It's Autumn

There's a chill in the air
I put a sweater on
Yay sweaters
The mountain tops turn white
Snow
The chill in the house grows
The windows had been open
I close the windows
I flip the switch on the thermostat
No more AC
Maybe AC next week
In a moment it happens
A familiar click
A familiar sound
A familiar smell
The pilot light flickers
The air begins to blow
The dust is burnt to a crisp
My house smells like heat
The good heat
The heat that blows through the vents
The heat that warms me up
But not quite enough to take my sweater off
Yay sweaters
It's chilly
It's crisp
It's Autumn
My favorite time of year.



Open Door Policy.

This morning on the news reporters were talking about Syria and the UK's possible movement into the country.  Serious stuff.  As the reporters talked, there was footage of UK leaders walking through a beautiful black door.  The door was opened for them from the inside.  The first guy walked in and you could see a white shirt just peeking from the back of the door.  Then, as more leaders walked through that door, the door opener made sure you could see him. Little by little more of his shirt and then his face could be seen.  Then he even smiled at the camera as a woman walked through.  She almost ran into him because he wanted the cameras to capture him and his door opening skills.  I thought it was hilarious.  Just give him a minute and he'll take his 15 minutes. 

But here's the thing.  The door was always closed and then opened at just the right time so that the leaders didn't even have to break their stride before walking through the open door.  Here's what I want to know.  How did the door opening guy know precisely when to open that beautiful black door?  There was no eye hole, the windows were too far to the side and there wasn't an outside door opener. 

Here's what I think... there was one of those laser type things that beep as you walk by it, only it beeps inside so the door opener guy can hear it and just open the door. Or this was a carefully orchestrated deal for all the cameras.  A script and stopwatch told that door opener guy just when to do his job.  And someone would be there to walk through.  But the power of those cameras outside was just too much for the door opener guy.

I know there is a serious problem in Syria.  I feel for those who are deciding how Allied countries should react.  I don't know what is the right thing to do.  But I am in love with the UK door opener guy who made me laugh amidst a very serious event.

A Thought For Thursday.

While at our reunion last weekend, we spent Sunday evening sharing missionary stories.  Our niece Taylee married Juan Jose earlier this year.  He is from Peru and is a doll! He shared an experience from his mission just as many of us did.  He struggled through the English, but we have many Spanish speakers who can translate.  He shared an experience of when a general authority came to the mission.  He spoke to Juan Jose and his companion and shared this bit of a thought:

There are no inactive members (of the church), only members who don't understand the doctrine.

 

Perfect. He said that, while visiting a less active member, he was prompted to share that thought.  The man he shared it with responded.  He came back. 

You can't mess with truth.  

A Thought For Thursday.

We are all Heavenly Father's children, and we are all brothers and sisters, but it still doesn't mean you're related to Elvis Presley.

 

Sam came home from school listing all the people he is related to. The most unlikely relation was Elvis.  I actually said "Elvis who?" to which Sam  said "THE Elvis".  k.

 

Under The Influence And A Thought For Thursday.

Years ago I was serving as the Enrichment counselor in the Relief Society presidency in our ward. I worked with wonderful women in that presidency. One Sunday the president was conducting and was going through announcements and then said that I would give the Enrichment announcement. Only she forgot my name. It was funny and so I got up and said something to the effect of "we've only been working together for a year and she can't remember my name" ha ha ha. And then I announced.

When I got home from church the message light on the phone was blinking. So I clicked it on only to get a hang up. So I checked the caller ID and called the woman back. I was barely into my "what's up?" when she laid into me. She said I was so mean and that I didn't even see the president crying when I made the forgot my name comment. She accused me of being a Nazi bi---, oh yes, a Nazi bi---. She told me I had better apologize to the president in front of the entire Relief Society to redeem myself. I couldn't even respond before she hung up on me.

I got off and went to Daniel. I wondered why she was so angry with me. Later that day Daniel was on the computer and found an email from this woman. It went into detail about how completely awful I was and that I should be released from my calling.

Daniel left town the next morning. Thanks very much. So I called the RS president and asked her to come to my house please. She could tell I was upset and came right over. I apologized profusely to her for my comment and asked for her forgiveness. She was confused. She said she was laughing, not crying. Only she had a few cold sores on her mouth and when she laughed they broke open and so she had to cover her mouth and maybe that's what this woman saw and mistook it for crying. We talked for quite a while about what had happened once I got home the day before and when she left a while later I knew I hadn't offended her and that I really was a good person.

