Scripture Study - Simple/Simplicity

 1/5/24 – Simple/Simplicity:

And for this cause, that men might be made partakers of the glories which were to be revealed, the Lord sent forth the fulness of his gospel, his everlasting covenant, reasoning in plainness and simplicity – To prepare the weak for those things which are coming on the earth, and for the Lord’s errand in the day when the weak shall confound the wise, and the little one become a strong nation, … (D&C 133:57-58) The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. (Ps. 19:7) The Lord preserveth the simple: … (Ps. 116:6) To give subtilty (refinement) to the simple, … (Prov. 1:4) But I fear, lest by any means, … your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. (2 Cor. 11:3) For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. (2 Cor. 1:12) … that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise. (Alma 37:6)

Insights: We naturally tend to look at complicated things as being better with the mistaken idea that only the wisest of individuals would be able to comprehend it, but that is not the Lord’s way. His is one of simplicity and plainness. He isn’t trying to catch us with trick questions, but to provide a straightforward path back to Him. He wants us to learn and grow through this life experience, to prove to ourselves what we are capable of doing; but ultimately, He wants us to return to Him, better and wiser. So His path is simple – love Him enough to follow Christ’s example and return home. That’s it – be obedient and don’t get distracted by the complexities of man.

Scripture Study - Good Works

 1/4/24 – Good Works:

… be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. (D&C 64:33)

… and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God… (Micah 6:8) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Eph. 2:10) … they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. (Titus 3:8) … men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, … (D&C 58:27) That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Tim. 3:17) … by works was faith made perfect … faith without works is dead… (James 2:22, 26)

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. (1 Jn. 3:18) And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. (Mosiah 2:17) Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. (Mosiah 5:15) I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. (John 9:4) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matt. 5:16)

For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts. (D&C 137:9) … and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. (1 Cor. 3:8) … for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Gal. 6:7) … They shall stand as a bright testimony against this people, at the judgment day; whereof they shall be judged, every man according to his works … (Mosiah 3:24) To them who by patient continuance in well doing … glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, … (Rom. 2:7, 10) … for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. (2 Nep. 25:23)

For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. (Rom. 2:13) … be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, … (James 1:22) And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works. (Alma 7:24)

Insights: It is plainly obvious that the Lord wants us to be active in His Gospel. We were not sent here to just hear the Gospel and believe – we were sent to activate that belief through response. Not only do we need to solidify it in our own souls by putting it into action, but we need to be sharing it with others by serving them as Jesus served. As our love for God and Christ increases, this desire to serve others will change from obedience to reverence for God. We won’t be perfect in our service, and we won’t be able to serve everyone at all times, but if we are “anxiously engaged” and have a “desire” to serve at every opportunity, then the Lord will bless us more abundantly than we can imagine. I love the scripture in Malachi 3 that says, “… and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” The Lord is ready and willing to bless us but we need to be active participants in His mighty work. Our combined small efforts will make a world, even an eternity, of difference!

Scripture Study - Do/Doer

 

1/3/24 – Do/Doer:

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only; … (James 1:22) Trust in the Lord and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. (Ps 37:3) … I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them. (1 Nep. 3:7) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Phil. 4:13) As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, … (Gal. 6:10) But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. (John 3:21) … whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Cor. 10:31) And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, … (Col. 3:23) Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: (Matt. 7:24) … Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (Matt. 25:40)

Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. (Rev. 22:14) … for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. (2 Nep. 25:23) Therefore, … let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed. (D&C 123:17) I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; … (D&C 82:10)

Insights: To be a disciple of Christ, we can’t just hear and believe, we are required to act. Christ lived a life as an example to be followed and emulated. We can rest assured that we will not be asked to do anything that the Lord hasn’t already provided a way for us to do. And when we have done our all, we can be still and know that the Lord is pleased with us and will make up where we lack.

Scripture Study in 2024 - Begin/Beginning

 Each year, I try to do something new with my scripture study so that I am able to have different emphasis and insight brought to my mind. This year, along with my weekly Come Follow Me scripture study (which I will be doing on Sunday's), I've decided to study by topic. I've chosen a handful of topics for each week of the year and the plan is to read all the verses I can find which include this topic in all the books of scripture.

