At our homeschool group earlier today, I overheard a few of the youth talking about a video on how Lord of the Rings should have ended, and they retold the story. At the council in Rivendell when it was decided the ring needed to be destroyed, Gandalf says he has an idea, and the next thing you know, a few of the Fellowship are at the gates of Mordor taunting Sauron, while Gandalf and Frodo fly in on giant eagles and drop the ring into the fire. Gollum dives in from who knows where and catches it, but still falls into the fire. Ring destroyed, the deed is done, and they all fly happily home. (I searched it out to add it - sadly, while it is animated, the taunting part involves a mooning, so no posting here. If you look for it, cover the left side of the screen during that part.)
Listening to the story, I immediately started thinking, "But . . . ! But . . . !" when one of the listening youth quietly replied, "But Gandalf would never have become Gandalf the White."
Precisely.
They all stopped, and the conversation turned another direction. But I continued it in my mind.
Gandalf would never have become Gandalf the White.
Aragorn would never have become king.
Frodo would never have been stretched to his end multiple times and still come out successful.
We never would have fallen in love with Sam's big heart.
Merry and Pippin would have never been separated or have found their bravery.
Legolas . . . just rocks always, but we wouldn't have seen him take down an oliphant.
Gimli would still hate elves.
Boromir would never have felt the pull of the ring and realized the doom of it, enough to fight to the death to protect those saving it.
Gollum would never have made it as far back to good as he did (even for a while).
The Ents wouldn't have gone to war.
The strongest bonds of friendship I've ever read about or watched would never have been forged.
The four hobbits wouldn't appreciate their home nearly so much.
And on, and on. Just thinking about it all makes me want to read the books or watch the movies again to make notes on all that wouldn't have happened to make our hearts so full it overflows out our eyes when all those friends come together again in the end, successful.
Journeys aren't just about time, how long or short something takes. Journeys are about doing, growing, becoming.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Friday, April 12, 2013
Light
"That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day." --D&C 50:24
My super incredibly inspired visiting teacher mentioned that scripture while visiting a couple days ago, and we discussed a bit about light, enough to get thoughts on it tumbling around in my head, enough that I had to get out of bed and get them on here.
I know people that are "light." Everything about them is beautiful. They are loving. They are peaceful. They serve. They care. They lift. They don't complain, almost like they are so busy looking out that they don't notice. To me, they are my personal vision of Moroni 7:48, "Pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him" (italics added).
One person I quickly think of was Sammy's 2nd grade teacher. I've never seen a teacher care more than she did. She spent extra time with him, less for academic reasons, and more to lift him and minister to his needs. She is still deep in his heart (and mine), and when my 14 year old boy sees her, he still goes out of his way to hug her. A couple years ago she became the principal at a school two of my relatives teach at. Last Thanksgiving I asked one of them if she's a good principal. "I love her," he said emphatically, and his face was lighter talking about the ways she has blessed the school.
Which makes me think about another principle of light. A candle can give and give and give light to other candles, and nothing is ever taken away from it. Its light is always the same. She is an excellent example of that, spreading light almost effortlessly everywhere she goes. It isn't her great knowledge or her resources that she shares (though I'm sure she could), but her heart.
Blessing others effortlessly reminds me again of the Savior. A woman was healed, just by touching His clothing!
I am thankful to know many others, and I'm always seeking for more. Interestingly enough, I've met many through different types of service Jamie or I have been involved with, church or otherwise. From my observations, it seems to me that people willing to give a lot of time in service have more light. Maybe that is part of the nature of the thing. A single candle not willing to share its light (if candles had a will to decide), doesn't make the room any brighter that it's lone flame. Likewise with a candle only sharing selectively, rather than sharing and giving freely.
Laying in bed I had a few other scriptures tumbling around in my mind that go along beautifully with this principle of light, though they don't directly mention light:
"If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." --Article of Faith 13
Doesn't that just feel light?
"But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God." --Moroni 7:13
I still remember a lesson on light when I was in seminary. We started class by reading D&C 88:6-13, then shared our light with one another by bearing testimony. Here is just a portion of that scripture:
"Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made . . . And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings . . . The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed."
Love is light. "And there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people. " -- 4 Nephi 1:15 Those people had seen the Savior, had been around Him, were blessed by Him, and were taught by Him. His love and light was so clear in their minds, that it directed their actions in such a way that there was no contention. To be even more specific, "There were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of laciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God" (v. 16, italics added).
Any of your own thoughts on light you'd like to share?
(Thanks, incredibly inspired visiting teacher, for getting me thinking about light.)
My super incredibly inspired visiting teacher mentioned that scripture while visiting a couple days ago, and we discussed a bit about light, enough to get thoughts on it tumbling around in my head, enough that I had to get out of bed and get them on here.
