Last Day of the Year

                                       

Monday Messages-Make me a spoon (an object lesson)

Make Me A Spoon

Anonymous
 

Did you ever compare your Christian service to silverware? All silverware is made to serve, but the different pieces serve in different ways.
 

Forks stab.  "This is mine," they say.  Bits of meat, carrots, pickles, salad and cheese.  "This, this and  this are mine," says the fork. "Everything for me, me, me."  And soon every last morsel on the plate has been pinned by the spear of the selfish fork.
 

Knives cut.  "Too big," says the knife.  Slice.  Cut.   Chop.  Dice. Everything must change its shape to satisfy the whim of the knife. Nothing is right as it is.  Everything needs paring down, carving or separating.
 

Spoons serve:  cereal, soup, peas -- all the impossible foods can be handled comfortably from the 
smooth bowl of the spoon.  Spoons say, "Here, let me help you.  We can manage together."  

MAKE ME A SPOON, LORD!

Sunday Blessings-Serving

This past week, I was at the grocery store-okay it was Christmas morning at about 11am.  Safeway was the only store open (even Wal-Mart was closed) and a younger couple in front of me was trying to pay with a check and the cashier said they couldn't take it.  So I asked how much they needed and they offered to put back the soda, but the cashier turned the price reader and it was only $7.09, so I paid cash for their groceries (including some flowers and the soda).  They were appreciative, but the cashier was really overwhelmed and teared up.  I told her I was sorry she had to work on Christmas, but she said she was glad she had been there that day to see such generosity.  I was frankly more touched by her gratitude and tender heart than the people who said thank you and hurried on their way.  It was such a small thing to me and I'm not sure the couple were desperate or anything.  But I was so glad to see the cashier so touched and she said I made her day.  I wondered later if those who work on holidays only see people in a hurry, short-tempered and more concerned with themselves.  Maybe she was losing faith in people or something.  Anyway, even though it was a small thing, I felt good doing good.  I am grateful to be able to help those around me, even strangers.

Saturday Quotes-The best day in the year

Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.
Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Friday Favorites-my favorite thing about snow

My favorite thing about snow is the quiet it brings.  I also love the beauty of white covering everything, but the quiet of it is something that amazes me. 

Thursday Tips & Tricks-Best advice for day after Christmas

...the day after Christmas doesn't have to be a downer.  Everyone usually has the day off, so try to extend the holiday cheer by making it a simple, no stress, family day.  Keep the games going.  avoid the stores.  Make something easy for dinner-growing up we often had Turkey Noodle Soup.  Go see a movie. Play in the snow.  But most of all-keep that love going.  Remember that love is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, is not rude, always trusts, always hopes and you are sure to find that LOVE NEVER FAILS.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Day is anticipated for months and is a day for celebrating.  We always have had plenty of presents, good food, family and friends.  We listen to Christmas songs, open gifts, share a feast, play lots of games, maybe catch some football and generally just spend time together.  I feel such compassion though for people who don't have these blessings.  Gifts, football, food and even music could be made up for if you have people to share the holiday with.  Love is the reason we celebrate.  It is the reason Christ came to earth-because He loved us and our Father in Heaven loved us.  We try to invite singles we know who may not have others to share with.  It brings us extra joy on this wonderful day.  I think the joy I feel on this day is closest to what heaven will feel like.  I am so grateful this year to have all our kids home, plus be able to celebrate our little granddaughter's very first Christmas.

Tuesday miTunes-Silent Night, Hallelujah Chorus

Silent Night is my all-time favorite christmas song and this version by David Archuleta with the Orchestra at Temple Square is amazing.  And no choir or person could ever sing Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

I will miss all my favorite Christmas tunes, but they are treasured even more because I only listen to them at the Christmas Season.  Music is such a wonderful part of the spirit of Christmas.  Silent Night expresses the simple, calmness of the birth of Christ in the stable and the Hallelujah chorus expresses the joy of what it meant that our Savior was born.

Merry Christmas!

