The Book of Mormon

It's difficulty to get seats to Broadway's popular production, The Book of Mormon.  Not that I'm out to see it, but I did view part of the production, the song, I Believe, performed at the Tony Awards which posted on YouTube.  No doubt it was entertaining and had a catchy tune that so many Broadway shows have, but unfortunately it was irreverent to say the least and that was just one of the songs.  I can only imagine the rest.

Anyway, it seems when someone else who is not a member of the Church reports about the Church, it usually has a slant to it that doesn't ring true to those who know the truth.  Consequently, the truth is jumbled up with inaccuracies and falsehoods.  Falsehoods, that were concocted in the 1800's and continue to be carried on today.  What can you say, this show seems to be the same way as in not getting all the info quite right.  Of course, they're not out to convert the world.  They're there to entertain and make some money while they do it.  The good thing about it is that  in the midst of errors and confusion interest is often shown.  People want to know what the Book of Mormon is really all about.

The Church made a statement regarding the show:

The production may attempt to entertain audiences for an evening, but the Book of Mormon as a volume of scripture will change people's lives forever by bringing them closer to Christ.

The Church is taking advantage of the attention promoting itself on the flashing New York billboard in Times Square and other places around town showing people from  I'm A Mormon of mormon.org.  Some peoples comments in viewing these ads showed surprise in seeing that Mormons looked like regular people compared to the conservative looking two-some missionaries dressed in white shirts and ties.

An Apostle, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, has issued a plea to find out for yourself if the Book of Mormon is true. (See the video below.)  That's the only way to do it.  Read the book, pray about it in faith, and an answer will come declaring the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

I love the Book of Mormon.  Joseph Smith said, “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” (History of the Church, 4:461.)

I know it's true.  I've read it.  I've prayed about it.  It can make a difference in your life.

My cousin and his wife, Doyle and Julie McMullin, have their youngest son, Elder McMullin, currently serving as a missionary in New York where the popular Broadway hit, The Book of Mormon, is playing.  The missionaries do not service that particular area because  they are not allowed to be in Times Square unless they are given permission to be there by special assignment from the mission president.   Elder McMullin and his companion, Elder Hellberg, were asked to go into the area and do some proselyting.

One day they walked right by the Eugene O’Neill Theater on 49th Street where The Book of Mormon musical is playing. People were in line to go in and people were also leaving the theater because a show had just ended.  Lots of times actors will be out to mingle and talk with fans.  In this case, the two missionaries were accosted by the admiring crowd who excitedly told them how much they loved the show and enjoyed their awesome performance. The elders tried to explain, “Oh no, we’re not part of the play, we're the real deal!” People in the crowd were shocked to find out they were real missionaries.  They encouraged the two elders to see the show and told them how funny it was and how it was up for 14 Tony awards (it ended up winning 9).  No doubt Elder McMullin and his companion were amused at the attention, but they know as I know and as we all hope others will learn.  The truth is found in the Book of Mormon, not in the Broadway show.  READ IT!

Elder William McMullin

Called to Serve

New York, New York North Mission

(Spanish-speaking)

I Love My Son

“For tomorrow belongs

to the people

who prepare for it today.”

--African Proverb

I don't mean to single out my son Tommy (like he's my favorite or something), but it has been so good to have him home.  He came home one year ago today from his Texas mission.  He's been helpful and fun and I just had to say so.  I'm feeling so grateful and proud of him.  I just don't know how long he'll be living with us, but I'm enjoying the moment.  Sooner or later he'll be moving on.

He has decided he wants to become a carpenter.  He wanted to do that when he came home from his mission, but the work wasn't out there to support him in that endeavor.  In the meantime, he's worked a little, went to school a little, talked with co-workers, friends, and family.  He's done some investigating, thinking, weighing all his options, plus lots of praying.   Work has picked up this summer, so he's feeling confident about pursuing carpentry again.  Making a decision about a career is often difficult.  Happily Tom has found his way.  This will be a foundation he can build on.