So as time went on, this woman went to the Bishop and told him that I needed to be released because I was so hard to work with. The Bishop had already spoken with the RS president and told this woman that there was no offense taken that day. That the relationship between the 2 of us was fine and that I was not going to be released.

So the anger in this woman bubbled for quite some time. She was released from her calling shortly thereafter so that I didn't have to work with her and the anger she had for me. I really struggled with this experience for a long time. I took the Nazi comment to heart and it effected the way I worked with the other women on my board. But then one day, about 2 weeks after the initial incident, the other counselor in our presidency came by my house. She knew I was still reeling and wanted to give some comfort. So we talked for a while and then she offered some advice that helped then and continues to influence my life now. So here's the influential comment and the thought for Thursday...

You can choose to be a duck or a porcupine. A duck lets all the water roll right off its back while the porcupine lets the water sit in between its quills and fester. It's better to be a duck.

I chose to be a duck at that point. I enjoyed the rest of the time I served in that calling. The word Nazi doesn't even come into play when I go through what or who I am. I am so grateful for that advice and the influence it has had in my life.

REMEMBER TO BE A DUCK

A Thought For Thursday.

When I was in the Young Women program many years ago, there was always a spiritual thought before our Sunday meeting began. One Sunday I was asked to do the spiritual thought and had nothing! Absolutely nothing! So someone gave me this thought to share. I think it speaks for itself.

* * * * * * * * *

You have to have a really good memory to be a good liar.

*************

A Thought For Thursday.

The time change is still getting certain little people, and a certain bigger person, out of bed early. Early! Do you hear me? This morning my boys were flipping the channels on the satellite and stopped on a TBA. It happened to be one of those silly shows from the 80s. Remember Family Matters? Remember Steve Urkel? Yep. I hear Urkel's voice and cringe. I remember all too well. That laugh. That dumb humor. This morning's episode has Urkel at the dentist and on laughing gas and my boys are laughing hysterically. Like serious gut bustin' laugh out loud I'm gonna hurt someone because I'm laughing so hard. Laughing hysterically. Who knew? Funny boys.

On now to more serious things. The other day I had Ruthie's baptism dress hanging on my closet door while I removed tags and organized shoes, socks, headband, bracelet and slip. I looked at the dress, just overwhelmed by how beautiful it is and a thought occurred to me. Not too far from now (30 years at least!) we will have another beautiful white dress hanging there. I teared up a little at the thought of my baby girl one day wearing a wedding gown. Then Ruthie came in a I showed her the dress on the door and started to tell her about when we will have another dress hanging there. It will be white and beautiful and a little longer and... She cut me off in a flat voice and a roll of her eyes with "my wedding dress". I sniffed back the tears as she shot me another look of "please!" and so I sent her on her way. I did remind her as she ran off that she can't start dating until she's 30!! "I know mom."

Here is the gorgeous baptism dress she'll get to wear on Saturday! The picture doesn't even come close to the reality.
When gorgeous girl Ruthie is in the dress Saturday, the pictures will be way better!

A Thought For Thursday.

"Motherhood is near divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels."

The Message of the First Presidency. October 1942

I think it is something we mothers need to be reminded of. Especially when we don't feel very angelic. We do hold the highest of callings!

A Thought For Thursday.

I saw this somewhere once and thought it was awesome.

******

Be the kind of

WOMAN

Who, when your feet hit the floor in the morning,

The Devil says,

OH NO, SHE'S UP.

********

A Thought For Thursday.

Today's thought comes because my temple is closing.

It's only for 3 years or so. But think of all that can happen in one's life in 3 years!!

This morning Mandy and I went one last time for Temple Thursday. Alison, we missed you.

On Tuesday I went and it was so cute to see all the older couples there getting their pictures taken in front of the temple.

Ruthie was sealed to us for time and all eternity in the Ogden Temple.

I will miss it.

And I look forward to the renovations that will make it beautiful, safe and ready for use for many more years.

******

“The temple is a great school. It is a house of learning.”

—President Boyd K. Packer

********

I am hoping to go and take pictures over the many months ahead.

And, look out Bountiful Temple! Temple Thursday is still a force to be reckoned with!

A Thought For Thursday.

I LOVE to read!

This is my fave!

I love the feel of it in my hands.

I love the content.

I love the leather.

I love the truth.

My current reading material.

From the Mitford series.

It's light and fun.

Here is today's thought

*******

There is something wonderful about a book.

We can pick it up.

We can heft it.

We can read it.

We can set it down.

