WOMEN AT THE WELL RELIEF SOCIETY PRESENTATION.

Yesterday, our Relief Society had the annual Stake Meeting. They presented the program: "Women at the Well'. I've seen it before where I enjoyed it better than yesterday. However, some miracles still happened.
(1) A lady in our ward that hasn't been active in the church until recently, actually prayed for either Sister Meiers or Sister Todd to be there, so she wouldn't feel so alone. Rick's mom went with me. I asked her where she wanted to set. She said she didn't care, so I went on up to the front. As we passed this particular sister, we waved. She smiled. Then later, Rick's mom said we were setting too close for her preference. We got up and moved. We set beside this particular sister. That is when she said that before she came inside the building, she said a little prayer and specifically asked if Sister Todd could be there to help her feel more at ease. She said that when she saw us come in, her heart jumped for joy- but then was let down when we walked on past her. She thought to herself, well, I never actually prayed that they would set beside me. They did come, I should have prayed more specifically. Background on this sister: Rick & his home teaching companion went to her house about a year ago, looking for someone totally different. Apparently, the someone different used to live at this house. The new family had lived in Buhl for 2 years and this was the first contact the church had with them. She started coming back to church just before Christmas-sporadically. When I got put in the Primary Presidency, we needed some extra teachers. I said that I thought she would be good helping in the Nursery. When I mentioned her name, no one else even knew who she was. She is one of our regular Nursery teachers now and she loves it. It had to be the spirit that prompted me to set by her -as an answer to her humble prayer.
(2) The Stake Presidency representative challenged each of us to write in our journals about how we felt the spirit today. Since I didn't enjoy this presentation nearly as well as the first time that I'd seen it, I didn't think that I would actually feel the Spirit. Towards the end of the program a sister is singing a song. It was either: "Day Of Tears" or "Greater Love". She sang both songs, so I'm not sure which one it was. I do know that she was feeling with the Spirit as she sang. I could see it on her face and hear it in her voice. She was singing about if she had been there when Christ was put upon the cross, would she have taken his place? As she sang those words, I felt the Spirit thru her. I mouthed "Thank You" to her. Afterwards, I told her how much I appreciated her Spirit. She asked if I was the one that had mouthed "Thank You" to her.

Rick & I were both given blessings today. I really appreciated the gentleman giving the blessing. He actually paused and let the Spirit help him with these blessings-instead of just giving the normal words. Rick has always said something along the lines "of why does he have to go thru this depression? Whey does he have to have diabetes?" Well, the blessings today said that these trials are for our benefit-that they are Spiritual trials. That's right. I said Spiritual Trials. I've always said that it's how we handle our situations in life that determines what blessings we get. These blessings only solidifies what I already knew in my heart anyhow. Rick's blessing told him that he should have more faith, knowing and believing that people really do care for him. Mine also said that I should continue to write my testimony of these blessings in journals - so that my loved ones will someday benefit from my strong testimony.
I guess that's why my journal/blog is more spiritual related than everyday life. I want my kids and grandkids to have the same eternal blessings that we have. I want my etended families to be with each of us in the Celestial Kingdom.

Update on Rick: Yesterday, things were slightly better. Today, is more like Thursday and Friday. His mood is fine when he's awake. He's still falls asleep in mid whatever he's doing. His thinking ability is not there. He still has no balance. I had to help him get dressed this morning because he couldn't think what he was supposed to do and didn't have the balance to stand by himself.

ANOTHER UPDATE ON RICK.

Well, Rick came home on Wednesday. His mood is better.
However, now we have a different problem. He's so doped up with medications, that he's basically "drunk". He has no equilibrium or balance. He falls all of the time. He falls asleep in mid- sentence. He falls asleep with food in motion to his mouth. He's non-responsive to the phone ringing right beside him. He's non-responsive to me shaking his hand and telling him to wake up. We've called the hospital. They said he was fine when they released him. (Not true. He did not have balance then. He had to hang on to me as we walked out to the car, so he wouldn't fall down. All of the way home, he basically was a zombie. That's what he's been ever since I brought him home.) He's supposed to see a new counselor on the 16th. His psychiatrist is only available a few days a week. So, he's not much help. I wish we could find a happy meduim with Rick. It's nice not having him depressed to the point that he's "over the edge", but I would like to have a companion also.
I'm calling some doctors on Monday.

