Dine-out Eater Beware--Mama Mia, Pumpkin Bashers

Today was Halloween. Lots to do, festivities etc. I was invited to go out lunch at the new Olive Garden in American Fork. The menu is the same as all the others. I had some soup that had Italian parsley, which was what kept showing up. Should be safe, right? After about five hours, my dinner was heaving itself back up! That parsley must not have agreed with me, as far as I could tell.

Two hours of that wiped me out...on top of that I was supposed to get the trick or treaters their candies at the door. I was too sick to raise my head off the pillow believe me.

I heard some clunking sounds outside about 8:45 and looked out my window. I saw a couple of tween-agers dumping the pumpkins that were artfully carved on Family Night. It made me even sicker! I pounded on my window and they scattered like scarred rabbits, really. They ran.

The candy dish was alas empty by that hour, and was what caused the boys to be disgruntled. Turns out they did the same to the neighbors, with their pumpkins likewise. They must have hit them first. Anyway, the girls were tearful and couldn't understand why anyone would do such a thing. I couldn't either. It left a bad taste in our mouths.(pun) It took Ella and Aislyn a while to get over the hurt. IT was too bad some kids have no respect for others' property. I know their parents must have tried to teach them, but somehow missed the message.

Aaron said he had never done that, and it made me feel good inside to know how perfect he was....in that area that is. I smile.

The best part of this day was that I finally got to go see the movie Mama Mia. I looked forward to seeing that movie ever since it came out late summer. I was all set to see it at the Prove Towne Centre, where the Thursday paper said it was. Well, we got there and it had ended yesterday. We went to find a newspaper to buy and sure enough it was at Movies 8. So the day was not a total loss. I really enjoyed the story and the music. Mama Mia!!

Fractal Nautilus

Don't you think this photo looks like a crocheted sea shell? I "googled" it and found it in fractal images. I like the variety of colors. Reminds me of Guatemala......the little purses and coin holders. Love the colors.

Speaking of Guatemala, I spoke with Michael yesterday. He said he and Joanna have already voted! He send me an article about the election. I will see if I can forward it. It is written by Orson Scott Card. He is LDS, and writes articles with passion. You will like it. Read it.

Carving Pumpkins & Family Night

Aislyn and Ella pulling the "guts" out of the pumpkins to carve for Halloween.



Parker with his Dad carving his pumpkin.



Baby Joel coos in the background entertained by the family activity. He fell asleep later.



I count my blessings of being a grandmother to sooooooooo many children. The angelic sounds and coos of the baby, a joy and blessings to cherish often.

I Stand All Amazed

Today was the ward Primary Sacrament meeting presentation. The theme was "I AM A CHILD OF GOD."

Each child had a speaking part and what impressed me most was that each one that came up started their lines with, "I am a child of God." It must have been said over a hundred times. I sat in the audience listening and watching. The spirit was so sweet and the songs were also.


The bishop came up to the podium with remarks and he commented at how touched he was with the spirit that the children portrayed. He wept, as he spoke. I know our bishop is a man of God, called of him to lead and guide our ward. He is our local leader and I honor his counsel.

Each month, somehow he has the opportunity to speak to us as a ward, and his words of counsel are just as honorable as the ones we hear from President Thomas S. Monson.

We are very blessed to have the freedoms we have to worship in our own chapels that have been provided through the tithes of the members of the Church. The whole world can be in chaos, but we have a living prophet to direct us and guide through the troubled times. I cling to the Iron Rod.

Gospel Doctrine class was continued about the Savior's visit to the Nephites, and his great love for them, as he healed them, and blessed the little children and who were attended by angels. All children are blessed as if they too are attended by angels.

"We can bring light into a dark room, but not darkness into a lighted one..."as one of our Relief Society teachers shared with us in her lesson today.

Learning Patience in Waiting on the Lord

Saturday has become one of the highlights of my week since I started back in September serving in the Mount Timpanogos Temple. The spirit there is so strong, and I go home feeling wonderful and at peace. This week was no exception, I think of all my blessings and while I am standing in one place for half hour shifts, and am more grateful for the opportunity to serve.

