'Weather' or not Global Warming Exists

     It is 81 degrees outside.  I have been busy raking, mowing and watering  the lawn and loving every minute of it.   I have to remind myself:  "Yes, Claudia you are still in school.  No, Claudia it is not summertime yet."  No the air conditioner has not been turned on yet, but I do have the ceiling fan running and the lights off.  I am so grateful to know there is absolutely no such thing as Global Warming (is this word considered foul language?)   To all of my Republican friends I apologize for the use of such a nasty word!  I would hate to see what the weather would be like if there were such a thing as Global Warming.  So would the Polar Bears.

      I am also grateful to know who is really charge of our little universe and oh so many others.

     Doctrine and Covenants 117:6  " For have I not the fowls of heaven, and also the fish of the sea, and the beasts of the mountains? Have I not made the earth? Do I not hold the destinies of all the armies of the nations of the earth?

     He has a plan... for me, for you and for all of His creations.  Now I just need to learn to follow that plan!  Easier for some than others.  I fall into the 'other' category.  But just for today I will try a little harder.

The Aging Process

     How vividly I recall the day Scott and I attended a wedding reception up in Oak City.  I do not remember whose reception we were attending, but this I do remember....I realized I was aging!!!  The groom looked like an extremely young man.  His father (or was it her father?) was very handsome.  I knew then and there I was aging.  

     Well, this past weekend we traveled up to Bountiful for the wedding reception of Scott's nephews daughter.  I am here to say the bride and groom looked like children.  The parents of both said children looked too young for me also, but I did think the Grandparents of the bride looked fabulous!!  Jerry is a nice looking man and Paige is beautiful.  I was wishing they had been in the line.  Oh, they have been....about 7 times!!

Now You See It, Now You Don't

The walls came down when we moved into our current home.  When you walk in the front door you are instantly in our gathering room...living room, dining room and kitchen.  Yes, you see it all.  When Scott and I are  home alone it can be relatively clean, but when the family gathers look out!!!  I love it because it serves its purpose of all being together in one space.  I also love the light it lets in.  The living room window faces west and the french doors and kitchen window are on the east side.  Which means when the sun comes up and the sun goes down we have an abundance of natural light, which I thrive on.  But....it does have a drawback.  At the perfect time of morning or evening I can see absolutely every speck of dust, dirt and cat dander on my wood floors and furniture.  My children will tell you that is something that can drive me crazy!!!  Okay, crazier!!!  But I have learned if I tilt the shutters just a certain way the dust, dirt and dander  magically disappear!!  It is absolutely wonderful!!

Seeking psychics or God?

One afternoon some time ago...some long time ago, in fact it has been so long I  hope I have not already blogged about this!  At my age I tend to forget what I have and have not blogged about!

Back to the story....One afternoon some time ago I flipped on the television and lo and behold Dr. Phil was on.  Now I have not watched this man for years! I left it on for five minutes to check it out.  Five minutes was all I needed.  He had a Psychic on the show.  After turning off the t.v. I did have some questions for Him about this and how it all works.  I pondered my questions for a few days and then lo and behold I received my answer.

Yes, as I was searching my scriptures for Isaiah 9 I came upon Isaiah 8: 19 which states: 

     "And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?"

My question was answered in a profound way.  I have found this to happen more oft than not.  I knew in my heart and my mind the answers to my questions.  I believe He loves an inquiring mind and He will answer those questions in His own due time and way.   I will seek unto my God and leave the Psychics for Dr. Phil!

Many Things to Be Thankful for But Here is Just One

Last Sunday our Sunday School lesson was entitled:  "The Shepherds of Israel."  It compared the difference between a sheepherder and a shepherd.  The one  drives the flock and cares more for him/herself than those 'sheep' in his/her care, versus the one who leads the flock with kindness, concern and gentle persuasion.  One who cares more about 'the one' than him/her self.

There was a question in the manual, one the teacher did not ask, but one which I read and pondered on for a good long time.  It was:

How have you been blessed by true shepherds who have done these things? 
             

My mind went back to the year 1970/1971, when I was 18 and 19 years of age.  I was young, I was thin and I was prone to wear very short skirts.  I mean very short skirts!  Even though I had not been raised in the L.D.S. church I had been baptized.  At this point in life I was somewhat of a lost lamb.  But I was blessed with a most wonderful shepherd who entered my life for only a year.  His name was Larry Cook, Bishop Larry Cook.  He was married to Rosemarie and they had 3 small children, Rosemary, Andrea and Christopher.  The first thing this fine Bishop did was extend  a calling to me. Sunday School Teacher (this was in the day and age when Sunday School was Sunday morning and Sacrament meeting was late Sunday night)!   I was to teach the 3 and 4 year olds, or was it 4 and 5 year olds?  Whatever age it was his two daughters were in my class.  He actually trusted me with his most prized possessions!  I know this calling displeased some members, especially one lady who was quite vocal about it... even to myself!  With my personality she just made me chuckle and I made certain to wear the shortest skirt on Sunday just for her!  Okay, so I was somewhat naughty!