I am a big proponent of writing down your insights as you study. Not only does that help cement these into your minds, but then there is a record for you to look back on and be reminded of what was important to you at that particular time. The scriptures are magical and you will find exactly what you need each time you read them. You may read the same verse a dozen times and find a dozen different meanings from it. The Lord brings to mind what you need at the moment. I love the scriptures for that!

I am keeping a record of my insights for 2024 written down, but I feel impressed to also put them here for posterity. So let me begin...

1/2/24 – Begin/Beginning:

In the beginning was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (Rev. 1:8) … I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. (Rev. 21:6) And upon my house shall it begin, and from my house shall it go froth, saith the Lord: (D&C 112:25) Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not create or made, neither indeed can be. (D&C 93:29) … God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief on the truth: (2 Thes. 2:13) The fear (reverence) of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Prov. 1:7) … a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. (2 John 1:5-6) Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof; and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. (Eccl. 7:8)

Insights: Christ and Heavenly Father are one in purpose and are the beginning of all things pertaining to this life. They have all knowledge and power. But we were also in the beginning as intelligences, or the light of truth, and they want to share all that they have with us. They chose us to be with them and we grow into this right through understanding and obedience to the laws of Heaven. The first law being to love – God, and ourselves, and others. As we are able to abide in this first law, all others will be fulfilled because we will want to follow them due to our love for God. We are not expected to be perfect from the start, but will get better and better, purer and more perfect, over time.

MOVIE Group!!!

Several of us have been talking about starting a Movie Group (think along the same lines as a Book Club). I LOVE the idea and am jumping right on it. We will be going with my favorite movie this month and it will be at my house, but all the rest of the months will be chosen in a random selection (slips pulled out of a hat- type solution). I hope you can all join us! It's going to be so much fun and you don't have to prepare (such as read the book) ahead of time. Just show up, and enjoy!

Because this site is public, I am blacking out my address, but email me if you need it. : )

Christmas Announcements...

No, I'm not pregnant!

1.

Tonight is going to be a wonderful opportunity to gather the family together and come join in a Christmas Sing-along. Anyone in the Prosper/Celina area or even those nearby are invited to join tonight from 7pm to 8pm at the LDS chapel at 970 Coit Rd in Prosper.

2.

On Christmas Eve, there is going to be concert at 1pm feature the principle violinist from the Orchestra on Temple Square and myself. It is going to be a truly wonderful presentation. This is also in the LDS chapel at 970 Coit Rd in Prosper.







Both events are sure to bring smiles and fill you with Christmas cheer. Don't miss either one!!!

So Much Time Has Passed...

I haven't blog ANYTHING in soooooo long! Too much has happened over these years but I'll give just a few highlights (and lowlights). Let's call it a Top Ten List...

1. The picture to the right of the three kiddos is a far distant memory! Colbey turns 21 in January and is still working at Sprouts. Landon is looking forward to 15 in April and loved every minute of football this year. He has some serious talent. Ryleigh just turned 11 and is finishing her last year in elementary school. She is looking forward to middle school in the fall when she can spend time each day doing her real passion, art. (Colbey was about Ryleigh's age when that picture was taken. Time FLIES!)

2. I graduated college from BYUI and am considering (maybe, possibly) looking into a Master's program. I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up....

3. After working in the schools for the last nearly 8 years, it turns out I love teaching in the middle school the best. (I used to think they were the absolute worst grades to teach!) I feel blessed to have taught middle school choir and although I'm not teaching this year and am loving being a stay at home mom for the first time in forever, I do miss the up's and even the down's that come with teaching. I definitely don't miss the crazy amount of time it takes up or the stress of concerts/productions.

4. In April, Scott was laid off work, not because they wanted to, but because of something Obama put into law about contractors not being allowed to work for more than three years. Scott's three-year time limit was up and the company was forced to comply with the law. Less than three days later, the company called begging Scott to come back and they literally created a position for him that is permanent instead of contract. This was wonderful because now we have health insurance again.

5. Also in April, mom was diagnosed with cancer. She assured us that it was not a big deal and we didn't need to worry. We spent most of July with her in D.C. She was being taken care of at Johns Hopkins in Bethesda, Maryland and we felt blessed that she was receiving the very best care available in the country.