I call the waiting on the Lord and standing still my "serving the Lord" time. The day seemed to take on a longer assignment than usual. My assignment was stretched out about an hour longer than I am used to. My post was to stand at the top of the grand staircase on the upper floor.

The couples came out of the Celestial room walking hand in hand. The hour was getting late and near the end of the day. A couple came walking out that I knew. They stopped to greet me and we talked for about ten minutes, maybe more. It was the oldest son of Bob & Kay Stout, friends I knew in California when I joined the Church.

They (Rick & Shauna Stout) said they remembered me when I attended their wedding. They thought I was an "angel." They also said they had been thinking about me and were talking to each other about me last week. It is strange, but I thought of his parents as I walked in to the temple today too. We caught up on all the last several years and news about my family and theirs. He was only about six years old when I joined the church forty years ago. They said their oldest daughter just got married last year and they were going to be grandparents! I was amazed at how time flys.

Later, when I got dressed and ready to leave the temple I noticed I wasn't even tired. Even though the hour was late, 10:45, I still felt incredibly energized. It must be the blessing of serving the Lord, because it felt so good and I knew why. I appreciate that time to learn patience in the times to wait, think, ponder and pray during my shift. It must be the blessing of Peace and Being still.

I pray that my children and grandchildren will some day know the feelings of my heart what I know to be a servant of the Lord. His blessings are poured out upon me each day in great abundance beyond my comprehension.

Sacred Geometry and Crop Circles

Ever since I was in grade school I've had the fascination of geometric designs and old enough to have a pencil with compass. It was one of my favorite things to do to make my own creations and color them and draw.

The significance of crop circles and similar geometric designs are a mystery even still. You don't see much about them. I couldn't figure out how the TV was on CNN one minute and on science the next. It must be because I had my TV on CNN and a few channels from a science station (Discovery) came up.

It is like the channel switched itself, but maybe I had touched the remote and it moved to this channel. Kind of Twilight Zone-ish. Anyway, a few years ago there were a couple of crop circles in Spanish Fork that strangely appeared.

There are no answers to this phenomenon, just a lot more questions. There are no concrete answers as yet to satisfy the (my) curious mind.

These photographs were images that were of six crop circles. Quite artsy.

My Second Most Favorite Acccount of Christ in Book of Mormon

The following scriptures are from III Nephi 17. It is the account of Jesus Christ visiting the Nephites and when He blessed the children.

21 And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.
22 And when he had done this he wept again;
23 And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones.
24 And as they looked to behold they cast their eyes towards heaven, and they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled those little ones about, and they were encircled about with fire; and the angels did minister unto them.
25 And the multitude did see and hear and bear record; and they know that their record is true for they all of them did see and hear, every man for himself; and they were in number about two thousand and five hundred souls; and they did consist of men, women, and children.

Wheat Grass, Burned Rice and Hot Stove

Today was just not my day....I couldn't believe the dumb stuff that happened. I started out with the intent to eat healthy and have some wheat grass juice.

I bought a bag of cut wheat grass at Good Earth. I have a juicer for it in the pantry.
This was my second day in a row to have the juice before I ate anything. It kind of tastes just like it says, GRASS! The health benefits are so worth the taste.

Anyway as I was getting ready to push the grass into the grinder I put the handle of a nylon plastic spatula to help it down and it stuck. The turn off switch was behind the juicer that by the time I turned it off the handle was half way into the grinder. Needless to say I didn't have my wheat grass juice. My ability to undo the grinder was limited so waited until Aaron came home to the rescue. He was able to work with it and undo the attachment. So I can make some tomorrow.

I decided to make some Mexican Chicken Soup for dinner. I made rice to add to it like the restaurant did. The rice cooked so quickly it got a little brown on the bottom of the pan. I added it to the broth and cooked chicken. I had the stove on and then turned it off, only to turn it back on a little later to warm the rest of the dinner.

