I am a reader. I have read books my whole life. I was an English major in college with a double minor of literature and American History. I had started out in Elementary Education with the intent of working with reading problems but the University I went to didn't have the best program in the world for that. So I switched so I could teach secondary education and share my love of books. Because I read so much I thought I should share some books every week. In the last month, since my surgery I have read 1 or 2 a day plus that 3 I read at Pam's - that's 30+ books I could discuss right there. I won't today but I have plenty of ammunition for Tuesday's Book Review.
My most favorite book of all time is Mrs. Mike. It is about a young woman that goes from Boston to Canada and marries a 'Canadian Mountie'. It was the first adult novel/biography I ever read. I was going into the 5th grade when my father gave it to me. Originally I was to get $1 if I finished it (big bucks in those days!). When I finished it, I told Dad that I didn't want to be paid for that book. I wanted it to be mine. I have read it at least once a year since and sometimes more. As I was analyzing why I realized that the reason I would pull it out so much when I was younger was we moved so frequently. This was a reliable friend that was always there. When lonliness was overwhelming, this book comforted me and in fact still does.
I belong to a book group here on the island (sounds like I live someplace exotic. I don't). We are constantly reading books about war and devastation. I have finally quit reading them. I don't like them and don't have to read them. Just because Oprah suggests them doesn't mean I have to read them. They may be the most beautifully written books on the planet but they are not my kind of read. I am not in school anymore and I am not required to read things for assignment. I am a stick in the mud sometimes but I don't have to have depressing thoughts because of reading something I didn't want to in the first place. I will say that occasionally the book group has has read some gripping books that I have been grateful to read. Last month we read 1,000 White Women - a fictional tale of what it would have been like if Thomas Jefferson had honored the request of an Indian Chief to send white women to the Native Americans. It was interesting. I can't say I am better person for reading it but it was a bit like 'Dances with Wolves'. There is no way it could end happily.
I am grateful to the authors everywhere in all genres. I am always amazed at what delights each new book brings to me.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Monday's Hero
Todays heroine is an amazing woman. Her name is Rosanne Keeler. She is the stake Primary President, teaches science classes at the local college and has raised an amazing family. She is one of those mothers that even though one or two of her children have not stayed faithful to the gospel - she knows she is not a failure as a mother. Her husband is my husband's first counselor in the bishopric. Rosanne has been one of my closest friends since we moved here. These are a few facts about Rosanne but not what makes her heroic. Rosanne is one of the most Christlike people I know. When we discuss being a true Christian and doing for others - this is the woman whose example you would want to follow. The thing is she is one of those 'stealth' do gooders and few people know how much good she does. I will not embarrass her by listing things that I am aware that I have been told in confidence but yesterday as a sister bore her testimony she told of something that Rosanne did that I can tell. This is SO Rosanne.
Becky Workman's husband Adam has been deployed to Iraq for a year. This is their first separation and Becky has been handling it quite well but really hasn't known what to ask for. She has 5 children between 11 and 1. For the most part the kids are well behaved but as those of us with children know - 24/7 with kids underfoot can be detrimental to anyone's mental health. Rosanne called Becky up and told her that she would come over and babysit Becky's children from 2:00 until after the Women's Broadcast on Saturday (that would be after 9:30 pm our time). Becky took her up on it. Becky was able to get shopping done that she needed to do and when I saw her at the Womens' Broadcast she just seemed free. No wonder. She had the best babysitter in the ward! The thing is that no one else but Rosannne would have thought of something like that. Such a simple but beautiful act of service. The Lord is smiling on her because while we were being preached to about doing acts of kindness and service, Rosanne was setting the example.
Several times when I couldn't drive to my phyical therapy, Rosanne was there to take me. She doesn't live that close and physical therapy is even farther away. She is just an amazing woman.
So this is my tribute to my hero/heroine this week. Rosanne is a person that if I followed her example I would truly be a better person.
