Please Join Us

This is what I have been working on the for the past few months. When I was told that I had cancer and would have to have surgery, this is one of the many responsibilities that weighed heavily on my mind. I have worked so hard towards this musical program of the Savior Jesus Christ that I did not want to miss it.

I went to the doctor yesterday because she insisted on clearing me before I conduct tonight's rehearsal and the performance. I didn't have the heart to tell her that I would do it anyway, because she has been absolutely wonderful to me. She has given me the go ahead under strict orders to take it easy. Today is day 9 since having major surgery and although I have yet to feel myself, I am confident that the Lord will bless me to be able to follow through. Tonight rehearsal is bound to be interesting.

I am so grateful for those that took over for me while I was in the hospital, and those willing to jump right in should I not be able to follow through. THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Please come and join us

this Sunday as we testify

of the Savior of the World

through song.

Time

I had a funny experience when coming out of surgery last week. Once I was coherent enough to hold a conversation, the attending nurse in the recovery room asked me if I had an appointment later that evening. I told her, "Of course not, I just got out of surgery. Why do you ask?" She then informed me of my first few utterances while coming out from under the anesthesia. "What time is is?" and "Am I going to be late?" Apparently I asked her this several times.



I admit it freely, I have always been obsessed with time. I cannot stand to waste time and I abhor being late; therefore I am always early. It all stems back to my childhood. When going anywhere with my mother, we were ALWAYS late. I don't know if it was because of her seven children or what, but it was difficult. As I got older I realized that in order to be on time to important functions I would have to be give her a much earlier time than required to avoid being late. This worked for a while, but she was smart and soon caught on, especially when we were there before anyone else.



My time is extremely important to me and I try to use it wisely. I often play on the clock. In other words, I will set tasks for the day with time limits attached and then try and beat the time. It is rewarding when I can beat my time, however I allow for emergencies which often arise and change my plans.



When I see my children sitting around I ask them, "Are you being anxiously engaged in a good cause?" They know that that means they had better get up and find something worthwhile to do. Time wasted is gone forever!



I love this quote about time:

"Time is the property

which we inherit from God,

along with the power

to choose what we will do with it."

Henry B. Eyring

Time is a precious gift that each of us enjoy. We each have the same 24 hours a day, 168 hours a week to do with as we desire. However, it passes at a fixed rate and we can’t store it. All we can do is decide what to do with it—or not to do with it. Even a moment’s reflection helps me see that the problem of using my time wisely is not a problem of the mind but of my heart. Where my heart is, there will my time be spent.



My heart is with my family and my God. That is where my time is spent, hour after hour, minute after minute, day after day.



I never want to be responsible for these final words:





My time is even more precious to me now. My lists have even grown a little longer, and while I might not get everything accomplished that I would like, I feel peace in the choices I have made in how I spend my time.

An Attitude of Gratitude

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." Melody Beattie

I have found that if I can find something to be thankful for everyday of my life, my life isrich beyond measure and I am able to cope with the trials that come my way. I have so many things to be thankful for in my life, too many to mention, but here are just a few things which I am most grateful for:

• Being able to live on the earth at this time, our opportunities are limitless.
• This choice land in which I live
• For modern conveniences that advance daily

Most of all for:

• True friends who are there whenever I am in need of a listening ear. They are wonderful examples of strength, kindness and service.
• My eternal companion who loves me in spite of my weaknesses. He willingly sacrifices so hard to provide for his family. He is never complaining and ever serving.
• My children who bless my life in every way imaginable and have provided me with the best title ever, Mother.
• My Savior Jesus Christ who has shown me the way.
  
  

This has been such a stressful week (and its only Tuesday), but I wanted to stop and take a moment to wish everyone a joyous Thanksgiving as you gather together with family and friends.

Lessons Learned Early In Marriage

Yesterday our lesson in Relief Society was on Family: The Sweetest Union for Time and Eternity. As I sat listening to the lesson that was presented I reflected on all of the happy times I have had in my life because I married my husband. One flash-back came to me while I pondered the lesson and it reminded me of just one of the many lessons that I have learned while being married to Mar-Kay.


Mar-Kay and I had only been married a few weeks and so far it had been the happiest time of my entire life. In my eyes no one could possibly be more in love than we were. Mar-Kay was always so considerate and I felt I had found the perfect man. It was his desire to make sure that I was completely happy and so for Family Home Evening one Monday night he decided that we should have companion inventory. (Incidentally he got that idea while serving his mission). Mar-Kay took out a piece of paper and a pen and explained that we were to write a list of things that bothered us about each other. I knew all too well my faults and weaknesses and assumed he had finally discovered them. I imagined that his list would be quite lengthy. I even thought that he might have to use both sides of the paper to capture them all. We each went to a separate room so as not to be distracted. It was the longest 15 minutes of my life. At first I tried to think of something I had done to make him uphappy, but my mind came up blank. I then racked my brain to try and come up with something that bothered me about him and again, nothing came to mind. Finally in desperation I wrote down one or two insignificant things. If you were to ask me today what they were, I could not tell you. We met together after the allotted time and traded papers. To my utmost astonishment, the paper he handed me was blank! THERE WAS NOTHING THERE! I felt so horrible having written something on my paper and apologized profusely. In Mar-Kay's mind and heart, I was perfect, nothing I could do or say would change how much he loved me. It was his intent to please me and he just wanted to know if there was anything he could personally improve upon. This was a valuable teaching experience for me.

