Faith to Move Mountains

23 And now, my brethren, I desire that ye shall plant this word in your hearts, and as it beginneth to swell even so nourish it by your faith. And behold, it will become a tree, springing up in you unto everlasting life. And then may God grant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son. And even all this can ye do if ye will.

I know that these words bring me comfort and peace, and faith in my Savior.

Flowers of Spring found on BYU Campus

I love these beautifully planted and cared for flower beds by BYU students at the Harris Fine Arts Center. They are typical of what you see all over campus. They remind me of Grandma Betty McIntire. She has such a knack for planting all kinds of flowers.

Milestone~ First Grandson Graduates from BYU

Proud parents of the graduate. A lot of love and sacrifice blessed to finish his education.

Grandma of course is very pleased to have her first grandson graduate from BYU. Good Job, Ben. Congratulations to Ben, Mary Ann and Baby William.

Graduation from the College of Fine Arts in the Visual Arts, Ben's major.



Mary Ann and William after the ceremony, Spring Graduation April, 2009

Lindsay's Violin Recital

I attended Lindsay's Violin recital along with Aislyn and Ella. It was great. Lindsay did an awesome job. She has taken Violin for quite a few years, at least four. She is good!

She played about twenty songs and even did some "fiddlin'" from memory. She was the only one on the program. It was really a big DEAL. I wished more could have attended to see her perform. She looked so grown up and is getting taller by the minute. She said the other day that she has grown about three or four inches since Christmas. WOW!

Tana had some delicious refreshments. You know--when she puts on her "magic" apron we are all in for some yummy treats. She did her new classic pumpkin cookies with cinnamon chips frosted with vanilla cream cheese frosting. Now those are so irresistible! You just cannot eat just ONE. She also had a veggie tray, chocolate chip cookies and those "to die for" chocolate covered fresh strawberries. Eat your hearts out if you missed both the recital and the goodies.

My camera was not charged so I didn't get a picture of her today, perform. I have a few pictures of her, but Tana took several so will need to get some from her later.

Congratulations, Lindsay for graduating from your advanced Book Level One. I liked the 'Orange Blossom Special' with the fiddle music. You are so talented and on your way to a great scholarship in Music to BYU if you choose. Why not? Shoot for the stars, Sweeetpea. You can do anything you put your mind to do, and be FIRST chair in any orchestra you decide to participate in. Keep up and develop your talents which are gifts from God. Love, Grandma Mattie

Lindsay with Jenny Oakes Baker~at Education Week Concert August 2008

Morning Thoughts

I awoke this morning with these thoughts in my mind. They were like a dictation so I took a pen in hand and wrote them in my journal. It is not unusual for me to be prompted to have this occur in short intervals, almost like quotes from heaven… as angels speak to me.

These are in the order that they came as I was thinking about some interactions with certain people in the last few days. Perhaps these are answers that God answered from my thoughts. Our thoughts are like prayers as evident in my dictation.


“A man’s ego is a one-way trip to nowhere, and is not directed toward God.”

“A humble man of God needs no outer influences to know his own worth.”

“A man who knows who is he forgets himself and is without pride, nor feels he is above anyone else.”

“ A man who thinks he is better than anyone else embraces natural man and is an enemy to God. God cannot use him and for His purposes.”

“Show me a man who believes he is better than others and puts himself above others and I will show you a very lonely man.”

“The man who forgets who he is doesn’t know God or the great power he could embrace within himself to become like God.”

“The man with self-righteous pride is his OWN God and worships himself instead and is a shallow man. He is a very small, insignificant man and not effective.”

“The man of God forgets himself and honors God in his service to those he loves by being the servant of all in his stead. God trusts his servants to care for his own, unconditionally.”

“The true man of God loves and honors his wife more than he loves himself.”

“Charity is deep in the heart of the followers of Jesus Christ; and radiates the light within himself that comes from Him.”

“The light in your countenance comes from within as Christ enters the heart. Have ye received his image in yours?”

“O Blessed Savior, may your light divine always fill my heart and soul as I hunger to draw near unto thee with a thankful humble heart.”

“Humility helps us hold onto God during hard times for the good times ahead.”


These are an eclectic assortment of journals with notes inside.

Spring is Springgggg. . . ing, Somewhat

These lovely perennials are in bloom on the Provo Temple grounds. I used to have daffodils and pansies in my front yard along with multiple variations of tulips!



Next to fall, spring is my my favorite season. Everything comes from dreary winter to colorful spring flowers.