TESTIMONY OF TITHING

I just wanted to share my testimony of tithing. I know that Heavenly Father blesses us for being FAITHFUL in paying our tithing. I know that he blesses us according to our needs. We always have sufficient to get by. I know that if we didn't pay a full tithing, life would be much harder to get by financially. I also know that the test of faith in paying tithing, brings added blessings.
Let me share with you a thought that was e-mailed to me today from L.D.S. Daily Gems: "The obedient payment of tithing fortifies our faith, and that faith sustains us through the trials, tribulations, and sorrows in our life's journey."

ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE

I'm sure most of you read the book by Gordon B. Hinckley: Stand A Little Taller. I really liked yesterdays advice. I want to share that with you-just as a refresher.
2 Nephi 2:25 Men are, that they might have joy.
I am asking that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life we "accentuate the positive." I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still voices of insult and sarcasms, that we more generously compliment virtue and effort.
Now, back to my thinking: I believe that it's the "perspective" of life that matters. We can dwell on our misfortunes and be miserable. The other option, we can be grateful that we have the blessings that Heavenly Fathers continually pours out on us. Which choice are you going to take? Well, enough of that. I just wanted to share that thought-because it's good advice.

Update on Rick:
He is in the Portneuf Medical Center-Behavioral Center. He's taking one day at a time. This morning, he seemed better than yesterday when I talked to him. However, he seemed worse yesterday than on Saturday when his folks and I visited with him. The Dr.s are changing meds. They are sort of working. One medication has almost completely stopped his hands from shaking, and takes the edge off of the mental situation, but it only works for awhile. They are going to give him more per day to see if it will stay in his system longer. He's been taken off of one of the meds. that he was on. Another med. has been adjusted- amount wise. He is trying to get better. He's trying to participate in the group therapy-classes that are basically required. This situation with Rick is not new. It's been a part of our life the whole time we've been married. It's just happening more often the last few years with more intensity.
Just this morning, a friend called to ask how Rick is. During the conversation, she shared with me some bad news of friends to both of us. Everyone has their own trials in life. That's what I said earlier. It's how we handle those situations in life that matters.
Have a great day everyone.

RELIEF SOCIETY BLOG SITE FOR RECIPES.

Some of the ladies in our Relief Society have formed a "recipe exchange" group. I haven't attended the meetings yet. I did submit one of my recipes. Then, I checked out the blog site that was created for this. It looks like it might be fun for other people. Thought you might want the site address: http://tastesfromhome.blogspot.com/
Diane

SORRY FOR COMPLAINING

Hey family (and friends),
Sorry for complaining about life last week. (I again accientally deleted that post.) I know that everyone has their own problems. I just had to release. When I see other peoples problems, I'm often thankful for my own problems. I am aware of your trials. I just don't know how to address them for your benefit. You are in my prayers.
Update on Rick's depression: It's funny how advice given from me never seems to be as good as if it's given from Mommy, daughters, or the doctors. I've been telling Rick forever that he needs to get out of the house to no avail. However, he went to the Dr. yesterday. Dr. Albright prescribed that Rick exercise for at least 1/2 hour 3 times a week. Rick came home yesterday and actually got on our walker-exerciser. He walked for 1/2 hour.
Last week, our ward was assigned to do Sealings on Friday. The time was 3:30. Rick's depression was really bad on Friday. He almost talked himself out of not going. (He often does that.) However, this particular day, Rick made the choice to fight the depression and get out of the house. He got ready very early and was at the Temple, dressed in his white clothing at 2:30-just waiting for the other people to come. He figured that way, Satan couldn't win this particular fight. Rick felt good as soon as he got to the Temple and drank in the Spirit.

THE MOVING OF STEPHANIE BACK TO TWIN FALLS.