6. Not even two weeks after Scott was made an employee of Verizon, we were given a two-day notice that he would be moving to Manhattan to cross picket lines and do work he was never trained to do in the field climbing poles and working with the elements for an indefinite amount of time. Scott's a genius but the atmosphere and the age of the existing wires in Manhattan was hazardous. Although the picketers from the Union were legally not supposed to touch or harm Scott, they were angry and got more physical than they should have. We felt so grateful when he returned home safe two days before school was over. We found out he was coming home that day. (A lot of notice for each direction!)

7. Colbey's newest apartment is in Prosper which is nice having him so much closer. Not that we see him much more than before, but knowing he is close (literally just down the road from our house, less than three miles away) gives me some comfort in case he needs us.

8. Mom's battle with cancer ended in September. Five months of extraordinary pain finally came to an end on the 20th. I was by her side for the final six days and holding her hand as she left this mortal sphere. Although I still find myself in tears at odd moments, and generally trying not to think about it or the fact that she was so young, I am grateful that she is out of that pain. All of us kids had two days together around her bedside where we were able to cry, talk, sing, laugh, play games, eat and comfort each other. Although she was not conscious during those days, we feel sure that she could hear us and it would have brought her great comfort knowing our bond to each other was so strong.

9. Our house has become very quiet and peaceful. We are down to just the four of us and the two cats. I am not constantly trying to beat a deadline for my schooling (I can say right now that taking 5 online classes at a time is pure insanity and don't do it!!!) nor am I frantically trying to keep the house running and a school choir program functioning. Let's be honest here, the house running hasn't really been happening for the last three years. With the extra people and animals on top of everything else, the house has been in a constant state of frenzy for three years and only once did any Christmas decorations go up during that time. (My poor kids!!!) But now, I have chosen to slow life down and pair back. Our home has a greater sense of peace with much less clutter. Christmas has finally bloomed in the house. It is the first year that I've realized we don't have little ones anymore and all of the decorations in the house are grown-up and subdued. Apparently, Ryleigh prefers a more mature look and rolled her eyes at the one cutsie Santa I hung up. This is probably his last year.

10. This last one is really more selfish than the rest... In the last three year, (three really hard years on me) I have been told by at least half a dozen people not connected to each other or bound to me in any significant way, that I look like I am between 26 and early 30's in age. Of course, I tell them that they are my absolute favorite people on the earth because they are so willing to lie to make me feel good. : ) Losing 15-18 years off of my age makes waking up with aches and pains, or looking at something and knowing that I am physically not capable of doing it anymore, easier not to get depressed by. So I'll take the younger looking age even if I know it's just a facade. : ) Perhaps it's because I STILL don't know what I want to be when I grow up.... my body is waiting for my mind to mature.

College Science

I've created this chart to use in one of my presentations. I needed a web address to include in my image citation reference page and decided to place it here - thus creating a web address. Viola!

One Of Those Mornings

I woke up this morning and could hear the pitter patter of raindrops gently grazing the bedroom window. I was up before anyone else, including the sun. I quietly went into the bathroom to soak in the silence of a warm bath before the day started.

Scott got up before I was done and by the time I was lounging on the bed again, I had a spectacular view of the changing sky. My window glowed with a deep cerulean. As amazing as the color, it was the glow that was captivating. It changed from the deep blue to a light blue and then finally to a whited-out blue of an overcast sky. Changing the colors of the grass and brick wall to seem unreal in depth and clarity. All the while glowing through my 24 panes.

Warm, comforting smells came from the kitchen. Scott made sausage and cheesy eggs for breakfast then wrapped it up in a warm tortilla topped with salsa. It was a breakfast that brought memories of home and comfort and peace in the tangy, soothing bites. A breakfast that wasn't asked for or wheedled but done in independent love for the family.

Voices were muted and sweet conversation could be heard from each of my four beloved throughout the house. All were in communion together in jokes and business. There was no rush and each helped out. Periodically I would ask a question of the kids about school preparation, and all would answer it had been taken care of.

As I lay there, unable to help while I continue to let my foot heal, I wrapped myself up in the blanket tight and whispered to myself, "Remember this."

Remember the sweetness of each little drop of this morning memory. Remember and look at it again and again. Remember that for one brief moment, the world was turned away and we resided in a blissful unit, filled with warm love and humor.

Remember that as beautiful as the glow from my window and all the otherworldly looking colors it provided, it paled in comparison to the magnificence of our family.

