With all the misconceptions in the world about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Church has decided to launch a campaign in various test markets to empower the members to dispel the myths and rumors about the Church. I'm excited to participate. If you aren't a member, but are curious, please go to mormon.org and watch some of the video profiles and read some of the written ones.

You will find that "Mormons" are not a cult. We are a large and diverse segment of the population with people from all walks of life and a multitude of backgrounds. We are Christian to our very core and Christ is at the center of all we do, both individually and collectively. There are groups out there that many people assume are or confuse with "Mormon". You will be surprised to find how far from accurate those assumptions are.

Keeping the Right Perspective

Tuesday nights are my rejuvenation night! My good friend and I attend the Temple together and it's an opportunity for me to adjust my attitude and keep myself focused throughout the week. Each experience in the Temple is unique. There is always something different that I glean from each session. This particular visit, the spiritual boost didn't come from the session or from the celestial room or from anything I would have thought would be the source. Instead, it came from my conversations with my friend. His humility and testimony were truly moving. I can't recall any specific topic or any particular event that he related, I only remember the power of the Spirit as he spoke.

I am so honored to have such people as influences in my life. We are sent here to progress and learn. We are here to strive towards perfection and exaltation that we might one day have the privilege of dwelling in the presence of the Father. Along our path, we encounter others that have been placed in our lives at the right time and place that we might mutually benefit and grow. Through these interactions, we come to understand the worth of souls and the importance of helping one another to obtain that highest of aspirations. Our Father in Heaven wants us to be mutually supportive of one another. He wants us to strive to bring those closest to us to the knowledge and understanding of the Plan of Salvation that we might all partake. He doesn't want to lose one soul and neither should we.

In General Conference, October of 1998, Elder Henry B. Eyring spoke of this very thing when he related a dream that he had where a friend that he had known for many years, met him on the other side of the veil with the admonition: "You KNEW! Why didn't you tell me?" We have the opportunity to share with those around us, through testimony, words, actions, example, what we know and why. "If it so be that ye should labor all of your days crying repentance unto this people, and bring but one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of the Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!" [D&C 18:14-16]. Going to the Temple helps me to keep this objective in view. I feel that I am better prepared when the Spirit moves me to speak. If I can be instrumental in bringing one person to their personal exaltation, then my life has been well spent.

Father's Day

This Father's Day, I have been reflecting on memories of my own father who passed away when I was 14 years old. I always knew that he was a wonderful man, but it wasn't until he died that I found out how wonderful others thought him to be as well.

Dad was born on March 27, 1918 and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He grew up in Wayne County Utah so we would spend a lot of time in Bicknell, his hometown, because it was his favorite spot for his favorite activities. Of course I was raised on venison, elk and trout, so to this day, I love those foods! We would stay at my grandmother's house in Bicknell and I was always struck by how good my dad was to his mother. He set such a good example for all of us about the importance of honoring his mother. He didn't have the privilege of knowing his own father because he died when my dad was very young, but he always treated his mother with love and kindness.

Dad had quite the workshop in his garage, which he built himself I might add, and he would always be out there tinkering on one project or another. He acquired an old boat and brought in all the Venture Scouts to refurbish it. They completely gutted and reconstructed the entire boat! I remember how proud those boys were with what they accomplished. At one point, dad decided he would love to have a pop up camper, but couldn't really afford one. His solution? Build it himself, which he did! He even sewed the canvas tent all by himself!

He was such a gifted man, not only in carpentry and electrical areas, but musically as well. He played guitar completely by ear. He could play any instrument you put in his hands after a few minutes of "tinkering" with it! It was his singing voice though that mesmerized me. He sang like a cross between Eddie Arnold and Jim Reeves. He was so good in fact that when he was in WWII, his captain, a music producer in civilian life, offered him a recording contract. My dad declined because he felt his music was something he did for himself, but that didn't stop his captain from hounding him for many years after the war.

My own personal interaction with dad will always be cherished though it was relatively short-lived. When I was younger, I was very small and petite and my parents actually thought I would stay that way, so they enrolled me in all the things petite girls do....ballet, gymnastics, etc. I was very good too! I was on the gymnastics team in junior high and we would practice very early in the morning. My dad would wake me up, fix me breakfast and we would talk together during this quiet alone time. He would then take me to the school for practice. Along the way, he would honk at Chuck who ran the gas station and Chuck would wave back. This was their morning ritual. At my dance recitals, my dad was always front and center with his 8mm camera at the ready! He would smile the broadest and applaud the loudest!