While I was adding more chicken buillion and water I turned the stove back on and went down stairs. I had filled a plastic measuring cup with the broth and set it on the stove top instead of the sink. Well, just a few minutes later I heard the sound of the smoke alarm going off.

Candice's visiting teachers were here so they were all trying to open windows and doors to let the odor out...by then she had rescued the stove and melted plastic from what used to be the measuring cup. Evidently I had turned the wrong burner on, instead of the one where the pot was, I turned another one where the cup happened to be sitting. Oh brother what a mess.

After that I didn't want to cook one more thing for the day anyway. The soup was tasty, and we ate about an hour later than usual. I made homemade salsa, which turned out pretty good. I decided it was best to not leave the kitchen until the burners are all turned off, since I would have been aware to the mix-up sooner had I stayed in the kitchen.

Some days it doesn't pay to multi-task.

Another Birthday Princess

Maddie Beth turned six today! Six years ago today, I was there at the hospital to see her right afterwards. She was a beautiful dark-haired little one, so precious. And she still is. . . a Princess, helium balloons and all.

She invited me, Grandma Mattie to be there for her special birthday dinner. Her Mommy, Tracie made grilled hamburgers and a delicious chocolate birthday cake with instant chocolate pudding, with creamy Cool Whip with mini Oreo's and SKOR chocolate candy bars broken up.

Angels All Around Us

I went to visit four year old, K9 today at the house. He had hernia surgery this morning and looked like he had no pain, which Lori said she was staying on top of the pain giving him Tylenol and Motrin for children.

I think children recover very quickly and you cannot tell they have had their tonsils out the same day! They are so resilient.

I know angels watch over us, and especially ones like K9.

This evening for dinner I went to Mi Ranchito in American Fork, with Tana and the kids joined Aaron, Candice, Aislyn, Ella, Parker and Joel. I ordered their Mi Ranchito Soup. It was chicken with rice soup flavored with cilantro, tomatoes, and fresh avocados. Aaron really likes it and requested I make some for them at home. Everyone wanted a taste of it and agreed they liked it too. It reminded me of the kind of soup my mother used to make. I think that is why Aaron wanted me to make it soon.




I always enjoy eating out at Mi Ranchito, because it IS like going to my mother's for dinner. The food is delicious and remarkably similar to the way my grandmother, aka Nane, Maria Rodriguez cooked too. The owners of the restaurant are from Guanajuato, so it is close to what I was used to eating at her house. Cannot deny it was a little bit nostalgic.

Relief Society Lesson, Choir, Raisin Cookies

The last several days kept me busy while preparing to present a Relief Society lesson. I always make sure I have everything in order to be ready. I felt the hand of providence helping me get what seemed the impossible. Things just kind of went into place without a lot of stress to overshadow me.

The busier I was the more things just came together...I stand in amazement the the help I had to be able to serve my temple assignment and be blessed with the time I had to get everything else done! It felt like someone else was in charge. It wasn't me. I just kept on keeping on, and let the consequences follow.

I appreciate the time I get to study the manual about the Teachings of Joseph Smith. This lesson was about the letters he wrote to his family and what a legacy it was for him to have recorded his tender feelings about Emma and the children they had.

There were a couple of books I used as a resource about Emma Smith. I found several recipes her posterity shared in a book about their great-grandmother, one was for Raisin Oatmeal Cookies. I decided to bake the cookies for the sisters and they all were very pleased to sample them. I added some chocolate chips to the last batch I saved of the left cookie dough and baked them this morning. They were tasty with the chips. Aaron said he like them even better than yesterday.

Our ward choir sang a few songs in Sacrament meeting today. We sang a patriotic song, "America" to remind others to vote in the November election. We also closed with the song, "Love One Another." The choir is now practicing for the Christmas program. Christmas is on a Thursday this year. The program will be on the third Sunday, December 21, on the same Sunday as I teach the Relief Society lesson that month. Lots to prepare and get ready. I love it and grateful to have the opportunity to teach the gospel to the sisters. It is a fulfillment of my patriarchal blessing to teach the women of the Church in the stakes and wards of the Church.