I know people that are "light." Everything about them is beautiful. They are loving. They are peaceful. They serve. They care. They lift. They don't complain, almost like they are so busy looking out that they don't notice. To me, they are my personal vision of Moroni 7:48, "Pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him" (italics added).
One person I quickly think of was Sammy's 2nd grade teacher. I've never seen a teacher care more than she did. She spent extra time with him, less for academic reasons, and more to lift him and minister to his needs. She is still deep in his heart (and mine), and when my 14 year old boy sees her, he still goes out of his way to hug her. A couple years ago she became the principal at a school two of my relatives teach at. Last Thanksgiving I asked one of them if she's a good principal. "I love her," he said emphatically, and his face was lighter talking about the ways she has blessed the school.
Which makes me think about another principle of light. A candle can give and give and give light to other candles, and nothing is ever taken away from it. Its light is always the same. She is an excellent example of that, spreading light almost effortlessly everywhere she goes. It isn't her great knowledge or her resources that she shares (though I'm sure she could), but her heart.
Blessing others effortlessly reminds me again of the Savior. A woman was healed, just by touching His clothing!
I am thankful to know many others, and I'm always seeking for more. Interestingly enough, I've met many through different types of service Jamie or I have been involved with, church or otherwise. From my observations, it seems to me that people willing to give a lot of time in service have more light. Maybe that is part of the nature of the thing. A single candle not willing to share its light (if candles had a will to decide), doesn't make the room any brighter that it's lone flame. Likewise with a candle only sharing selectively, rather than sharing and giving freely.
Laying in bed I had a few other scriptures tumbling around in my mind that go along beautifully with this principle of light, though they don't directly mention light:
"If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." --Article of Faith 13
Doesn't that just feel light?
"But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God." --Moroni 7:13
I still remember a lesson on light when I was in seminary. We started class by reading D&C 88:6-13, then shared our light with one another by bearing testimony. Here is just a portion of that scripture:
"Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made . . . And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings . . . The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed."
Love is light. "And there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people. " -- 4 Nephi 1:15 Those people had seen the Savior, had been around Him, were blessed by Him, and were taught by Him. His love and light was so clear in their minds, that it directed their actions in such a way that there was no contention. To be even more specific, "There were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of laciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God" (v. 16, italics added).
Any of your own thoughts on light you'd like to share?
(Thanks, incredibly inspired visiting teacher, for getting me thinking about light.)
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Eagle Project
Adam put together his Eagle project for last weekend. Quite a while ago he got the idea from his grandma to upload pictures of headstones to the website findagrave.com. He put it off for quite a while, then finally decided to get on it.
It really was a great leadership project. We put the lists of names together of those that don't already have headstone pictures, and thought through how it would work best and be the most effective. The day before, Adam, Melanie, and I went and did a trial run down one row and got a few more ideas on how we could tweak a few things.
Our local cemetery isn't that big, but even with all those that came, it took about an hour and a half to get all the pictures. He put everyone in pairs, and one person would check the list to see if that headstone was on the list, and the other person took the pictures.
Adam's main responsibility there was assigning where teams were going and answering questions. He was never part of any of the teams that day (though he had plenty of opportunities both before and after the big project day to do that).
When all the pictures were taken, we headed back to our house, uploaded all the pictures to one computer, then got the uploading to Find A Grave command center going. We had four computers uploading like crazy.
The next day Adam, Melanie, and I went and took retakes (we figured between service and family history, it was a worthy Sunday activity). That evening we got pictures that we hadn't gotten yet, and ended up with ore retakes the next morning.
When we printed out the first list of people there were 315 names on it. When we decided his project was "done" (after 90 hours of service) it had 75 names left. We would love to have it down to 0, and that's still the plan, but those last 75 are apparently going to be a lot harder and will involve a lot more searching. Granted, some may have been missed in the initial searches, but we're still on the first page of the 75 and we've discovered that two of them don't have headstones and one that I don't think is even really buried there. For those without headstones, we can at least take pictures of the area to upload, but we didn't have any way to know that in the initial run. Our city doesn't have a cemetery map, so I've been using the website NamesInStone.com to find where they're buried. Using their map zoomed way out, I used Print Screen to create my own map, and here and there we're mapping where the rest of those people are, searching for their location individually on Names In Stone, then zooming back out enough to be able to see where they are. Eventually we can go over and finish it off.
A few things we would have done differently that we didn't think of before the big day:
- Instruct that if it's a two person headstone, still take a picture of the whole headstone. We had two teams that didn't realize that. Retakes!