Lessons I learned:

• Look only for the good in your spouse and build upon his strengths
• NEVER find fault in others especially your spouse
• Watch out because Mar-Kay can be tricky

Because of our temple marriage

I have the peace of knowing that

Mar-Kay and I can be Together Forever!

Nothing gives me greater joy.

The Simple Things in Life

Have you noticed how

this old world is changing.

More than ever now,

life needs rearranging.

It could be heavenly

if we all remembered this.

The simple things in life,

are around you everywhere.

Right outside your door,

Why keep looking for the moon?

Another day is here

there is happiness to share,

Look outside your door

and stop reaching for the moon.

There's life again in lover's lane

and that's a very good sign.

We're on the track to welcome back

a bit of "Auld Lang Syne."

That "Hello neighbor" smile

will be coming back in style

So will wedding rings and

The simple things in life.

As I was going through my hectic schedule this week this Shirley Temple song kept popping into my head and I began to look for the simple things in my life that brought me the most joy. Here are just a few:

• As I was busily washing the dishes my husband entered the kitchen took me by the arm, turned me around, looked me in the eyes and simply said, "I love you."
• I was teaching piano when my six year old whispered in my ear, "Mommy will you hold me?
• During nap time my granddaughter asked, "Will you snuggle with me Grandma?"
• After I rushed to get my teenagers out the door to school I received a text message from my daughter, "Thanks for everything Mom! Love Ya!"
• After a long day of school and work the first thing my son asked when he entered the door was, "How was your day Mom?" Then he asked for food!

Of all the things that brought me joy this week, none of them dealt with the things of the world. They were all of an eternal nature.

The Simple Things in my life are my family!

What are the Simple Things in your life

that mean the most to you?

Look for the Good!

We just finished watching "Pollyanna" again for the hundredth time. It is one of my favorite movies and books. I love the way Pollyanna looks at life and then introduces an entire town to the "glad game."

This time however as I watched the movie, a new concept stood out at me. It began with a conversation between Pollyanna and the Minister.


Pollyanna: Do you like being a minister?
Minister: What kind of a question is that?
Pollyanna: I asked my father that once–he was a minister too you know.
Minister (eagerly): What did he say?
Pollyanna: He said he liked being a minister, but it made him sad when people wouldn’t listen to what he was preaching.
Minister: Yes, I suppose every man of God has felt like that.
Pollyanna: Then he read something one day that made him feel better.
Minister: From the Bible?
Pollyanna: No, from a book. He had it engraved on this locket. (picks up the locket and begins to read) If….you…look…oh it makes me cross-eyed everytime I try to read it!
Minister: May I? (begins reading) “If you look for the bad in people, you’re sure to find it, so look for the good instead. A. Lincoln“

I pondered over this quote a lot today. Here is the exact quote from Abraham Lincoln:

"If you look for the bad in people

expecting to find it,

you surely will."

Everyone has faults, nobody is perfect, and yet if you choose to find fault in others, you are the one who loses. You lose out on friends, opportunities and most important of all, happiness.

Instead of looking for the bad, compliment, uplift and accentuate the good qualities in those whom you come in contact with. When you do a magical transformation takes place in your life, for as you seek the good in others you will find joy and happiness in your own life.

Final Letter to My Missionary

May 12, 2009

My Son,

This is a sad day for me as I sit and write your final letter to you in the mission field. I have loved writing to you. I have looked forward with great anticipation each e-mail and letter. I have treasured sharing your joys and sorrows and watching you grow into a fine young man. Most of all, I have cherished the opportunity to grow closer to you as mother and son.

Over these past two years, I have witnessed your hard work and devotion to the Lord. The measure of your success lies in how well you have obeyed what the Lord called you to do without complaint. I have observed your heartaches and happiness. These experiences have helped to build a strong foundation for spiritual growth that you can add upon throughout your life. The friendships you have formed with companions, other missionaries, members and converts will last eternally.

As your mission draws to a close you will experience a feeling of finality as you pack your bags. There will be the last interview with your beloved mission president. He has been your father, friend, counselor, teacher, and Lord’s representative throughout your mission. You will experience a great nervousness as you say good-bye to everyone and board the plane home. The time on the plane will be one of great reflection. As you step off the plane you will be reunited with family and friends. As hands are laid upon your head for your release, you will experience the realization that your mission has come to a close. Tears will be shed, but I want to tell you that it is only the beginning. Your mission is just a part of life’s greater mission. It is an eternal mission.

The weeks and months that lie ahead are important in your success. The transition will not be easy, but you already know that as you have witnessed first hand the return of two older brothers.

