We have Green

Square Garden was built,

Mel's super duper formula mixed

Seeds planted

Water administered, not very consistantly

The Sun added warmth and light

And now

We have Green

The miracle of plant life is starting to come to life.

Plants are beginning to spring forth from seeds and Grow

It is such a wonder to behold

And yet most of us never see it

because we choose not to work and look

instead we choose to buy things canned and prepared

from a shelf

Take a few hours and grow a garden this year

It will remind you of the miracles of life

The wonders of the world

And the love of God

The direction of our footsteps

On mornings I get to sleep in till 5:15 I drag myself downstairs and ride a stationary bike while I watch a BYU Devotional. This morning it was Elder Holland speaking this January. It was very instructive as we plod into the future and face the fate that awaits us. His title is "Remember Lot's Wife" The message is wonderful. Hope you have the time to read it, or watch it, but most importantly believe it.

Look to the future and have a great day.

Gardening for Squares

We are embarking on a new gardening technique called SQUARE FOOT GARDENING. After attending a free gardening class sponsor by Weber Water we got religion and are going to try this method and see if it really can produce 3 times as much as a normal till the ground, plant the seeds, water the weeds, hope the vegetables grown, weed the weeds, water the weeds, weed, water, weed, variety of garden we have been doing.

As soon as I get the boxes built I will let you know how it goes and hopefully throughout the summer how it grows.

Easter

The Tomb is empty!

He is not here!



We are not alone


He lives, HE Lives, HE LIVES!



God be praised forever and ever!



May we ever LOVE HIM!

Business is not a dirty word

I have supported my life and family by being part of the business word. It is a hard life but in the end I hope it has helped people take care of things that they care about. Today as we face a nation that is spending money like it prints it (oops, I forgot it does print it) and thinks that business is a bad word and government is a cure all, I hope we will remember how we became the most prosperous nation in the world's history. I know that we have our faults and failings and we are in one of the worst economic times ever, but I hope we never forget what it is that will pull us out of this crisis. It is not government. It is business and people working hard to provide products that will help other people enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

A reminder of this ended up on my porch this morning and made me grateful we live in America. I hope you will take the time to read and ponder Peggy Noonan's message. It contains lessons for all of us from another hard time from which we recovered.

We live in a less than ideal world and some people are cruel, greedy and dog eat dog and as the Savior said "they have their reward". However, the vast majority of the people I know in business are kind, friendly, and working hard to, do their best, to provide a product that someone wants, so they can in turn earn a living and buy products that they want to make their life better, more enjoyable for themselves and their loved ones.

Enjoy life and be grateful someone is in business to provide the necessities, comforts and pleasures of life so we can enjoy them.

Palm Sunday II

Another thought as we start Holy Week and prepare to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord.

What does Easter mean to you? For me it is the most sacred of Holy Days and the most significant holiday. It is the one remaining holiday that has stayed closest to its intended purpose. Mostly because the world has left it behind, seeing it as a religious mystery.

Anyway I am interested in What Easter means to you?

Do you do anything during Holy Week to commemorate it?

For a few years we have gathered at our home on Easter afternoon to remember Easter by recounting the events of the Crucifiction and Resurrection through song and the spoken word. It has been a wonderful experience. We are going to do it again this Easter. If you would like to attend let me know.

I am also very interested in what you do to remember the Savior during this Holy week. Please leave a comment and tell us how Easter affects your life. What your most memorable Easter has been? When did Easter take on a more meaningful purpose than getting a new dress or hunting for colored eggs? Or what you would like to do to make it a meaningful Holy Day.

May you feel His Spirit this week and always. Happy Holy Week.

Palm Sunday

I have to make special mention of Elder Holland's talk about Palm Sunday and Easter. IT WAS A MASTERPIECE.

Some say they need to go see the gore of "The Passion" to understand the lonely pain of the Savior. I felt almost more than I could grasp as Elder Holland spoke. His especial witness in the last conferences are most tender, enlightening, and full of love.

He spoke of "The Grandeur of God” Or another Easter message "The Hands of the Fathers"

Enjoy the Spirit and feel the Love of God as you travel down this Holy Week

Adversity

I have been thinking about this subject for several days. Recorded these thoughts for further discussion and analysis.