Becky Workman's husband Adam has been deployed to Iraq for a year. This is their first separation and Becky has been handling it quite well but really hasn't known what to ask for. She has 5 children between 11 and 1. For the most part the kids are well behaved but as those of us with children know - 24/7 with kids underfoot can be detrimental to anyone's mental health. Rosanne called Becky up and told her that she would come over and babysit Becky's children from 2:00 until after the Women's Broadcast on Saturday (that would be after 9:30 pm our time). Becky took her up on it. Becky was able to get shopping done that she needed to do and when I saw her at the Womens' Broadcast she just seemed free. No wonder. She had the best babysitter in the ward! The thing is that no one else but Rosannne would have thought of something like that. Such a simple but beautiful act of service. The Lord is smiling on her because while we were being preached to about doing acts of kindness and service, Rosanne was setting the example.
Several times when I couldn't drive to my phyical therapy, Rosanne was there to take me. She doesn't live that close and physical therapy is even farther away. She is just an amazing woman.
So this is my tribute to my hero/heroine this week. Rosanne is a person that if I followed her example I would truly be a better person.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Sunday
It has been a long time coming but I love Sunday again. When I was growing up, I looked forward all week for Sunday to come. That was the day I was with my closest friends and felt the best. It was a day I would be able to spend with my dad most of the time and it was just the best day of the week. And then I had 4 little girls under the age of 5. Suddenly Sunday wasn't as much fun anymore. In fact for years I dreaded Sunday. However gradually, Sunday started becoming a day of joy and peace again. It seemed to get that way as our daughters' grew and were able to take care of themselves.
For the last month I have not been able to attend Sacrament meeting (or any Church meetings) because of having arthroscopic surgery on my left knee. Today for the first time I was able to attend Sacrament and lead the singing again. It was like coming home. To see the faces of the people I love and be back in their presence was joy. It makes me want to try harder to get better faster so that after General Conference I can attend all my meetings. The other thing about the Church is the way people step up to help each other. We are so lucky to have members that willing to help out no matter what. Frankly, I am lucky to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! I thank the Lord every day for this wondrous blessing.
The other interesting thing about Sunday is watching my husband as bishop. He is an amazingly wonderful bishop and I am very proud of him. I have something of a curse in that I can see people for who they are. People that manipulative or whatever - 90% I can read them right. Most of the time Clyde and other people don't believe me. I must say that I feel bad when I am proven right most of the time. I love to be proven wrong because I feel like I always see the bad in people and not the good. Clyde on the other hand has the ability to see the good before he ever sees a fault in a someone. They have to prove themselves over and over to have shortcomings before he truly sees it. I try to be like him but my 'judgmental' side somehow always wins out. However because of this never jumping to conclusions - Clyde is an excellent bishop. He is a blessing to our ward.
For the last month I have not been able to attend Sacrament meeting (or any Church meetings) because of having arthroscopic surgery on my left knee. Today for the first time I was able to attend Sacrament and lead the singing again. It was like coming home. To see the faces of the people I love and be back in their presence was joy. It makes me want to try harder to get better faster so that after General Conference I can attend all my meetings. The other thing about the Church is the way people step up to help each other. We are so lucky to have members that willing to help out no matter what. Frankly, I am lucky to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! I thank the Lord every day for this wondrous blessing.
The other interesting thing about Sunday is watching my husband as bishop. He is an amazingly wonderful bishop and I am very proud of him. I have something of a curse in that I can see people for who they are. People that manipulative or whatever - 90% I can read them right. Most of the time Clyde and other people don't believe me. I must say that I feel bad when I am proven right most of the time. I love to be proven wrong because I feel like I always see the bad in people and not the good. Clyde on the other hand has the ability to see the good before he ever sees a fault in a someone. They have to prove themselves over and over to have shortcomings before he truly sees it. I try to be like him but my 'judgmental' side somehow always wins out. However because of this never jumping to conclusions - Clyde is an excellent bishop. He is a blessing to our ward.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Monday's Heroes
Today I have two Heroes. One hero I my grandson, Nathanael. Last week Nathanael was beat up on the playground of his elementary school defending the honor of little girl. He asked his parents not to get involved, to just let things ride. The thing that makes this so heroic in my eyes is that Nathanael faced this situation in kindergarten and handled it in such a mature and Christike manner. As I have pondered this, there is no way that he could not be one of my heroes this week.
