The FACTS

"Just the facts ma'ma,

just the facts."

Sgt. Joe Friday, Dragnet

You probably already know this from other posts on my blog, but I'm fulfilling my daily blogging duty and have listed 10 facts about myself - things I love.

1.  I love red.  I remember declaring it was my favorite color when I was five years old.  It has been my favorite even though I have fancied other colors here and there.  The color red looks good on me too which is a plus or maybe I just think I look good in it because I love the color so much.

2.  I love art.  I've always had an attraction to it, but have not developed it.  I've had a few classes in recent years and have learned so much.  I wish it was something I pursued earlier, but I'm not so sure that wish could have been fulfilled.  I'm so busy with so much.  I'm happy to participate in it now.  I'm not going to take a class this semester like I hoped, but maybe next semester.  I'll just have to keep drawing and painting on my own which isn't as often as I like.

3.  I love music.  My latest effort is playing the organ.  Berkeley Price gave me a jump start about a year and a half ago, but I'm ready to expand my understanding.  (That's partly why the "art" is taking a backseat.)  Anyway, they offer some organ classes through BYU Independent Study and they're free - YEAH!  I'll get to go at my own pace and my pace will be very slow no doubt.  I'm looking forward to gaining a greater understanding of the instrument.

4.  I love cooking.  There is something especially delightful in serving a good meal.  It's not always just the food, but what happens when the food is served.  It's not just filling your stomach.  It fills your soul.  It's a time for improving relationships not just eating.  I'm always on the hunt for a good recipe.  It's a constant quest to be better at it and, of course, I really like it if it's simple.  It better be really good if it's difficult.

5. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ - the good news.  It encompasses my life.  It effects everything I do as well it should.  My life is better for it and I want to share it with others because it is through Jesus Christ that my source of happiness springs.  Why wouldn't I want to share what brings me the greatest joy.  Ask me the golden question?

6.  I love crochet.  My grandmother taught me.  She just showed me because of my interest.  It's only in more recent years that I've learned to follow a pattern.  I don't really do anything too elaborate.  It's more a time filler.  If I have to think to hard, I wouldn't do it.  The reason is, I'm just picking it up while I wait in a doctors office or sitting in the car to pick up a Sam.  It's up and down while I have some time.  I can carry on a conversation with the little bit I do.  I delight in the activity and I delight in the little gifts I can share.  It's in competition with my drawing.  They both weave in and out of my life depending on what's going on.

7.  I love gardening.  I'd rather be outside than in.  Meaning, I'd rather putter around in my yard than clean house.  I get a big thrill having my gardens in order.  They are always a work in progress.  The front for flowers.  The back for food.  And then there's my potted plants too.  They have all been a little neglected this year because of my busyness, but I try to take a little time each day to improve on what's out there.  I would take great joy in a big yard and property, but it takes time, money, and help.  All three I have little of and so my tiny yard is a reflection of my age and circumstance.  I imagine someday it will come to a halt.  I remember when my dad quite working in the yard.  What an incredible thing to not see him working anymore.

8.  I love to read.  I've never been a good reader or a big reader so it might seem very odd to say that I love to read, but I know I'm better for it and so I like to do it.  When I enjoy a particular book it seems to possess me.  I delight in reading particular lines over and over again.  They make me giggle, laugh, cry, and inspired.  I also like reading aloud to children, making a drama of it all.  It's very fun to captivate young ones with a book, not to mention big ones too.

9.  I love physical activity - exercise.  To run faster, climb higher, be stronger was just part of my programing as a kid.  I had an athletic family who liked to play, ride bikes, climb trees, ect.  Like eating brings more than food to your stomach, it nurtures relationship as you gather for a meal.  Physical activities including competition in games means spending time with others.  Sharing common bonds as you achieve physical goals together include talking and enjoying each others company.  You wouldn't look at me now to think I was the least bit wired that way.  I've grown tired and my abilities fail me with age, but I still enjoy activity even though my activity has definitely slowed.  I'm more in the stroll department now.

10.  I love the beach.  It might seem odd that I'm all about the beach.  It's not like my skin is tolerable to it.  It's not like I'm all about the Pacific cold water.  I even have a phobia of what's swimming around in the water with me.  But I do love the waves.  The rhythm of the waves, listening to the sounds as you walk along the beach - I could live with that 24/7.  Maybe I just need an ipod and plug in, but the atmosphere soothes me, not to mention it's very easy on my sinuses.

I love roses too.  More facts tomorrow.

RELIEF

I've had some extra help come my way.  I'm so grateful and feeling a sense of relief.  I just can't get it all done and having this help made things easier for me.

My daughter, Cassie, got back together with her husband and they moved to a little house around the corner from my dad.  That meant we had to take care of Poppy (senior sit) with our caregiver coming in the morning and the evening for a few hours.  Sometimes we're all going every which way and it ultimately comes back on me.  Everyone in my family is very helpful, but I also want them to go to Institute, Mutual, activities, work, ect.  I'm not complaining, just explaining the situation.