Why we need it

How it plays out in our lives

Blessings flowing from it

Can we be grateful for it, without being masochistic?

Then this morning I listened to Conference and of course the Prophets addressed it better than I ever could. So, when you get your copy of the Ensign review the talks from this morning and think about the Adversity in your life compared to the pioneers, the saints, the martyrs, and the Savior. Thank God we live today and through the challenges of our time and not the trials of theirs.

Maybe I will review these questions in the future, but for now I can't think of anything that would add to the wisdom of the Apostles.

Government

A friend on mine sent this link and I liked it. I usually don't pass internet trivia along, but this rang true and allows you to make up your mind about were we are going.

Government

Hope you enjoy the next 10 minutes, they are worth while.

Grateful to be an American

As I sat down with my class of 12 year olds to start our Sunday School class I asked what exciting thing was going to happen the week. After a few moments of blank stares, I asked again. One brave soul said "Their going to make Obama President." I was glad at least this one young soul knew it was going to happen. It was a short lived one sided conversation as I told them the wonder and wonderful occasion that this would be. It occurred to me that these young people had no idea what a treasure it is to live in America and see the transfer of power. It amazes me, and yet it is such a normal course of our political lives.

The marvel of America is extended this year as an African American takes the office of President. It restores faith in our society to think that the oppressed of the past are now the taking the reins of power, peacefully. Hurray for Martin Luther King and his vision. Hurray for those that followed his dream and ignored the radical rebels calling us to pursue a violent path. Interestingly I heard this week that India is planning a celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of King's visit to India to study Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence and civil disobedience. A new recording of King made as he ended the month long visit emphasized how impressed he was with Gandhi. Now 50 years later we have President Obama.

Make sure you watch history on Tuesday. Take a mental photo and hold it in your heart and tell it to your kids. You saw it happen. Then take a breath, say a prayer, give a cheer and toast America and our new President.

Hail to the Chief!
May we all wish to re-elect him.

Hail to the Land of the Free!
May it ever be.

The end of the Season

Yesterday two of my most favorite friends helped my offically close the Christmas season. Mary Ann and Dave Fillerup braved the 20 degree morning to dismantel the Layton Nativity scene. Now lest you say "You still had it lit? Christmas was 25 days ago!" We did turn the lights off on January 2nd like a good scout, but it took some warmer weather to melt the snow and get me out to physically remove the figures. It was a sad day. I just hope we will keep the Spirit of Christmas all through the year. Please!

Weekly Comment

One of my favorite things, listed on the right, is the weekly column by Peggy Noonan. She says things that need to be said in a wonderful way. It helps that she was a speech writer for President Regan. Not sure who put words in who's mouth but it was a great combination.



Now she comments on the events of the day. Click the link and enjoy the thoughts that come to mind.

Hope your year is starting with joy.

Happy New Year

A New Year is born. It is wonderful!

We started a new tradition yesterday with our Ross family. On New Years day it will be all the ice cream you can eat. Every year needs atleast one day when it is fun to eat. May your life be filled with good times, happy memories, and wonderful moments.





Here is a thought regarding my resolution for 2009

"Now there are more overweight people in America than average-weight people. So overweight people are now average. Which means you've met your New Year's resolution. "
Jay Leno

Welcome to 2009.

Best part of Christmas

As the Christmas Season winds down, the question arises what was the best part? The shopping? The hustle? The bustle? The traffic? The September to December Christmas music? The bombardment of commercials, emails, advertisments telling us how much needs to be spent to show our love. The constant casade of candy, cookies, cakes, calories and cholesterol? The rearranging of home and hearth to accomodate lights and decorations to show proclaim the holiday's theme.

Any of these things on your short list of favorites? Most likely not. Yet there is something to be said for: finding an unexpected item that is just what a loved one needs (such was a gift from a son to a father - slippers that are used almost everyday to keep old feet warm); hustling to finish a gift that graces a fridge to remind us of family times and ties; music that first brings thoughts of - Can they really be starting it now, and just as soon ends with thoughts of - Can it be over so soon, I just heard my favorite song once; love shining from every home to proclaim the joy of season and hating to take them down and leaving winter to the darkness.

From these fragments of Christmas pressures comes the best part -

BEING THERE.