Standing in Holy places--

I consider it a blessing to live so close to the Mt. Timpanogos Temple and in the shadow of it. The backdrop is Mount Timpanogos. The temple at night is so beautiful. This week in our prayer meeting before going onto our assignments, we were told how the world is in costume for the seasonal holiday in October and in darkness, but we as workers are dressed in white and are like "Angels" ministering to the patrons who serve in the "light." It was a beautiful analogy.

We were reminded also that we are queens serving the Lord in his Holy Temple.

What an Example with a Dad holding son's hand

This is actually a Liz Lemon Swindle painting. I didn't know that until yesterday.
Great message.

Mr. Magoo & Me

Grandma with Baby Joel. This little guy is sooooo cute! "Stinkin" Cute as his Mommy says it.



I tease Aaron about the baby looks like "Mr. Magoo." Bald and round faced at that. There used to be a cartoon character named the same. He was nearsighted and talked incessantly about things that were not there or people who he could not see. His voice was of James Backus was The Magoo. He was also the millionaire on Gilligan's Island, whose wife he called, "Lovey", remember? Anyway, Mr. Magoo's name tag is a term of endearment nonetheless.

I found a caricature of the original cartoon character on line....you decide.

Touching the Temple

This is the Jordan River Temple--This is where Hank & Lori were sealed.



Temple preparation begins in childhood

One busy day at the Jordan River Utah Temple, its president, Robert L. Backman, witnessed an unusual sight.
A young family was standing outside the temple. The parents and their small children quietly approached the building's exterior walls and placed their hands on the temple. President Backman approached the family and asked what they were doing. They gave a simple answer: "We want to touch the temple."
The emeritus General Authority appreciated the efforts of that earnest mother and father to make the temple a physical, tangible element in the lives of their children.


Soon there will be the new Draper and Oquirrh Temples in the Salt Lake Valley just on the other side of the hills of Alpine, UT and West of Bangerter Highway. I want all of my young grandchildren to experience going to walk through the new temple in January through March. We will plan a time for all of us to go together and experience the joys of seeing and being in the temple before it is dedicated. This will make a lasting impression on all of them like the Mt. Timpanogos Temple did on K3 when he was three years old!

And Today is a NEW Day . . .

Be Not Afraid, by Greg Olsen


III Nephi: 11-12

11 And there was a great and terrible destruction in the land southward.
12 But behold, there was a more great and terrible destruction in the land northward; for behold, the whole face of the land was changed, because of the tempest and the whirlwinds, and the thunderings and the lightnings, and the exceedingly great quaking of the whole earth;


I was just reading today's scriptures. It was like reading the newspaper for today if you think about it. The path of the hurricanes in the south east, etc. The lands northward are seeing the water destruction, others earthquakes. Hmmmmm. Sounds like things repeat themselves. What a blessing it is to have a living prophet, just like in the day of Samuel the Lamanite.

It is a good lesson to absolutely be prepared. I am NO doomsday-er, but just know about being prepared. Ok?





I was very pleased with the messages from the brethren, and President Monson. Their counsel tells us we are to live each day one at a time, serve and help each other, reach out to those who need our care. We have angels to bear us up. I find great strength in Elder Holland's message, besides Elder Bednar's. My gratitude in endless.

I listened to the final session of Conference again yesterday and know we have a chosen Prophet of the Lord, who lead us through the storms of life. His message was optimistic, like President Hinckley would give. I cling to the Iron Rod.

"IF" by Rudyard Kipling

R.K. received a Nobel Prized for this poem when he was thirty years old. He knew Mark Twain.


If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man [woman] my son [daughter]!




Another link: www.twainquotes.com/Kipling_Rudyard.html

I thought this poem said it all. I heard it this morning on "The Spoken Word." As is sometimes the case, there is something of value to hear and pass on to others.

Love, Mom, Anna

Standing Firm, immovable--True to the Faith

". . . in all the land save it were among a few of the Lamanites who were converted unto the true faith; and they would not depart from it, for they were firm, and steadfast, and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord." III Nephi 6:



Since I started reading my scriptures online,I like how it sets my day and the messages are timely. This one stood out in my heart and sounded very familiar given the Conference talks from our brethren, and sisters.



