As I mentioned this weekend is General Conference for my church. In between the 2 separate 2 hour sessions the local PBS plays news reports involving members of my church. I am so honored to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Members all over the world are doing such incredible things. Just a few of the stories mentioned involved a group who travel from impoverished country to impoverished country. They visit the hospitals and offer their program, a service provided by my church. The program is a training school of sorts to train individuals in the birthing of babies. Previous to the training the infant deaths in the countries were very high. Now, with individuals properly trained mothers and their new born infants return home, alive and well.
Another situation involves a wheel chair program. Wheel chairs are provided to individuals in impoverished countries who have spent their life time crawling or scooting on the ground or being carried by a family member. These disabled individuals were never able to attend school or get jobs. The Church goes in and provides wheel chairs and opens doors of opportunity to these individuals who have never known any different. The smiles and tears of joy on the people's faces brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart. To be associated with such an organization, such a church is an honor and I all I hope for is to be worthy to call myself a saint and to be counted among such individuals as those mentioned.
My thought following the warmth of the spirit testifying to me the power of Christ's church was this..."How could this work not be the work of God?"
Another experience this morning involved me reading with my girls from my church's children's magazine called the Friend. Inside was an article about a man from Nigeria. He was recalling his youth and a lesson he learned from his father. He recalled a tradition when a gift is given to a family it is the Father's role to say when the gift will be enjoyed. A particular gift of food had been given his family and the young boy could not wait for his father's return home so they could enjoy the food as a family. The young boy begged and pleaded until the mother gave in to the boys pleas. The sweet mother did not want to offend the father by not respecting his role, but also did not want the boy to go on in hunger. When the father returned home and learned of the incident. He took the boy aside and taught him a valuable lesson that not only stayed with him all his life but he has also passed onto me and I too have learned a valuable lesson. "My father was disappointed that I had not shown contentment for what I already had. He taught me that peace of mind and a good life are only for those who are content with what they have." This wise father's counsel swelled within my heart. I had a wonderful discussion with my own children about what this meant. We each promised to be more happy with what we have and not show discontentment with life and what we have been given.
I am thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am thankful for individuals within Christ's true church who have taught me by their examples of hard work and service. I am thankful to be a member of this true church, Christ's only true church upon the earth. I know it is true. There is a prophet on the earth today, who leads and guides us. We have not been left alone on this earth to walk blindly. We have scripture, continuing revelation, that lights the way to eternity.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Man Pregnant
Can you believe this head line? I can't either. A co-worker told me about it in passing. I didn't believe it at first, so I had to Google it for myself. I will fore warn you, I may get offensive to some people out there with the thoughts I have in regards to this Pregnant Man.
First, this man was born a woman. She is now a he. Every single ounce of Suzanna screams, this is wrong. I am all for people have individuality, but I believe that ethically can only go so far. I am not a supporter of gay rights. I am a firm believer that God created Man and Woman and we have very unique and individual roles. One cannot be the other.
Second, when this person made the decision to become a man I believe he gave up all rights of womanhood. I heard a woman on a news report in regards to this man saying something about him not being selfish. Err! Wrong answer. I don't think a human being could be more selfish. He/She said something to the effect of "I wanted to keep my female organs so I could one day experience child birth." Then stay a woman! What about the child that this person is bringing into the world. Has He/She not thought of her (the baby is a girl)? The woman who was shouting all over the news being for the pregnant man gave me a head ache. I thought her to be a horrible example of a woman. I am young and obviously too behind the times to think that yelling at another man is womanly, you should see the clip. I am all for woman's rights, but once again, God created female and male and we are two totally different creations. There is no comparing the two.
My religious views play a huge role in my opinion here. It isn't just how I was raised. As an adult I have my own thoughts, views, and ideas on life. I believe that some things are good...and some things are just completely wrong. And this is one of those things that is completely and utterly wrong. It is not God's way. And that makes me sad. I don't think he intended for his children to come to a world that has become a world where his creations, men and women, no longer what to be what He created them. This world has become complete and utter chaos.
That is all I will say about this.
First, this man was born a woman. She is now a he. Every single ounce of Suzanna screams, this is wrong. I am all for people have individuality, but I believe that ethically can only go so far. I am not a supporter of gay rights. I am a firm believer that God created Man and Woman and we have very unique and individual roles. One cannot be the other.
Second, when this person made the decision to become a man I believe he gave up all rights of womanhood. I heard a woman on a news report in regards to this man saying something about him not being selfish. Err! Wrong answer. I don't think a human being could be more selfish. He/She said something to the effect of "I wanted to keep my female organs so I could one day experience child birth." Then stay a woman! What about the child that this person is bringing into the world. Has He/She not thought of her (the baby is a girl)? The woman who was shouting all over the news being for the pregnant man gave me a head ache. I thought her to be a horrible example of a woman. I am young and obviously too behind the times to think that yelling at another man is womanly, you should see the clip. I am all for woman's rights, but once again, God created female and male and we are two totally different creations. There is no comparing the two.