I have far too many memories to list in this blog, so I will cut to the chase. I thought I knew what kind of man my dad was, but what I knew about him barely skimmed the surface. I later found that he had earned the Distinguished Flying Cross in the war. Grunt's Military gives the criteria for this award as follows: "The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, distinguishes himself by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. The performance of the act of heroism must be evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty. The extraordinary achievement must have resulted in an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding as to clearly set the individual apart from his comrades or from other persons in similar circumstances. Awards will be made only to recognize single acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement and will not be made in recognition of sustained operational activities against an armed enemy." How dad came to receive this medal will always be a mystery because he would never speak of his war experiences and anyone who had knowledge of the events didn't survive Midway...where the events likely took place. There are no records either because of the fire in the National Archives in St Louis in 1973. (2011) Distinguished Flying Cross, Grunt's Military, retrieved from http://www.gruntsmilitary.com/dfc.shtml.

At his funeral, we learned many details about events none of the family ever knew. People would come up and relay a story about some selfless act he had rendered them or a family member or friend. There were tales from acts of service to outright bravery. His funeral was held at the stake center in Kearns and the chapel and all overflow facilities were full as well as the lobby. Parking went as far as the eye could see up and down the three streets surrounding the building. With this many people in attendance the stories went on for hours.

One such story was how dad, an electrician by trade, was called in the middle of the night because an elderly widowed woman's heat had gone out in the dead of winter. The company wanted him to go on the call first thing in the morning, but dad would not allow the woman to suffer through the night. Once he had repaired her furnace, he refused to take payment from her. She and her grown children all came to pay their respects and relate the experience to my mother.

When I was very young, I remember dad coming home with bandages on both arms all the way up to his elbows. When asked what happened, he shrugged it off and said he got burned a little at work. It wasn't until he died that we learned the details. He was working at Bennet's Glass and there was a power struggle going on between two foremen. One of them had the circuits off to enable him to work on the power lines. The other one didn't bother to ask why the circuits were off and decided to turn them on again. The foreman on the lines was literally being electrocuted! My dad stepped in and pulled him away, injuring himself severely in the process.

Because this is becoming an extremely long entry, I would just like to finish up by saying that dad was a very humorous man and people loved his wit. He was well loved by everyone who knew him, but most especially his family. I look forward to the day when my children will meet their grandpa on the other side of the veil.

Eternal Families

Recently, I was attending an evening Temple session with a friend and we met a woman and her family that were all gathered for the same session. The woman's husband had just passed away two days before and all but one of her children, along with spouses, were in attendance with her. I was struck by the example of the eternal bond and nature of the family by this very fitting and moving tribute to a loving patriarch. To say that the Spirit was strong in this session would be a gross understatement.

In my own life, I have not been blessed with a lifelong spouse that honors and respects his covenants, but that doesn't lessen the commitment that I feel to those covenants. I still hold out hope for the eternal bond between husband and wife and a righteous posterity.

There was a time, not so long ago, when my sites were not as focused on these things as they ought to have been, but my life and dedication have been restored to these aspirations with renewed vigor. I plan to keep it that way. The turning point for me was the conference address by Elder Richard G. Scott, this past April. I was moved to tears by his account of his life with his wife and the bond that they had shared during her life and will continue to share in the life to come. I realized at that very moment what was of most importance in my own life and what I needed to do to obtain it. This is now my focus and my daily endeavor.

The covenants that I have made in the Temple with Heavenly Father have been an anchor and a strength to me in times of trial and they have also been a source of immeasurable joy. I know that these very covenants have given me the strength and the guidance I have needed along life's journey. One day, I will have the privilege and blessing of sharing them again with a worthy companion, but in the meantime, they are a reminder to me that Heavenly Father does not forsake or abandon and that His love is enduring. He hears and answers my prayers and I feel His love for me every day of my life. Even when my needs might seem trivial or insignificant, He addresses them. The very best way that I can show Him my gratitude is to serve Him often in His holy house.

Christlike Love and Forebearance

Today in Gospel Doctrine, we discussed the traits and attributes of the father in the parable of The Prodigal Son. Of course this is a similitude of our Heavenly Father and an example of pure and unconditional love, but more importantly, it is an example of how we should govern ourselves in our own interpersonal relationships. When the son, who had squandered all that was given him, returned to beg only to be a servant in his father's house, that same father rejoiced and celebrated and restored to the son all the priestly status he had once known.