Kate, one of my lifesavers!

Last week, my niece Kate (Mark and JoLinda's daughter), came to help.  That meant I could get some needed things done at my own house.  JoLinda and Mark joined her for for a few days this week helping in a variety of ways.  Besides watching Poppy we're trying to get the house fixed up so our caregiver can move in with her family.  We've got lots to do.  We've done a little bit here and there, but we had a big garage sale last Saturday which is the kick off to hopefully getting this job done soon.

My friend, Lisa, helped put the garage sale together.  I was ready to dump everything, but she had the vision to pull it off because I was just too overwhelmed with everything else.  She sorted, she cleaned, she organized - again, RELIEF!  We didn't make a lot of money, but the stuff is cleared out and we're ready to tackle more.

"Whether our service

is to our fellowmen

or to God,

it is the same."

Elder Dallin H. Oaks,

"Why Do We Serve?"

Ensign, November 1984

“This Is Life Eternal”

We talked about two gifts on Sunday. The Holy Ghost is a gift from God that guides us to the greatest gift of all - eternal life.  Learning to follow the Spirit may be difficult at times, but it is the guide we must follow.

"And this is life eternal,

that they might know thee

the only true God,

and Jesus Christ,

whom thou hast sent."

John 17:3

“The Holy Ghost speaks with a voice that you feel more than you hear. It is described as a ‘still small voice.’ And while we speak of ‘listening’ to the whisperings of the Spirit, most often one describes a spiritual prompting by saying, ‘I had a feeling …’ … Revelation comes as words we feel more than hear.” (President Boyd K. Packer, "Personal Revelation:  The Gift, the Test, and the Promise", Ensign, Nov. 1994, 60).

"But learn

that he who doeth

the works of righteousness

shall receive his reward,

even peace in this world,

and eternal life

in the world to come."

Doctrine and Covenants 59:23

An International Artist

At the yard sale, Lisa and I put out some of our art work. Surprisingly, it all went. Of course, the price was right! This one guy came by in a big truck making the garage sale rounds. He was buying all sorts of stuff. He said he was taking it down to his family in Mexico. Lisa was out among the customers working the crowd when he saw a bunch of our pictures and said with a voice of admiration, "Are these done by local artists?" Lisa, totally amused, quickly responded, "Why yes, they are!" He took them all and off to Mexico they went.

 

Some of the pictures I painted four years ago.
Lisa picked these out early in the day to keep for her home.
Or I should say, at least she'll keep them until the next garage sale.

There's no retirement for an artist,
it's your way of living so there's no end to it.
::: Henry Moore :::

JoJo's Party

This summer we were looking for an excuse to go to the new Chuck E. Cheese and JoJo's birthday was the ticket.  His birthday is actually today, but we celebrated it last Thursday.  There were 10 of us and seven were kids run amok.  I'm glad it was so enjoyable.  JoJo was happy to be there, have pizza, and have fun.  We gave him a little golf set.  It was a nice time and a happy day.

The Six-year old - JoJo

"Happy Birthday!
I'm so grateful you're my grandson."

The Yard Sale

My friend, Lisa, has been diligent in helping clear out my dad's place.  I'm not one for garage sales, but she hasn't had any problem orchestrating this one.  We actually made some money.  It was a hectic and great day! We (Lisa, me, and the rest of the family) got a lot cleared out.

 Lisa and me cashing in.

“Buy, buy,

says the sign in the shop window;

Why, why,

says the junk in the yard”

Paul McCartney

“Love One Another, As I Have Loved You”

"If ye love me,

keep my commandments."

John 14:15

Luke 22:7–30

At the Last Supper the Sacrament is instituted by Jesus.  We partake of the emblems of his body and blood to renew our covenant of baptism.  As we participate in this weekly ordinance, we REMEMBER HIM.  I believe this remembering helps us keep our perspective humble, teachable, ready to serve, and always striving to be more diligent in keeping the commandments.  We look to God and live.  We take the Holy Spirit for our guide. I am grateful for this special time of reverence.

John 13

John 14:1–15; 15

There was a strife among the Apostles about who would be the greatest in the kingdom of God.  Jesus' act of service, washing the Apostles feet, showed that a great leader serves.  When we serve others, we lead people to Christ.  He is the true vine.  We gain strength through Him to serve.  We bear fruit that is purified by Him and we continue to bear more fruit.  Our fruit glorifies God.

"I am the way, the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me."

John 14:6

Pensacola Trip

Our oldest son called a few weeks ago informing us that he was going to be ordained a high priest.  Hugh and I both wanted to go, but the last minute flight price was holding me back.  My dad's caregiver was going to be out-of-town during the same time frame I would be gone, so I opted out in spite of my desire to be there.