My religious views play a huge role in my opinion here. It isn't just how I was raised. As an adult I have my own thoughts, views, and ideas on life. I believe that some things are good...and some things are just completely wrong. And this is one of those things that is completely and utterly wrong. It is not God's way. And that makes me sad. I don't think he intended for his children to come to a world that has become a world where his creations, men and women, no longer what to be what He created them. This world has become complete and utter chaos.
That is all I will say about this.
Waste
My daughters and I were watching a show called Beeker's World this morning on PBS. First, I'd like to say how much I appreciate public television. The shows offered are so educational and clean (no pun intended in regards to my current topic!). I wish I could donate to programs such as these. That is something else I'd do with a million! Support wonderful organizations. There are so many out there. Do you ever feel there is too much of the things you would love to do and not enough MONEY to do it with? I feel that every day. And it isn't just STUFF that I'd spend the money on. It would all go to good causes! AUGH! "If I were a rich man!" (I am feeling the need to watch Fiddler on the Roof.)
So, on the show Beeker's World they were teaching children (and obviously one adult) where sewage goes. It was quite discusting but also fascinating. The point I want to mention though is that he said that the water that goes down the street drain and gutters is never treated, "it goes right into the local oceans, rivers, and lakes". I was discusted! My seven year old daughter said, "that's discusting! I am never swimming in the ocean again!"
That really got us talking about all the trash and litter that we see on a regular basis. I know that there are some many things harming our environment and there is really only so much one person can do. But if we all did just little bit better at how much waste we have we would be making a huge difference.
Just after the last major snow melted away our apartment's parking lot and gutters were filled with all sorts of debri. I went out and with frozen fingers dug out of the gutters 2 garbage bags full of trash! Some of it I couldn't even get up because it was embedded and frozen into the drain cover. I was so upset at the residents in the area for their lack of concern for our little community within the apartments. Just imagine what it is like in bigger communities. When I learned where that nasty polluted gutter water goes I was shocked!
I hope I have inspired at least one more person to not litter and if they do see litter to pick it up.
So, on the show Beeker's World they were teaching children (and obviously one adult) where sewage goes. It was quite discusting but also fascinating. The point I want to mention though is that he said that the water that goes down the street drain and gutters is never treated, "it goes right into the local oceans, rivers, and lakes". I was discusted! My seven year old daughter said, "that's discusting! I am never swimming in the ocean again!"
That really got us talking about all the trash and litter that we see on a regular basis. I know that there are some many things harming our environment and there is really only so much one person can do. But if we all did just little bit better at how much waste we have we would be making a huge difference.
Just after the last major snow melted away our apartment's parking lot and gutters were filled with all sorts of debri. I went out and with frozen fingers dug out of the gutters 2 garbage bags full of trash! Some of it I couldn't even get up because it was embedded and frozen into the drain cover. I was so upset at the residents in the area for their lack of concern for our little community within the apartments. Just imagine what it is like in bigger communities. When I learned where that nasty polluted gutter water goes I was shocked!
I hope I have inspired at least one more person to not litter and if they do see litter to pick it up.
Tradition vs. Habit
Today, as others of my faith know, was a special day to listen to the leaders of my church speak to us as a whole and enlighten and encourage us. One sister in particular sparked some thoughts. Her name is Cheryl C Lant and she is the General President over the children's organization called the Primary. She spoke on traditions. When I think of traditions I usually think of holiday traditions. All the other "stuff" I do I just think of as being habit or routine. But after listening to her talk I realized that all the "stuff" I do on a regular basis is tradition. And upon realizing this it brought a whole new meaning to me about what I do as a homemaker. This realization has made the day to day "stuff" that I do as a mother have such a deeper meaning, it has encouraged me and lifted me. I feel like those things I do have meaning beyond just taking care of my kids. I cannot fully explain what a magnificent feeling came over me. I have always felt what I do as a mother, and what all women in the world do as mothers, is the most important of all "callings" in life. But to realize that something I thought basic, such as having a "tradition" of respect for one's self and others is not so basic but deep and profound, WOW! This is how I was raised. I thought it common. I never thought such things that come naturally to me to be thought of as tradition, I really thought of it as being "stuff". Now, let me explain this "stuff" that I continue to refer to. To me, when I say "stuff", I am referring to the fact that I am a strict, firm, and organized parent. The things I do others might think of as "uptight", "controlled", "mean", and "too routine".