Bishop Cook never discussed my attire with me.  In the spring of 1971 I applied for entrance to B.Y.U,. (at my mothers insistence).  I was not a full tithe payer at the time, I did not dress modestly.   I had my interview with Bishop Cook and I was not terribly concerned about it.  You see I had back up plans....I was planning on attending Adams State College in Colorado.  I had my acceptance, I had a grant, I was set to go.  I was just appeasing my mother.  Imagine my surprise when I was accepted to B.Y.U.!  Better yet, imagine the surprise of some Rangely Ward members!!!  I have often felt Bishop Cook was an instrumental player in that acceptance.

I am deeply indebted to this man and his family.  He will always be near and dear to my heart.  I sent him a thank you note years ago.  About two years after I sent the note I received a phone call from this wonderful man.  We had a most delightful conversation.  Laughing over the short skirts I then wore and the fact that he never made it an issue with me!  Now Larry Cook was a true shepherd.  I feel he was instrumental in the path my life took.  Which has been a most wonderful path to take.

On this day of Thanksgiving I am grateful for oh so many things, but I am especially grateful for the kindness, compassion and loving acceptance of one mortal man who followed in the footsteps of the True Shepherd.  I am very grateful for Bishop Larry Cook.  May the Lord pour out His choicest blessings on this wonderful man and his family!  Happy Thanksgiving Bishop Cook!

1 Wrong + 1 Wrong = Right????

My father had a substance abuse problem.  This addiction was costly in many ways, one being financial.  My mother was advised to take the money he spent on alcohol and spend it on herself.  One wrong plus one wrong did not equal right.  My mom recognized that and did not follow the counsel given.  Smart woman!

Another man in this counseling session (his wife was there for some  "wise" advice) had a substance abuse problem.  His addiction was costly in many ways, he was impotent.  She was sexually unsatisfied.  She was advised to go find other men to fulfill her needs.  One wrong plus one wrong did not equal right.  At the session she recognized that and said that was not an option, she loved her husband.  I do not know how her story ended.

We must be careful when choosing sources to advise us.  The ways of the world will cause more damage to ourselves and our relationships.  Really the only one I trust with advice and counseling is Jesus Christ.  Where do I find this advice?  In my scripture study, prayer and listening to the still small voice.  Which I wish I did all three more valiantly! 

Bats in the Belfry and Aliens in the Backyard

Picture this.  A nice relaxing Sunday evening.  I am soaking my feet.  Scott and I are getting ready to watch a movie (by now I do not even remember the name of the movie!)  But our evening was destined to prove more entertaining than a movie.  It all began with the ringing of the doorbell.

There stood our dear, sweet backyard neighbor.  Elva is a most wonderful and delightful backyard neighbor to have.  If you do not have an Elva than I feel sorry for you.  Elva is single, has 2 adult daughters who no longer live at home.  She was quite in a panic as she has been hearing stange sounds outside her bedroom, thinking a bird has a nest close by.  Then she discovered 'the poopie' and decided it was more likely a large rat.

Scott went to the garage to retrieve our ladder, I went upstairs to put on some shoes and socks and Elva headed home with us not far behind.  Scott placed the ladder up against her window and then phoned Matthew Bud to come check it out!  My husband does NOT like cute, furry critters.  His wife has no fear of them.  I ascended the steps with flashlight in hand (even though it was not quite dusk.)  Under her shutter are creatures yes, plenty of them.  They were all hanging upside down and I even saw the cute little nose of one of the little  fellows.  Those illegal (to shoot anyway) immigrants had taken up residency in her shutters!!!  Thank goodness it was after I got down from the ladder that they decided to come out and search for dinner.  Happy early Halloween Elva!  This evening we will go over and try to 'trick' them from getting back in! 

In the meantime the other neighbor came over to see what the commotion was all about.  This neighbor is around 85 and does quite well other than her eyesight.  As we were visiting about the bats she asked me if I had seen the bright light that came from the west the other night.  I had to answer no, my bedroom faces east and I keep my shutters closed at night.  She continued her story. After the bright light out of the west came it was followed by other lights that landed in my backyard and in the other neighbors backyard. Between aliens and bats I now know why my cats have been reluctant to go out at night!  Ghoulies, goblins and ghosties and things that go bump in the night.  Oh Lord deliver us!