Monday Messages-Celebrating the birthday of Joseph Smith

The following video is an account of Joseph Smith's vision.  I would ask all those who have not already done so, to ask God if it is true.  Give it a try.  Wait patiently for a feeling.  A good feeling of peace, light and happiness is of God.  The devil cannot duplicate the feelings of peace and goodness and God loves all his children and wants each one to have this truth.  He will answer you if you exercise a little bit of faith and don't cast out the spirit with unbelief.  Then let those feelings work in you.  Nurture your little faith by drawing nearer to God.  Read the scriptures and pray.  I know you will get your answer.

Sunday Blessings-a man named Joseph Smith

There was a boy named Joseph Smith, who was 14 and a bit confused by all the churches and the different principles and practices they were teaching.  He wanted to know which one he should join, so he attended them, read the bible and pondered what to do.  While reading in the first chapter of James, verse 5, he read that "if any of ye lack wisdom, let him ask of God..." and Joseph was inspired to give it a try.  So he went to a private place in a grove and asked.  God and Jesus Christ appeared to him and told Joseph that none of the churches were right and he should join none of them.  He eventually was given all the knowledge, power and authority to restore the church of Jesus Christ to the earth.

Joseph calls himself "an obscure boy" and was not seeking for fame or fortune for himself.  Every credible account of his life is filled with his gentle humility and an honest desire to lead people to do good and to lead them to Christ.  He was reviled and persecuted by evil men, but he never denied his vision nor did anything against the moral principles he taught.

While his story may seem fantastical, it is nonetheless true.  I have personally asked God, in the same manner of fervent prayer if Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ and the answer I got was not a vision, but a feeling.  Not an ordinary feeling, but a warmth that filled my whole soul.   That warmth is a manifestation of the Holy Ghost that provides an undeniable witness that he was who he said he was, saw what he said he saw and that Joseph Smith indeed was God's prophet meant to bring back the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  This man Joseph Smith was a remarkable person and I cannot wait to meet him some day and thank him for all he did.  We honor him and celebrate his birth tomorrow, on December 23.

Saturday Quotes- a snowfall kind of love

I want a snowfall kind of love...The kind that quiets the world.

Friday Favorites-My favorite Christmas picture

This is a picture by Liz Lemon Swindle.

This is my favorite picture of Mary and Jesus.  I love to hold babies this same way and cuddle them and kiss their soft cheeks.  I imagine how much she must have cherished the special time when he needed her so much to take care of him and when she had him all to herself.

Thursday Tips & Tricks-breakfast casserole

Christmas morning can be hectic, but plan in advance to make a breakfast casserole the day before and then on Christmas morning you just have to pop it in the oven.  I have made many different kinds from the hash brown to the bread and egg to the sweet french toast kind.  All are great and there has to be at least one for your family's taste.  Here's a link to a blogger with 40 different recipes to choose from. Trust me, it makes Christmas morning less stressful when there's something good to eat that was simple to make.
40 Breakfast Casseroles

Wacky Wednesday-Once There Was a Snowman

If you have kids, they'll love this song.  It's by an LDS group called Inside Out A Capella.  Actually if you have kids, you'll love this song because you'll recognize a lot of the 80's tunes.  Okay, everyone will love this song.

Tuesday miTunes-Piano Guys

The first video is "Angels We Have Heard On High" and is a fun video of them playing the strings on the piano as well as the keys.  The sounds they make are amazing.  The second video is "Carol of the Bells" and is a song to make you love the cello.  All their videos are great.  We spent a whole Sunday morning watching their music videos and felt a great spirit through their music.

Monday Messages-"What Shall We Give"

This music video reminds us to look around for those good deeds to feel the joy of Christmas ourselves and to spread it to those we meet.  We can be angels to those around us if we are willing to be.