Grandma Betty used to have all of these hyacinths, daffodils etc,

Responding to Persecution with Faith and Courage

Relief Society lesson title above: I usually make a synopsis of the lesson and present it along with my testimony before hand. That way, if time runs out I have already given my testimony and feelings which is addressed early on. I call it my "editorial."

Here it is--

We live in the 21st century. The Church has had many current day persecutions tha are so common in our daily lives. How has the Chruch been successful to counter some of this opposition?

I mention here a few of those that are apparent in view of the recent political blackmail that prevails in an effort to legalize the abominations God has warned us about.

Who has not suffered some kind of discrimination/persecution individually or collectively? What do we learn from the example of Joseph Smith of how to bear the burdens that are placed upon us, and heavily upon others?

Who has suffered forth sake of our own testimony of truth or been challenged in the work place, our neighborhoods. . . or have we not arrived in the latter-days where good is claimed to be evil and evil to be good.

What can we do to help our children to learn how to be strong, steadfast and immovable when peer pressures about? What can we do as parents, grandparents, teachers, or ward members to face the opposition?

What would our Savior have us do? Joseph and Emma were a couple who faced so many trials of their faith and courage to be faithful, abounding in the love of Jesus Christ to sustain them in all their persecutions for his sake. The early Saints also with them were literally driven from their homes, their comforts or sacrificing everything they owned or possessed leaving behind a newly built temple.

They made sacred covenants and looked for the blessings promised to the faithful. We likewise in our day are challenged perhaps not to the same degree as them, but we look to the Savior and bask in the arms of his love and self sacrifice to have the Gospel restored in the latter-days as a result through Joseph Smith.

Your Mother's Hands

New look to 'old hands'--

Hands have always fascinated me. Especially those of my father's and mother's.

I decided to give myself a treat and give those acrylics a try. I have to say how pleased I am at how natural they look and are. My own nails are underneath. I must say I LIKE my new hand image.



I feel better about my hands, I had felt they were kind of clumsy when it comes to detailed projects. It is kind of a treat to pamper myself a little and get the manicure once and for all that will last and pump up my self image when it comes to my large hands (for a woman) anyway. Smile! What do you think?

Self-conscious no more of my hands.

Study This. . . "Hidden Depths"

This photo kind of caught my attention. It is obviously an iceberg, but it has an analogy to it.




Q: Tell me what you think it represents?

It appear to me that what we see on the surface is not always what really is beneath. We cannot judge what we don't know or see. "What is, is not. What is not, is." Picadillo.
We should judge none of what we hear, and half of what we see. Interesting.

Somewhere Over The Rainbow is. . . .

Having Easter Sunday dinner at the Hallows'


or tasting yummy treats made by Tana.


I took this picture leaving Salem last week after visiting at Tana & Nathan's


I didn't get the arc of both ends of the rainbow but captured two shots of the same rainbow.

Rainbows must bring good luck!!

I attended an institute class this afternoon that a friend told me about that I worked with at the temple. She told me about some of the amazing experiences shared in the class. It seems like I was at the right place at the right time and heard the great insights about the Spirit World. I really enjoyed it and had a lot of good quotes. The instructor handed out a manual, that is for Religion 450 and 451. Principles of Gospel Doctrine. He presented a lot of good references. The opening song was written by Joseph Fielding Smith. "Does The Road Seem Long" It is a lesson all in itself.

Grandma Moments today with Fillerup's

Luke Fillerup~ free as the breeze, and keep on keepin on.
I will fill in more later....thanks for your patience.




Madie Fillerup in the backyard. She kind of resembles her Grandma Mattie at same
age.

Addendum to Sunday's Blog

My soul was filled to overflowing today in my sacrament meeting. The adult speaker gave such an outstanding talk about Christ. It was as if I was drinking from a well of living water. It was beautiful. I don't know if it was the preparation I have had the last few weeks that my Spirit is quickened easily.

The prompting was given to me to go visit Hank's ward in Orem for his sacrament meeting. I followed what I was told and arrived just as the announcements were given. I could hear his voice conducting as bishop. It was a unique experience and also Fast and Testimony meeting. K2 blessed the sacrament and gave the prayer as if it wasn't read, but said with meaning. We partook of the sacrament. I felt the reverence that Bp Hank had created with his words beforehand and all during the sacrament time.