We've been working on my dad's house this summer (pictures to come later).  Tom's been very helpful with that project.  He's learning more than just carpentry.  I'm feeling very happy about his choice.  Best Wishes Tommy!

Janna and Tommy
Mormon Night at Dodger Stadium

Summer School

It is very odd for me to substitute for summer school because it is usually only made available to certified teachers and I'm only a certified sub. Anyway, I had worked 7 days with a scheduled 8th later this week, but I got a phone call yesterday informing me I would not be working Thursday as planned. In fact, I shouldn't have been working at all.

I had special permission last summer to work one day. I just assumed it was all good to go when I was asked this summer. Oops! It has something to do with the teacher's contracts and the teacher's union.

It is unfortunate that I can't work that one day.  I left a few things in the classroom in preparation to teach tomorrow. I'll pick it all up today and I will also get to see everyone and say good-bye. I consider them all my friends.

Summer school is done Friday and then it's just a few more weeks and we start the new school year.

"I expect to pass through life but once.

If therefore, there be any kindness I can show,

or any good thing I can do to any fellow being,

let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it,

as I shall not pass this way again."

~William Penn

Reporting

Getting There!

I said I'd let you know how my 30 days went ON THE PROGRAM. I lost 8 pounds. I wish I could claim more. I'll be reporting again in 30 days, September 19th.  Wish me luck!

The older you get
the tougher it is to lose weight,
because by then
your body and your fat
are really good friends.
Author Unknown

The Time Has Come

We'll I did it, my 30 days of blogging.  I think I'm back in the swing of things.  I use to do between four and seven posts a month.  I'm good for that.  I'll keep you aware of my dad, his house, the program, and anything else that hits my fancy.

I consider blogging as life through my eyes.  Someone could write about the same thing and have a different take.  We did some journaling at a family reunion many years ago.  We had paper and pencil available throughout the event and promoted the idea that everyone should write or draw a picture about their experience at the gathering.  Everyone had input, giving a more clear picture of the total reunion.

When it was all said and done and I had put the book together, Grampy Blair (Hughie's dad), looked through the book and said, "No one wrote about going out in the kayaks!"  We had rented a beachhouse and had a lot of the activities involving the beach, ocean, etc.  He thought that was an incredible experience being out on the ocean with dolphins dancing around him.  He was upset that it hadn't been covered and included in the book.  Everyone else wrote about their highlights, but evidently the kayaks weren't high enough on the priority list for anyone else to write about it.  Grampy should have wrote about his experience.  He's gone now and wouldn't we all delight knowing about how he felt about it other than what I have written here.

I have used this experience in journal presentations and at other family reunions when I've tried to encourage people to write. What you have to say is important.  So many people are intimidated about writing. (I know, I'm am.) If you can't write, have someone write for you.  I remember my grandmother dictating letters to me to send to her friends because her education was so limited and she felt awkward writing; yet letters were the mode of the day and she wanted to communicate with her friends and family.

I keep a journal, but I add blogging as kind of a way to communicate with friends and family or I suppose the world for that matter.  It's kind of like a journal.  It can be an avenue for me to voice my opinion, share pictures, all sorts of things. I can even put it in book form if I want to. I am spurred on by the fact that I know I would like to read something an ancestor wrote, and no doubt, I'll be an ancestor someday.

What could you do better for your children and your children’s children than to record the story of your life, your triumphs over adversity, your recovery after a fall, your progress when all seemed black, your rejoicing when you had finally achieved? Some of what you write may be humdrum dates and places, but there will also be rich passages that will be quoted by your posterity.

We hope you will begin as of this date. If you have not already commenced this important duty in your lives, get a good notebook, a good book that will last through time and into eternity for the angels to look upon. Begin today and write in it your goings and your comings, your deeper thoughts, your achievements, and your failures, your associations and your triumphs, your impressions and your testimonies. We hope you will do this, our brothers and sisters, for this is what the Lord has commanded, and those who keep a personal journal are more likely to keep the Lord in remembrance in their daily lives.

