My niece, Annie, and her family came by for a visit last week. It was nice seeing them even though it was for just a little bit. They saw Poppy too. They left on Tuesday for Australia. They reported all went well even with three kids in tow. I'd like to visit them. Wouldn't that be cool if I could go to Australia, but then I claimed I'd visit Rick and fam in Okinawa and didn't make it the three years they were there. Here's hoping and wishing the Spiels the BEST on an adventure of a lifetime.
The Spiels - off to Australia
They all left wearing BYU t-shirts. I told their 5-year old son Ryan, "Someone is going to come up to you and say, 'Ya Mormon, mate?'" They left prepared with pass-along cards too. Can't wait to hear more updates on their doings.
I got to hang in Arizona for one week. I mostly held Dani Jo (my latest grandbaby, #9) and cooked food for her family. We also went out a few times: the park, the store, the library, the temple, and a walk in the neighborhood. It was nice being there with Billy, Chelsea, and their two little girls. I haven't always gotten to see my grandchildren when they were so tiny. It was hot, but still a very nice week.
Ryan on the Mesa Temple grounds.
I told Ryan, "I love to see the temple."
She said, "I love to see the temple too."
Dani Jo wide awake.
Janna claims they should have named her Janna.
She thinks Dani is her clone. She does look like her.
I've got lots to blog about, but my computer isn't working very well and I need help downloading some pictures because of all the weirdness. OHHHHH! I'm feeling stifled! Hopefully Santa will be good to us and bring a new computer for Christmas. We'll see, I better be good.
My niece, Annie, was visiting earlier this week with her family. She said my posts about the gospel doctrine class I teach made her want to be in my class. I haven't posted about my lessons for a long time. We had a power outage at church one Sunday so I didn't get to teach my scheduled class. I had to double up the next week and for some reason, again, I was stifled. I haven't posted anything since about it. I was going to just forget it because I was so far behind on my weekly lesson posts. I figured I'd just get back into the swing next year when we start the Book of Mormon, but Annie's encouraging words made me want to make it all up. So I'll back pedal and gradually put some posts up about my lessons, along with a report about my trip to Arizona last week, and a bit about my niece moving to Australia. More to come.
Today's lesson was titled "Be Ye Reconciled to God". The principles covered were from II Corinthians. Paul's letters are loaded with "golden nuggets" as I called them - feeling godly sorrow, forgiving others, becoming reconciled to God, and overcoming tribulation. He's inspired to direct the saints. I compared these writings to our last weekend of general conference. Our prophet and other general authorities, again - inspired, share with us direction for our day. Here's a favorite quote from conference:
I'm always quick to use a one-liner to make a point around here and I found one that I'm all about with Elder Andersen's talk, Children. He quoted Spencer W. Kimball, "Where is your faith?" These are words that I will incorporate in my everyday conversation at home and especially to myself every time I recognize me balking at living a principle of the gospel, "Where is your faith?" It's such a simple question and hearing those words makes me self-evaluate. I can live the gospel, with Christ all things are possible. This is just one of the many "golden nuggets" from general conference. Again, "Where is your faith?"
I'm feeling motivated about pursuing family history. I was about it before, but I would get stifled because I didn't find it particularly easy in spite of what people would say. Some years ago I use to even work the family history center (once a week), but I always felt like I was spinning my wheels never making the headway I wanted to. It's getting easier with all the new developments on FamilySearch.org. It's easy to work at home on your own computer. I'm not getting crazy about getting stuck on a family line anymore (Thaxton in particular). I just shelf it and move on. It can be pretty frustrating when you hit a dead end, but records are being added so I'm assuming those lines will eventually move forward. In the meantime, I happily do Indexing and I'm even working on my husband's lines or whatever I feel moved to pursue. I can easily find something to do, even blogging. I've designated my Sundays for such doings. I'm feeling happy about this choice. I might not be getting a lot done, but as the scripture says, "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass." (Alma 37:6)
"While temple and family history work has the power to bless those beyond the veil, it has an equal power to bless the living. It has a refining influence on those who are engaged in it. They are literally helping to exalt their families."