I mentioned earlier that we moved Stephanie and family back to Twin falls. Here's the story of that-basically.
Just before Christmas, Mike broke his leg again. I'm not sure of the situations, but his job came to an end. (They had just moved into another apartment before Thanksgiving.) When this happened, Mike decided that it was time to come back home. He was here for a few weeks looking for a job while Stephanie and the girls stayed in Boise. That wasn't working out for them. Stephanie was needing to be with family and felt all alone there. She had the car and Mike was walking back and forth to his temporary job in Twin.
Rick's parents offered to loan the money to Stephanie and Mike to help them get into their own place. I'M VERY GRATEFUL TO THEM FOR MAKING THIS OFFERING.
A few days before they were supposed to move, Stephanie was praying for help to move. Who knocks on her door? The representatives from their Elders Quorum from their first ward in Boise. They hadn't heard from them since the quit going to church sometime back. They asked if there was anything they could do for her. OF COURSE, THIS WAS AN ANSWER TO HER PRAYERS AND MINEalso. HEAVENLY FATHER SENT THEM TO HER HOUSE TO HELP. They made arrangements to have several guys there on moving day. (There were 4 or 5 guys that showed up.) Rick & I went up and also helped. However, the Elders did the most help. Rick drove the moving van home. Stephanie drove her car home. I drove our car home. The Elders from Twin also helped them unload their moving van in Twin. There were only 2 that helped, but they were great help! They were a little late. We had already started with some of the boxes and bags when they got there. They were only there for 1/2 hour and all of the furniture was out of the truck. Mike & Stephanie's new landlord just happened to be there at this time-part of it- and he also helped. It was basically the elders that did the most help.
THANKS! HEAVENLY FATHER FOR ALWAYS LISTENING TO OUR PRAYERS AND HELPING!

TALK: TEMPLE WORK AND BLESSINGS THAT COME FROM IT.

I gave a talk in Sacrament Meeting yesterday. It's good and I wanted to share it with you. I got asked to give it again as the High Council Companion Speaker in another ward.