Here are some examples...I don't tolerate disrespect for authority, such as teachers, or adults or disrepect to others property, God's creations, or one's self. Also, my children have had the same bed time and bed time routine since they were babies, now don't get me wrong, there are times when bed time fluctuates, but for the most part this "tradition" has not changed. And now that they are getting older that bed time will gradually move back. But, I can be a selfish parent and bed time is Mom and Dad time, so that means that even though they are getting older I will still send them to their rooms at the same time for their own personal quiet time. Which brings up another point, I have also always been a firm believer in "quiet time". Kids need that down time, whether or not they nap, they need some down time. Play is hard work. Not to mention the parent also needs that quiet time. We also attend church every Sunday and pray and read scripture. I never thought of that as a tradition. I just thought it habit. But tradition sounds so much more heart felt and sincere than "habit". It is habit to brush your teeth, a tradition to eat healthy foods. Doesn't that sound more beautiful and inviting? I'm not going to DIET! I am going to start a tradition of healthy eating and exercise.
Who in their right mind says no to TRADITION! So, I think from now I shall have this mentality...Everything in my life that means something to me is now tradition, out with the old habits and in with the traditions!
Here are some examples...I don't tolerate disrespect for authority, such as teachers, or adults or disrepect to others property, God's creations, or one's self. Also, my children have had the same bed time and bed time routine since they were babies, now don't get me wrong, there are times when bed time fluctuates, but for the most part this "tradition" has not changed. And now that they are getting older that bed time will gradually move back. But, I can be a selfish parent and bed time is Mom and Dad time, so that means that even though they are getting older I will still send them to their rooms at the same time for their own personal quiet time. Which brings up another point, I have also always been a firm believer in "quiet time". Kids need that down time, whether or not they nap, they need some down time. Play is hard work. Not to mention the parent also needs that quiet time. We also attend church every Sunday and pray and read scripture. I never thought of that as a tradition. I just thought it habit. But tradition sounds so much more heart felt and sincere than "habit". It is habit to brush your teeth, a tradition to eat healthy foods. Doesn't that sound more beautiful and inviting? I'm not going to DIET! I am going to start a tradition of healthy eating and exercise.
Who in their right mind says no to TRADITION! So, I think from now I shall have this mentality...Everything in my life that means something to me is now tradition, out with the old habits and in with the traditions!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Another Shoe Update??
If you have been a faithful reader of my blog you may recall my entries called Shoes and also Shoe Update. If you have not read those entries you may want to so you know what I am talking about.
Remember my pair of ugly black shoes that hurt my feet and I dreaded putting them on and hid them in the depths of my closet on weekends? Well that pair of shoes will be donated to a thrift store next week so that some other woman may get more use out of them than I did. The woman who buys them for 3 dollars at the thrift store may find those shoes the greatest blessing she has received in a long time. She may think they are fashionable or cute. She may think they are mighty comfortable and never wants to get out of them again. She just might want them more than I ever did. Not that I am ungrateful for those shoes, for what they meant to me and my family, but I am over joyed and most grateful of all to say that I will no longer be wearing them.
You maybe asking, "what does this mean?". I will tell you. I am no longer required to work full time away from my home. I am no longer required to put on that hideous, green ,polyester, high waisted, front pleated suit; did I mention scratchy and staticy? Through much prayer, fasting, and discussion, Kevin and I have finally concluded that my presence in the home is far more important than the tiny amount of money that I generated each month. Life will not be easier with me be home, I will still have struggles. But I will be home. I will be where I am most happy. I must say I have been home all this week so far (my final, very last day, is Saturday the 5th) and it has been beautiful. Would you like to see what my days look like now and will continue in such a fashion for hopefully EVER! In order for you to see how truly grateful I am for my new schedule I should first share with you my old schedule.
I would wake anywhere from 730 to even as late as 830, feeling tired, soar, achy, crabby, rushed, and lazy. Emily would come and read to me in bed, which I inevitably slept through and got upset at her later for having not read to me (oops, my bad). I would rush the girls through cold cereal and rush them out the door to make it to school, by bike, by 9. And in saying good bye to Emily I would say, "see you tomorrow morning". Then Lydia and I would rush back home so I could go back to bed some mornings and others we would do a little school work for her. Then play friends came on various mornings and I did chores or scrap booked away the time until I rushed around getting ready for work at 2 so I could leave at 230 and be to work from 3-11 or later. I would drive home exhausted and rush through a shower, snuggle each of the girls whispering to them how much I loved and missed them, and then I would go pass out by 12 or later sometimes. I have not only seen Emily for only an hour but also Kevin for an hour and even less some days.
NOW...