Sunday Blessings-simple Christmas joys

I was once told I was "simple" and it didn't seem like a compliment at the time, but I realized shortly thereafter that it was meant as a compliment.  I have often thought that if I could really keep my life simple and uncomplicated, I could be much happier.  I try to find joy in things that I do and when things are hectic or stressful, I have to take a deep breath and do my best to help or fix the things I have control over and let the other stuff go.  At Christmas time, I try to not be in a hurry and not have cross words for those who cut me off or cut in line or push or who are just unpleasant and complaining.  Sometimes I have to catch myself looking inward and I have to choose to look around.  Crying children can be distracted momentarily instead of given loathing glances.  Those complaining of long lines can be asked to go ahead of you, those with a heavy load can use some help, and those who are lonely could use an invitation.  It is through reminding ourselves to look around and not be in a hurry that we will find more joy in the Christmas season.

Saturday Quotes-Christmas in our hearts

Getting Christmas in our heart is the key.  I believe this is done (ironically) by looking outside ourselves and thinking of others and doing for others.  

Friday Favorites-A favorite tradition

One of our favorite traditions is to drive around looking at Christmas lights, while listening to Christmas music.  I usually try to find at least one great light display with music.  You tune your radio to a certain station and the lights flash and coordinate in synch to the music.  Here's an example with one of my favorite Manheim Steamroller songs:

Let me just say though that it's way better in person to see the synchronized light displays.

Thursday Tips & Tricks-Gift tags

Use Paint chips to make gift tags.

Wacky Wednesday-Christmas Pickle

Honestly, I heard about this for the very first time last year.  But since then, I have heard many people talk about having done this tradition for years.  It seems odd to me, but I guess people love to get an ornament that looks like an actual pickle and hide it in the tree and whoever finds it, gets an extra present.  Some think it's a German tradition and others claim it started in America.  But in either case, it has apparently been around since the 1800's.

Tuesday miTunes-Manheim Steamroller

Nothing says Christmas like the music of Manheim Steamroller.  They have every kind of song from the upbeat "Joy To the World" and "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow" to the calm and beautiful "Still, Still, Still" and "The Holly and the Ivy."  Okay, they are all favorites, but if I had to pick 2, I would say, "Traditions of Christmas"because it paints a picture for me of a cozy fireplace and comfort and peace.  Secondly, I love" Still, Still Still" because it is such a calming beautiful rendition of one of my very favorite Christmas songs.  And another favorite I will share Friday.

 

Monday Messages-The Reason Behind Christmas

Okay, it's a bit of a corny little video but the message is good.  It's a kids Christmas Pageant with a great message that soften the old man who operates the spotlight.  I like the quote at the end by Thomas S. Monson so much that I think I'll print it out and put it up somewhere.

Sunday Blessings-the Spirit of Christmas

Some years I have a harder time getting the Christmas Spirit.  The spirit of Christmas is so obviously the spirit of Christ.  It is a greater love for all men.  It is forgiving those who may have hurt us in any way.  It is worshiping the Savior each day and doing good in His name.  It is giving more compliments and looking for doors to open, packages to carry, friendly smiles and hopeful encouragement.  My personal favorite service is wrapping presents for a local charity.  I love wrapping anyway and they have thousands of presents to give to children in the Denver area.  It is done through a church that is not always kind to our church, but they have softened over the years because of our willingness to be kind no matter what is done to us.  I appreciate the example of the Public Affairs Committee who have made so many efforts in collecting canned goods for them as well as this wrapping service.  And being a part of service is the BEST way to get the Spirit of Christ this Christmas.  

Saturday Quotes-The best gifts

Friday Favorites-Christmas Oranges

 

Usually Christmas Eve or another night before Christmas, we read the story and pass around the chocolate orange for us all to share.  If you haven't read this story, it is wonderful.  I don't want to ruin it for you so I won't tell you the whole thing, but it's about a girl in an orphanage and she has never had an orange and that is what she dreams of.  I love the descriptions and the sweetness of friendship.  Here's a slight spoiler:  it always makes me cry.