My other hero that I want to honor this week is my sister, Marianne. We have been best friends most of our lives. For quite a bit of that time we were the only girls around and so we had to be friends or there was no one else to play with. Our families to this day are so intermingled that I love her daughters' as much as I love my own. My grandchildren that lived close to her in Texas call her grandma and actually know her better than me. I guess in many families that would cause some contention. In our family it brings joy that there has been someone to stand in my place that I love so much. I grew up always loving my sister. There were times I was mean to her but I felt guilty about that. I went through a phase were I thought it was the thing I should be doing - but I didn't like it. Then one day I realized that loving my sister and being her best friend were my choices and no one could stop me. It was quite freeing. We have been best friends ever since. When we need something we are the first to confide in each other about it even though we we miles apart. She is the best friend in the world because she knows how to listen. She has raised 4 beautiful daughters and has a great husband. Unlike Clyde and me - who seem to have to move every 8-10 years, Marianne and Frank have owned 2 homes in their married life up until this summer, when they decided to moved one more time. Christina, their youngest seems to be thriving in the new environment and the new move seems to be just for her.
I am truly blessed to have a sister that is my best friend and a hero in my life. She helps me set the bar higher for myself because of her expectations for herself. Her testimony of the gospel is so pure and trusting that I know that I can do better. She is an amazing woman and I am grateful for her in my life.
My other hero that I want to honor this week is my sister, Marianne. We have been best friends most of our lives. For quite a bit of that time we were the only girls around and so we had to be friends or there was no one else to play with. Our families to this day are so intermingled that I love her daughters' as much as I love my own. My grandchildren that lived close to her in Texas call her grandma and actually know her better than me. I guess in many families that would cause some contention. In our family it brings joy that there has been someone to stand in my place that I love so much. I grew up always loving my sister. There were times I was mean to her but I felt guilty about that. I went through a phase were I thought it was the thing I should be doing - but I didn't like it. Then one day I realized that loving my sister and being her best friend were my choices and no one could stop me. It was quite freeing. We have been best friends ever since. When we need something we are the first to confide in each other about it even though we we miles apart. She is the best friend in the world because she knows how to listen. She has raised 4 beautiful daughters and has a great husband. Unlike Clyde and me - who seem to have to move every 8-10 years, Marianne and Frank have owned 2 homes in their married life up until this summer, when they decided to moved one more time. Christina, their youngest seems to be thriving in the new environment and the new move seems to be just for her.
I am truly blessed to have a sister that is my best friend and a hero in my life. She helps me set the bar higher for myself because of her expectations for herself. Her testimony of the gospel is so pure and trusting that I know that I can do better. She is an amazing woman and I am grateful for her in my life.
Monday, September 15, 2008
My Hero - Aleta Breakwell
I decided that on Monday I would write about a hero in my life. We will see how many Mondays this can go on but I don't foresee an end anytime soon.
Aleta Breakwell is one of my best friends. No, she is more than that - she is my sister. From the moment we met we have somehow bonded and been there for each other. Aleta, has two amazing men in her life, Donald - her husband and Andrew, her son - which is a good thing. They are the people that keep her sane because her daughter's are extremely high maintenance. I don't know anyone that would be able to handle Maddie or Claire better. Donald and Aleta have always approached their child-rearing with prayer and fasting. You cannot be more humble than that.
