely turned to Heavenly Father, reading scriptures just to finish the Book of Mormon by the end of the year, muttering words of prayer that I knew had gotten no further than the four walls. And my family? My list of whom to take the baked goodies to had become more important than the family time planned to prepare them. And the love that should have gone into each batch? I wondered if I had remembered to add that ingredient. Sure I was going through the motions, then too I was beating myself up over not working on Dark Days of Promise almost most of every daylight hour.
“The wise understand and apply the lessons of the tree rings. . . They resist the temptation to get caught up in the frantic rush. . .”
Maybe more powerful a message for me than all the rest was a passage that reflected something I had written in Dark Days of Promise months before President Uchtdorf said it. Of course, he may have said it better than I ever will. He said, “These core doctrines and principles,” he is speaking of the gospel of Jesus Christ. “though simple enough for a child to understand, provide the answers to the most complex questions of life.”
BAM
My Heavenly Father loves me. He knows me. He hears and answers our prayers (even those we don’t dare enunciate for fear of it being counted as naught.) “The holy scriptures and the spoken word of the living prophets give emphasis to the fundamental principles and doctrines of the gospel.” And for me, when I listen, they are the instruments that sing to my soul, bring me peace, and answer my prayers.
September 20, 2010
Good News, Bad News: The stuff life is made of on Sept. 20th.
Good News --- The doctor can see you today.
Bad News ---You need to fast until your appointment at 4pm.
Good News --- Preliminary test appears normal.
Bad News --- We'll need to run more tests to know for sure.
Good News --- The Lab is right across the hall, no appointment necessary.
Bad News --- Only one Lab Tech and a very unhappy little baby put Tech one whole hour behind.
Good News --- Didn't have to wait fifteen minutes between blood draws (like the patient in the next cubicle).
Bad News --- Whole building closed for the day . . . even the restroom (which I needed desperately due to not having to participate in that test).
Good News --- Got home in time for dinner which my wonderful hubby has waiting.
Bad News --- Twenty minutes to eat before running to get daughter.
Good News --- Still on time.
Bad News --- Black Charger stops in middle of high school drive just in front of me to pick-up not two or three but a fourth basketball team member. (I stress that I'll get rear ended.)
Good News --- Charger and occupants don't lynch me for honking.
Bad News --- Daughter is waiting as it starts to rain.
Good News --- I am optimistic . . . we are home safe and the children are retired, my turn next.
Bad News --- Hmmm Think positive. no bad news. . .
Had a similar day?
Bad News ---You need to fast until your appointment at 4pm.
Good News --- Preliminary test appears normal.
Bad News --- We'll need to run more tests to know for sure.
Good News --- The Lab is right across the hall, no appointment necessary.
Bad News --- Only one Lab Tech and a very unhappy little baby put Tech one whole hour behind.
Good News --- Didn't have to wait fifteen minutes between blood draws (like the patient in the next cubicle).
Bad News --- Whole building closed for the day . . . even the restroom (which I needed desperately due to not having to participate in that test).
Good News --- Got home in time for dinner which my wonderful hubby has waiting.
Bad News --- Twenty minutes to eat before running to get daughter.
Good News --- Still on time.
Bad News --- Black Charger stops in middle of high school drive just in front of me to pick-up not two or three but a fourth basketball team member. (I stress that I'll get rear ended.)
Good News --- Charger and occupants don't lynch me for honking.
Bad News --- Daughter is waiting as it starts to rain.
Good News --- I am optimistic . . . we are home safe and the children are retired, my turn next.
Bad News --- Hmmm Think positive. no bad news. . .
Had a similar day?
August 31, 2010
Answering questions about MS
Catherine,
You asked what the symptoms of MS are. I could write a list here, but it would be incomplete. Visit MSAA site (links on this blog) and type in "symptoms" in search bar or a more complete reference is found by typing in "Winter/Spring 2009". I found the Symptom Management Update invaluable.
Also, you and M. might find "Fall 2009" -Men's Health- valuable.
You asked what the symptoms of MS are. I could write a list here, but it would be incomplete. Visit MSAA site (links on this blog) and type in "symptoms" in search bar or a more complete reference is found by typing in "Winter/Spring 2009". I found the Symptom Management Update invaluable.
Also, you and M. might find "Fall 2009" -Men's Health- valuable.