The main purpose of Temples is to provide the ordinances necessary for our exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom. Temple ordinances lead to the greatest blessings available through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Temple covenants, qualify us for Eternal Life, the greatest gift given to mankind from God. Eternal life is more than immortality. It is exaltation in the highest heaven, the kind of life that God lives and each of us desire. All we do in the Church- should point to the Savior and to the work we do in holy temples. The Temple is a sacred place, and the ordinances in the temple are given symbolically. We can learn much by pondering the reality for which each symbol stands. Because of the sacredness, we are under solemn obligation not to speak outside the temple of that which occurs inside.
Because the ordinances are so sacred, sometimes we are reluctant to say anything about the temple to our families and other people. As a consequence of this, sometimes people are not truly prepared to enter the Temple and make covenants. We must be mature enough to fully appreciate the significance of the ordinances that are performed there. Spiritual fulfillment is enhanced by meaningful study. Before you attend the Temple, you might consider studying the explanation paragraphs in the Bible Dictionary-in the categories of: Anoint, Atonement, Christ, Covenant, Fall of Adam, Sacrifices, and Temple. If we have a better understanding of this work, we will be more prepared to enter the Temple and receive these blessings and make covenants with the Lord.
Inside the Temple, sacred ceremonies are performed for the living and also in behalf of deceased individuals- where we are washed and anointed, then instructed and endowed and finally, sealed. The endowment is a gift from God, an investment of our eternal potential. It consists of 2 parts: First, a series of instructions. Second, promises or covenants –that we make-promising to live righteously and comply with the requirements of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The sealing refers to that of celestial marriage, where families are sealed to each other for eternity. After we have received our own blessings, it is our responsibility to find our deceased ancestors. Many of them may not have had the opportunity to accept the gospel while they were alive. They are anxiously waiting for us to finish their work. They cannot progress and receive their full potential -without the saving ordinances that are performed only on earth inside God’s House.
When Heavenly Father placed Adam & Eve on this earth, He did so with the purpose in mind of teaching them how to return to His presence. Our Father promised a Savior to redeem them from their fallen condition. He gave to them the plan of salvation and told them to teach their children faith in Jesus Christ and repentance. Adam & his posterity were commanded by God to be baptized, to receive the Holy Ghost and to enter into the order of the Son of God. That is the equivalent today of entering into the fullness of the Melchizedek Priesthood, which fullness is only received in the House of the Lord. In the D&C, it tells about Adam calling his descendants together and blessing them. The Prophet Joseph Smith said that Adam blessed his posterity because he wanted to bring them into the presence of God. Today, we would say that they went to the House of the Lord and received their blessings. Our Father’s house is a house of order. We go to His house to enter into that order of Priesthood which will entitle us -if we are faithful - to all that the Father has.
The Lord will bless us as we attend to the sacred ordinance work of the temples. Blessings there will not be limited to our temple service. We will be blessed in all of our affairs. In March 1995, President Hunter quoted Elder John a. Widstoe with this thought. Temple work .. .gives a wonderful opportunity for keeping alive our spiritual knowledge and strength…The mighty perspective of eternity is unraveled before us in the holy temples; we see time from its infinite beginning to its endless end; and the drama of eternal life is unfolded before us. Then I see more clearly my place amidst the things of the universe, my place among the purposes of God; I am better able to place myself where I belong, and I am better able to value and to weigh, to separate and to organize the common, ordinary duties of my life so that the little things shall not oppress me or take away my vision of the greater things that God has given us. Let’s, talk about some of the blessings that come from Temple Worship. I’ve already mentioned celestial marriage a little. I want to share a few more thoughts on this. Are you willing to spend the Eternities alone, without your loved ones close by? Are you willing to lose your children when they die or make them orphans, when you die? That sounds harsh, but that is what will happen without the blessings of Temple marriage. D& C 131: 1-4 says: In the celestial glory there are 3 heavens or degrees. And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood -meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage; and if he does not, he cannot obtain it. He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot have an increase.
Matthew 16: 19 says, …and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
I’d like to share with you a situation that happened in Elder Richard G. Scott’s life. He & his wife lost a son to death when the she was only 2 years old. Within 6 weeks, they also lost a daughter that passed away at birth. Elder Scott’s father was not a member of the church at this time. His father mentioned to his inactive mother: “That he couldn’t understand how Richard and Jeanene seem to be able to accept the loss of these children.” Elder Scott’s mother responded to a prompting. She told the father “that Richard & Jeanene have been sealed in the Temple. They know that their children will be with them in the eternities if they live righteously. But you and I will not have our 5 sons because we have not made those covenants.” Elder Scott’s father pondered those words & was troubled by them. He began to meet with the stake missionaries and was soon baptized. In just over a year, Elder Scott’s family was sealed in the temple. Sometime later, President Kimball gave his father the sealing power to officiate as a sealer in the Temple. His parents served in the Washington D.C. Temple for 11 years.
D&C 109:20 says: And that no unclean thing shall be permitted to come into thy house to pollute it. Being worthy of a Temple recommend is a blessing in itself. It is a priceless privilege and a tangible sign of obedience to God & His prophets. To hold a recommend requires some effort on our part. We must be worthy of it. If we have a Recommend, we are obeying the Word of Wisdom. Because of that, we will probably be healthier than most people. We will acquire a good reputation -because we are being honest. We will have satisfaction knowing that we are not stealing from the Lord, by being a full tithe payer. Maybe we won’t be rich – financially, however, the Lord continues to bless us sufficiently for our needs. We will be protected from temptation by being morally clean and dressing modestly. We will have a better understanding of the Atonement of Christ and what that means for us. We will receive blessings from living worthy of holding a temple recommend whether we are able to attend the temple or not.
The Temple is a place of refuge & comfort from the world. There are things in my life that creates a lot of heartache, frustration and turmoil. (I’m sure I’m not the only one with problems.) When I’m at the Temple, this is a time where I can temporarily forget about my problems. I feel peace while I am at the Temple. Elder Franklin D. Richards affirmed: “A temple is a retreat from the vicissitudes of life, a place of prayer and meditation providing an opportunity to receive inner peace, inspiration, guidance, and, frequently, solutions to the problems that vex our daily lives.” Elder Marvin J. Ashton said: “Many of our people not only go to the temple to participate in the holy ordinances, but also to seek comfort and security as they bear life’s crosses. Fortified with covenants that we make with the Lord inside the Temple, we find strength to go forward with life.
The Temple can be a place of personal revelation. In the Temple, we can receive spiritual perspective. Each time you go to the Temple, go with a prayer in your heart. Take time to listen to the Spirit. Often, answers come in clear and unmistakable ways. When you get an answer, act upon that inspiration. That is your personal revelation.
The temple is a place that causes a deeper love for your loved ones. Your hearts will be turned to your fathers and theirs to you. You will realize that you feel closer to family members-including extended family members. Your heart will be fuller with love and charity to everyone. You will gain more patience with others. Things that used to bother you will no longer irritate you-at least not as much. You will gain more forgiveness & understanding towards others.
The Temple Enlarges our Understanding. You will be endowed with power from on high as the Lord has promised. Elder Boyd K. Packer has stated: “As we grow and mature and learn from all of the experiences in life, the truths demonstrated in the temple –in symbolic fashion- take on a renewed meaning. The veil is drawn back a little bit more each time we attend the Temple. Our knowledge and vision of the eternities expands. If we go spiritually prepared, we leave the Temple feeling a little more exalted each time”.
Because the Temple is the house of the Lord, it is there that we can find him most readily. Because it His house, it is there that we can learn of His eternal truths. Spiritually, we can see and hear (and might I add feel) the Lord in His house. I know this is true, because I do. While I was preparing this talk, I found a quote that was given in Relief Society sometime ago. I’d like to share that. “The most beautiful things in life are not always seen by the eye. Rather, they are felt with the heart”. It gives me such a good feeling to know that often, I feel the presence of Christ while in the Temple. I want to be in His presence in the eternities. I want my families to be with me also. Since our daughters and their families and most of Rick’s family are not active in the church, or not even members, I will continue to honor my covenants made inside the Temple, and try to be a good example .
I know that the blessings of the Temple can and does enhance lives. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. I know that He died for us. I know that because of His Atonement, we all have the opportunity to forgiven of any wrong doing in our life. I know that because of the Atonement, we are carried thru the hard times in life. We don’t have to experience the hardships by ourselves. I know that He loves each of us and wants us to return to Him. I know that we were given a plan that would help us return to Him. I know that the ordinances performed inside Temples are part of that plan. This is my Testimony, In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