- Check the picture size on everyone's cameras. Some of the cameras we could upload without a problem, but if the file sizes were too big, we had to edit them down (extra step, extra time). Some of the pictures were ultra small, so when we were editing to make them bigger, some of the pictures were entirely unreadable, or just shoddy looking enough that we wouldn't want to put his name on it. Retakes!
Overall, it was an incredible experience.
Not just watching my amazing son take this project over and run with it - because I already knew he was amazing. I get to see that all the time.
But also having my testimony strengthened with experiences over and over that there are people out there wanting to be found.
For instance . . .
- We took a retake picture for someone with a unique grave marker and name. After that group had been added, I was working on some other names later and noticed the woman's name still on our "to be taken" list. I went back to that group of pictures to get it added, and in doing the search I noticed she was the only one with that last name listed, but she was buried with her husband. After more searches to make sure I wasn't duplicating, I got him added him to the website. I went through all the other pictures in the picture group, and that was the only picture that had been missed. I asked Melanie about it (she had worked on uploading that group), and she told me she remembered looking at and uploading that picture.
- After retakes on Monday, we got home and were adding them in. Keep in mind, this is our 3rd retakes trip, and our list was far more specific at this point. Melanie got to a picture that wasn't listed on our new "no headstone picture," so she looked to see if he was a retake that we had had uploaded but wanted a nicer one. Again, no listing on the website at all. We got him added, and uploaded his picture. (By this time Adam told me I was getting to spiritual freak out mode, but really, why did we take that picture??!!?!)
- Also that Monday there was another that needed a retake, but we didn't know where it was in the cemetery. I had walked up the row they were on (husband and wife) but missed it somehow. From the first picture I had jotted the pictures that were on it since it was pretty unique (a truck, a temple, and a woman playing ring around the rosie), but didn't note the name. We wandered and wandered the cemetery looking for them, and Adam finally found it on that first row I'd been on. Got the pictures home, and again, no listing for them. I wouldn't have gone for a retake if I hadn't seen the first picture and written it down. Why did that first picture get taken?
I can't in any way logically explain why all these random pictures were taken. The teams all had a list to check and then take a picture if their name was on it. No pictures were taken that already had a picture uploaded for that person. Every not-on-the-list picture was someone that needed to be added to Find A Grave.
Like I said, an incredible experience. And a lot of fun, especially with all the great people involved. I was very grateful to those that showed up and supported Adam in his project. And thankful to scouting for helping to build boys in this way.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Service Just Makes It Better
I used to hate going to choir. Well maybe not hate. Really-really-didn't-look-forward-to.
Five of our six kids are part of a choir that meets every Friday for about 2 1/2 hours. They are all off playing with friends around the house and yard we meet at, and a few of the moms hang out in a back room. Since it's far enough away, I've been one of those moms, sitting there feeling those 2 1/2 hours slip away from my life. Anything I tried to bring with me to work on wouldn't get done for one reason or another.
I asked the choir teacher at the beginning of this year if there is anything I could do for her while I'm there. "Clean your house?" (She thought about that one.) One day I did it - cleaned as many windows as I could find, trying to not let her see me. (I don't think she did.)
Another day I went thinking I really could get something done this time since Madeleine was home with her daddy. I ended up with 5 or 6 (more?) kids on my lap, my sides, and behind me while I read to them. One of them was a giant "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" book, that we joked made the wind blow every time we turned the page.
About this time I decided I was done with ME and went looking for ways to serve.
One day I decided that rather than sit in the "mom area," I would hang out where some of the kids hang out while waiting to head into the choir room. They taught me a few funny tricks that they then performed on me over and over and over, and I taught them one that they in turn spread to some of the other kids.
Another day shortly after a lot of snow had melted and there was mud and muck everywhere outside, it somehow magically found its way inside. I became the floor nazi, and swept it all up. Then I grabbed a washrag and started wiping down the kitchen. Then I asked where a mop is by one of their youngers who I figured wouldn't remember that I had asked long enough to tattle on me (shhhh, keep my secret!), and she instructed me on their family's way of doing that. After the floor was clean and shiny, I REALLY became the floor nazi. I set sentries at the door, and anyone that somehow made it through and created new footprints was quickly told to wipe them up.
Another day there was a microwave nachos disaster, and I cleaned that up, did my very best trying to get all he burn marks off the plate, and did a bit of other tidying.
All of this while my children and our lovely choir teacher were happily and beautifully singing away. I've decided that I'm the substitute mother while the choir teacher is busy serving all of our families.
Choir is way more fun now. Service just makes anything better!
(Fun tidbit - they even call it a service choir because they have four performances, three of which are at rest homes and one for family and friends.)
Five of our six kids are part of a choir that meets every Friday for about 2 1/2 hours. They are all off playing with friends around the house and yard we meet at, and a few of the moms hang out in a back room. Since it's far enough away, I've been one of those moms, sitting there feeling those 2 1/2 hours slip away from my life. Anything I tried to bring with me to work on wouldn't get done for one reason or another.