Questions and Answers in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

"If I'm guilty of apostasy, then everyone who has ever had a question and said that question out loud, is guilty of apostasy," said Kelly.

Untruth.  It was my own personal experience with questioning out loud, "What is the purpose of life?"  that was the first step into bringing myself into the faith I love and know to be true.  

As I have somewhat followed Kate's story (in the state of Utah it is pretty difficult not to know what is going on with her!) I have no clue what question she is posing.  Her web site is titled: "Ordain Women."  A statement, a demand, no question about that!

She wants women ordained to the Priesthood and the church has repeatedly answered that demand.  This being the most recent one to my knowledge.

---

June 28, 2014

In God's plan for the happiness and eternal progression of His children, the blessings of His priesthood are equally available to men and women. Only men are ordained to serve in priesthood offices. All service in the Church has equal merit in the eyes of God. We express profound gratitude for the millions of Latter-day Saint women and men who willingly and effectively serve God and His children. Because of their faith and service, they have discovered that the Church is a place of spiritual nourishment and growth.

We understand that from time to time Church members will have questions about Church doctrine, history, or practice. Members are always free to ask such questions and earnestly seek greater understanding. We feel special concern, however, for members who distance themselves from Church doctrine or practice and, by advocacy, encourage others to follow them.

Simply asking questions has never constituted apostasy. Apostasy is repeatedly acting in clear, open, and deliberate public opposition to the Church or its faithful leaders, or persisting, after receiving counsel, in teaching false doctrine.

The Council of
The First Presidency and
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

 I sustain these men.  I support them.  I testify of their divine role. 

ORDAIN WOMEN?

I distinctly remember  some years ago attending a Stake Conference meeting with feelings of frustration and anger.  I told President Clayton in the next life women were going to have the Priesthood and the men would stay home to get the children and food ready!  He laughed and informed me I did not have to wait for the next life.  I just needed to go to the Philippines where some women in the church were performing Priesthood duties.  He proceeded to laughingly tell me the story.  I must say I was not amused.  You see my husband served as Ward Clerk and Stake Clerk for numerous years.  While he attended "spiritual, uplifting meetings" I attended to the needs of four children and myself .  Oh how well I remember experiencing those feelings of frustration, anger and discontent.  But as time went on I came to recognize and realize that I was beginning to see that for me my "calling" was  the far more rewarding and important calling.  My apologies to all Priesthood holders.  Children grow fast and time quickly passes on. My children aged and so did I.  I have since served in numerous Ward and Stake leadership callings.  I have attended those early morning Sunday meetings and I must say they in no way compare to those long ago early morning " meetings" with four small children.  My preference being the early morning meetings with my small children.  You may wonder the point of this post.  The 184th General Conference has come and gone.  With it the usual groups who picket and protest certain standards or doctrine of the Church. One such group is entitled:  Ordain Women.  Mormon women seeking equality and ordination to the priesthood.  I, personally do not agree with these women.  I have dealt with and solved that issue for myself years ago. I am very happy with my role.  I love it! I also love Elder Dallin H. Oaks quote from the Priesthood Session of Conference.  "In the eyes of God, whether in the Church or in the family, women and men are equal, with different responsibilities." — Dallin H Oaks http://bit.ly/PS3Kmw  

I LOVE my responsibilities,  especially now that they have given me some adorable, darling, perfect little dividends!

"Educational" Workshops on the Strip

The Kagan Educational Workshop was to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada this year as opposed to Henderson, Nevada.   Mr. Bassett (Core Curriculum Director for Millard School District) and Mr. Bassett (Delta High Math teacher) both signed up to attend this educational workshop. Educational it was for Max, Ava, Isaac and myself.  Here are some notes from the 'educational workshop' I attended:

Isaac:  "Grandma, look at the games! I want to play those games. Grandma, only daddy's can play those games.  I want to play those games!"

Ava:  "Grandma, did you see that lady dancing on the table?  You could see her butt cheeks!!!"

Max:  "Now I know why Grandma calls this place 'Sin City'.   People don't dress very modestly here do they?"

What I learned of most significance at my educational workshop? 

A game of Pollyanna with grandchildren highly trumps Casino games!

Butt cheeks on my little grand babies are such cuter butt cheeks than those of adult women dancing on tables!

Modest clothing adds much more to the beauty of a woman than the 'bare all' attitude of the world.

Thanks to my little presenters for educating me on what is truly important!