Hank began to bear his testimony after the Aaronic priesthood dismissed to their seats. His words were well thought out and everyone was drinking in what he had to say about the Savior too. It was so sweet, as if eating of the fruit of the tree of life. It was delicious to my soul. I cannot recall having felt this kind of spiritual feast before the testimonies were even borne.

The entire meeting was set with the tone that Bp Hank created. I was there and just observed while enjoying the lift to my spirit. The testimonies were varied. Bp. Hank suggested the testimonies be kept about the Savior. K6 gave her testimony without any prompting from anyone. She sat next to me during the meeting. K2 got up to bear his testimony. I was so pleased to see him and felt the preparation he is making for his mission later in the fall. It pleased this grandma greatly. Wow, time sure flies by, it hardly seems possible that he was a babe in arms blessed by his father. Lori closed the meeting with her own added testimony. All the testimonies touched us all. Her testimony gave me an insight that the bishop and their families are blessed by the prayers of their ward members. I am so thankful for the many tender mercies that blesses the lives of my children in all their own lives.

I know blessings come to me and my family through service in the temple and temple attendance. I know angels watch over us and protect us when needed. The hand of God is ever present in my life, for which I am deeply indebted to Him and grateful.

Beautiful Day Easter Sabbath--Eye Hath Not Seen

How can one describe the rich feast of the Spirit in sacrament meeting today? I took notes in my ward, but the words were just so inadequate to write down. It was the spirit that could not be written down. Simply. The youth speaker gave such a testimony of the Savior that my eyes teared and I just listened. The words stirred within my heart and soul the love and closeness of Jesus Christ in my life.
I had experienced a suggestion the speaker stated so I related to it exactly. He said to pray to God as if he was there talking to him face to face.

The memory of that experience touched me deeply and I appreciated so the reminder. I remember where I was and when it was that happened.

I Corinthians 2:9
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.--


Imagine how wonderful this makes me feel as I post these thoughts, words, and observations; along with a picture of what perhaps an artist supposes what Christ may or may not look like.

I know that he lives, even though I have never seen him. I know that I am loved by my Savior, Redeemer, Advocate with the Father, the Holy Messiah. A thought came to my mind as I realized today the kind of work that I chose to do was as an "advocate" for others who were unable to help themselves. It struck me that Jesus was an Advocate, giving his life in our behalf to help those who could not perform the atonement for themselves; he gave his life for me. My work seems so insignificant compared to what the Savior did in my behalf.

I love my Savior, He is my rock and foundation; he fills my soul. He is the Iron Rod that I cling to always. I am so thankful to have never forgotten who he was, even as a child, he knows me and is my friend and always there for me. The more I love Him, the more I love myself and others. He makes me feel complete.




* An added blessing to today's events was the priesthood ordination of Drew, daughter Tracie and Jared's oldest son. Another milestone in their lives. He is their oldest of five. He has grown into such a fine young man, and I know his parents are so pleased with him. It was good to see him receive the priesthood and get to perform in the duties of the office of a Deacon. He looked so grown up in his new black suit, I will post his picture of him and the family soon.

Anyone Give Up YET on who the Mystery boy might BE?

Here are a few more clues: No relation to the McIntire Clan.

Birthday For Drew Fillerup, Twelve Years Today

I went to lunch with Tracie, Drew, & Luke to Brick Oven in Provo. We had a nice meal and great visit with the birthday boy. Wow, he was born twelve years ago today, and a preemie at that, he only weighed about 2 lbs, 10 ounces. That is really teeny. He went home at 4 lbs. ? oz.

More pictures to follow and download. Later...

Wow, This is the Five Hundreth Blog Entry today!

I just noticed the number of entries I have made over the last of 2007 to now. I know I skipped some days, but nevertheless--at least I am consistent! Right? It is time well spend and kind of like a time capsule for any given day. Amazing. How I would have loved to have a daily journal of one of my ancestors.

Sharing the things I do here is for posterity to know who I AM, or anyone else who may read the daily going's on in my life. I am practically an open book.

I am awake right now and looking forward to spend my morning in the temple. It is such a haven from the world. Who does not need a little bit of heaven in their lives? Words are just not adequate enough, but the feeling of being inside the walls of the temple are so safe, protective and where I know the blessing it is to be there.

More later. . .

Sisters At the Well Study Group

Tracie has been telling me about a site that she found through her Enrichment group. It is a study group for women to meet every week or every other week to study and discuss the scriptures! There is a blog by the same name sistersatthewell.blogspot. I have used a painting posted on the site, sistersatthewell.org.