Thursday Tips & Tricks-Elf on the Shelf

As I mentioned yesterday, the elf itself was around when I was a kid, but I don't remember anyone making a tradition for the kids to go and find him each morning or for him to leave little treats.  Even the idea of the little elf watching to report back to Santa I don't remember, but is a cute tradition for the kids.  There are lots of ideas on how to make it a fun daily tradition, but there are some great tips on this blog: My Mommy Style.

I guess some people have the elf be more mischievous, but I think he is just doing his job and wouldn't get into trouble or hurt anything.   And I would probably limit the focus as Christmas approaches because I like the focus to be around the Savior and the true meaning of Christmas.  But I also don't mind the idea of Santa either and the Elf on the Shelf is just for fun.

Wacky Wednesday-Elf on the Shelf

Maybe this is a fairly new thing to have the elf do things like paint the kids noses while they were sleeping and then leave them a Rudolf treat.  I remember that we had a couple of the same looking elves, but it wasn't a tradition at all.  More on this tomorrow...

Tuesday miTunes-Mindy Gledhill Christmas songs

Mindy Gledhill is an LDS artist.  She has a whole Christmas album but I have 4 favorites:

The Christmas Song-cute Ukelele accompaniment makes it original.


Christmas Waltz-a classic, but her sweet voice makes it one of my favorite versions of the song.



Little Soldier-a slow original song with a nice melody.



Winter Moon-another original song with banjo sounds and cute lyrics.

Monday Messages-Experiencing Winter

So I grew up mostly in San Diego, which is a beautiful place year round.  It was a place where weather did not play as big a part in daily activities.  The weather people must be bored reporting nearly the same temps and conditions all the time.  I remember that often they reported on weather around the country more than in our own area.  But living in Colorado for the past 12 years, I now can appreciate the nicer weather days, where before I didn't even give it a second thought.  I still don't like winters much here, but at least it's often sunny even when it's really cold.  But because the trees and grass and flowers all look so dead and brown, I look at the grass in spring and have thought that the grass in San Diego was never THAT green.  The trees never blossomed like I have seen here.  I wonder if going dormant brings out a more brilliant color or if my perspective has changed and I am just appreciating it more and the contrast is greater.  In either case, I think experiencing true winters has been good for me. And I also am glad that it melts quickly most of the time. 

Sunday Blessings-This time of year...

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It's December 1st and today is the first day of the happiest month of the year.  I love the Christmas season and the joy that seems to be in such abundance.  I am so grateful that for us here in the Northern Hemisphere, Christmas falls in the winter.  It helps me get through it.  I think there is so much symbolism in the snow relating to Christ and the atonement.   The trees and landscape are transformed by the beautiful blanket of white.  Even the old leaves in the gutters  and dirty streets are covered and it looks so pure and clean.   The greek word for "atonement" has to do with a covering.   Just as we may be barren or old or dirty, the atonement covers us with it's power and we can become pure and clean.  The snow also gives nourishment to the trees and grass that are dormant.  Just as the atonement can provide nourishment when we are feeling lifeless and weary.  I love the color white, so that is another thing to be grateful for in the winter.  Since winter in general is my least favorite season, I am so glad that Christmas is a big part of it.  Another symbol-Christ should be the biggest part of every season

Saturday quotes-Go outside!

I don't know about where you are, but it's a beautiful day for a walk in sun.

Friday Favorites-shopping

I do love Christmas shopping. I don't necessarily shop on Black Friday, but I love to look for gifts for other people.  Shopping on a tight budget makes me look more than I buy and I usually browse until I am sure I want that gift.  So I have gone virtual shopping before I ever make the purchase.  Sometimes I have learned to get it the first time I see it if I think it will be gone when I return for it later.  And if I had an unlimited budget, I would buy gifts for all my extended family and everyone I know.  I'm usually lucky to get cards out to extended family and friends.  But some of the best gifts I have received that are the most memorable have not been expensive, but have been something from their heart.  This is hard to do and may only happen rarely, but it is a great goal when shopping this year for Christmas.

Happy Shopping!