When others trespass against us, but through genuine contrition and penitence, seek our forgiveness, do we cut them off and erase them entirely from our circle or do we humble ourselves and show them the love that our Heavenly Father shows to us? Alma 41:15 reminds us "For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again". It is therefore important that we remember that when we seek the cleansing power of the Atonement in our quest for forgiveness, we must remember to demonstrate that same Christlike love and forbearance when we are called upon to forgive those around us. "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." (Matthew 7:2)

In the course of our day to day interactions, do we show an increase in love and mercy when called upon to do so? Reacting with harshness and condemnation and refusing to reach out to those who are seeking our forgiveness puts ourselves in serious spiritual jeopardy.

The Savior is the ultimate teacher and example. When we doubt or question what our response should be, we should look to him and his actions and do all that we can to emulate them. He in return will increase our understanding and our compassion and bless us with a greater portion of His Spirit.

The Force is Strong on the Dark Side

I have officially crossed over into the Dark Side of the Force! It's Mac all the way baby! I loved my itouch, and now my MacBook Pro and even the new iphone 4! Heck, if they made a dishwasher, I'd probably get that too! Plus you can get these cool Speck cases for the MacBook Pro; transparent neon pink! Got to get me one of those! What I don't understand is why Bill Gates, et al, are not getting the big picture here. Instead, they are always trying to reinvent the wheel, which usually just makes for a bumpy ride (insert Vista here). Jobs, on the other hand, took the wheel, cleaned it up, put a nice pretty shine on it and gave it better traction which in turn created a better driver (user) experience.....easier to handle and so forth. Everything about the Mac products just leaves Microsoft in the dust!

So here's my question: Do I have to change my voter registration to Liberal Democrat and move my sorry self to sunny Southern Cal?

Ahhhh, Such a Talented Child!

My daughter posted the most hilarious video of my grandson and his new-found fascination for blowing bubbles. He hasn't quite gotten the hang of pursing his lips and blowing. Instead, he makes a buzzing/humming noise and gets frustrated that a bubble doesn't materialize. Well, being from the genius stock that he is, he has demonstrated adaptability that does his g-ma proud! My little mensa-man has figured out that he CAN make the air come from his nose and VOILA! We have bubbles!

After watching this video repeatedly and laughing for literally hours, I just have to say this kid is quite the little problem solver. I'm expecting great things to come!

I Feel an Empty Nest Coming On

My youngest graduates on the 18th and as the hour approaches, I'm feeling more and more angst. This is a time that couples typically look forward to. A time that they can come and go as they please and enjoy bonding together.

What about a single? The idea of an empty home is just not as appealing as it may have been some years ago. While I still enjoy calling my own shots and being in control of my own life, I'm not so sure that I will find so much enjoyment when the walls are closing in and the sound of the ceiling fan is my only companion.

Can you say melancholy?

But, on the brighter side, I'm still enjoying school and I have promising prospects in other areas of my life that help to take the edge off. There is always a silver lining.

For This, I'm In Debt to Sallie Mae?

I had the most ridiculously absurd writing assignment and found myself in a quandary: Do I take it seriously and play up the angles for the grade or do I be true to myself and show my sarcastic nature and my incredulity at such a topic?

Oh, I suppose you're curious what the topic is. We were to choose an artist, musician, actor, athlete or some other non-political famous person and tell why we believe they should be our next President. We were to do the total campaign pitch and sell. Well, me being the politically cynical person that I am, I decided to really roll with the satire on this one. I just hope my professor will catch my vision. Anyway, I'm posting it here for all the world to see just how warped I really am!




Chris Angel for President
BELIEVE!


It was difficult for me to choose the appropriate candidate that, in my mind, would do the office of President justice. Being politically jaded and incurably cynical as I am, I contemplated the qualities that I feel would make a sound choice for President. Forgive the tongue in cheek approach, I warned you about the cynicism.

I would endorse Chris Angel for President for myriad reasons. First and foremost is that this man has mastered the art of smoke and mirrors, which we can all agree is traditionally uppermost on the list of Presidential qualities. I believe a President must promise, and possess the ability, to magically produce massive quantities of cash out of seeming nothingness to create the illusion of a balanced budget and a healthy economy where milk and honey flow in abundance.

It is well known that there is transparency in all that Mr. Angel does. The slight of hand, so critical for those at the top, is barely perceptible and would pass by our unwitting elected officials, leaving them in awe. Since we have come to shower our leaders of late with an almost worship-like devotion, I feel it important to point out that while other Presidents have thought themselves capable of walking on water, Mr. Angel actually can.

I believe that as the voting public sees my candidate in action, they will soon be ardent admirers like myself. Because Mr. Angel has the power to make one question reality and believe anything, my slogan for his campaign would be “Believe!” and his cast of jugglers, dancers, acrobats and magicians would hit the campaign trail pushing his brand of magic through the primaries and right past the Electoral College!

