NOW THAT'S SCARY!

It seems that many a family or friend take a turn doing some kind of "Ding-Dong Ditch" activity in an attempt to create some entertaining fun. We are no different. I want to envision the event as some happy family experience, but we have to be classified as the notorious "Ding-Dong Dopes"! There is always a story to tell at the end of the evening and I don't think I can say it's always happy. Just plan on someone getting hurt, caught, or how about.....forgetting the goody we were supposed to leave at the door.

It's always an adventure!

This is just one of the infamous

"Ding-Dong Dopes",

dressed in incognito attire,

ready to raid and masquerade

throughout the neighborhood!

Did we hit your place tonight?

"Sometimes fun
is just being together."

--Wes Fessler

Proposition 8 in Plain English

This was a great presentation I viewed on YouTube. The graphics and explanations are simple, concise, and easily understood. It explains how I feel and I believe how the majority of Californians feel. I love my neighbor, but I'm all about traditional marriage. It's a foundation that keeps our nation strong and blesses the lives of each individual. I know not every family is intact, but it is still the ideal. God ordained marriage between a man and a woman. If you're still wondering about this important proposition, take 4 minutes to view this video:

"The future of this republic

is in the hands of the American voter."

Dwight D. Eisenhower

VOTE - NOVEMBER 4TH

The Subbing Saga Continues......

I was really starting to wonder if this subbing thing was going to take off, but everyone assured me it was just early in the year and that there were a lot of subs out there. My working day count: August - 0, September - 1, and October - 5 with 3 scheduled, making 8 so far this month.....I think we're finally getting there.

Hughie gave me a blessing after I was hired. He said as he laid his hands upon my head, that I would be an "influence". I don't know what I was thinking, some how I envisioned me hanging out in the teacher's lounge influencing adults. Where did that come from? My time is limited in adult association at school, and maybe, just maybe over time, I might influence an adult or two. I soon saw as I set foot in my first classroom and as I have carried on, the Spirit has rested upon me, has helped me, and I recognize that I'm very much an influence on children. Every day has not been a golden moment, but every day I'm learning just like these kids are.

Happily, things have worked out too to volunteer in Sam's classroom. I started in October, going in every Thursday afternoon. I help with reading, singing (we'll eventually learn the recorder), and I'm the mom that lets them shop in their classroom store once a month with Ms. Munoz Mula (a reward system instituted by their teacher). I'm glad to be there!

"No greater responsibility can rest upon any man [or woman], than to be a teacher of God’s children." - David O. McKay
in the Conference Report, Oct. 1916, 57

Gotta BLOG!

I can't help it! I've gotta BLOG! I know I already did one post on this important subject, and I maintain a constant visual on my sidebar concerning the matter, but we're getting down to the wire.

“...The family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.”

Quoted by Elder Russell M. Nelson from The Family: A Proclamation to the World at general conference, October 5, 2008, Sunday afternoon session.

PLEASE
REGISTER

to vote
by October 20th
and

VOTE

"YES" ON PROPOSITION 8

November 4th!

RELIEF SOCIETY POWER!!!

“The Relief Society is the Lord’s organization for the women. It compliments the priesthood training given to the brethren. There is a power in this organization that has not yet been fully exercised to strengthen the homes of Zion and build the Kingdom of God – nor will it until both the sisters and the priesthood catch the vision of Relief Society.” --Spencer W. Kimball, “Relief Society—Its Promise and Potential,” Ensign, Mar. 1976, 2

That was 1976. This is 2008. Now is the time for women to move forward in their influence with faithful testimonies, strength, and service. Last Saturday, September 27, 2008, we had our annual general Relief Society meeting broadcast. I zeroed in on a particular quote that President Julie B. Beck quoted by Elder Neal A. Maxwell. These are her words including his:

We can do the work of the Lord in His way when we seek, receive, and act on personal revelation. Without personal revelation, we cannot succeed. If we heed personal revelation, we cannot fail. The prophet Nephi instructs us that the Holy Ghost will show us “all things what ye should do.” It was prophesied that in the latter days the Lord would pour out His Spirit upon His handmaids.This will happen as we allow ourselves to be still enough and quiet enough to listen to the voice of the Spirit. Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught us that receiving revelation for our calling and in our personal lives “requires serious mental effort on our part…. Revelation is not a matter of pushing buttons, but of pushing ourselves, often aided by fasting, scripture study, and personal pondering. Most of all, revelation requires us to have a sufficient degree of personal righteousness, so that on occasion revelation may come to the righteous, unsolicited.”

I am confident as I join hands with the sisters in Zion, we offer ourselves as vessels to the Lord prepared to build the kingdom of God. Guided by the Spirit, I will strengthen my home, help in the community, and be valiant in my testimony of truth. As we serve with hearts of gladness and stand for truth and righteousness, individual lives will be touched and our nations will be blessed because of our commitment to Christ and his teachings.

In a time when the world seems to be crumbling, I am grateful for my testimony, the knowledge that Jesus is the Christ and my Savior; that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and that truth has been restored; that the Book of Mormon is truly the word of God; and that President Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God here today, leading and guiding us through these tumultuous times. This gives me comfort and peace that sinks deep into my heart, and touches every fiber of my being, radiating calming light to my soul, in spite of chaos in the world. I will move forward with POWER as just one sister among many in my choice to be part of this great work in building up the kingdom of God in these latter days.