MY FAVORITE SONG and OTHER STUFF

I thought I'd share with you the words to my favorite song. It's by the group "Heartbound". It's called: Stand In Holy Places.
I've come to earth,this is my time, sent forth from God, my mission is divine. If I am tempted to go astray, the still small voice will light my way. I have faith to be true, I know what I must do.
(Chorus: I'll stand in Holy Places, I'll walk with God. He is my guiding light, my iron rod. the world may tell me that I am wrong, but I'll stand up, I'll stand firm, I'll stand strong.)
I know that where I choose to be, will affect my life eternally. I know that deep within my heart, is where the holy place must start. With the temple in view, here's what I must do.
(Chorus again) I'll be not moved, this day on; I'll stand with God, where I belong. (Chorus again) finish with and echo of: I'll stand up, I'll stand firm. I'll stand strong.
This song is so much my motto in life. I hope it inspires you as it does me.

These last 2 weeks have been so-o-o busy. I'm preparing a Sharing Time for Primary. The subject is: Righteous Families in the Scriptures are blessed. I sort of had a plan as to what I was doing. Then, Last Sunday, the President basically did the same thing that I had planned on doing-different theme. So, then, I had to do an "about face" and come up with a different plan of presenting it. I'm also preparing a talk to give in Sacrament Meeting this sunday. The theme is: Temple Work and the Blessings that come from it. I guess Heavenly Father wants me to share my deep love for the Gospel with others. Since I started serving in the Temple, I seem to share my testimony very often. Preparing Sharing Time and a talk only helps my testimony to grow stronger.
Besides, doing that, I still have the every day life situations going on. I'm subbing at the Temple tomorrow and maybe early morning shift at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday. I subbed twice last week.
Today, we are going to Boise to help move Stephanie back down to our area. Mike found a job (really 3 jobs for now,) back in Twin Falls. Stephanie is ready to be closer to family anyhow. Arianna is probably going to live with her dad for awhile in Twin Falls. "Mady" will still live with Stephanie.
Stephanie's new address (again) is: 1695 Kimes, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301. She will be getting a different address.

INFORMATION

I just learned something and thought I would share it with you. I have another blog. It is for my personal use and is not open to the public. At times when I share something on this blog, I would like to put it in the other blog without re-typing every single world. I've tried copying & pasting from one blog to the other. That doesn't work. I even went to the "Help section" of blogger. The answer was that blogger does not provide that ability.
Well, I just figured out how to do this.
Highlight your article. E-mail it to yourself. Once you've opened your e-mail, copy it, then you can paste the article to your other blog.
It works great.
Have a nice day!