On Tuesday morning, December 23rd, I rose from my bed to do my morning exercise, no raquetball today, just pumping the pedals on a stationary bike, for 35 minutes, with lots of sweat and tired legs and will 500 calories be burned so I can eat a Christmas treat. After the work out into the shower. Light head and faint caused me to lay down to recover. After some breakfast in bed, not intentionally but gratefully accepted and a short recovery nap it was time to prepare for work. Sitting up on the edge of the bed, I said it feels fine, I am ready to face the day. Walking to comb my hair waiting for warm water to pour out of the faucet, I suddenly thought - No I don't think I can stand any longer, reversed by tracks and laid down again. Thinking there is nothing wrong, no pain just a little dizzy. Then WHAM it hit, my chest felt as if a sledge hammer had come to visit and stay. A groan, rapid breathing, sweat pouring out, Mary Ann asking what is wrong, "Chest PAINS". She is on the phone - 911. No thoughts of death occur, only thoughts of how to get away from THE PAIN. A quick ride to the ER, a procedure done by trained and skillful hands, a stent, no make that two, provide an open path for life to flow into a craving heart. My world returns and finds peace and rest and gratitude for loving faces around my bed, comforting words and touch from my Sweetheart and Priesthood exercised by a worthy friend.

From these fragments of a Christmas pressure comes the best part -

BEING HERE.

So the Dr says in the hospital you will stay
until mid-Christmas day.
"Why?" I cry, "I feel fine."
Can't I go home to dine
and be a part of Christmas Eve and Morn?
My heart has been reborn.
She insists and so I sit in a quiet hospital cell.
While my family the reason for the Season does tell.
Soon enough comes Christmas day
And I am home to stay.
Because it is Christmas


And the best part

BEING HERE and THERE

Christmas Songs

For a wonderful selection of Christmas music, check out our Son-in-Law's blog. It has some great music.

I would like to add: "Some Children see Him" by Alfred Burt. It is one of my favorites. I can't find a audio version on the web so here is the written text. It is a touching carol.



Some Children See Him
By Alfred Burt

Some children see Him lily white
the infant Jesus born this night
Some children see Him lily white
with tresses soft and fair

Some children see Him bronzed and brown
the Lord of heav'n to earth come down
Some children see Him bronzed and brown
with dark and heavy hair (with dark and heavy hair!)

Some children see Him almond-eyed
This Saviour whom we kneel beside
Some children see Him almond-eyed
With skin of yellow hue!

Some children see Him dark as they
Sweet Mary's Son to whom we pray
Some children see Him dark as they
And, ah! they love Him so!

The children in each different place
Will see the Baby Jesus' face
Like theirs but bright with heav'nly grace
And filled with holy light!

O lay aside each earthly thing
and with thy heart as offering
Come worship now the infant King
'tis love that's born tonight!

'tis love that's born tonight!




Merry Christmas

The Season's initial scenes

The Season began with the lighting of the Nativity in Layton Park. The ceremony was attended by over a hundred faithful Christians. It was beautiful with light passed by candle and smile until the Nativity lights broke the evenings darkness. This year we completed the Nativity set with the addition of Wise Men and Camels. And through the generosity of the community we have them all paid for.

On the Saturday following Thanksgiving the Christmas group (Shades) Mary Ann and I belong to had our official season opener at the Garland City Community Christmas dinner. Each year Garland holds a dinner and an auction to raise funds for a deserving family in the community. It is a wonderful event attended by about 150 Garland faithful. Each year for the last 10 or so, Shades has performed, it is our dress rehearsal. It is a wonderful time

Shades has had a mild season this year. We have sung for five sacrament meetings, and five or six party groups. The Sacrament Meeting performances are the best. Our program has evolved into a wonderful spirit filled presentation. I like it because it emphasizes the Savior and the wonder of His Birth. Our first performance was the Sunday after Thanksgiving in a wonderful ward in Clearfield.

This ward looked like any other humble LDS ward in Utah. Immediately a couple of things stood out. In the back a young girl was lying in a wheel chair wrapped in an electric blanket. She appeared to be about nine. I saw her father plug the blanket in. Her stare was blank and her mouth hung open. I wondered as I gazed upon her, what had happened.