I asked the choir teacher at the beginning of this year if there is anything I could do for her while I'm there. "Clean your house?" (She thought about that one.) One day I did it - cleaned as many windows as I could find, trying to not let her see me. (I don't think she did.)
Another day I went thinking I really could get something done this time since Madeleine was home with her daddy. I ended up with 5 or 6 (more?) kids on my lap, my sides, and behind me while I read to them. One of them was a giant "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" book, that we joked made the wind blow every time we turned the page.
About this time I decided I was done with ME and went looking for ways to serve.
One day I decided that rather than sit in the "mom area," I would hang out where some of the kids hang out while waiting to head into the choir room. They taught me a few funny tricks that they then performed on me over and over and over, and I taught them one that they in turn spread to some of the other kids.
Another day shortly after a lot of snow had melted and there was mud and muck everywhere outside, it somehow magically found its way inside. I became the floor nazi, and swept it all up. Then I grabbed a washrag and started wiping down the kitchen. Then I asked where a mop is by one of their youngers who I figured wouldn't remember that I had asked long enough to tattle on me (shhhh, keep my secret!), and she instructed me on their family's way of doing that. After the floor was clean and shiny, I REALLY became the floor nazi. I set sentries at the door, and anyone that somehow made it through and created new footprints was quickly told to wipe them up.
Another day there was a microwave nachos disaster, and I cleaned that up, did my very best trying to get all he burn marks off the plate, and did a bit of other tidying.
All of this while my children and our lovely choir teacher were happily and beautifully singing away. I've decided that I'm the substitute mother while the choir teacher is busy serving all of our families.
Choir is way more fun now. Service just makes anything better!
(Fun tidbit - they even call it a service choir because they have four performances, three of which are at rest homes and one for family and friends.)
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
I LOVE My Study Journal
About a year and a half ago I discovered scripture journals (info links at the end). Even after using it for a short time, I wished I had been doing it for years. I've had other study journals, but they weren't organized at all - just a place to write great things down in for future reference. This one has a topic for each two pages, and when I'm studying I like to have it close. If I don't, I usually have to go find it anyway to jot down a powerful idea or two.
I don't limit myself to just scriptures or general authorities, thus why I don't call it my scripture journal. I have quotes from books, from people I've studied, from friends I've learned from. Anything that has spoken to my soul.
Talking about study journals once, a young woman I know mentioned that she'll record something and they write her own thoughts after it. I've done it a few times, but I think my jottings would be more meaningful to others if I added that. I guess I just want to get back to whatever I'm studying, and in my hurry, don't want it to say, "I LOVE THAT!" after each one.
It's been interesting to see which topics are filled more than others. I have never sat down and thought "Today I'm going to study about [whatever topic]," but as I'm studying anything I'll come across something that I just HAVE to write down.
But check these out . . .
Makes me wonder why I need to know so much about trials and so little about mothering. ???
I use a plain-old-lame-old composition journal. I didn't want to spend a lot of money, not sure if I would continue it at first, but if I were starting again, I think I would do the same thing. I like the size, it's decently sturdy, and again, not pricey.
It's such a treasure to me! I doubt mine will ever become something as incredible as the ones in the examples below, but I love having it all. I record so much more because I feel like it's something I can access easily, and I feel like my study goes towards a more directed purpose. Here and there I'm adding things from my old study journal, so someday those things can be in a nice organized place too. For ease of access, I've thought about making them google docs, but haven't made that move yet.
For information on starting your own:
Scripture Journals:
http://www.theredheadedhostess.com/scripture-study-tips-2/scripture-journals-scripture-study-tips-2/scripture-journals-2/
Scripture Journal Set-Up: (I looked over her topics, took off some, and added some of my own. Topics I added: Becoming, Blessings, Callings, Children, Enduring, Exactness, Fasting, Gifts, God's Perfect Love for His Children, Happiness, Hope, Judgement, Justice and Mercy, Love, Mentoring, Mission, Peace, Personal Revelation, Pride, Relief Society, Sacrifice, Scouting, Self-Reliance, Trials, United States of America, Unity, Vision, Work)
Scripture Journal Ideas:
http://www.theredheadedhostess.com/scripture-study-tips-2/scripture-journals-scripture-study-tips-2/ideas-for-your-topics-journals/
ENJOY!
I don't limit myself to just scriptures or general authorities, thus why I don't call it my scripture journal. I have quotes from books, from people I've studied, from friends I've learned from. Anything that has spoken to my soul.