I wake around 645 feeling rested, revived, and rejuvenated. I spend about 45 mins reading from Jesus the Christ (a fantastic book) or scriptures. The girls are up by about 730 and I assist them getting ready for the day. At 8 I make some sort of breakfast, today was yummy oatmeal with spices, raisins, walnuts, and wheat germ; and I sit with them talking while we eat. We leave the house happy, no one is crying! After we say good bye to Emily at school Lydia and I go on a lovely leisurely bike ride. We get back home in time for play dates or some school time and even some snuggle time. I do some chores, like today I am organizing my office, which was far past due! And play a game with Lydia or read a story. I do some scrap booking here and there. I get to pick up Emily from school, which we take our time and have a visit on the way home. We sit at the table and all do some school work together. I make some dinner, which is from scratch-no more box meals!, while the girls do their NEW chores. Then we all sit down as a family and have a lovely visit while we eat my lovely meal. Then the girls get ready for bed and I read to them from Narnia or some other too advanced book. Then I tuck the girls in, say good night, and most importantly, "I'll see you in the morning". I spend a little of time with Kevin, go to bed with him around 9 but stay up and read in bed until 10, when I pass out after a beautiful day.
I know it is quite wordy but I was much too excited to leave out any of these fabulous details! I love being a homemaker! It is where I feel most like me. It is where I feel the most rewarded. It is where I belong.
Remember my pair of ugly black shoes that hurt my feet and I dreaded putting them on and hid them in the depths of my closet on weekends? Well that pair of shoes will be donated to a thrift store next week so that some other woman may get more use out of them than I did. The woman who buys them for 3 dollars at the thrift store may find those shoes the greatest blessing she has received in a long time. She may think they are fashionable or cute. She may think they are mighty comfortable and never wants to get out of them again. She just might want them more than I ever did. Not that I am ungrateful for those shoes, for what they meant to me and my family, but I am over joyed and most grateful of all to say that I will no longer be wearing them.
You maybe asking, "what does this mean?". I will tell you. I am no longer required to work full time away from my home. I am no longer required to put on that hideous, green ,polyester, high waisted, front pleated suit; did I mention scratchy and staticy? Through much prayer, fasting, and discussion, Kevin and I have finally concluded that my presence in the home is far more important than the tiny amount of money that I generated each month. Life will not be easier with me be home, I will still have struggles. But I will be home. I will be where I am most happy. I must say I have been home all this week so far (my final, very last day, is Saturday the 5th) and it has been beautiful. Would you like to see what my days look like now and will continue in such a fashion for hopefully EVER! In order for you to see how truly grateful I am for my new schedule I should first share with you my old schedule.
I would wake anywhere from 730 to even as late as 830, feeling tired, soar, achy, crabby, rushed, and lazy. Emily would come and read to me in bed, which I inevitably slept through and got upset at her later for having not read to me (oops, my bad). I would rush the girls through cold cereal and rush them out the door to make it to school, by bike, by 9. And in saying good bye to Emily I would say, "see you tomorrow morning". Then Lydia and I would rush back home so I could go back to bed some mornings and others we would do a little school work for her. Then play friends came on various mornings and I did chores or scrap booked away the time until I rushed around getting ready for work at 2 so I could leave at 230 and be to work from 3-11 or later. I would drive home exhausted and rush through a shower, snuggle each of the girls whispering to them how much I loved and missed them, and then I would go pass out by 12 or later sometimes. I have not only seen Emily for only an hour but also Kevin for an hour and even less some days.
NOW...
I wake around 645 feeling rested, revived, and rejuvenated. I spend about 45 mins reading from Jesus the Christ (a fantastic book) or scriptures. The girls are up by about 730 and I assist them getting ready for the day. At 8 I make some sort of breakfast, today was yummy oatmeal with spices, raisins, walnuts, and wheat germ; and I sit with them talking while we eat. We leave the house happy, no one is crying! After we say good bye to Emily at school Lydia and I go on a lovely leisurely bike ride. We get back home in time for play dates or some school time and even some snuggle time. I do some chores, like today I am organizing my office, which was far past due! And play a game with Lydia or read a story. I do some scrap booking here and there. I get to pick up Emily from school, which we take our time and have a visit on the way home. We sit at the table and all do some school work together. I make some dinner, which is from scratch-no more box meals!, while the girls do their NEW chores. Then we all sit down as a family and have a lovely visit while we eat my lovely meal. Then the girls get ready for bed and I read to them from Narnia or some other too advanced book. Then I tuck the girls in, say good night, and most importantly, "I'll see you in the morning". I spend a little of time with Kevin, go to bed with him around 9 but stay up and read in bed until 10, when I pass out after a beautiful day.
I know it is quite wordy but I was much too excited to leave out any of these fabulous details! I love being a homemaker! It is where I feel most like me. It is where I feel the most rewarded. It is where I belong.
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