I have a few suggestions that I would like to share with you that will help your transition back into the world a little easier.

o Plan for each day
o Continue to pray
o Study the gospel daily
o Read your scriptures daily
o Write in your journal
o Look for opportunities to serve
o Keep yourself clean and unspotted from the world
o Attend the temple often
o Spend time with your family
o Continue to follow the same image of a missionary (Please no facial hair) :)
o Do not lower your standards to “fit in”
o Monitor your forms of entertainment
o Follow a daily exercise program
o Do not expect anything but the best from yourself
o Continue to share the gospel

If there was one thing that I would caution you about, it would be to not let yourself relax too much. In other words, DO NOT WASTE TIME. There is so much out there to tempt you; mindless and profane music, television, movies and Internet. Some young men will glut themselves with worldliness upon returning because they have gone without for so long. Always be anxiously engaged in a good cause. ( I know you have heard that from me all your life. Some things never change.)

The lessons you have learned and the habits you have formed over the last two years are priceless. Use your missionary experience as a launching pad to even greater spiritual heights. You can bring your mission home with you. We are all anxious to share in your stories, be strengthened by your testimony, and feel of your spirit. I personally can’t wait to debrief you.

We have missed you so much! We are so grateful for the service you have rendered. Our lives have been greatly blessed. May you continue to progress on your eternal journey.

See you soon!

Love,

MOM

He Lives!

The greatest events of history are those which affect the greatest number of people for the longest periods. By this standard, no event could be more important to individuals or even nations than the Resurrection of the Savior Jesus Christ. It is a glorious reality. He truly rose from the tomb on the third day, just as the prophets foretold. He literally is "the resurrection and the life." Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of mankind, the Redeemer of the world. He is the very Son of God. How grateful I am to have this knowledge. It shapes every aspect of my life and I am forever indebted to Him.

He is My Savior.

Happy Easter!

Life is Hard

My daughter Brianna has been the choir director for Sabino High for the past two years. This morning she was called into the Principal's office and given "notice" of intent to let her go. Due to budget cuts they are planning on laying off all 1st and 2nd year teachers in our district. If this was not bad enough Brianna was informed that the discussion of the Site Council is to cut the ENTIRE Choral Program at the High School.

Brianna is an amazing teacher. She has a way of working with her students that helps them express their creativitiy and emotions through the art and dicipline of singing. I was so shocked when she called me this morning. This is a tradegy to lose such a valuable teacher let alone disolve an entire program. The arts are not just a frill, they offer many values to our children.

Let me just vent for just a few minutes on some of the values associated with Fine Art programs.

• The arts provide an emotional outlet and growth for all who participate.
• It has long been proven that they help develop thinking patterns that benefit all areas of life.
• The arts promote discipline and commitment. Just ask Shantell how many hours a day she works at the piano.
• The arts provide a positive social network.
• They help students develop teamwork as well as leadership skills.
• The arts develop skills that will last a lifetime.
• They open both minds and hearts and leave a lasting impression on all involved
• The arts add beauty and refinement to the world in which we live.

Can you think of any aspect of your life where the Fine Arts do not play an important role? I personally feel that it is our obligation to protect and nurture the arts in our school systems.

If anyone has suggestions on how we can save our program, please help!

Why Mormons Build Temples

Our family is saddened that the producers of HBO have taken our

most sacred practices and misrepresented them out of context

and understanding in the show, "Big Love."

In response, I would invite you to watch the following which

beautifully explains why we as members of

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

build temples.

YouTube - Mormon Messages: Why Mormons Build Temples

Hope Through Difficult Times

Everywhere we turn we are bombarded with news of our downward spiraling economy. As Latter-Day Saints we have been warned and forewarned for years and counseled to prepare for such a time.

Our late Prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley in a General Conference 8 years ago said:

"The economy is particularly vulnerable. We have been counseled again and again concerning self-reliance, concerning debt, concerning thrift. So many of our people are heavily in debt for things that are not entirely necessary. As we have been continuously counseled for more than 60 years, let us have some food set aside that would sustain us for a time in case of need. But let us not panic nor go to extremes. Let us be prudent in every respect. And, above all, my brothers and sisters, let us move forward with faith in the Living God and His Beloved Son.

Are these perilous times? They are. But there is no need to fear. We can have peace in our hearts and peace in our homes. We can be an influence for good in this world, every one of us.
May the God of heaven, the Almighty, bless us, help us, as we walk our various ways in the uncertain days that lie ahead. May we look to Him with unfailing faith."

Well the time is here! It would be so easy to get caught up in the gloom and doom but I have resolved to press forward with faith.

Thomas Paine said;

"The harder the conflict,

the more glorious the triumph."

As we gathered our children together for family council this week we discussed the economy and how it has affected us. We then brainstormed and came up with a list of things that we can to do to help make it through these difficult times.

• Get back to the basics (gardening, food storage etc.)
• Give thanks daily for the blessings we have.
• Be humble and willing to work.
• Help others in need.
• And most importantly, Look to the Savior in all things.

As we enter into these difficult times, let us for forth with faith that the triumph will be glorious.