This would be a great idea for the mission field women, Beth, Joanna please take a look at it and great possibilities. It will bring you closer as ward sisters. The time it would take to study and discuss them would be well worth the effort. Just a suggestion.

Learning about the scriptures isn't unique, but getting together and study at your own pace would be delightful. There are study guides and helps along the way so no one would feel inadequate because you are all learning together and sharing your ideas. I like that.

Check it out and enjoy!

Say, I just had a thought come to me that I will share about this study method. I know how busy you ALL are. If you are too involved to go to one of these groups, why not just study them individually and share them with each other, your spouses? That will bring you both closer as you study the guides to become more familiar with this type of scripture study. I would do that, and may even if I don't get to attend a group, it will still benefit you or me.

Guess Who This Might Be. . . ???

Anyone know who this "mystery" boy might be?

I know. Write me. Make a comment for who your guess is?

Clue: He is NOT related; and could be a Prominent individual.

A Day to Celebrate Jesus' Birth

Today kind of felt like I should celebrate Jesus' birthday or something. It IS April 6, isn't it? Yet I did not hear anyone make note of it. Granted I was busy about the business of being grandma at Tracie and Jared's. Mady and Luke were my blessings today to spend half the day with anyway.

I spoke to several friends and it wasn't until late this evening that I mentioned it to a friend of mine. She agreed but had not remembered. That is ok, But I thought I let myself down from such a great spiritual high from General Conference, and in my spiritual preparation.

It wasn't until late before I went to bed that I realized I had not read my scriptures first thing of my day like I usually to do. I remember rushing when I woke up and had fifteen minutes to get to Tracie's on time for her to leave for work.

Seems like I overlooked a very important key to my daily routine and skipped it today, until the eleventh hour. I know I can do better, and had the thought in mind to read my scriptures while at Tracie's house, but didn't. I usually like to read along online and can even listen to the narrator, who is a popular anchorman on KSL TV. However, I do tote my quad in the car, so that I always have them where I can find them for Church. That way, I can use my other twenty-some years old scriptures to study at home otherwise.

My scriptures have become so much a part of me and my day, and added going to the temple more often to accomplish these in behalf of my kindred ancestors. Any of you who still have those name slips if they are completed, please email or call me. I can check them off, to do the sealings of couples and children can be done in order.
Thank you for doing those, since it takes so long for just one to do that many. I appreciate the help.

I have a request from Tara, Tanise and Hank for more names so that the twelve and older grand children can help with the baptisms. I am pleased to do that and DO have many more records to submit. I will do those soon. It is one of my "missions" here on earth.

I like doing the temple ready program for my own ancestors. Lately in doing the proxy work, I have felt their acceptance to get this done in their behalf. There is always more, and know the reminders come as the veil gets thinner and thinner.


It is my prayer that as each of my children progress and in their season can feel these same promptings that I have in doing this important work. Perhaps too, as time passes I can influence my posterity for good when I am on the other side of the veil and remind each of you to keep on doing this great work with joy and diligence. This work is never finished and will continue into the millennium.

"Count your blessings, not your worries"

White Gardenia~ Symbol of beauty and purity--my favorite scent, & my first corsage



Conference today was wonderful. I drank it in and loved the words of our living prophets. I felt the sweetness of the Spirit in my Sabbath worship listening to all the talks. President Monson's words were especially uplifting, and touched my heart. I could feel his great love for us as members of the Church and his humility as he expressed his gratitude for our prayers in his behalf. He has a tenderness of heart about him that endears me to him and his counsel.

We went to lunch at Candice's sister and brother-in-laws, Yvette and Ken's. We then went to visit Grandpa Hank at the hospital in the afternoon in Provo. He had surgery yesterday on his left hand that was injured a few days earlier. He was injured really badly, and has a long recovery back to being normal with the use of that hand again.

It was a tragic accident while he was cutting wood on a table saw. Aaron and his siblings all rallied around for him during this difficult time. I hope for him that he has a miraculous recovery, it is too soon to know the outcome. He is in all our prayers.

I am very grateful for my children and who they have become. They have always been my greatest blessings and joy in my life. I count my blessings every day to be alive at this time and place. I miss my parents and siblings, yet my heart prays for them and I am sustained by the love that I have for all of them.

My faith in Jesus Christ makes me whole and fills my soul immeasurably to go forward in faith and be patient for the blessings He's promised me. I listened intently as Elder David Bednar spoke in his conference address today regarding the meaning of his words about the temple blessings in store for all of us.