A five year-old always lays it on the line. I subbed in a kindergarten class today. When the class was over I finished out my day in two other kindergarten classes helping other teachers. The class I subbed for knew I was filling in for their teacher, but in the other classes the kids weren't sure who I was. A little boy called out to me and said, "Are you someone's granny?" I quickly responded with, "I'm someone's granny, but not to anyone in this class. I'm just here to help today."
Did I help? Maybe when I was assisting the other teachers, but it was a rough go in my class as teacher today. I was definitely disappointed in how it went and I'm doing it tomorrow too. I hope it goes better. When they asked me to come back a second day I said, "Do you want me back?!" Yes they do, but I could have said, "NO!" I didn't because I figure if I go back to a class I'll get to know the kids better, get to know the routine better etc. We'll see. I pray for help everyday, but I'm really earnest on this one.
You know you're a teacher if . . . You want to choke a person when he or she says, "Oh, you must have such fun every day. This must be like playtime for you."
Well, I'm reporting in. You can feel my lack of enthusiasm with that one sentence - "Well, I'm reporting in." I want to blame the high priest group social with all its delicious potluck food. Or maybe my downfall boils down to the fried Twinkie at the fair. Whatever, I've been off the program some three weeks, but with my reporting at the 30 day mark I'm renewing my commitment. I should have recommitted the day after my slips, but instead I continued on gaining three pounds of my once lost eight. GRRRRRR!
Here I go again, I'm on the program and this time I'm working. Yes, school has started once again. I worked two days last week. I'm scheduled for two days so far this week and then I'm off to AZ for a week to help with my new granddaughter, Dani Jo, (Bill and Chelsea's latest addition), born September 13th. I'm looking forward to the visit and unfortunately I keep thinking about all the food I'm going to make for the family while I'm there.
Ryan with her new little sister, Dani Jo.
She's happy to have her home. Ryan is a little bit disappointed that Dani isn't up and running with her. She has so many plans to play with her little sister. Check out Bill and Chelsea's blog for more photos.
Poppy's house has been a big project this summer not to mention his round-the-clock care. Everyone pitched in. My brother, Mark, and his family came down many times to help. We also hired a number of people to accomplish a variety of jobs. And, I can't forget to mention Teresa for all her help with the care of my dad.
Anyway, Teresa and her family moved in Labor Day weekend. I tried to get a few photos together before they all settled in. We still have a few loose ends to take care of, but we're basically done.
It would have been nice to have before and after pictures. This project, though anticipated, came on so quickly and encompassed our lives. I didn't have enough sense to think about before pictures and we were scrambling as it was to get photos before Teresa moved in. I can't believe how overwhelmed I got with all the other things we had going on, but it's done. We got through it and I admit, in spite of it all, my feelings are bitter-sweet.
So here's some photos, click on Poppy's House. It's a new phase in the care of my father. He's home and our caregiver, Teresa, will be providing full-time care.
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!
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!
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 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
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.
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
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.
Hello! I'm Martha, welcome to my blog. You'll find some highlights posted here of my family, religion, art, photos, music, musing, whatever. These pieces of my daily living are "THE BOOK OF MARTHA,"
a glimpse of me.
Martha Reynders Blair Savannah, Georgia
"I thank God that I live in this day and age of the world, when my ears have heard the sound of the fulness of the gospel of Christ."
Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
Moroni 10:3-5
“Search the scriptures—search the revelations … and ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, to manifest the truth unto you, and if you do it with an eye single to His glory nothing doubting, He will answer you by the power of His Holy Spirit. You will then know for yourselves and not for another. You will not then be dependent on man for the knowledge of God; nor will there be any room for speculation.”
"It is the Holy Ghost who testifies that Jesus Christ is the Beloved Son of a Heavenly Father who loves us and wants us to have eternal life with Him in families. With even the beginning of that testimony, we feel a desire to serve Him and to keep His commandments. When we persist in doing that, we receive the gifts of the Holy Ghost to give us power in our service. We come to see the hand of God more clearly, so clearly that in time we not only remember Him, but we come to love Him and, through the power of the Atonement, become more like Him."
“The temple is a place of beauty, it is a place of revelation, it is a place of peace. It is the house of the Lord. It is holy unto the Lord. It should be holy unto us.”
". . .I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day."