We can think of what we have read.

It does something for us.

We can share minds, great actions and great undertakings in the pages of a book.

Gordon B. Hinkley
*******

Have you read a book recently?

And, yes, I wear reading glasses. Otherwise I can't see that close! It's sad, but true.

A Thought For Thursday.

We can all use a little humor in our lives.

Okay. Some need a LOT of humor.

I'd like to share some with you.

******

To write with a broken pencil is pointless.

When fish are in schools they sometimes take debate.

A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months.

When the smog lifts in Los Angeles, U.C.L.A.

The professor discovered that her theory
of earthquakes was on shaky ground.

The batteries were given out free of charge.

A dentist and a manicurist married.
They fought tooth and nail.

A will is a dead giveaway.

If you don't pay your exorcist you can
get repossessed.

With her marriage, she got a new name and a dress.

Show me a piano falling down a mineshaft
and I'll show you A-flat miner.

You are stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.

A boiled egg is hard to beat.

When you've seen one shopping center
you've seen a mall.

Police were called to a day care where a
three-year-old was resisting a rest.

Did you hear about the fellow whose whole
left side was cut off? He's all right now.

A bicycle can't stand alone; it is two tired.

The guy who fell onto an upholstery
machine was fully recovered.

He had a photographic memory which was
never developed.

Those who get too big for their britches
will be exposed in the end.

When she saw her first strands of gray
hair, she thought she'd dye.

Acupuncture: a jab well done.
*********

Have a great (and humorous) Thursday!

A Thought For Thursday.

I think this one speaks for itself.

And I love it!

********

I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein.

The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom.

Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, charity-the pure love of Christ-will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy and happiness.

Marion G. Romney

*****

I testify of these truths President Romney taught.

I can't wait for this weekend to be counseled and taught at the feet of our dear Prophet and those called to serve with him.

A Thought For Thursday.

I was doing the bedtime cuddle with Sam earlier this week. It was especially warm so I said, "Sam, will you turn on your fan? I'm hot." To which he says, "Well, dad thinks you're hot!"

So my thought for Thursday is a question...

Does your sweetie think you're Hot?

And do your kids know it?

A Thought For Thursday.

My thought for today is for those who mourn.

*********

I need thee every hour

Most gracious Lord

No tender voice like thine

Can peace afford

I need thee

Oh I need thee

Every hour I need thee

Oh bless me now my Savior

I come to thee

I need thee every hour

Stay thou near by

Temptations lose their power

When thou art nigh

I need thee

Oh I need thee

Every hour I need thee

Oh bless me now my Savior

I come to thee

I need thee every hour

In joy or pain

Come quickly and abide

Or life is vain

I need thee

Oh I need thee

Every hour I need thee

Oh bless me now my Savior

I come to thee

I need thee every hour

Most holy One

Oh make me thine indeed

Thou blessed Son!

I need thee

Oh I need thee

Every hour I need thee

Oh bless me now my Savior

I come to thee

***********************

As we miss our sweet little Lyndsay, I know we need our Savior.

She is with Him and has no more pain or suffering.

We miss you Lynds!

We love you!

See you soon!

A Thought For Thursday.

This just seemed timely and appropriate to share today.

***************

"God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between a man and woman is essential to His eternal plan.

We warn that the disintigration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets."

The Family

A Proclamation to the World

*****************************

A Thought For Thursday.

Trust God

and believe in good things to come.

Jeffrey R Holland

A Thought For Thursday.

My grandma was asked at one time in her life why we don't use the Cross on our church. As you may know, the LDS Church buildings and Temples don't have a cross on them. She said that this thought came to her as she was being asked and it has stayed with me ever since.

**************

We Worship A Living Christ

********

I am looking forward to Easter. As a family we are preparing ourselves for a more Christ centered Easter. A living Christ centered Easter.

He was resurrected. He lives. I know it.

A Thought For Thursday.

My thought for today is just what I am feeling very specifically today...

*********

Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness

*********

Mostly because I have been running amuck everyday all week and this morning was the first chance I've had to clean my house.

I love the order and smell of a clean house.

No more feelings of chaos this week.

Thank you very much.

A Thought For Thursday.

Ruthie recently watched Pollyanna. Good flick!

This is on Pollyanna's necklace that her father wore before he died. She shows it to the minister, who later realizes he has been led astray.

******

When You Look For The Bad In Mankind Expecting To Find It,

You Surely Will.

Abraham Lincoln

************

Why not simply look for the good in people and expect to find it.

Surely we will!