Talking about study journals once, a young woman I know mentioned that she'll record something and they write her own thoughts after it. I've done it a few times, but I think my jottings would be more meaningful to others if I added that. I guess I just want to get back to whatever I'm studying, and in my hurry, don't want it to say, "I LOVE THAT!" after each one.
It's been interesting to see which topics are filled more than others. I have never sat down and thought "Today I'm going to study about [whatever topic]," but as I'm studying anything I'll come across something that I just HAVE to write down.
But check these out . . .
. . . four things for parenting . . .
. . . three for motherhood . . .
. . . a ton for prayer (counting the two pages I keep in there from a lesson I taught on the difference prayer makes using examples from the Book of Mormon) . . .
. . . a ton for trials - about ready to start two more pages for that.
Makes me wonder why I need to know so much about trials and so little about mothering. ???
I use a plain-old-lame-old composition journal. I didn't want to spend a lot of money, not sure if I would continue it at first, but if I were starting again, I think I would do the same thing. I like the size, it's decently sturdy, and again, not pricey.
It's such a treasure to me! I doubt mine will ever become something as incredible as the ones in the examples below, but I love having it all. I record so much more because I feel like it's something I can access easily, and I feel like my study goes towards a more directed purpose. Here and there I'm adding things from my old study journal, so someday those things can be in a nice organized place too. For ease of access, I've thought about making them google docs, but haven't made that move yet.
Scripture Journals:
http://www.theredheadedhostess.com/scripture-study-tips-2/scripture-journals-scripture-study-tips-2/scripture-journals-2/
Scripture Journal Set-Up: (I looked over her topics, took off some, and added some of my own. Topics I added: Becoming, Blessings, Callings, Children, Enduring, Exactness, Fasting, Gifts, God's Perfect Love for His Children, Happiness, Hope, Judgement, Justice and Mercy, Love, Mentoring, Mission, Peace, Personal Revelation, Pride, Relief Society, Sacrifice, Scouting, Self-Reliance, Trials, United States of America, Unity, Vision, Work)
Scripture Journal Ideas:
http://www.theredheadedhostess.com/scripture-study-tips-2/scripture-journals-scripture-study-tips-2/ideas-for-your-topics-journals/
ENJOY!
Friday, March 15, 2013
Quarters from Heaven
Yesterday Melanie offered to clean out the little van, and took quite a while gathering garbage and vacuuming it really well. I was working on something else and didn't go down to check on her, but had to pick up the boys later from something and noticed immediately how nice it looked.
As I pulled out of the driveway I called her to let her know how great it looked and to thank her for her hard work. Just as I hung up, I heard a sound I quickly identified as a coin, then felt something hit my shoulder and land in my lap. A quarter had somehow fallen from a coin holder that is mounted on the ceiling of the van.
I had to laugh. Though it should have fallen on Melanie for doing such a great job, it made me think of how quickly we probably get blessed for doing the right thing and being kind, even just by being grateful and saying thank you. Stronger relationships and willing service are definitely great blessings.
As I pulled out of the driveway I called her to let her know how great it looked and to thank her for her hard work. Just as I hung up, I heard a sound I quickly identified as a coin, then felt something hit my shoulder and land in my lap. A quarter had somehow fallen from a coin holder that is mounted on the ceiling of the van.
I had to laugh. Though it should have fallen on Melanie for doing such a great job, it made me think of how quickly we probably get blessed for doing the right thing and being kind, even just by being grateful and saying thank you. Stronger relationships and willing service are definitely great blessings.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Line Upon Line
Little Ah-ha . . .
We learn "line upon line, precept on precept." Right?
A very simple and true principle when you think about it. After all, can you understand Calculus without basic math or algebra? Can you understand great literature without knowing how to read?
The ah-ha -- there isn't a speed limit on that. If someone is capable of learning and understanding math principles, if they have the opportunity, work ethic, and support to do it, they could race through a whole lot of math. Likewise with anything else.
The more time and effort you put into something, the more "lines" and "precepts" you can keep adding to that.
Almost 6 years ago I was at my first homeschool conference, and the keynote speaker mentioned that we have a choice for the the next 5 years. We can keep doing what we're doing and stay the same that we are, progressing as we have been. OR we could decide a direction, set goals, and progress in huge amounts, all in the same 5 years.
Incredible the difference a few years can make. (Pondering more about that now. Feel free to do the same.)
We learn "line upon line, precept on precept." Right?
A very simple and true principle when you think about it. After all, can you understand Calculus without basic math or algebra? Can you understand great literature without knowing how to read?
The ah-ha -- there isn't a speed limit on that. If someone is capable of learning and understanding math principles, if they have the opportunity, work ethic, and support to do it, they could race through a whole lot of math. Likewise with anything else.
The more time and effort you put into something, the more "lines" and "precepts" you can keep adding to that.