MS Diet
Fruits and Veggies should be organically grown or washed to remove chemicals.
NO
sugar, diary, gluten, wheat, oat, barley, spelt, rye. (Sprouted okay)
Safe
Rice, Millet, Quinoa, and Buckwheat
Helpful: No chemicals or preservatives -
One (1) ounce of purified water per two (2) pounds of body weight
Avoid hot baths
Lemon in 1st glass of water per day
1/3 cup Chlorophyll plus 1 egg yolk
Reasons behind Helpful:
Chemicals and preservatives can irritate body systems to greater or lesser degrees according to individuals.
Water helps flush the dietary mistakes we make from our systems. It is a pain to have the pelvic girdle take a hit from a sclerosis but less harmful than diabetes when it goes undiagnosed leading to possible kidney failure or amputations. Trust me, I've seen both.
Hot baths cause instant fatigue, sometimes making it difficult to dangerous to lift oneself out of the bath.
Lemon, though beneficial, can cause more frequent urination, limiting quality of life and keeping us MSers home bound.
Chlorophyll and a raw egg yolk feed the myelin sheath that takes such a beating with the disease.
Additional notes: Any cleanses that you do should be short. Short is a relative term. for me it means less than ten days with the exception of my brand of a Colon Cleanse (see post).
Athough wheat,barley, spelt and rye are no-no's, my personal exception can be found under recipes - Ezekiel Bread - The reason is this. When tested in the lab, this bread burns as a protein. (over 80% protein). The body seems unable to recognize this bread as a carbohydrate or able to break the grains apart into individual grains, rendering them safe for MSers.
Again: note the disclaimer on this blog.
NO
sugar, diary, gluten, wheat, oat, barley, spelt, rye. (Sprouted okay)
Safe
Rice, Millet, Quinoa, and Buckwheat
Helpful: No chemicals or preservatives -
One (1) ounce of purified water per two (2) pounds of body weight
Avoid hot baths
Lemon in 1st glass of water per day
1/3 cup Chlorophyll plus 1 egg yolk
Reasons behind Helpful:
Chemicals and preservatives can irritate body systems to greater or lesser degrees according to individuals.
Water helps flush the dietary mistakes we make from our systems. It is a pain to have the pelvic girdle take a hit from a sclerosis but less harmful than diabetes when it goes undiagnosed leading to possible kidney failure or amputations. Trust me, I've seen both.
Hot baths cause instant fatigue, sometimes making it difficult to dangerous to lift oneself out of the bath.
Lemon, though beneficial, can cause more frequent urination, limiting quality of life and keeping us MSers home bound.
Chlorophyll and a raw egg yolk feed the myelin sheath that takes such a beating with the disease.
Additional notes: Any cleanses that you do should be short. Short is a relative term. for me it means less than ten days with the exception of my brand of a Colon Cleanse (see post).
Athough wheat,barley, spelt and rye are no-no's, my personal exception can be found under recipes - Ezekiel Bread - The reason is this. When tested in the lab, this bread burns as a protein. (over 80% protein). The body seems unable to recognize this bread as a carbohydrate or able to break the grains apart into individual grains, rendering them safe for MSers.
Again: note the disclaimer on this blog.
MS - Vitamins and Herbs
There are a lot of theories out there. I include only the ones I have used or am considering.
Key: Ones I have used in italics.
Ones I continue to use in Bold.
Colon cleanse See post.
Vitamin C Only during cold and flu season
LBS II This herbal combination is a product of Natures Sunshine. I can get it for you if you pay for Tax and shipping. This combination has often and lovingly referred to as "Poop Pills" Trust me on this one.
Vitamin B-complex I didn't see a difference but am concidering using it again.
Pycnogenol This can be purchased may places and in many forms.
Lecithin I swear by this one and probably ought to devote a whole post to it. This is nerve food and helps heal in the brain!!!!
Herbal CA Again this is a Natures Sunshine product. Basically it is an herbal form of calcium.
Chlorophyll (1/3 cup every day) Must be refrigerated so I tend to forget it when I have it.
Eight ATC Another Natures sunshine product. I now use Nerve Control instead.
Talk to me in person or via email if you are interested in more details of these above mentioned vitamins and herbs.
Keep in mind that MS is different for every one. What works for one is not necessarily good for another. I encourage you to consult your Maker, in whatever form you worship for guidance. For me, Heavenly Father created my body, He and my body know what it needs. It is my mission to figure out what they are telling me.