Happy Thanksgiving

Remember why this holiday originated.  To give gratitude to God for the blessings we have.  It's becoming easier to think about the food, the football games and then on to the Christmas shopping.  But if we will take some time to really ponder the past year, we will be filled with Thanksgiving for the blessings we have received.  

For me, the addition of our granddaughter tops my list.  I did not know how much I would love her and how much a part of my life she would become.  I live far away from her, but have several videos I can watch of her or I can Skype and feel like I'm right there.  As we go around the table this year, she is what I will talk about.  I have many other blessings, which is why I devote every Sunday to writing about them. 

Hope you all have a wonderful day today.

Wacky Wednesday-A Thanksgiving Poem

Tuesday miTunes-Simple Gifts

Free Download of Simple Gifts

This link is to my favorite version of this song.  It's by Hilary Weeks.  The song reminds me that it is good to keep things simple and that simplicity in my life will bring me to a better place, specifically (at least in the song) to love and delight.  In other words, simplicity will make me happier.

Monday Messages-Gratitude-Elder Wirthlin

It's interesting that Elder Wirthlin says it is "simplicity to blame our unhappiness on the things we lack."  To me, he means that it's the first logical assumption and the easiest thing to do.  If we will take a few minutes and just ponder the things we DO have, then we will find that we really have quite a lot.  I have asked myself the question, "On a scale of 1-10, how happy am I right now?"  Usually I am a 7-8.  I ask myself what it would take to make me happier.  The first things that pop into my head are financial, but as I ponder if that would really bring me happiness, I end up deciding that money is not the key to my happiness.  Then I ponder on other aspects of my life and come up with a few other things, but also end up deciding that they too do not determine my happiness.  In the end, I decide that happiness is up to me, no matter what happens to me or what my current situation is.  But it is only in the pondering that one can come to any realization. 

Sunday Blessings-gratitude

Every Sunday I think of things I am grateful for, but today, so close to Thanksgiving, I am grateful for this concept of appreciating things.  The concept of being thankful, grateful, pleased, appreciative, contented, indebted, satisfied, relieved, beholden, much obliged....these are all things that are positive and helpful to our emotional well-being.  Not only do they help us, but if expressed to others, can also bring positive energy, mutual love and can be a healing agent to those we express it to.  Also, expressed to our Father in Heaven in prayer, it can be the means of drawing us closer to Him and the goodness of it is always returned to us through His spirit when we pray.  So I am grateful for this time to focus on what I have, which is most importantly my family and friends, my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, my life, my body and spirit, and lastly all the other earthly good things that bring me joy (like good food, a nice home, my husband's good job, and so many other little things...)

Saturday Quotes-Almost Thanksgiving

Some days it seems easy to find something to be grateful for and some days are more difficult.  But there is not a person on the earth who has nothing to be grateful for.  The interesting thing is that those who have less, usually seem to be more grateful for what they have.

Friday Favorites-Christmas novels by Richard Paul Evans

I have read all of Richard Paul Evans Christmas novels.  Some I liked better than others, but I gained something from each story.  And reading a novel that takes place during the holidays helps get me in the Christmas spirit.  My 2 favorites of this collection are The Gift and Finding Noel.  Most of his books are a bit of a love story, but always appropriately done.

Tips & Tricks Thursday-Jumping stick figure

Of course it's only temporary, but a kid the right age who has never seen this will be fascinated and will keep doing it.  It's really very clever.  I think I will just keep the idea in the back of my head for a time when a child (probably a grandchild) really needs a quick distraction or boredom buster.

Wacky Wednesday-nothing is really lost...

This is so true at my house.  Just ask any of my 4 kids, (or my husband).  I pretty much have an idea where something might be and if I am determined to find something, I usually keep looking until it's found.  It's true that it's always in the last place you look--Because you've stopped looking.

Tuesday miTunes-Sleep Sleep, I Need A Silent Night

First is a song that I couldn't find on YouTube but here's a link to where you can listen to it.  It's called "Sleep, Sleep" by Schuyler Fisk.  It's a Christmas Lullaby.