SAVE THE FAMILY!

We've done it before. We're doing it again. Hugh and I walked precincts today in promotion of Prop. 8. If you live in California, please VOTE "YES!" on Proposition 8. LET'S SAVE THE FAMILY!
"When the seas of life are stormy, a wise mariner seeks a port of peace. The family, as we have traditionally known it, is such a refuge of safety. 'The home is the basis of a righteous life and no other instrumentality can take its place or fulfil its essential functions' (quoted in Conference Report, Oct. 1962, 72). Actually, a home is much more than a house. A house is built of lumber, brick, and stone. A home is made of love, sacrifice, and respect. A house can be a home, and a home can be a heaven when it shelters a family. When true values and basic virtues undergird the families of society, hope will conquer despair, and faith will triumph over doubt.

"Such values, when learned and lived in our families, will be as welcome rain to parched soil. Love will be engendered; loyalty to one's best self will be enhanced; and those virtues of character, integrity, and goodness will be fostered. The family must hold its preeminent place in our way of life because it's the only possible base upon which a society of responsible human beings has ever found it practicable to build for the future and maintain the values they cherish in the present."

Thomas S. Monson, "Dedication Day," Ensign, Nov. 2000, 64-65

My First Day of School

It's not Sam's first day of school, but mine. Yes, the long awaited day has arrived, my first day of employment with Lancaster School District. I'm glad I had to wait these few months because I was better prepared. I've been mulling over in my mind every possible scenerio I might encounter and I'm sure I haven't thought of them all, but thinking it through has helped me formulated some plans and as I work they will become habits. Consequently, I'm feeling more confident and ready to go.

I subbed a 5th grade class today for a friend of mine who was ill. She has trained her students well. They made the day easy because they were so helpful and quick to do what was asked. It was a great day!

"Better than a thousand days of diligent study

is one day with a great teacher."

--Japanese Proverb

Digging Out in Texas

"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." --Mosiah 2:17

The day Tom received his mission call to the Texas Houston South Mission, I teased him, "You're going to get hit by a hurricane and be digging out for the next two years." Well, when I said that, I didn't think I was being prophetic. Hopefully he won't be digging the whole two years, but right now he is. We just received an email from Brother Thell Williams who worked with Tom today. We are so grateful for the email and picture he sent us. It's our first view of Tommy on his sojourn in Texas. Anyway, I'm so pleased to have it so I decided to post it. A missionary likes letters, but parents like letters too.

Elder Blair on the right (with the black name tag) and Brother Thell Williams (in a Texas Longhorn shirt) and the rest of their crew from Austin, Texas (wearing yellow Mormon Helping Hands T-shirts).

Dear Bro. and Sis. Blair,

My name is Thell Williams, from Austin, TX. My stake, today, sent 250 men to the Houston area to help with the Hurricane Ike relief. We were split up into teams of 7 with a missionary to help work and show us around. I didn’t really think about our missionary until about half way through the day I noticed what a hard working, kind young man he was. So I asked his name and of course he told me Elder Blair. Well we worked the entire day together and what a delight it was for me to work side by side with such a fine young (green-ha! He only got us lost twice!) kind Elder from California.

He could use a chain saw better than any of us and when I asked why, he said he learned it all from his Dad and his construction company! And he could out work any of us which was actually a little embarrassing to have a Californian out work a Texan! :) I told him my daughter served in the San Fernando Valley mission (Sis. Williams, ‘96-’97). We were able to visit her while she was on her mission and travel through your city. I just wanted to let you know how impressed I was with your son. A gentle strong young man with great determination and a desire to really serve his fellow man. I think he’s going to serve the Lord and Texas very well. Thank you for sending him on a mission, we’re glad he’s in Texas and we’ll all take very good care of him.

God Bless,

Bro. Thell Williams

He Inviteth Us ALL

Last June the Church celebrated the 30th anniversary of all worthy male members being extended the privilege of receiving the holy priesthood. I remember the day it was announced in June 1978. I was driving in the car and heard it broadcast on the radio. As the words audibly hit my ears, the Spirit immediately witnessed to my heart of the rightness of it all. What a blessing it has been for everyone.

Now, 30 years later, the Church had a commemoration event with music and speakers in celebration of that significant day. I was so inspired by the testimonies that were given. What a great blessing is the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know it is true and it is a blessing to ALL people. This video was made specifically for the celebration and I'm happy to display it on my blog.

I wish I had a link so you could watch the whole celebration, but I could only find the transcripts to the talks that were given that evening:

Sheldon F. Child

Fred A. Parker III

Catherine M. Stokes

Ahmad S. Corbitt

I know this program was months ago, but it has been on my mind. It was an inspiring presentation. I am grateful for this great revelation and the timing of it. "God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform...God is his own interpreter, And he will make it plain." (Hymns, 285)

"He inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile."
--2 Nephi 26:33

The Lone Star State

We had a happy surprise this morning. Tom was able to call us from the SLC airport before he stepped onto the plane for the Lone Star State. He arrives at his mission home today. Of course he's very excited and thought the MTC (Missionary Training Center) was awesome plus he is a bit homesick, but he'll tough it out as he gets use to being away and gets involved in the work. It seems like he's been gone forever and it's only been three weeks.