This has been one of those mornings. A morning that feels like God is wrapping you up in His arms and cradling you in peace and security. Giving you respite from the world and strength to go on.

It has been a blissful morning.

What a Way to Start April!

Have you ever recognized that little mishaps occur at the most inopportune moments? It seems like whenever a hiccup takes place, you have neither the time nor place for coping with them. This was my thinking on Saturday. That's when it dawned on me, it would only be a mishap, or hiccup or whatever you tend to call it, if it wasn't convenient and brought about much additional stress, hardship and worry.

So let me tell you about the most current one.

Saturday afternoon, Scott and I were unloading the car of groceries. I was heading back toward the trunk when there was a loud POP followed by immense pain as I fell to the ground. There was also a not-so-lovely scream that turns out came from my own lovely mouth. As I hit the pavement, I bellowed (Yes, it's true. I bellowed, not whimpered or simpered or politely called. It was a full fledge manly bellow that erupted from this dainty, feminine person. I give you permission to chuckle at this point.) for Scott. Of course, Scott must have put in his selective hear-aid that day because it was Landon that came running and not Scott.

At this point, I'm still on the ground moaning in pain with plenty of near-curse words going through my head that not a single neighborly soul has rushed to see if I am going to survive. I grunt to Landon to get Dad out there quick and he scurries away. I have yet to look at the damage. I know that if it's as bad as it feels, I may not be able to remain conscious if I see the bone sticking out of my leg or my foot awkwardly twisted in the opposite direction it should be pointed in.

Scott comes right out and asks in his manly fashion, "Are you ok?"

Now, let me preface this by explaining for a moment. If you or I, as women (If you are reading this and are not a woman, it's because you are member of my family, your wife is making you read this, or you are a stalker. The first two categories - I give you my sincerest apologies for the generalization. If you are of the third category - VAMOOS!) saw a grown, appearing to be in her right mind, woman on the ground, my first question wouldn't be if you were ok. It's plenty obvious that if you haven't been able to get yourself up in multiple people visits (Scott's being the second) then you are definitely NOT ok!

So in a very lady-like shriek, I said, "NO!"

Now normally, in this particular marriage, I am the over-reacter and Scott is the calm, rational one, when it comes to things like this. But as I looked at his face, my heart fell. I quickly averted my eyes and, believe it or not, meekly asked if he could see the bone sticking out.

He said no but that he needed to help me get up so we could go to the hospital. His answer both assured me that I wasn't going to bleed to death because the bone had severed an artery as it punctured my dermis, but at the same time, freaked me out because he immediately wanted to go to the hospital. Do you know how expensive hospital visits are?!?!? We had to go in January for just 2 hours and they never could figure out the problem and those two hours cost us over $9,000.00. That's right, you did not read that wrong! And there was no major surgery or anything to cost us that much. It was some pee tests, a couple tubes of blood, some Ibuprofen, and a donut ring scan - that all came back with a big question mark. And now he wants to do it all over again!

So I allow him to help me into a sitting position. I see for myself that all body parts are where they should be and like the mature person I am, grabbed my shoes that had come off and threw them at the car - because I'm sure the car had some element of responsibility in all of this! OK, so maybe it's more likely the shoes were more culpable than the car, but the shoes are cute and they got just as much beating as the car when I threw them.

Now here is where it gets pathetic.

I'm not exactly 19 anymore and weighing 120 lbs. Scott is more than willing to carry me into the house, (I've been able to make him see reason about waiting until Monday to see a doctor when the bill will be more manageable) but I need him in one piece. I quiet possibly would break my eternal sweetheart should he attempt to carry me. Also, I'm afraid of falling backwards. So I begin to hop toward the house.

I know you are all thinking, "Well, that's appropriate as the next day is Easter." But believe me when I say, I am no bunny rabbit bringing beautiful eggs and goodies to children just at this particular moment. The only thing I might be bringing is horrified looks and fear from anyone close enough to hear the grunts and see the sweat.

Honestly, those near-curse words are still running rampant through my head but I was in no mood to tame them. Frankly, I was impressed with myself for keeping them inside my head. So the journey to my bed is long and tortuous, with multiple stops - to start breathing again.