President Spencer W. Kimball

"President Kimball Speaks Out on Personal Journals"

Ensign, December 1980

Chewed Up and Spit Out

 

Years ago I saw someone wearing a t-shirt that read:

You know how you have one of those days,

Well, I have one of those lives.

I've been riding high with my niece in town, but she's left and we're back to the daily grind of rotating in and out of my dad's house again.  Between my father and my late mother I've been dealing with their care for a long time.  So long, that I can't remember when I haven't been dealing with it.

The day Kate left I was at Poppy's for the night.  I didn't get much sleep.  He was awake and I was so worried about him getting out of bed.  We don't have carpet on the floor right now and that won't change for another month while we're renovating the place.  I certainly don't want him falling on carpet let alone a hard floor.  So I was fretful all night as I tried to sleep in a chair next to his bed.  Tom and Sam went over tonight.  I had to sleep.  I have some haggard moments, but in spite of being tired we're all patiently hanging in there.

I've been going to the temple weekly again. Kate even came with me the weeks she was here.  I know that taking the time to go to the temple has helped deal with my hectic schedule.  I'm so grateful for the peace the temple brings.

"The world can be a challenging and difficult place in which to live. We are often surrounded by that which would drag us down. As you and I go to the holy houses of God, as we remember the covenants we make within, we will be more able to bear every trial and to overcome each temptation. In this sacred sanctuary we will find peace; we will be renewed and fortified."  President Thomas S. Monson, "The Holy Temple - A Beacon to the World", Ensign, May 2011

I Had Pie

It was chocolate in spite of the picture.

Life is uncertain.

Eat dessert first.

Erestine Ulmer

Really I didn't eat dessert first, but I did late tonight.  Dessert is not on the program.  But my friend, Lisa, came to visit while I was watching my dad and brought me pie.  She didn't twist my arm, but instead, I chose to indulge in her generosity. My weight has stayed the same for he last three days.  I don't know what a piece of pie will do to it.

Kate left this morning so my family and I are back trading in and out watching Poppy.  We're not only watching Poppy, but we've been fixing up the house this summer. There are a lot of opinions on how and what to do to get things in order, but we're moving forward. Wish I had some pictures, but I don't. That will come later.

My brother, Mark, and his family have been here off and on to help.  Hopefully next month things will be good enough for our caregiver, Teresa, to move in with her family.  This is the next step in the care of my father.

Happy Anniversary!

Last Summer

Rick, Wendy, and the kids

The last time I saw this group was last summer when they made their move from Okinawa to Pensacola.  They made a visit to Lancaster along the way.  Sure wish we could see everyone. The kids are getting so big.  Rick and Wendy are celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary this week on a cruise.  Aunt Heidi is watching their children.  Wishing everyone the best.  Happy Anniversary!

True love stories

never have endings.

Richard Bach

 

I've Got A Smile On My Face

 

I've lost 6 lbs. and counting

I know I said I would report on August 20th, but the reality is I'm desperate for a post.  I've lost 6 lbs. so far - "On the program!"  I hope I can keep it up.  Feeling good and hopeful.

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up.

The most certain way to succeed

is always to try just one more time.

Thomas A. Edison

Pioneer Children

Pioneer Children

Were Quick to Obey

Words: Viginia Maughan Kammeyer
Music: Lynn Shurtleff - CS 215

Pioneer children were quick to obey,

Walking along by the wagons all day,

Then in the firelight, kneeling to pray,

Little pioneer children.

Carrying water and gathering wood,

Building a campfire and cooking the food,

Learning and helping the best that they could,

Little pioneer children.

Children today can be pioneers too,

Willing and cheerful in all that we do,

Walking our pathway with heaven in view,

Little pioneer children.

Are these the cutest little pioneers you ever did see?

 Celebrating their pioneer heritage.

*My niece's two oldest children - Ryan and Natalie Jo

*I guess this is how I'm going to get through my final 30 consecutive days of blogging - use stuff from other peoples blogs. Oh well, whatever it takes.