As to the theories of cures out there . . .
I have joked about going out into the desert during a lightening storm with a lightening rod in one hand and a live scorpion in the other. Sure one of them will cure me or kill me. Either way I'm out of my misery!
Notice I say I've joked about it.
The one theory that I am sceptically considering is Bee Pollen. I'm open to input on that one, preferably from someone who has tried it.
Key: Ones I have used in italics.
Ones I continue to use in Bold.
Colon cleanse See post.
Vitamin C Only during cold and flu season
LBS II This herbal combination is a product of Natures Sunshine. I can get it for you if you pay for Tax and shipping. This combination has often and lovingly referred to as "Poop Pills" Trust me on this one.
Vitamin B-complex I didn't see a difference but am concidering using it again.
Pycnogenol This can be purchased may places and in many forms.
Lecithin I swear by this one and probably ought to devote a whole post to it. This is nerve food and helps heal in the brain!!!!
Herbal CA Again this is a Natures Sunshine product. Basically it is an herbal form of calcium.
Chlorophyll (1/3 cup every day) Must be refrigerated so I tend to forget it when I have it.
Eight ATC Another Natures sunshine product. I now use Nerve Control instead.
Talk to me in person or via email if you are interested in more details of these above mentioned vitamins and herbs.
Keep in mind that MS is different for every one. What works for one is not necessarily good for another. I encourage you to consult your Maker, in whatever form you worship for guidance. For me, Heavenly Father created my body, He and my body know what it needs. It is my mission to figure out what they are telling me.
As to the theories of cures out there . . .
I have joked about going out into the desert during a lightening storm with a lightening rod in one hand and a live scorpion in the other. Sure one of them will cure me or kill me. Either way I'm out of my misery!
Notice I say I've joked about it.
The one theory that I am sceptically considering is Bee Pollen. I'm open to input on that one, preferably from someone who has tried it.
Dealing with MS - Start with a Colon Cleanse -
There are a bunch out there but this is the cheapest and most effective for me. I keep some of this on hand all the time just in case the drugs slow and stop the evacuation process.
The first time I used this for a whole month. This is what I suggest to anyone needing to get the old poop factory moving.
Take this first thing every morning before a glass of water and especially before eating.
The night before - Four (4) prunes or dried plums
2 Tablespoons Golden Flax seed
Cover with purified water.
The consistency of this concoction may take a bit of getting used to, but it costs a whole lot less than the colon cleanse that you buy at the health food stores!
The first time I used this for a whole month. This is what I suggest to anyone needing to get the old poop factory moving.
Take this first thing every morning before a glass of water and especially before eating.
The night before - Four (4) prunes or dried plums
2 Tablespoons Golden Flax seed
Cover with purified water.
The consistency of this concoction may take a bit of getting used to, but it costs a whole lot less than the colon cleanse that you buy at the health food stores!
Managing MS pain
Libby, in answer to your question. Yes, at times the pain is unbearable. Although Doc is more than happy to prescribe a variety of drugs, I prefer to use good old Ibuprofen. I noticed that one of the first painkillers the doctor prescribed years ago was simply a double dose of what my 200 mg over the counter Ibuprofen recommended.
Why pay the prescription price? I asked myself.
Why live with the hallucinations that come with 'Vicadin' or a few others?
This last round of pain reminded me just what a bad case of the flu felt like. Ever one to try and figure out what my body is trying to tell me, I sat quietly and listened to it and the Spirit when the house was quiet.
Potassium--- my daughter's coach insists that she eat a banana every day to keep her muscles from cramping. I ate a banana and went to bed--- without painkillers. I slept well (relatively) and woke without the pain--- only a ghost of it to remind me that I had chosen wisely.
Hope that helps.
Why pay the prescription price? I asked myself.
Why live with the hallucinations that come with 'Vicadin' or a few others?
This last round of pain reminded me just what a bad case of the flu felt like. Ever one to try and figure out what my body is trying to tell me, I sat quietly and listened to it and the Spirit when the house was quiet.
Potassium--- my daughter's coach insists that she eat a banana every day to keep her muscles from cramping. I ate a banana and went to bed--- without painkillers. I slept well (relatively) and woke without the pain--- only a ghost of it to remind me that I had chosen wisely.
Hope that helps.
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