Second is an Amy Grant Song called, "I Need A Silent Night."

Monday Messsages-The Wrong Road

What a fascinating concept-the idea that this father and son were inspired to take the road leading to a dead end, so that they could get on the right road with a more perfect knowledge that it was indeed the right road.  Otherwise they may have traveled down the right road wondering if it was really the one they should travel and perhaps doubting and then perhaps turning around and going down the wrong road only to get stuck or even completely lost.   

Applying this to my life, I wonder if He allows me to make some choices because the value in turning around and traveling the right path and the confidence I would gain in knowing it was the right path was of more benefit than having me go down the right path without that same confidence.  Hmmmm....Elder Holland always makes me think.

Sunday Blessings-Grace

We don't talk about grace as much as we should.  I used to think of grace as being the difference made up by the atonement of Christ for those things I have repented of, enabling me to become perfect when I am judged by God.  I believe that is true, but I have also come to understand that grace works for us day by day as well.  It is described in the Bible Dictionary as follows:

It is through the grace of the Lord Jesus, made possible by His atoning sacrifice, that mankind will be raised in immortality, every person receiving his body from the grave in a condition of everlasting life. It is likewise through the grace of the Lord that individuals, through faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts.

This helps me understand that when I am doing all I can to be a good mom, spending quality time with my kids, talking to them about their lives and circumstances, reminding them of homework, appointments, lessons, etc.  and driving them places, taking care of them when they're sick, making dinners, shopping, laundry and everything else I do....it is enough.  It is enough because it's the best I can do.  Other mothers may not be able to the same things or they may be able to do more, but the atonement provides grace for us all.  We do what we can and if we are faithful and repentant, we can receive strength and assistance to accomplish what we cannot do on our own.  I am so grateful for the grace of God and Jesus Christ.  I know they help me and I need their help every day.

Saturday Quotes-Note to self...

I need  this reminder this week.  Life is full of ups and downs (ins and outs) and this week (actually for several weeks)  I have just wondered if I'm being a good mom and if I'm really doing enough for my kids still at home.  Me not working means we don't have as much stuff as most other people we know, but we really do have everything we truly need.  Usually, I am pretty good at being calm and unstressed but some days I feel the opposite.  When I really stop and talk to myself, I know that I can only do my best and that has to be enough.  I think that grace makes us for a lot of what I lack.  More on grace tomorrow...

Friday Favorites-Pumpkin anything

Some may know that I love pumpkin treats.  I have already shared pumpkin breads, but here are some of my favorite other pumpkin treats:

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookies-simply mix pumpkin puree with a spice cake mix and bake at 350 degrees until done.

Pumpkin Fluff-mix the following and serve with Graham Crackers
1 Can (15 oz.) Pumpkin

1 Package (3.4 oz.) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding

1 Tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice

1 Tub (8 oz.) Cool Whip Whipped topping, Thawed

Pumpkin No Bake Cookies-(link to recipe)

And my new favorite way to eat Pumpkin-this is better than pumpkin pie!

PUMPKIN DESSERT BARS

Author: Pinch of Yum, recipe from Mom

Prep time:  5 mins

Cook time:  90 mins

Total time:  1 hour 35 mins

Serves: 20

 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 can pumpkin (15 oz)
• 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
• 1 cup white sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 4 beaten eggs
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• ¼ tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. ginger
• ½ tsp. cloves
• 1 15-ounce box yellow cake mix with pudding
• 2 sticks butter, melted

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Mix the pumpkin, evaporated milk, white sugar, brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and cloves in a large mixing bowl. Pour mixture into a 9 X 13 pan.
2. Sprinkle dry cake mix over top and pour melted butter evenly over the top.
3. Bake for about 1½ hours or until the middle is set.

NOTES

If you notice the top is browning more than you want during baking, just cover the pan with foil, making a tent shape so that the foil doesn’t touch the topping.This time, I just used a regular cake mix (not one with pudding) and it was still delicious!   