Almost 6 years ago I was at my first homeschool conference, and the keynote speaker mentioned that we have a choice for the the next 5 years. We can keep doing what we're doing and stay the same that we are, progressing as we have been. OR we could decide a direction, set goals, and progress in huge amounts, all in the same 5 years.
Incredible the difference a few years can make. (Pondering more about that now. Feel free to do the same.)
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Joe Hutto - Turkey Mom Extraordinaire
I can't imagine the patience and dedication it would take to do this! Check out this Nature film on Joe Hutto. Simply amazing. Now I want to read the book.My Life as a Turkey
But if he could do this with turkeys, what can this teach me about mothering?
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Just Follow
While reading a friend's blog this morning I was reminded (again!) that in seeking guidance in my life, I need to remember that God is my ultimate mentor. Sometimes that is so easy, and other times, I don't know, a little scary?
Back in September at roundtable (if you don't know, that's a monthly meeting of scout leaders in your area where you can get and give ideas, be trained, and learn with other scout leaders) I was very jokingly asked to take over the Boy Scout portion of that since the person over that realized the evening before that he had a conflict that evening for the next several months. That would mean being there every month and planning the 45 minute section specifically for the Boy Scout leaders. I very jokingly said, "Absolutely!" then told them later that there is no-way-no-how that I could fit that in my world right now. They know me, and they understood. And I put it out of my mind entirely.
Two days later Jamie and I were at the temple. While we were sitting in there, I suddenly had the thought that I could help them out for a couple months, just while they found someone else. Okay, I thought, that wouldn't be too bad. As that settled in, I suddenly had an overwhelming feeling of, "You need to do this." Then ideas started coming - things we could talk about, and how I could easily share the responsibility. As soon as we got in the car I was on my phone sending the roundtable commissioner an e-mail telling her that if they still needed someone, then I'm her gal.
I guess because the feeling was so strong, it really has never been scary for me, even though there is great potential for that. Why? Picture this - little ol' me and about 30 men, every month. Once in a while a female committee member or two shows up, but normally it's me and the guys. I know a lot about scouting, but ALL of them have more experience than me since I've never delivered the scouting program to boys older than cub scout age. What am I supposed to teach them?
Even potentially scarier, the second month I did it I knew I needed to talk to them about youth protection (an online training every scout leader is required to take and every parent should take, especially if they attend an activity). It can be a sensitive topic, especially when you get into specifics of potential problems. Since the training is online, you can't ask questions or share experiences, and I really felt like we needed to do that so they would understand the policies and procedures involved with youth protection. The night before roundtable I heard from the Venture roundtable leader that his plans had fallen through, that the Varsity group had been planning on meeting with them as well, and he asked if it would be okay if they all met with us. Sure, why not! So that already potentially scary evening turned into little ol' me and over 50 men (several came in after we passed the roll around, so it could have been more than that). The whole drive over I kept reciting "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." :) At one point the conversation got "sensitive" enough that I jokingly offered to leave so they could talk more frankly for a few minutes, then let me know when to come back. Thank goodness for a great district executive that joined in and helped me. I learned a lot myself, and I had several of the scout leaders thank me afterwards (guys, it wasn't me).
I know it was personal revelation to me from God to take this position, for whatever reason. Time has never been a problem, and the men quickly warmed up to having me there leading the group. It really has been a great experience. One of their wives told me that her husband looks forward to roundtable again, so with that bit of feedback (and the fact that they keep coming), I guess it's good for them too.
But there was another whisper that same day at the temple as well. A month later when we went again I felt good about the fact that I had started working on it, but as more time has passed my "started" really hasn't amounted to much effort. Not the kind of effort that direction from God should have. But this one is definitely uncharted territory for me. While the beginnings are easy to see, I think the unknown of taking this project further has me scared to work on it much. I guess I need to start chanting again, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind," and listen for ways that He can help me make it happen, too. Sadly, it's easier to shirk when you don't have a deadline or appointment to be to, but this is the stuff that integrity is made of. Right?
I had most of that written up before church, then during sacrament meeting today one of the speakers made a comment along the lines of, how can we be instruments in God's hands if the instrument is trying to do the instructing? Maybe in this case the instrument was deciding it didn't want to be played right now.
Thanks, friend, for the reminder this morning to have more faith and just follow. Hopefully all ya'll will be hearing more about this.
Back in September at roundtable (if you don't know, that's a monthly meeting of scout leaders in your area where you can get and give ideas, be trained, and learn with other scout leaders) I was very jokingly asked to take over the Boy Scout portion of that since the person over that realized the evening before that he had a conflict that evening for the next several months. That would mean being there every month and planning the 45 minute section specifically for the Boy Scout leaders. I very jokingly said, "Absolutely!" then told them later that there is no-way-no-how that I could fit that in my world right now. They know me, and they understood. And I put it out of my mind entirely.