It's once I'm on the bed that I realize how inopportune a time it was for this to happen. I HAVE to go to church the next morning. I'm playing for multiple things - the organ for our organist who just had a baby, and two special musical numbers. I need to help with bunny duty - that's code for doing it all alone. And don't forget the all important Easter Dinner! So we begin to brainstorm on who we know that might have a set of crutches - the answer to all our problems. RIGHT!

So I make the call and secure the use of my life-line.

Scott takes over bunny duty - a first in our marriage as far as I can remember. And he takes better care of me than I thought possible.

The next morning, the kids have a wonderful hunt (Colbey dozed on the couch during the fabulous Safari. Even the eggs with money in them could not entice him this year.) and we all prepared to go to church.

I'm pretty excited to have the crutches and be mobile again - for the first 3 minutes. Then I realize, crutches SUCK (Sorry for the near-curse word, I couldn't keep it in.) when you HAVE to use them, whereas, they are great fun when you are just playing. At this moment, I am nursing not only a seriously painful foot, but shoulder muscles that may never have been used before and interior muscles from the inside of my biceps to near mid belly that are screaming.

I managed through church but got home exhausted! Scott took care of dinner - minus the funeral potatoes that I hopped and took care of (I love them, but Scott could care less about them so they were about to fall off of the menu.). Scott makes a fabulous ham!! I've known this for a while. He has always been better at meat than me. And we ate family-style in the family room. Now, mom, don't have a heart-attack that I've broken the family tradition of bringing out the crystal and china and having a palace type experience. It's just that I was having issues getting into anyplace easily and it won't ever happen again! I PROMISE!

So the evening passes with me in my recliner and everyone else coming and going. This is not a typical Easter! I actually slept in the recliner. For two big reasons and one misunderstanding.

Wouldn't you know it, in the midst of all this, our A/C goes out. It won't work. We can't figure it out and will have to call in the professionals eventually when we can't handle the heat anymore. Lucky for us, the temperature is supposed to drop this week. So the windows were open and the ceiling fans on full blast and the family room was actually more comfortable temperature wise than the bedroom. Also, it was safer for my foot not to be in the same bed as someone else. (What?!?!? That's right folks, we don't have the Desi and Lucy set up of two beds in our room. GASP! It's a shocker - I know. And now my mom knows, how humiliating!) And the misunderstanding was a condition of Scott seeing me hopping around (to get to the bathroom) and said, "Why are you here (in the bedroom)? The fans are in the other room." kind of snippy-like. I thought he was mad at me for him having to pick up so many extra duties this weekend and didn't want me in the bedroom. He was actually concerned that I was hopping around and just sleepy and didn't realizing what tone he was using. That's right, we are GREAT communicators! : )

So this morning, I call the doctor’s office at exactly 8am. I know they have special slots they leave open for emergency, must-be-seen-today visits, but I wanted to be first in line. Turns out, I'm put on hold for 15 minutes and then the girls (who I find out later has had several complaints about her and is only 18) tells me that my Doctor doesn't have any openings until next week.

Just as sweetly as you would expect from me, I tell her next week is not an option. I can't walk, I have to crawl to get to the bathroom, and I can't work. I need to have my foot x-rayed TODAY! You can tell by my words just how sweet I was. And so I wait.

About 15 minutes later, a different gal calls and schedules me for 11:20.

Bless Scott, he takes off work and drives me to the Doctor's appointment and then to the x-ray facility. He does ask me as we are going home if I think I could drive with my foot and I tell him I would just use my left foot. Apparently, I didn't infuse much confidence with my answer and he tells me, "It's probably safer for him to do the driving for now." (Honestly, I could drive with my left foot. As a senior in high-school, I broke the same foot and mom wouldn't let me drive until I could play the piano and use the sustain pedal with my left foot. Well, I proved at church that I can still sustain pedal just as well with my left foot as with my right.)

It turns out, it's not broken. But they also don't have instant foot replacement options and I'm just going to have to wait it out for the next couple of weeks for it to heal. I'm not sure I've ever been able to rest anything and keep off anything for a couple of weeks!

There is a Vegi-Tale song that goes: "I Love My Lips"

My song today is: "I Love My Feet, And I Didn't Realize How Much Until I Couldn't Use Them"

PS - For any of you noticing the date of this post - It. Has. All. Been. True. Not a single joke in this. I guess it's my April Fool’s joke on myself. SIGH...

PPS - THANK YOU LLOYDS for the crutches!