Aleta suffers from depression - a disease that troubled me for decades. Fortunately she has found a Rx that is working for her. She is also working with a good therapist - something that saved me. Since she has made these discoveries she is doing 1,000 times better and her life is going smoother. She is not above making changes in herself in order to make things better for her family.
From the moment that I first saw Aleta, sitting in front of us in Sacrament Meeting in Ephraim, I knew we were going to be connected somehow. I wondered how and why because she was obviously so much younger than me. But the Lord had other plans. Our Heidi became their babysitter and through that relationship blossomed our friendship and sisterhood. I have sometimes jumped to conclusions too quickly when it has come to Aleta. Fortunately she hs always been up front and honest with me. I am so grateful she is my friend. She keeps my life in perspective. The Lord has really blessed me with the love of Aleta. She loves me, warts and all, just as I love her.
Aleta Breakwell is one of my best friends. No, she is more than that - she is my sister. From the moment we met we have somehow bonded and been there for each other. Aleta, has two amazing men in her life, Donald - her husband and Andrew, her son - which is a good thing. They are the people that keep her sane because her daughter's are extremely high maintenance. I don't know anyone that would be able to handle Maddie or Claire better. Donald and Aleta have always approached their child-rearing with prayer and fasting. You cannot be more humble than that.
Aleta suffers from depression - a disease that troubled me for decades. Fortunately she has found a Rx that is working for her. She is also working with a good therapist - something that saved me. Since she has made these discoveries she is doing 1,000 times better and her life is going smoother. She is not above making changes in herself in order to make things better for her family.
From the moment that I first saw Aleta, sitting in front of us in Sacrament Meeting in Ephraim, I knew we were going to be connected somehow. I wondered how and why because she was obviously so much younger than me. But the Lord had other plans. Our Heidi became their babysitter and through that relationship blossomed our friendship and sisterhood. I have sometimes jumped to conclusions too quickly when it has come to Aleta. Fortunately she hs always been up front and honest with me. I am so grateful she is my friend. She keeps my life in perspective. The Lord has really blessed me with the love of Aleta. She loves me, warts and all, just as I love her.
Friday, September 12, 2008
My Mother
I thought of a most interesting memory of my mother the other day that I thought I would share. It was my senior year in High School. I only had 2 classes that year I could take so the rest of the day I was a teacher's aide in the first grade. I was also in an honors English Class that was possibly one of the most fun classes I have ever had in my public education. During one grading period we were challenged to read 35 novels. We were tested on several of them every week. One Thursday afternoon I found out we would be tested on Grapes of Wrath the next day. I had thought I had another week. I came home and didn't know what I was going to do! I told mom that I would just have to fail that test. I had gotten 99 or 100 on ever test up that point and she really didn't want me to blow it completely. She offered to read it with me. So we started reading that afternoon. I read while she fixed dinner, she read while I cleaned up dinner and then we read to each other - reading every other chapter. We finished at 3:15 a.m. I had to get up at 6:30 for seminary and my test was the first class in the morning. I got 100% on it! I did better on it than I did on the ones I had read on my own! I realize now Mom was just coming out of a bad bout with her ongoing illness but she still did that for me. It was an amazing act of love.
I have a fairly high threshold for pain but I decide that is where the pain is. I have never hurt so bad as I have since this knee surgery. But I also have bone bruises to recover from (they scraped the bones of all the junk that has built up because arthritis) plus the invasion of the muscle from the surgery. I talked to them about this yesterday and they told me I would not be totally pain free for 3 months. I don't care totally pain free - just agonizingly pain free would be fine with me. That they promised at 4 weeks. When the outside bruises are gone - about a week later the inside bruises will be better. To make matters better - I stubbed my toe this morning!
I know there must be a reason for this. I do know my Heavenly Father loves me and I am grateful He sent me to this earthly family. More than ever I am grateful for my testimony of the Gospel and Atonement of Jesus Christ.
