BYU

Yesterday Pat drove me to Oakland airport so that I could fly to Utah to visit with Craig, Angela,Lucas & Darci. Unfortunately Lucas and Darci are sick so we aren't able to do all that we planned. We thought they were both better so we went to BYU campus (always a must for me). Lucas noticed other people eating outside at the 'picnic' tables outside the Wilk and thought that was a great idea! He said he wanted to eat at a table on a chair, I suggested we go eat inside at a table on a chair, he thought that was a great idea. So off we went to the Cougar Eat (confession: I still miss the old one). We all opted for Subway sandwiches. As we were eating we could visibly watch Lucas losing steam. He could barely keep his eyes open. Poor little guy. Now he is running a fever again and feels miserable. :( Even though we weren't on campus long I could still feel the wonderful spirit there. I am so grateful for BYU and all the amazing blessings I have because of attending college there.

White Shirts

I love watching the Aaronic Priesthood holders in our ward as they prepare, bless and pass the Sacrament. I love their white shirts and the symbolism of their being pure priesthood holders who are on the Lord's errand. I am grateful for all of them, for their strength in overcoming all that is thrown at them. I realize some are better at avoiding or dodging Satan's fiery darts, but at least they are trying. I have to believe that them participating in the Sacrament is one of the greatest shields they have, along with Seminary, scripture study and prayer.

Years ago I had a 'vision' of a young man, standing alone, yet boldly, with his sword of truth and his shield of righteousness...coming at him were Satan's followers, those Spirits that chose not to follow Christ's plan. Then, a few years ago when I was assigned to speak in Ripon ward I had the topic of the Aaronic Priesthood. During the preparation of that talk this 'vision' I had in my mind expanded. The young man was no longer standing alone, behind him, and beside him, were: his family, his fellow Aaronic Priesthood holders, his youth leaders, his bishopric, his Stake Presidency and Stake young men leaders, and on it went, all the way to President Monson, President Eyring and President Uchtdorf. All of them, stood solidly and faithfully to thwart the fiery darts of Satan, to make sure that this young man would one day return to live with our Father.

I am grateful for worthy Priesthood holders, that represent themselves and their purity with white shirts on Sundays.

Mormon Helping Hands

Today in California it is Mormon Helping Hands day. It's a day where each and every ward do a service project for their community. In our stake we are cleaning up parks, painting a homeless shelter, working on the Manteca Historical Museum, sprucing up a bike path and cleaning up our cemetery. It will be a busy morning for many LDS families.

The reason we do this activity is to serve our neighbors and friends; our communities. When we did this two years ago we had people walking by us at the park wondering how they could get involved. I know our ward has over 40 people signed up. Pat is about to leave to go participate. (I would, but I am leaving for Utah tomorrow and don't want to hurt my back so that I can be sure and enjoy my grandchildren!)

I am grateful for our church leaders who recognize that serving our community is important, and for the members who willingly give of their Saturday morning to serve. It's just wonderful, that's it, just wonderful.

Standing for truth

I read a post on facebook written by Bob Lonsberry. Now, I don't profess to know who he is, but I do know this...I like him. As you know I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day  Saints. I am a "Mormon." So, when Mr. Lonsberry addressed the topic of Mitt Romney's 'underwear' because a caller asked about it on his radio station, I paid attention.

I am well aware of the fact that our church will be scrutinized, and criticized, during this national campaign, that our beliefs and values will be mocked. I am okay with that. We believe what we believe; we know who we are; and we stand up for our values and beliefs, kindly. With that being said I also am aware that those who don't know a great deal about this wonderful, true, religion of ours will possibly learn much about the true goodness of our religion, and most of our members. This is an opportunity for us to shine, and I welcome it.

I am grateful for people that stand for truth and righteousness, for their strength and their goodness...even if I don't know who they are.

This is what Bob Lonsberry shared:
"Let’s talk about Mitt Romney’s underwear.

A caller to the radio mentioned them yesterday. He was a sick-sounding man, with an odd cackle, and he over and over asked, “What about Mitt Romney’s magic underwear?”

He clearly felt he was making some sort of a point.

And he was.

That he was an idiot and a bigot.

But let’s answer his question.

What about Mitt Romney’s magic underwear?

Mitt Romney is a Mormon. That is a Christian religion founded in 1830 in upstate New York. Some Mormons do wear a religious garment under their outer clothes. Presumably, Mitt Romney is one of those Mormons.

What is a religious garment?