Now, this is my favorite pic of Sam the Lamanite. He is soooo cute, and he looks just like K9 if you look closely. Wouldn't it be good if little boys followed this kind of hero from the Book of Mormon these days. This was this little guy's Halloween costume.

I just had a thought. . .! Let's, for this year's family "Heritage" celebration of my sealing to my parents, why not have a costume party on November 1st, and have all the grands, and their parents come in a costume dressed like a Book of Mormon figure, character?

Please see the link, http://www.bookofmormonbattles.com/Artwork.htm

I found it looking for pictures s of Samuel, the Lamanite...food for thought.

Love, Mom aka Anna

Everyday in Every Way Life Gets Better

New Thought: 'The tide of destiny has turned for me today. Everything now begins to go my way.' Say this silently and aloud for nine days straight and then flow, baby, flow!

I will keep saying this just to see how it DOES work. I received this from a daily Feng Shui message. It can't hurt to try it anyway.

Some Days Have a Few Bumps in the Road

Do you ever go along and think how great your life is and give a prayer of Thanksgiving and think how fortunate you are to be who you are and doing what you're doing? Well, that is how my day started out...I gave a gratitude prayer while I drove to Farmington, just North of Bountiful.

Elder Bednar's talk really gave me something to think about, and as I walked into the store I found myself being thankful for more things than I hadn't imagine before. It felt like a perfect day. I could feel the love my Heavenly Father has for me, even though I am not perfect.

Well, little did I know that my bubble was about to burst. I won't go into it, but I had an experience where the communication lines were totally misinterpreted and there went out the door that "feeling good kind of air about my day". It was an incident that happened two months ago, but just surfaced later today.

I realized to just apologize and best to forgive the misunderstanding and know that the atonement will make up for all my shortcomings and make up the rest that was not in my ability to make it right, no matter what I said. I still felt badly to have made such an error in judgment and to have it offend someone.

I am so thankful for a loving Savior; I have a testimony of his atonement in my life every moment of the day. I love the words to "I Stand All Amazed." I am going to remember this when I partake the Sacrament again on Sunday and give an extra measure of gratitude for Christ's suffering in my behalf.

Well, tomorrow is a new day. I intend to continue thanking God for my friends and pray to be a better person through this experience. If I could add the music of the "ANNIE" song here "Tomorrow, Tomorrow", I would. However, I will spare you all. Alas, I could not find it--anywhere.

"Tis' human to err, but to forgive, divine."

The Pumpkin Patch, Fall is here

Pumpkins are a symbol of Prosperity. A bountiful harvest.



Fall is here. Pumpkins decorate the landscape, along with the colored leaves. Aaron's office had the annual open house. Lots of people attended with homemade root beer, caramel dip with sliced green apples. Everyone raved about Candice's sweet caramel dip, and Aaron's root beer. There was a drawing for prizes to guess how many candy corn were in the jar. I guessed, but never heard who had won.

It looked like everybody had a good time. It was good to see the Fryer's, Fillerup's and the Ks besides all of their other customers. Great job, Aaron.

178th Semi-annual World Conference

President Monson in Conference today. His messages were timely, and about the needs of the individual. He gave suggestions of how to reach out to those widows, widowers etc.

I appreciate all of the talks given by the brethren. It was a great conference with so much good advice to bless our lives in these times of uncertainty. I also heard words of support to give us hope in the face of adversity.

There was an overall unity spoken of among the brethren and the First Presidency. Aaron took excellent notes of the priesthood session and shared the comments with me this morning made by the brethren .

After Conference Aaron & Candice had family over for dinner of roast made in the dutch oven Aaron made; we had mashed potatoes & gravy, fruit salad and green salad. The Hallow's and Chung Hoon's came oven along with Candice's parents. I made brownies and frosted them served with Neapolitan ice cream. The kids all loved the brownies too. Everyone sang "Happy Birthday." Aaron contacted Michael to talk on the Mac. Matt & Beth were not available so we missed talking to them. Sorry we missed them to talk.