Thursday Tips & Tricks-Fall pillows

I think I may be able to do this.  Honestly, I haven't done it yet, but it's such a great idea for fall pillows just to get cheap placemats and sew up all edges but one small section and then stuff and finish sewing the final edge.  Even someone like me who doesn't sew should be able to do it.

Wacky Wednesday-flour game

Here is a simple game for a group-large or small.  Pack flour in a bowl of some kind with a dime or other metal disc on the bottom.  Put a dish over the top so that when you flip it over it retains it's bowl shape with the dime on top.  Then, each person takes turns "cutting" away portions of flour.  They can cut as little or as much as they like.  The person who makes the dime drop loses.  Trust me, the kids will want to do it again after playing.

Tuesday miTunes-Snow Globe, Christmas Kiss, All My Bells Are Ringing

I have so many favorite Christmas songs that I will need to do more than one per miTunes posting.  So these are a few fun and upbeat songs that help get me in the happy Christmas Spirit.

First is Snow Globe by Matt Wertz.  There is an "official" video but it distracting to me from the feel of the words and music, so I picked this one with just audio.

Second is Meaghan Smith singing "Christmas Kiss" which is even better if you get it off iTunes.

Third is "All My Bells Are Ringing" by Lenka.


Hope you enjoy these fun, new  Christmas songs.

Monday Messages-The Piano Player

The Piano Player

Wishing to encourage her young son's progress on the piano, a mother took her boy to a Paderewski concert. After they were seated, the mother spotted a friend in the audience and walked down the aisle to greet her.

Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders of the concert hall, the little boy rose and eventually explored his way through a door marked "NO ADMITTANCE." When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that the child was missing.

Then leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in the bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child and he added a running obbligato. Together, the old master and the young novice transformed a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience. The audience was mesmerized.Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage. In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy's ear, "Don't quit. Keep Playing."

That's the way it is with our Heavenly Father. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren't exactly graceful flowing music. But with the hand of the Master, our life's work truly can be beautiful.

Next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You can hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, "Don't quit. Keep playing." Feel His loving arms around you. Know that His strong hands are there helping you turn your feeble attempts into true masterpieces.

Sunday Blessings-Faith

Faith is an interesting thing.  I am glad I have it.  It is somewhat difficult to define exactly.  But it is a hope for things which are not seen which are true, and it centers on Jesus Christ.  I came across a profound talk by Elder Boyd K. Packer where he talks about 2 different kinds of faith.  I want to have the second kind of faith he mentions.  I'm working on it...

Alma 32:21. Faith and Hope

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  President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, helps us better understand the meaning of faith:
  “Faith, to be faith, must center around something that is not known. Faith, to be faith, must go beyond that for which there is confirming evidence. Faith, to be faith, must go into the unknown. Faith, to be faith, must walk to the edge of the light, and then a few steps into the darkness. If everything has to be known, if everything has to be explained, if everything has to be certified, then there is no need for faith. Indeed, there is no room for it. …
  “There are two kinds of faith. One of them functions ordinarily in the life of every soul. It is the kind of faith born by experience; it gives us certainty that a new day will dawn, that spring will come, that growth will take place. It is the kind of faith that relates us with confidence to that which is scheduled to happen. …
  “There is another kind of faith, rare indeed. This is the kind of faith that causes things to happen. It is the kind of faith that is worthy and prepared and unyielding, and it calls forth things that otherwise would not be. It is the kind of faith that moves people. It is the kind of faith that sometimes moves things. … It comes by gradual growth. It is a marvelous, even a transcendent, power, a power as real and as invisible as electricity. Directed and channeled, it has great effect. …
  “In a world filled with skepticism and doubt, the expression ‘seeing is believing’ promotes the attitude, ‘You show me, and I will believe.’ We want all of the proof and all of the evidence first. It seems hard to take things on faith.
  “When will we learn that in spiritual things it works the other way about—that believing is seeing? Spiritual belief precedes spiritual knowledge. When we believe in things that are not seen but are nevertheless true, then we have faith” (“What Is Faith?” in Faith [1983], 42–43).