Well, it depends on the religion. Several faiths have unique bits of clothing that mostly seem to have the same purpose – to remind believers of who they are and what they have promised to God.

Thus the headwear of the Sikh, and the beads, prayer feathers, medicine pouches and shamanic robes of various Indian tribes.

As well as the yarmulke of some Jewish men and the head coverings of some Jewish women, and the aprons, trailing strings and hats of yet more followers of Judaism.

Or the phylacteries and other garments and devices described in particular detail in the Bible.

In that regard, it’s quite possible that Jesus, following the Old Testament Law of Moses and being an observant Jew, wore religiously prescribed garments.

Roman Catholic religious have worn sacred garments for 1,700 years. Similarly, religious garments – or “habits” – have been worn by Anglicans and religious of the Eastern Orthodox, Coptic and Greek Orthodox churches. Some of these garments are priestly, and just for ceremonial purposes, while others are worn constantly as a declaration of faith.

In the Judeo-Christian tradition, specialized articles of religious clothing, of one type or another, have been worn for at least 4,000 years. Some of these have been visible, as a sign to the world, and some have been worn under other clothes, as a reminder to the wearer.

In Islam, many women wear religiously prescribed head coverings, as they have since the religion’s founding. Some Muslim women also wear a veil.

The notion of a religious head covering and even a veil is a belief also held for centuries by Christians and Jews. The Bible teaches men and women about the propriety of covering or uncovering their heads, particularly during prayer and worship. Some Christian denominations in America today, including some conservative Evangelicals and Mennonites, follow these teachings. Until a couple of generations ago, it was common for women to wear hats or scarves to mainstream American churches, to obey the biblical command to cover their heads.

The “babushkas” of many Eastern European women are worn in obedience to their understanding of their Catholic faith.

The point of all this is that religions around the world have various types of religious garments. If you do the math, most believers on earth belong to a religion that commands its followers or leaders to wear religiously significant clothing.

Mormons are part of that majority.

And Mitt Romney is a Mormon.

And he lives his religion.

So, yes, Mitt Romney wears a religious garment, beneath his outer clothes. He does this for the same reason almost all religious clothing is worn – to remind the believer that he is a believer, and as a token of promises the believer has made to God.
Promises which, like the garment that represents them, are sacred, and should not be made fun of.

At least not by decent people."

Aloha!

As I visited with my PT today he told me that he will be gone for three weeks starting mid May. I inquired as to where he was going to be spending three whole weeks! As he shared his vacation destination all I could say was, "I am SO jealous!"

My heart melted. I so miss Hawaii, everything about it. It's been twenty years since we've been there. I dream of the day we will return. Will it happen? I sure hope so.

I am grateful that we have been blessed to be in Hawaii three different times, to three different islands, and that we can have dreams, that are obtainable, sometimes.

P.S. If you've never been to Hawaii, or went there when you were really young, I advise you to put it on your bucket list...it is so worth it. Aloha!

Outlet stores

This morning I ventured over to Tracy, first to go to WinCo and pick up a 'few' things (totaling $80)! It's so funny how when I go to a less expensive store I end up spending more because everything is a great deal! (and we are adding to our food storage, so why not take advantage of a bargain, right?) Secondly I went to Tracy to  shop at the outlet stores. Pat needed a new pair of Khaki's and Van Heusen has them on sale for $22.99...not bad. I also got myself a few things.

Sadly, due to the economy, many of the stores have left the building...or area, I should say. However, in Livermore/Pleasanton they are building a bigger and better outlet mall. I believe I will be shopping there when the kiddo's come for a visit. (us Dell's like a good bargain!) I am grateful for the outlet mall we have so near to our home, and for the one that will soon be just a bit further away.

Food storage

Like many others we have quite a bit of food storage. Some of it we've had for twenty years. On Saturday we finally busted out our wheat grinder, ground some wheat, then made delicious homemade wheat bread. Pat and I have been discussing our food storage a great deal, and gathering more along the way.

Some of our canned goods will soon expire so I've decided to figure out how to use some of the ingredients we have and make them into meals. This is definitely a new adventure for me as I experiment with the likes of canned corned beef, roast beef, and yes, even spam!

Oh dear, what have I gotten myself into?

Last night I made Hawaiian baked beans, which calls for baked beans, pineapple, hot dogs, and various condiments. Instead of using hot dogs I used spam. Now, the hot dog version is better, but if we were in an emergency situation the spam works great. We hope we never have to use our food storage, but if we do I am so grateful we have it and that I will know how to cook with it.