He will be able to communicate with us by email. I will forward his emails to those who are interested in hearing about his missionary doings. If you want to be in the loop, please email me at blairmom@gmail.com.

If you would like to write him, and he will respond likewise, you will need to use the snail mail system. You can always address your letters and packages to the mission office and they will then forward all his communication to wherever he is serving within the mission.

Elder Thomas E. Blair

Texas Houston South Mission

4627 Austin Parkway

Sugar Land, TX 77479-2146

“No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, *[and hurricanes may hit - Houston is in IKE's pathway,] but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly and independent, till it has penetrated every continent; visited every clime, swept every country and sounded in every ear; till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”

Prophet Joseph Smith
From the Wentworth Letters, March 1, 1842

*While talking with Tom this morning I mentioned the possible disaster looming toward Texas with Hurricane IKE (it could just end up being a heavy storm of sorts, but you never know). Anyway, not that Tom is all about disasters and injury to people, but with no fear he replied, "We're all about it, because missionaries are all about service." Tom was one of 11 missionaries gathered at the airport this morning heading for the Texas Houston South Mission ready to serve no matter what. I'm so pleased and inspired by their devotion.

CAN I DO IT?!

I've been talking about working for some time now as a newly hired substitue teacher, but I haven't worked a day yet. I am afraid, more than I care to admit, though I am getting use to the idea of being employed. It is early in the school year. I will have my first day soon enough.

Way back in my high school era I recall going to a certain clothing shop downtown. I remember an older woman who was newly employed there. I believe I may well have observed her first day on the job.

She was sitting in a chair close to the back of the store behind the counter, not trying to look conspicuous. She was weeping while another employee was softly whispering to her and comforting her. After some consoling, she wiped her eyes, took a deep breath, and got up to go about her business. She had a look of determination, but it was still obvious that this job was difficult for her. She was uneasy in her assignment and her behavior showed that she very much lacked self-confidence, but you could see she was trying. It was hard for her to talk with people, to go up to them and ask if they needed help.

I very well remember that day so long ago and remember too how it touched me. I felt such concern for this woman. I also observed her through the coming years. I saw her confidence grow with time. She became very self-assured. Her actions once hesitant and faltering became abilities of poise and certainty. I wanted to tell her how proud I was of her, how I had seen her flourish and mature. In my eyes, I was "just a kid" and she was 30 years my senior or so I thought. I didn't have the self-assurance to give her such a complement. And now, I look back, focused on this memory wishing I could tell her how her example has inspired me. As I carry out my employment responsibilities, I too will grow strong in my competence and abilities.

Here I go!

"The way to develop self-confidence

is to do the thing you fear."

--William Jennings Bryan

A Call for Letters

Before traveling to Texas, Elder Blair will be in the Missionary Training Center until September 10th. He'd love to hear from you.

Elder Thomas Edward Blair

MTC Mailbox #134

TX-HOUS 0910

2005 N. 900 E.

Provo, UT 84604-1793

"Letters that encourage and uplift . . . can help a missionary lose himself in service."

“Q&A: Questions and Answers,” New Era, Feb 1997, 17

MTC or BUST!

Elder Blair - Ontario Airport - "BYE-BYE!"

Hughie and I set Tom off early this morning at the Ontario Airport. Uncle Adam, his son, Michael, and cousin, Angie Lockhart, were his supporting family for the MTC send off experience in Provo, Utah.

Elder Blair

is officially

on his mission.

As you enter the MTC [Missionary Training Center], you obviously will miss your family, and many aspects of your daily schedule will be new and challenging. But for a young man well on his way to becoming a missionary, the basic adjustment to the rigors of missionary work and lifestyle will not be overwhelming, burdensome, or constraining. Thus, a key element of raising the bar includes working to become a missionary before going on a mission.
--David A. Bednar, “Becoming a Missionary,”Ensign, Nov 2005, 44

So Long, Farewell!

"Miss you!" David and Yvonne with Tommy,

a few of the many well-wishers this weekend .

"Farewell!" Tommy and his Dedman nephews

"Good-bye!" Cousin Janet & Tom

For weeks now Tommy has been going to parties, having parties, making the rounds and saying his good-byes before leaving for the MTC (Missionary Training Center).

This weekend in particular gave him the chance to say farewell to loving family and friends. Everyone was so thoughtful and kind and it was just so good to see everyone.

Tom spoke in the Sierra Ward today. He bore his testimony of the restored gospel and his Savior, Jesus Christ. He is so obviously pleased and enthusiastic about his opportunity to serve a mission.

At 6 p.m. Tommy had a final interview. We then filed in and joined him and President Porter for some final counsel. In conclusion, Tommy was set apart as a missionary for the Texas Houston South Mission. He's officially Elder Blair.

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto
the end of the world. Amen."--Matthew 28:19-20