As the Sacrament was passed an interesting occurance happened that I had not seen before. One of the Deacons was blind and he was assisted by an older Aaronic Prieshood holder. He was lead from Sacrament table to a row of ward members. He held his arm out and the Sacrament was administered. It was a touching scene. On they went from row to row blessing the lives of the members by performing that sacred service. And a young man was able to serve those who loved him.

My eye returned to the young girl in the wheel chair. I tried not to stare but wanted to observe. Soon the water was passed to her father and he carefully poured a few drops onto her lips. She swallowed with minimal expression and some effort. Immediately after her father leaned over and spoke to her. I am not a good lip reader, especially from 35 or so feet. But whatever was spoken, it was with obivious love and kindness. He spoke for several moments interspersed with kisses and longing looks of love.

As our presentation moved forward in the off moments I like to look around the congregation and study the effect of the song and spoken word upon those present. Another face caught my attention, this one was a beautiful mature woman who was paying rapt attention to the service. She appeared to be one of the most totally honest and beautiful women in the congregation. As the meeting concluded and we were leaving this woman stood an revealed a humped back the likes of which I had not seen in many a year. My mind quickly sped through the trials that she has had to endure.

These thoughts were joined by others of the trials of the blind Deacon and the handicapped young girl. Each was had a challenge they were dealing with, one that affected their families and the Ward as well. Then the realization hit me as to why the Spirit had been so strong in the meeting.

Here was a Ward of loving, caring, serving Christians that obviously cared for and loved their fellow Ward members. Every where I had looked people were filled with love and compassion for those who had seen and unseen challenges and trials. And the Spirit of Christmas was present that day and most assuredly through out the entire year. My heart sang - Glory be to God, His Love is spoken here.

Such was the start of the Christmas Season. It was a wonderful to behold.

The Season Begins

Tonight we light the Nativity in Layton. This lighting is an annual event in our community. This year is number 2. For me it is the beginning of the Season of Joy, the Season of Hope, the Season of Light. We light the scene that represents all of these things - The Birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Another special thing about this season is a gift I received two years ago from my son, Matt, it has heightened the season for me. It was simple ornaments to add to our Christmas tree. Each ornament is a card with one of the Names or Titles of Christ. It truly made a "Christ"-mas tree out of our green plastic fir tree.

Now before my wonderful Sweetheart gets her feelings hurt. I have loved the decorations we have used over the years. Many have loving memories associated with them. A few years ago we started adding copies of Christmas carols to the tree because we love music and it brought good memories and thoughts to our hearts.

We the addition of these beautiful simple cards with a sacred name on them. Our tree in my eyes has added a new luster to the season. It becomes a living symbol of the Reason for the Season.

If you are looking for a fun family gathering idea. Have everyone write down as many of the Names or Titles of Jesus Christ and see who can come up with the most. Then see which one means the most to each person. You will have a wonderful time learning about and testifyiing of Christ. It will bring His Spirit into your life and remind you that He is the Reason.

Now I am expected to write and to make it meaningful. Help!

I would like to introduce you to a wonderful website that gives us points to ponder. This website is a favorite of mine because it points to a loving God that uses patterns and symbols. If we take the time to explore these things and His Word we would be better informed and live richer lives. So it is with John Pratt's website. Here is where to find the most interesting things you never imagined about the calendar - http://www.johnpratt.com/items/calendar/index.html

Take time, atleast two hours, and discover what the Jews really knew about the cycles of life. See how the movements of Mercury and Venus point toward the Savior. Check out the beauty of the Mayan calendar and how it relates to the Hebrew reckoning of time. See what the future may hold and when it may happen.

Did you know that Newton calculated the date of Christ's death. That he also interpreted Daniel's dream and proposed dates when it would be fulfilled. For those that are LDS, there is also a calculation of when the First Vision happened. Lots of interesting stuff about the past, the present and the future. It is all on the Great Calendar on God's refrigerator. Happy exploring.

Here I am in blogland

I am a new member of the blog world. Not knowing anything more than I enjoy reading my families blogs. But because I don't want to pay for a family website any more I am trying to move into the blogosphere.

There are so many things to learn. But hope you will stick with me while I try. If you have any words of wisdom please pass them along cause I need as much wisdom as I can get.

Looking forward to talking with you.