Two days later Jamie and I were at the temple. While we were sitting in there, I suddenly had the thought that I could help them out for a couple months, just while they found someone else. Okay, I thought, that wouldn't be too bad. As that settled in, I suddenly had an overwhelming feeling of, "You need to do this." Then ideas started coming - things we could talk about, and how I could easily share the responsibility. As soon as we got in the car I was on my phone sending the roundtable commissioner an e-mail telling her that if they still needed someone, then I'm her gal.
I guess because the feeling was so strong, it really has never been scary for me, even though there is great potential for that. Why? Picture this - little ol' me and about 30 men, every month. Once in a while a female committee member or two shows up, but normally it's me and the guys. I know a lot about scouting, but ALL of them have more experience than me since I've never delivered the scouting program to boys older than cub scout age. What am I supposed to teach them?
Even potentially scarier, the second month I did it I knew I needed to talk to them about youth protection (an online training every scout leader is required to take and every parent should take, especially if they attend an activity). It can be a sensitive topic, especially when you get into specifics of potential problems. Since the training is online, you can't ask questions or share experiences, and I really felt like we needed to do that so they would understand the policies and procedures involved with youth protection. The night before roundtable I heard from the Venture roundtable leader that his plans had fallen through, that the Varsity group had been planning on meeting with them as well, and he asked if it would be okay if they all met with us. Sure, why not! So that already potentially scary evening turned into little ol' me and over 50 men (several came in after we passed the roll around, so it could have been more than that). The whole drive over I kept reciting "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." :) At one point the conversation got "sensitive" enough that I jokingly offered to leave so they could talk more frankly for a few minutes, then let me know when to come back. Thank goodness for a great district executive that joined in and helped me. I learned a lot myself, and I had several of the scout leaders thank me afterwards (guys, it wasn't me).
I know it was personal revelation to me from God to take this position, for whatever reason. Time has never been a problem, and the men quickly warmed up to having me there leading the group. It really has been a great experience. One of their wives told me that her husband looks forward to roundtable again, so with that bit of feedback (and the fact that they keep coming), I guess it's good for them too.
But there was another whisper that same day at the temple as well. A month later when we went again I felt good about the fact that I had started working on it, but as more time has passed my "started" really hasn't amounted to much effort. Not the kind of effort that direction from God should have. But this one is definitely uncharted territory for me. While the beginnings are easy to see, I think the unknown of taking this project further has me scared to work on it much. I guess I need to start chanting again, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind," and listen for ways that He can help me make it happen, too. Sadly, it's easier to shirk when you don't have a deadline or appointment to be to, but this is the stuff that integrity is made of. Right?
I had most of that written up before church, then during sacrament meeting today one of the speakers made a comment along the lines of, how can we be instruments in God's hands if the instrument is trying to do the instructing? Maybe in this case the instrument was deciding it didn't want to be played right now.
Thanks, friend, for the reminder this morning to have more faith and just follow. Hopefully all ya'll will be hearing more about this.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
The Bread Lady
A couple weeks ago our Stake Relief Society put on an activity with a variety of speakers we could choose from. If I had attended the last class first, I think I would have stayed there the whole time. It was a bread class, and each of the 3 hours the instructor taught a different variety of bread, but from the moment I sat down and started watching her and her 12 year old daughter, I no longer cared about french bread. I wanted my girls to play at their house! This mother was gentle, joyful, centered, happy, and on and on, and her daughter was sweet, kind, beautiful, helpful, etc. etc. Turns out that they live a ways away (yes, I asked), but just by watching them I could tell that she was an incredible woman and an intentional mother (Sister Beck talks about that, and I need to be better at it), and that her daughter was much the same. I've only practiced what she said about bread a little, but I've thought about the two of them and their example a lot.
When studying Ralph Waldo Emerson this past week, this quote reminded me of them and the many others I get to call my family and friends.
By the way, "The Bread Lady" has a name, and she's a writer too, which I was happy to learn. Since meeting her I found some articles she wrote, and this is my favorite, mainly because the night after I read it I had it in mind, and I ended up not eating ice cream, but did enjoy a great conversation with my son. I want to start sending her topics for her to write about so I can learn more from her. :)
When studying Ralph Waldo Emerson this past week, this quote reminded me of them and the many others I get to call my family and friends.
"I count no man much because he cows or silences me. Any fool can do that. But if his conversation enriches or rejoices me, I must reckon him wise."I hope you have people like that in your life, people that by just being around them make you want to be more, because I feel like my world is full of them.