I will show my Presidential candidate to be a real crowd pleaser and orator. We, the American public, are clueless and require someone wiser in the ways of the world, and skilled at theatrics, to showcase what is most important to our society: The glossy, shallow underbelly of self-indulgence and to regale us with tales about what makes this country great, because we are unable to make such judgments with our own feeble understanding. We require a light show and pyrotechnics to get the point across. This will also be impressed upon the masses when they see that Mr. Angel is admired and respected among the cream of Hollywood, and we all know that whom Hollywood embraces the voters will too.

Mr. Angel will demonstrate the ability to gloss over difficult scenarios so as not to trouble our little heads with such things as truth or facts or reality, to wrap them up in a show-stopping performance that will render us spellbound, a skill that will have the ballots virtually materializing out of thin air!

His first acts would be to strengthen our image in the eyes of the world, striking a bone-chilling fear in those who oppose us. A Commander in Chief must not cower in fear at the darker forces of this world, but must be willing and ready to make a blood pact with the darkest of the dark to secure the interests of the country. Secondly, my Presidential choice will miraculously make trillions of dollars of deficit, out of control for decades, disappear before our very eyes and all will be right with the world again, so please, support my candidate, and don’t forget to send your contributions in care of the Luxor, where Mr. Angel is appearing nightly, honing his craft and mastering his deception as he readies for his candidacy.

Continuing Education

So for my English Composition class, I have to come up with a "mixed tape" that exemplifies something about me...a characteristic or an experience or a phase of my life. That's just a little too broad for me to choose from. I'm much more tunnel-visioned. Anyway, the point is, all the writing assignments have been a breeze, but this one has me stumped. I can't put my finger on why. Maybe I'm stressing too much about whether or not my "fresh out of diapers" classmates will relate to Supertramp's Cannonball. All I have to do is pick 5 lousy songs that I can relate to and write a brief, one paragraph essay as to why.....what's so hard about that? My son (the comedian that he is) informs me that they did this same assignment in his English class during his junior year. Thanks Ian....I feel much better now. Not only am I old and can't get the simplicity of this assignment, but you have effectively taken the shine off my collegiate experience by inferring that "it must be a refresher course". What exactly are you trying to say?

Breaking the Restraints

I have had the most bizarre week! It's just been this wild ride with extreme ups and downs. There were things I thought were bad, but turned out good and things I thought would never get resolved that finally did, with unexpected results.

I was reading in Mosiah, chapter 24, when I came across the last sentence in verse 16: "Be of good comfort, for on the morrow, I will deliver you out of bondage." I can't explain the force with which those words hit me, but I knew that some area of my life was going to either undergo change or reach a resolution. Little did I know, it would be both!

In my personal life, there was one element that has needed resolution and direction for quite some time, but it was never going to happen through my own efforts. It was just one of those things that required the actions of someone else. I just didn't have the strength or insight to see what needed to be done. In retrospect, it was a type of bondage that was preventing me from moving forward or going backward. I was not progressing toward where I needed to be and was just lingering in limbo. When the end came, it was no real surprise, even though at first, I was bewildered. I can't say that I wasn't emotionally unscathed, but I quickly came to recognize a freedom, of sorts, and a new empowerment.

Work is another area with a situation that has been stagnating too long as well. For almost two months, I've been waiting for my review from my boss. He just kept hemming and hawing and I was beginning to feel like I would never get the much anticipated and desperately needed raise. Finally, he called me into his office and gave me the most glowing review I have ever had! He said it was also the best review he has ever given. We ended our interview with the promise of an increase, but how much remained to be seen. I was anticipating the standard 3%, 5% tops! Imagine my surprise when he called me in yesterday and handed me a slip of paper with my new salary written on it.....almost 10% increase in pay! I was literally speechless! He told me it was the highest increase he has ever given!

I've come to the conclusion that "bondage" comes in many forms, as does deliverance. Sometimes bondage is self-imposed, sometimes it is forced upon us and other times, we just sort of stumble into it and can't seem to fight our way back out. In my case, I wasn't even aware that I was "bound" until I was finally freed. It made me begin to understand how easily we can become ensnared by things in our life and not realize the extent of our captivity until it has progressed too far. When we are bound by sin, deliverance is much more difficult to achieve than the events that I have related. My personal experiences were by no means negative, but even so, I didn't see the situations for what they were until I was freed from them. Imagine how swiftly the wrong situations can overpower and trap us, without our even being aware that we are trapped until it's too late......just food for thought.

What Makes You Happy?

Maybe because it's Valentines Day and I don't have a "Valentine" per se, I feel compelled to examine what I DO have that fills my heart with love and joy. I have been contemplating just what it is that defines happiness and have concluded that it's as individual as each of us. For some, happiness is found in the fruits of their labors. For others it is found in pushing their physical limits. There are as many ways to find joy as there are people to share it with.