Saturday Quotes-Advice from a tree

Friday Favorites-baby laughing

Who doesn't love a laughing baby?  Okay, I'm a little partial to this particular laughing baby because she is my granddaughter.  This is a video of my daughter making her laugh in the bathtub.  I just can't help smiling at it no matter how many times I watch it.

Thursday Tips & Tricks-symbols using your alt key

By pressing the alt key you can access symbols not usually available on your keyboard.  I have a Mac so I don't have as many.  My favorite is the alt plus shift and k which makes .  But if you have a PC you can make an umbrella or a sun or a heart.   You can either experiment or look up symbols on Wikihow.

Wacky Wednesday-Thanksgiving Turkey Desserts

These look so cute.  I wonder if you can buy edible googley eyes?  But otherwise it looks pretty simple and the kids would love making them.

Tuesday miTunes-Songs of Thanksgiving

Tracks for Thanksgiving by Windham Hill

My 3 favorite Thanksgiving songs are all from this same album.  They are all instrumentals and set a great mood for the holiday.  The first favorite is We Gather Together, the second favorite is called Allelujah, but you may also recognize it as All Creatures of our God and King.  My third favorite is Amazing Grace because I really like this rendition of it and because the grace of our Savior is something I am most grateful for at this time of year. 

Monday Messages-pondering patience and persistence

“Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can appreciate persistence.” - Hal Borland

Trees take a long time to grow.  It's growth is almost imperceptible because of the slowness.  It's only when we compare to what it used to look like or go away and come back that we can see the growth.  It is the same with children.  It is only when we remember how they used to be that we see how fast they've grown.  Day to day, it is not perceived.  Patience to me means waiting without complaining.  It is trusting that the best things are worth waiting for and good things come to those who are patient.  

Grass grows no matter how many times it gets cut.  Very persistent.  It is said that persistence is patient continuance.  Slow and steady. Sometimes grass grows out of a rock or the sidewalk.  I have accomplished many things merely by not giving up and believing I could be successful if I just kept trying.  It's not ALWAYS as easy as that, but I am often surprised at the power of persistence and I think it's related to faith.  Living in a place with 4 seasons I see that even when you think the grass is surely dead in winter, it comes to full life again in Spring.   I don't know how it can do this every year but I am glad it does.

Sunday Blessings-Trees

Today I am grateful for trees.  I'm not sure why I am thinking of them, except that they provide much of what we need, including oxygen, fruits, shade and beauty.  Most often I appreciate their beauty, especially this time of year when their leaves are changing color.  I also like the example of a large strong tree growing from just a seed.  The potential is amazing and although the growth is slow, it continues.  It is in it's roots that it gains so much strength to withstand the winds and storms.   Trees bear fruit and it is in the fruits that we know for sure what kind of tree it is.  It is the same with people.  People who do good are good.  Bad people cannot really pretend to go about doing good (even if they are deceptive, it may look like a good fruit, but in time their fruits and true motives are known).  The Giant Redwoods in California are a wonder.  They have extensive root systems which are amazingly shallow for their height.  But they extend outward toward each other and intertwine.  They thrive in groves where this intertwining of the roots gives them the strength to grow so high.  Even this is a message to us that as societies learn to rely on each other and build each other, we can be much stronger and grow much taller than we could standing alone.  On one last note, I have driven through whole neighborhoods that are brand new and with minimal landscaping.  It seems as though something is missing.  Trees are such a wonderful part of our beautiful world and I am glad they are part of the world created for us.

Saturday Quotes-more about Autumn

Friday Favorites-sunshine is my favorite

Sunshine is my favorite, no matter what season it is.

Happy Halloween

  The best part of Halloween is the joy it brings to the kids.  Who needs all that candy, but kids?  
Here are some funny and creative costumes.  These are so cute.  Happy Halloween!