I have a fairly high threshold for pain but I decide that is where the pain is. I have never hurt so bad as I have since this knee surgery. But I also have bone bruises to recover from (they scraped the bones of all the junk that has built up because arthritis) plus the invasion of the muscle from the surgery. I talked to them about this yesterday and they told me I would not be totally pain free for 3 months. I don't care totally pain free - just agonizingly pain free would be fine with me. That they promised at 4 weeks. When the outside bruises are gone - about a week later the inside bruises will be better. To make matters better - I stubbed my toe this morning!
I know there must be a reason for this. I do know my Heavenly Father loves me and I am grateful He sent me to this earthly family. More than ever I am grateful for my testimony of the Gospel and Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Dutch's Blessing or the Blessing of Dutch!
We just came home from spending a week with the Davis' so we could be there for Dutch's blessing. I was kind of a party pooper because of my knee so it was a very layed back week but it went by very quickly for Daddy and me. I was in my element though because I got to hold and tend Dutch. That was so much fun it will easily get me through to the next visit. He is such a cute little guy. He never quits moving, makes noises constantly and can eat a grown man under the table! I don't know where he is putting it but so far there is not an ounce of fat on that little guy. He did grow into the next size diapers while we were there and is fast growing out of his preemie clothes. Even some of his newborn clothes are getting a bit snug. He is growing fast.
When Chris pronounced the name and blessing for the records of the Church yesterday it was incredibly beautiful and profound. One of the things that stands out in it for me was Dutch was told to go on a mission because he would learn things on a mission he would never learn anywhere else. Another thing that caught my ear was that he was busy being taught by our Heavenly Father until now - which is an incredible blessing that I do not doubt at all. Dutch has an incredible presence about him. As with all of our grandchildren he spends quite a bit of time staring and talking to ceiling corners. We all wonder who is there giving him last minute instructions.
We had a ball with Pam and Chris. Chris did go back to school this week but when we had him it was great fun. When Chris' parents came with Josh it just cranked up the fun one more notch. It was a really fun weekend. Bo thought everyone had come just for him. He is going to really miss Dad and Josh. On Saturday we took Chris and Pam out to breakfast. Pam and I had a Cinnamon roll that was made into French Toast. It has to be the best thing I have EVER eaten in my life! It was truly worth every calorie in every bite.
Tomorrow morning I go in for my surgery. Chris and Dad gave me a blessing so I am as OK with it as I can possibly be. Everyone pray and we will await the outcome tomorrow evening. I must say I am doing something I never do - wishing tomorrow was already over.
I am grateful for eternal families and for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am thrilled to know that Dutch is part of our forever family. How blessed are we!
When Chris pronounced the name and blessing for the records of the Church yesterday it was incredibly beautiful and profound. One of the things that stands out in it for me was Dutch was told to go on a mission because he would learn things on a mission he would never learn anywhere else. Another thing that caught my ear was that he was busy being taught by our Heavenly Father until now - which is an incredible blessing that I do not doubt at all. Dutch has an incredible presence about him. As with all of our grandchildren he spends quite a bit of time staring and talking to ceiling corners. We all wonder who is there giving him last minute instructions.
We had a ball with Pam and Chris. Chris did go back to school this week but when we had him it was great fun. When Chris' parents came with Josh it just cranked up the fun one more notch. It was a really fun weekend. Bo thought everyone had come just for him. He is going to really miss Dad and Josh. On Saturday we took Chris and Pam out to breakfast. Pam and I had a Cinnamon roll that was made into French Toast. It has to be the best thing I have EVER eaten in my life! It was truly worth every calorie in every bite.
Tomorrow morning I go in for my surgery. Chris and Dad gave me a blessing so I am as OK with it as I can possibly be. Everyone pray and we will await the outcome tomorrow evening. I must say I am doing something I never do - wishing tomorrow was already over.
I am grateful for eternal families and for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am thrilled to know that Dutch is part of our forever family. How blessed are we!
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