When I wake in the morning and start each day, expressing my gratitude to the Lord, I find that as I acknowledge each blessing, I discover how much I have in my life that makes me happy. I have been so blessed with wonderful children who have grown to be such steady, admirable adults. They are such gifted people and as they get older, I find that I am truly humbled to have been blessed to have a part in their lives. I have the most adorable grandson on the planet who makes me smile just by hearing his voice or seeing his little face. There is a new grandchild on the way that will undoubtedly steal my heart as well. I have family and friends that have shared in my joys as well as my sorrows and who have supported and sustained me through all aspects of my life. They have shown me such unwavering love and kindness and taught me about selflessness and courage. I have a best friend who lifts my spirits and makes me laugh and who also will listen to me when I need to unburden. Among the many things that bring me happiness, my associations with these people are chief among them.

To all the wonderful people in my life that I value so greatly, I want to wish you all a wonderful Valentines Day and tell you I love you!

Too Much On My Mind

There are just times in one's life when decisions await and difficult choices need to be made. Sometimes those choices are not clearly defined and the result is a restless confusion. So much has been weighing heavily on my mind for so long. I think it has finally come to a head and I am at a fork in the road. How do I decide where to go from here? There is no clear destination. There is no indicator of direction. I know that I need to move toward......something, but what? Does not having these answers make me an unfit companion or an undesirable employee? Do I have to have all my personal questions answered and all my issues resolved to be eligible for the good things in life?

My entire adult life has been primarily that of a stay at home mother and homemaker. How do you incorporate that into a resume so that it looks like an asset rather than a hindrance? I feel so ill prepared for life because I made a conscious choice to put the needs of others ahead of my own. Was that the wrong thing to do? My heart tells me no but my current situation gives me pause to wonder. For others in my situation, how do you find balance? How did you or do you prepare for your own future and stability whilst putting the needs of your family first and foremost? More importantly, how, after letting so many years pass under the bridge, do you make up for lost time?

There are those in my life that see my indecision as a sign of weakness....a flaw. I might be viewed as unmotivated when in reality, I am just feeling like a fish out of water. I don't want my old life back and don't want to put forth that impression. This isn't about regrets: This is about uncertainty, maybe fear. A good friend has encouraged me to "conquer my fears" and I am trying to do that. One major issue is that even my fears aren't clearly defined.

Today was Fast Sunday and I began my fast by trying to identify things in my life that I felt warranted attention and focus. I felt that I needed to find some answers and obtain some guidance that only my Father in Heaven could offer me. For the most part, I received...at the very least peace, but I am still floundering. My prayers were indeed answered, but the answers themselves are enigmas wrapped in conundrums. My friend Mary Lou bore testimony about struggles and how we are all given struggles that are tailor-made to each of us. We should not look to be rescued because resolving our problems is part of the process of fulfilling our earthly probation. She referenced a talk in the February Ensign, "Finding Answers", that opens with: "It is not the design of heaven that we be rescued from all difficult situations. Rather, it is the Lord’s will that we learn to handle them.".

While I know that working through things in my life is ultimately my responsibility, I am also keenly aware that I need not travel that path alone. He will not reach in and pull me out of the surging river, but He WILL get in there with me and hold my head above the waterline until my arms and legs find adequate support to pull myself out. He gives me little tidbits of encouragement in the most unlikely of places: A video posted on facebook of a talk by Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf entitled "Be Patient In Your Trials" where he says that "Patience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act because of our fears. Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can. Working, hoping and exercising faith...bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our heart are delayed." and a quote in the Sunday School program by Elder Richard G. Scott: "Faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith" (Ether 12:6). Thus every time you try your faith--that is, act in worthiness on an impression--you will receive the confirming evidence of the Spirit. As you walk to the boundary of your understanding into the twilight of uncertainty, exercising faith, you will be led to find solutions you would not obtain otherwise. With even your strongest faith, God will not always reward you immediately according to your desires. Rather, God will respond with what in His eternal plan is best for you, when it will yield the greatest advantage. Be thankful that sometimes God lets you struggle for a long time before that answer comes. That causes your faith to increase and your character to grow."

My struggles are well known to my Savior and He will give a portion of His spirit to me to assist me as I seek answers and search for solutions. He will hold my hand and encourage me and be my cheering section, but He will not remove this cup from me. As I drink from the bitter waters of the struggles that my Father in Heaven has deemed most beneficial for me, my Savior will support and succor me. Alma 7:12, "And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.