An overview of the Signs of Our TImes

Family, I was reading the overview of the chapters of Helaman this morning. I noticed a familiar thread that is being woven into the history we are now experiencing. The part that really confirmed this is (the possibility) that the Gadiantons get into power for a short five year "term." Then I later read where the chief judge was 'assasinated', or murdered as the summary states. The power of discernment is so important at this time in OUR history.

Love, Mom aka Anna

THE BOOK OF HELAMAN
CHAPTERS

*
Helaman 1
Pahoran the second becomes chief judge and is murdered by Kishkumen—Pacumeni fills the judgment-seat—Coriantumr leads the Lamanite armies, takes Zarahemla, and slays Pacumeni—Moronihah defeats the Lamanites and retakes Zarahemla, and Coriantumr is slain. Between 52 and 51 B.C.
*
Helaman 2
Helaman the second becomes chief judge—Gadianton leads the band of Kishkumen—Helaman’s servant slays Kishkumen, and the Gadianton band flees into the wilderness. 50 B.C.
*
Helaman 3
Many Nephites migrate to the land northward—They build houses of cement and keep many records—Tens of thousands are converted and baptized—The word of God leads men to salvation—Nephi the son of Helaman fills the judgment seat. Between 49 and 39 B.C.
*
Helaman 4
Nephite dissenters and the Lamanites join forces and take the land of Zarahemla—The Nephites’ defeats come because of their wickedness—The Church dwindles and the people become weak like the Lamanites. Between 38 and 30 B.C.
*
Helaman 5
Nephi and Lehi devote themselves to preaching—Their names invite them to pattern their lives after their forebears—Christ redeems those who repent—Nephi and Lehi make many converts and are imprisoned, and fire encircles them—A cloud of darkness overshadows three hundred people—The earth shakes and a voice commands men to repent—Nephi and Lehi converse with angels, and the multitude are encircled by fire. About 30 B.C.
*
Helaman 6
The righteous Lamanites preach to the wicked Nephites—Both peoples prosper during an era of peace and plenty—Lucifer, the author of sin, guides the Gadianton robbers in their murders and wickedness—They take over the Nephite government. Between 29 and 24 B.C.
*
Helaman 7
Nephi is rejected in the north and returns to Zarahemla—He prays upon his garden tower and then calls upon the people to repent or perish. Between 23 and 20 B.C.
*
Helaman 8
Corrupt judges seek to incite the people against Nephi—Abraham, Moses, Zenos, Zenock, Ezias, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lehi, and Nephi all testified of Christ—By inspiration Nephi announces the murder of the chief judge. Between 23 and 20 B.C.
*
Helaman 9
Messengers find the chief judge dead at the judgment seat—They are imprisoned and later released—By inspiration Nephi identifies Seantum as the murderer—Nephi is accepted by some as a prophet. Between 23 and 20 B.C.
*
Helaman 10
The Lord gives Nephi the sealing power—He is empowered to bind and loose on earth and in heaven—He commands the people to repent or perish—The Spirit carries him from congregation to congregation. Between 23 and 20 B.C.
*
Helaman 11
Nephi persuades the Lord to replace their war with a famine—Many people perish—They repent, and Nephi importunes the Lord for rain—Nephi and Lehi receive many revelations—The Gadianton robbers entrench themselves in the land. Between 20 and 7 B.C.
*
Helaman 12
Men are unstable and foolish and quick to do evil—The Lord chastens his people—The nothingness of men compared with the power of God—In the day of judgment men shall gain everlasting life or everlasting damnation. About 7 B.C.
*
Helaman 13
Samuel the Lamanite prophesies the destruction of the Nephites unless they repent—They and their riches are cursed—They reject and stone the prophets, are encircled about by demons, and seek for happiness in doing iniquity. About 6 B.C.
*
Helaman 14
Samuel predicts light during the night and a new star at Christ’s birth—Christ redeems men from temporal and spiritual death—The signs of his death include three days of darkness, the rending of the rocks, and great upheavals of nature. About 6 B.C.
*
Helaman 15
The Lord chastened the Nephites because he loved them—Converted Lamanites are firm and steadfast in the faith—The Lord will be merciful unto the Lamanites in the latter days. About 6 B.C.
*
Helaman 16
The Nephites who believe Samuel are baptized by Nephi—Samuel cannot be slain with their arrows and stones—Some harden their hearts, and others see angels—The unbelievers say it is not reasonable to believe in Christ and his coming in Jerusalem. Between 5 and 1 B.C.