Hughie went alone getting to see Wendy and the grandkids we haven't seen in nearly a year.  (We saw Rick earlier this year because of a convention he attended in California.)  Hughie also went so he could be the one to ordain Rick a high priest. Rick was also made the new bishop of the Perdido Ward.  He's one busy guy.

Anyway, Grampy (Hughie) loved Pensacola and loved getting to see everyone.  Unfortunately, everyone was so excited to see each other they forgot to take any pictures to keep a record of the visit or give the rest of us a thrill on the west coast.  Anyway, I snatched this photo off Facebook. Even though Wendy and Grampy aren't in the picture it will have to do.  It was taken the week before Hughie's visit.  And yes, a visit to Pensacola Beach with it's white sand was part of the festivities while he was there.

Will, Rick, Eddie, and Evelyn - Pensacola Beach

"Yes, the bishop is a busy man. He has his family and his profession to look after, as well as the ward. He has to help people solve a great many problems. But remember that he loves you and wants to help you succeed in your eternal goals."

Robert D. Hales
"The Bishop"
Ensign, June 1986

My Birthday

"Age is an issue of mind over matter.

If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."

 ~Mark Twain

July 4th, with my home crew.  (Hugh was watching my dad.)

58 years and counting.

“Inherit the Kingdom Prepared for You”

June 26th we covered the parable of the ten virgins, the parable of the talents, and the parable of the sheep and the goats. 

Being prepared for the second coming was the emphasis and I like these verses in the Doctrine and Covenants. I used them for a brief recap of last weeks lesson.

And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins.

 

For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day. --Doctrine and Covenants 45: 56-57

Why "The Book of Martha"?

In the scriptures we read about the life of or the writings of an individual and they title it:  The Book of Jacob, The Book of Ruth, hence . . .  The Book of Martha.  Not that my writings are scripture, but they are a representation of me.  I do have a testimony of Christ and I'd like to think that my joy of such truth comes shining thru in all that I do.

 

"Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father which is in heaven." 

Matthew 5:16

Ammon Can Fly

Grandma and Grandson

 

In May I had the opportunity to see my grandson, Ammon, play basketball. At only four he is competing with the best of them. I was so impressed with his skills and competitive spirit.  He was a delight to watch.

"People ask me if I could fly,

I said, "yeah.... for a little while."

Michael Jordan

“What Is the Sign of Thy Coming?”

The Parable of the Fig Tree

During this lesson (June 19, 2011) we talked about the many signs of the times, but the real point is to be prepared.  The signs are an indication that His coming is nigh.  Fear could well grip us as latter days prophecies are fulfilled, but we can have peace in spite of tragedies.  "Keep the commandments, for in them there is safety and peace." - Barbara A. McConochie, CSB 146

“Where do we find hope in the midst of such turmoil and catastrophe? Quite simply, our one hope for spiritual safety during these turbulent times is to turn our minds and our hearts to Jesus Christ. … Armed with the shield of faith, we can overcome many of our daily challenges and overpower our greatest weaknesses and fears, knowing that if we do our best to keep the commandments of God, come what may, we will be all right.”

Elder M. Russell Ballard

"The Joy of Hope Fulfilled"

Ensign, Nov. 1992, 31–32

30 Days of Blogging

I know I haven't blogged much this year, but I hope to make up for it this month.  Last April a friend gave the challenge to post for 30 days straight. I was too busy to even attempt it in the month of May.  I wanted to start in June, but I had to get my blogging juices flowing first.  I've thought about it and decided to do it during the month of July, my birthday month.  Here's the topics if you want to give it a go: 

Every day for 30 days you post something on your blog, in the following order:

1. A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself.
2. The meaning behind your blog name.
3. A picture of you and your friends.
4. A habit that you wish you didn’t have.
5. A picture of somewhere you’ve been.
6. Favorite super hero and why.
7. A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you.
8. Short term goals for this month and why.
9. Something you’re proud of in the past few days.
10. Songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad.
11. Another picture of you and your friends.
12. How you found out about blogs and why you made one.
13. A letter to someone who has hurt you recently.
14. A picture of you and your family.
15. Put your iPod on shuffle: first ten songs that play.
16. Biggest pet peeves.
17. Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why.
18. Plans/dreams/goals you have.
19. Nicknames you have and why you have them.
20. Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future.
21. A picture of something that makes you happy.
22. What makes you different from everyone else.
23. Something you crave a lot.
24. A letter to your parents.
25. What I would find in your bag.
26. What you think about your friends.
27. Why you are doing this 30 day challenge.
28. A picture of you last year and now and how you have changed since then.
29. In the past month, what have you learned.
30. Who are you?

Now that's the original challenge.  I won't be following the list very carefully, but you'll still learn something about me.  My attitude is - at least I'm blogging.  Follow along as I turn 58.  Write on!