Pioneer Day was July 24th.  I don't really have pioneer heritage like lots of Mormons do, crossing the plains, the persecution, etc.  I'm grateful that I can share in their heritage because it is they who built the firm foundation of the gospel in these latter-days.  Because of their efforts I am here today, enjoying the benefits of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I guess I have my own pioneers, my dad being one of them. In fact, if I think about it, there are a lot of first members in my history and on Hughie's side of the family too. Its gotta start somewhere. They too laid a foundation for us to have the gospel in our lives. We are so blessed because of their commitment. As we build on what we have, we all become pioneers for the next generations.

“To This End Was I Born”

Burial of Jesus by Carl Bloch

Our lesson this week was on the Crucifixion. Jesus suffered and died for all of us.  It's a MIRACLE!  Elder C. Scott Grow spoke last conference on "The Miracle of the Atonement".  I chose some excerpts to share here:

We access the Atonement through repentance.

Everything in the gospel of Jesus Christ points toward the atoning sacrifice of the Messiah, the Son of God.

The plan of salvation could not be brought about without an atonement.

The atoning sacrifice had to be carried out by the sinless Son of God, for fallen man could not atone for his own sins.

Through His suffering and death, the Savior atoned for the sins of all men. His Atonement began in Gethsemane and continued on the cross and culminated with the Resurrection.

Because of His infinite love, Jesus Christ invites us to repent so that we will not have to suffer the full weight of our own sins.

When we sin, Satan tells us we are lost. In contrast, our Redeemer offers redemption to all—no matter what we have done wrong—even to you and to me.

There is no sin or transgression, pain or sorrow, which is outside of the healing power of His Atonement.

The healing and redemptive power of the Atonement is available to each of us—always.

Jesus Christ

is the Great Healer

of our souls.

Elder C. Scott Grow

"The Miracle of he Atonement",

Ensign, May 2011

The Arizona Fam

Chelsea's Pyper family had a family reunion in Idaho this summer and part of the event involved taking family pictures.  If you can't visit someone, seeing a picture means so much.  Bill and Chelsea live in Arizona so we don't see them very often.  I was all about seeing this picture they shared on their family blog so I wanted to share it. Makes me want a visit even more.

Chelsea + one on the way, Ryan, and Billy

"As parents in Zion we are responsible to teach our posterity the gospel of Jesus Christ, including the necessity of keeping the commandments of God and obtaining the saving ordinances of the gospel."

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

"Parental Leadership in the Family,

Ensign, June 1985

God Is Our Father

I watched, I listened, and in a way, was bombarded by testimonies. To have so many different people declaring this one truth - God is our Father, was inspiring to me.   Watch the video by clicking on the link:

http://lds.org/pages/god-is-our-father?lang=eng

I rejoice in the great plan of salvation that is big enough for all of our Father in Heaven’s children.

A loving Father has provided a comprehensive and compassionate plan for His children “that saves the living, redeems the dead, rescues the damned, and glorifies all who repent.”

Elder Quentin L. Cook, "Our Father’s Plan—Big Enough for All His Children", Ensign, April 2009 quoting, Orson F. Whitney, Saturday Night Thoughts (1921), 323.

On The Program

You've heard me say it before and here I say it again, "I'm on the program!"  It's kind of a joke around here.  I need to lose weight so when I'm committed and heading in the right direction it's, "I'm on the program!"

This was one of my goals this year (not that it isn't a goal every year), but I actually put it on the blog, hoping the accountability to the world would some how keep me motivated.  It hasn't.  I've gained weight since I've posted my claim of - I will lose weight this year.

I was somewhat spurred on by my son, Billy, who called me one day and asked why I was blogging so much.  I told him I took on this challenge of blogging for 30 days straight to get the blogging juices flowing again.  He had a vision of me sitting for 30 days in front of the computer.  He said, "I'd rather have you be on the program for 30 days."

So here's committing once again.  I'll be reporting on August 20th (30 days from yesterday).  Put it on your calendar.

Inside some of us

is a thin person

struggling to get out,

but they can usually be sedated

with a few pieces

of chocolate cake.

Author Unknown



Celebrating on my birthday - July 4th.
Here's hoping for a healthier lifestyle!