Please check out this link where I found this picture of Helaman leading the 2000 stripling warriors. Especially K1-K4, and all my grandchildren over 15 years old. I love each and every one of you.
Love, Grandma

technology.ldsblogs.com/2007/11/07/a_modern_d...

Leoardo de Vinci Revisted

I went with Aaron and the kids to see the museum today between conference sessions. Parker liked the hands on inventions best. My camera battery was shot so I didn't get any pictures of them at the exhibit. We actually went of Friday evening just as they closed at six o'clock. They gave us a free family pass to go back today. Lucky blessing.




This is a sketch of Christ drawn by Leonardo da Vinci.



I liked this quote, in fact I bought a quote book by da Vinci himself. I will share a few here.

There is no question that Leonardo da Vinci was great artist, accomplished designer, brilliant engineer, and distinguished scientist.

But he was a profound philosopher as well. I agree that "he was the most accomplished man in the history of the western world."




"Every difficulty can be overcome by effort"

"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return."

"Human ingenuity. . . will never devise any inventions more beautiful, nor more simple, nor more to the purpose than Nature does."

"You can have no dominion greater or less than yourself."




This is a boat da Vinci designed in the 1500s. One of many. His craftsmanship was practically irreplaceable. He appears to have been an engineer, designer, mathematician and artist.

My New Home Page--

I did some searching on the web and found a great suggestion. Make my homepage go directly to the scriptures online and I get to read them before I do anything else.
There are so many scriptures that are my favorite that I am posting this one from Alma 48:9-19. It had a familiar ring to what is happening in the world today. I think it is evident and close to what I see going on in the political scene. No other explanation necessary.

Father Lehi with his children and Sariah in the background standing by the tent door. Arnold Friberg painting. (I saw a replica of this 6 ft painting last night at University Mall estimated at $3000 unframed. I estimate maybe $5000 with the frame. Just a guess.)

7 Now it came to pass that while Amalickiah had thus been obtaining power by fraud and deceit, Moroni, on the other hand, had been preparing the mint resort; throwing up banks of earth round about to enclose his armies, and also building walls of stone to encircle them about, round about their cities and the borders of their lands; yea, all round about the land.
9 And in their weakest fortifications he did place the greater number of men; and thus he did fortify and strengthen the land which was possessed by the Nephites.
10 And thus he was preparing to support their liberty, their lands, their wives, and their children, and their peace, and that they might live unto the Lord their God, and that they might maintain that which was called by their enemies the cause of Christians.
11 And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery;
12 Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people.
13 Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ, and he had sworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights, and his country, and his religion, even to the loss of his blood.
14 Now the Nephites were taught to defend themselves against their enemies, even to the shedding of blood if it were necessary; yea, and they were also taught never to give an offense, yea, and never to raise the sword except it were against an enemy, except it were to preserve their lives.
15 And this was their faith, that by so doing God would prosper them in the land, or in other words, if they were faithful in keeping the commandments of God that he would prosper them in the land; yea, warn them to flee, or to prepare for war, according to their danger;
16 And also, that God would make it known unto them whither they should go to defend themselves against their enemies, and by so doing, the Lord would deliver them; and this was the faith of Moroni, and his heart did glory in it; not in the shedding of blood but in doing good, in preserving his people, yea, in keeping the commandments of God, yea, and resisting iniquity.
17 Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.
18 Behold, he was a man like unto Ammon, the son of Mosiah, yea, and even the other sons of Mosiah, yea, and also Alma and his sons, for they were all men of God.