By the way, "The Bread Lady" has a name, and she's a writer too, which I was happy to learn. Since meeting her I found some articles she wrote, and this is my favorite, mainly because the night after I read it I had it in mind, and I ended up not eating ice cream, but did enjoy a great conversation with my son. I want to start sending her topics for her to write about so I can learn more from her. :)
What Am I Thinking?
"If you’re just in this meeting with me—this one we physically see—you’re not in the meeting yet. The real meeting is the meeting between you and the Lord. And if you want to really get in the meeting and have the Lord work upon your heart, that will be up to you." --Gene R. Cook
And then I wondered, what am I missing because of my poor attitude?
I realized I have a whole lot of choice during those activities. I could be bearing my testimony to myself, or several other things that would be a better use of my mind than grumbling about what I'm doing. Another reminder to "cheerfully do all things that lie in [my] power" (D&C 123:17). I really need to get better at that . . .
Monday, January 28, 2013
Help Them Aim High
I taught Relief Society yesterday. When I first got the lesson schedule I was so excited to get to discuss President Eyring's talk "Help Them Aim High" for my first lesson. Jamie had it playing in the car shortly after general conference. I listened for a while, taken in by all President Eyring was saying, then mentioned to Jamie that I didn't remember it, and was told it was a priesthood talk. Lucky guys again! I think I printed it the moment we got home so I could read and think about it, and even used it for my November visiting teaching lesson.
I love teaching. The study is different knowing that you'll be presenting the information, and I walk into the class knowing that the insight I get from others will expand my learning even more.
The basic gist of the talk is that being individuals with individual missions to fulfill in life, we are blessed with different spiritual gifts to help us in that. Not only do we need seek to recognize our own gifts, we need to recognize the gifts that others have, especially our children, and help them to "see, want, and believe they can achieve their full potential for service in God's kingdom."
President Eyring talks very specifically about how he did that for each of his children. Through his other talks you can tell he's a great, caring man, but it was wonderful to see the special love and time he gives to his children and grandchildren. A great example.
Something that was specifically brought up and clarified during the discussion was that he wasn't helping his children discover these gifts as part of their future occupation, but as ways they can bless others in service. Seeking after those gifts will certainly strengthen who you are, though, and would bless your life in a variety of other ways, including occupation. He never once mentions his children's occupations, but does share ways his children used their gifts in service.
Studying this has helped me to think more about how I can help my kids "aim high." Thank goodness President Eyring says we don't have to carve to do it. This talk reminded me of something my aunt and uncle did for their family. Another beautiful way - no carving. :)
I've been watching my children more, and if nothing else, pointing out to them things that I see. I've never been given anything concrete like a height board or framed scripture from someone regarding what they see in me, but I've had a few people here and there in my life mention things they see in me, even quickly in casual conversation, that I didn't realize. It's hard to really see yourself, though, don't you think? Or even if I think I might have some gift, it's nice to know that someone else recognizes it too. When I realize someone sees that in me, it's easier to focus on developing that more, which is why it's so important to recognize those things in others, especially our children.
Anyone want to discuss it more? So many good things in there to talk about.
I love teaching. The study is different knowing that you'll be presenting the information, and I walk into the class knowing that the insight I get from others will expand my learning even more.
The basic gist of the talk is that being individuals with individual missions to fulfill in life, we are blessed with different spiritual gifts to help us in that. Not only do we need seek to recognize our own gifts, we need to recognize the gifts that others have, especially our children, and help them to "see, want, and believe they can achieve their full potential for service in God's kingdom."
President Eyring talks very specifically about how he did that for each of his children. Through his other talks you can tell he's a great, caring man, but it was wonderful to see the special love and time he gives to his children and grandchildren. A great example.
Something that was specifically brought up and clarified during the discussion was that he wasn't helping his children discover these gifts as part of their future occupation, but as ways they can bless others in service. Seeking after those gifts will certainly strengthen who you are, though, and would bless your life in a variety of other ways, including occupation. He never once mentions his children's occupations, but does share ways his children used their gifts in service.
Studying this has helped me to think more about how I can help my kids "aim high." Thank goodness President Eyring says we don't have to carve to do it. This talk reminded me of something my aunt and uncle did for their family. Another beautiful way - no carving. :)
I've been watching my children more, and if nothing else, pointing out to them things that I see. I've never been given anything concrete like a height board or framed scripture from someone regarding what they see in me, but I've had a few people here and there in my life mention things they see in me, even quickly in casual conversation, that I didn't realize. It's hard to really see yourself, though, don't you think? Or even if I think I might have some gift, it's nice to know that someone else recognizes it too. When I realize someone sees that in me, it's easier to focus on developing that more, which is why it's so important to recognize those things in others, especially our children.
Anyone want to discuss it more? So many good things in there to talk about.
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