A Natural Remedy~ Sunshine

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me high

If I had a day that I could give you
Id give to you a day just like today
If I had a song that I could sing for you
Id sing a song to make you feel this way

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me high

If I had a tale that I could tell you
Id tell a tale sure to make you smile
If I had a wish that I could wish for you
Id make a wish for sunshine all the while

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me high
Sunshine almost all the time makes me high
Sunshine almost always

Words by John Denver, music by John Denver, Dick Kniss and Mike Taylor

Conference High Points~New Apostle Sustained

Our newest apostle sustained today, April 4. 2009. Neil L. Anderson. He was in the Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy. Here is link to read comments from a blog the wrote.
mormoninsights.blogspot.com/2008/06/method-fo...

He seems familiar and I remember reading some of his articles in the Ensign. He will make an impression on the Church and be able to speak to us tomorrow, very likely. I loved seeing our prophet, President Thomas S. Monson. I look forward to hearing more from our prophet.

Conference was amazing. I took notes and loved hearing from our leaders. I took notes in my journal. I appreciated all the messages by the brethren. Elder Scott's talk made a deep impression with his comments about temple attendance. I was pleased to hear him say he goes once a week and the times he travels and is away he makes up and goes extra to get his commitment fulfilled. I like that.

Since I have marathoned going to the temple to get my names completed I have felt a stronger and closer feeling to the Holy Ghost. That special place in the Celestial room continues to be a chosen spot to meditate in His Holy House. My heart is filled to overflowing. Sweet and uplifting.

Unspeakable Things to Ponder in the Heart

Today I was given the sweetest experience that is indescribable in words. The feeling was overwhelming in the knowledge I have of how I, Anna Maria know how much I am loved...by my heavenly and earthly parents as I was proxy for one of my (our) ancestors. Father gives me knowledge that he knows I can handle and blesses me freely. Words seem so trite in how to express it otherwise, it is beyond the words.

Words are inadequate and I can only recount this in the way it gave me such peace and understanding of how much God loves all of us, his children for who we are, as we are. Imperfect as I am, I understand how Joseph Smith must have felt as feeling unworthy of the richness of the Spirit, but not for the wrong reasons.

I am elevated as a result to have received personal revelation throughout my day. I noticed this as I interacted with family and friends. The veil was thinner than usual for me today. I am thankful for all my blessings and can only express a particle of what I felt and heard by the power of the Holy Ghost. I know without a shadow of doubt that He has heard and answers my prayers.

Truly, the hand of God is evident and am prepared to hear the words of our Prophet, seer and revelator for General Conference the next few days. I am prepared to hear the words from President Monson, his counselors and the Quorum of the Twelve and the Seventy and the Relief Society General Presidency, the Primary General Presidency, and YW Presidency.

I look forward to spending the next few days glued to the TV for Conference. It is a blessing to have a living ,latter-day prophet and the Quorum of the Twelve, and the new apostle to be sustained tomorrow morning.

I will listen for their words of counsel to guides us to remind us we are a people who are a beacon to the world as we keep the Sabbath Day holy to enjoy the fullness of the earth that is ours.{Doctrine & Covenants 59). Continue faithful with paying our tithes to further the work in the kingdom here on earth; blessing our kindred dead through temple work, and of course missionary work!

I know the three fold mission of the church is Redeem our dead, proclaim the gospel and perfect the Saints.

Time Well Spent with a Friend and Lunch Together

I met my friend Jan today at the Provo Temple. We each did one of my family names, with two more names toward my goal.. It was a sweet experience. The Provo Temple has been refurbished since I have been there. The Celestial room has a beautiful new crystal chandlelier that rivals the most elegant one in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple.

Each one is lovely in its own right. I just happened to notice it today and must say it adds so much to the room. Jan & I went to Pizza Factory afterward for our late lunch.

The Spring flowers are all in bloom on the grounds and took some snap shots of them. I will post them soon. There were some of the bulbs, the daffodils, the white ones along with the hyacinths and pansies of course in bloom. I can't help but to remember how our family saw the construction of the Provo Temple from our living room window when we lived on BYU Married Student Housing in the early 1970s. My, how time flies by.

Photo below is the McIntire's when we lived at BYU housing. This was taken in our living room, and during the same time the Provo Temple was constructed and dedicated.


Footnote: I made each of the girls' dresses and the ties too,the purple paisley one and the wild orange/brown number that young Hank's wearing!! This was the Family Christmas card that year 1972--