I am so thankful for the scriptures which give me an added measure of the spirit of discernment that is possible from these precious pages. It is a record abridged by Mormon of old and the translation made by Joseph Smith by the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the Earth. I know and bear testimony that the Book of Mormon is true and was written for us in our day, by the prophets, Lehi, Nephi, et al, down through Mormon, Moroni and Joseph Smith.

The Center . . . . . . . . . . is Jesus Christ

This is a resource I found to have access to the scriptures through lds.org website. There is also a link I found to link to read the article with the photo below of the internet scripture site.



I rather enjoyed K1s comments about Christ so I looked for photos to post of familiar Church visual aids. I used many of them over the years of Family Home Evenings and the commentary on the back of these photos.



Jesus Christ's visit in the Americas to the Nephites


Del Parson portrait of Christ



One of my favorite LDS artists is Minerva Teichert. She had such a beautiful artistic hand. Her style was so delicate, whereas Arnold Friberg style more bold, as portrayed in the Book of Mormon paintings. You can find more of his collection and background of how the paintings were commissioned privately by the General Primary President of the Church at the time. It is a very interesting story.

www.ldsartshow.com/blog,php

Another Milestone Birthday--no Big Deal

Today was my birthday and it was business as usual. I received birthday calls from family, and friends. I THANK YOU!!

I decided to give my ancestors, some anyway a gift of compiling their temple work information to complete some sealings to parents, spouses etc. After three hours at the Family History Library across the street from the Mt. Timpanogos Temple, I went to dinner with the Fillerup's. It was a spur of the moment invitation and so I accepted. We went to Mi Ranchito. The kids all chose their favorite dish. I had a combo with the rice & beans, taco, chili relleno and chicken enchilada. Jared ordered some Guacamole so we all had that while our meal was prepared. Tracie told the waitress it was my birthday when she asked if we wanted to order dessert.

We were really all too full to even think of ordering dessert. But. . . the waitress brought the equivalent of a caramalized scoop of vanilla ice cream with about 8 cherries on top for garnish. Most everyone had a few bites along with the gooey chocolate syrup. It was a nice gesture for the waitress to bring it. I also got away with not have been sung to or bring a huge sombrero to be embarrassed.

I really don't feel my age, and surely don't look it. But let's keep this between us, OK? News Flash: FYI, I will continue to grow, but not grow OLD! "Not me." Deal? I sound like my mother, when she would say her famous last words, like "not me."

Thank you all for your phone calls and well wishes. I appreciate that and those are what made my day special. I love YOU all.

Love, Mom aka, Anna, Grandma--

P.S. I awoke this morning very early and could have attested to hearing my father whisper "Happy Birthday, Mija!!" from him and my mom. That was really a sweet thought too, and I know I didn't just imagine it...It made my day as well! I felt my mother close by all day and had some impressions of her laugh that I sound just like her when I am thinking of her. I cannot deny it.

My Earliest Old Movie Memories

See if you can link to the narrative about this one.

www.ferris.edu/jimcrow/letters/remus/


I saw this movie when I was about two years old. I remember running up and down the aisle in the theater, my mother sat on the end seat about half way on the left side of it. It is a vivid memory, however I do recall it in technicolor. It (the movie) was about the same historical era as "Gone with the Wind" regarding the south and slavery.
This is one that was a full length movie originally, called, "Song of the South." Read the link comments. Disney made a full length cartoon version in 1956. It was released but then when the Civil Rights act was in effect in 1963; it was pulled off the market. I thought the movie had a great message. I grew up without being taught to be prejudiced and saw no ill effect of it for the historical facts and value.

These below are some from Gone With the Wind. The movie was first released in 1939.



I like seeing "Gone With the Wind" on New Year's Eve. I watched it several times by myself as I saw the New Year in when I lived in Orem. I marathoned the movies for entertainment as I saw fit to ring in the new Millenium, in 2000. The sky didn't fall on us either!