It is so difficult to believe that little RJ (Richard James Moore) has been with Heavenly Father for a year today, August 5, 2013...We miss you little RJ, we love you...

So just realized some JERK posted a picture on here that I didn't post....and I can't get rid of it....Don't know the woman, wouldn't have posted it on my blog either...scammer

Our Loss, Heaven's Gain

Has it been farrrrrrrrrrr toooooooooo longggggggggggg...yes.  There has been so much going on.  Work has been picking up (OH THANK YOUUUUUU).  

Then...May 17 my boss passed away.  Did he have a good life? YES  Did he have a long life? YES (he was 82) Were we ready for him to go?  Of course not.  Was he ready to go?  I know he wasn't.  He loved  his work, his craft his business and being at the shop. I often hear his voice in my ear.  His wife told me several days ago that she doesn't expect him to, necessarily, walk in the door ... she just expects him to BE THERE!!!  His memorial was last Friday, June 21st.  It was a very nice service, with his grand-daughter-Jenn giving the eulogy and some antidotes about their sweet relationship.  My Mom spoke and gave a really nice talk about our CAPN EO...I even got up and spoke, was it hard...oh yeah...but he deserved to be acknowledged by us.  A few others spoke as well, then a little visiting after with some food people brought and some sweet Sisters from church there manning the food so none of us had to worry about it.  It was a lovely summer day, not too hot and several of his friends brought their old cars to the service (a tribute to his love of restoring cars to their former glory), members of some of the Vintage Car Clubs he belonged to.  He was a good, old soul!  We will miss him.

This weekend we, Mom and I, are traveling to my Uncle's memorial.  Another huge loss in our lives, just two weeks after my boss.  My uncle was the best.  

My Uncle Dick, the youngest child of my Granma, the youngest brother of my Mother and Aunt…It is very hard to summarize the feelings regarding the life of your Uncle, and friend.  Uncle Dick was only 13 years older than me; we were friends from the start.  My Granma used to tell me stories of Uncle Dick and his “gang” (certainly not in the manner that gang is used today) of pals, who used to push me around Monterey in my baby carriage.  My memories are varied, from the parade he marched me in by decorating my baby stroller and pushing me thru the parade; to the first ride in his first car with him; him teaching me to dance (dances young people today don’t know, like the stroll or the continental); a very special Uncle/niece date at the Monterey Fair when I was a teen (we had a blast by the way, a lot of laughs, food and all the rides we could go on); singing along with Mitch on the vinyl LP; watching him draw or paint; the first picture he ever gave me for graduation from high school (and asked me every time he gave me another to burn it, which I couldn’t do as it was my first Richard Norbeck original!).  Our many visits to Porterville to visit, eat and stroll all along memory lane with him and Olivia.  Those visits were always full of laughter from start to finish.  The notes he would send, always signing your loving uncle….one thing is clear…I KNOW that he never doubted our love for him, nor did my family, his for us;  that gives comfort that there are no regrets in worrying that he didn’t know how very much we loved him.  We are so grateful that his art community have chosen to honor him, we love him and will ever miss him.  Every person in our family has had this read at their service, from the book-This Birth That We Call Death-we want to continue that, as my Mom will read it at his memorial….

A beautiful ship spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength

We watch until at last she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sun and sky come down to mingle with each other. 

Then someone at my side says, 'There she goes! 
Gone where? Gone from my sight - that is all. 

She is just as large in mast and hull and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the places of her destination.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her. 

And just at the moment when someone at my side says,
'There she goes! ' ,
there are other eyes watching her coming and rejoicing, with glad shouts saying :
'Here she comes!' 

I know my Granma was right at the front of that line joyfully saying, “Here He Comes!”

I read this at CAPN EO's service and will my Uncle's as well....I know it is true.....

On this earth we view death from the perspective of one who stays behind, much as a man views a long journey when he is sending someone else off rather than going himself.  He puts his friend on the train or plane and waves goodbye, only able to imagine what the trip is like and what the friend will find when he gets where he is going.

If we could glimpse, for even a moment, the glory and excitement that a departed one faces when his eyes close on time [on this earth] and open on eternity-if only we could glimpse this, perhaps there would be more understanding in our sorrow and more joy in our grief.....

We will ever miss you both...God Be With You Til We Meet Again, with love............

My new favorite word

My new favorite word..........BENIGN..........so grateful...no sign of cancer, uterine or cervical.  I wanted to scream in delight when the Doc told me (especially since he found 3 growths, not just the one he was expecting).  When I got home everyone got an extra special hug, then I began the texts and phone calls....my way of celebrating!  All is good. 

My Vacation and Tomorrow

Well, our vacation to meet Leah Grace (my new Grand-niece) was full of challenges...don't be mislead, the visit with the family was wonderful (to say the least), however here is the chronological order of things:
First morning, went to leave about 4:40a and the car wouldn't start, brother came and gave it a jump...traveled well to SLC
Second morning, car totally dead.  Nice front desk guy jumped the battery and we drove to Wally World...yep new battery (can you say $$$)
Third day, beautiful morning; blessing of Leah and a nice get together (although H O T) at the house.  Get a call that evening that beautiful little RJ, son of my sweet friend Sequoia, had died in an accident and his father was injured.  The way the Lord works is often a puzzlement to me.  Instead of staying at our normal hotel we were in Murray, close to the hospital.  Mom and I got dressed and went to the hospital, just so Sequoia would know we were there and love her.
Fourth day, going to St. George to see my ex-roomate who had a heart attack a few weeks before...but first to the hospital to check on dear Sequoia, her mom and hubby....then my dear nephew and his family t-boned by a teen texting or talking on the phone driving thru a red light.  Fortunately, no serious injuries...for which I am more grateful to Heavenly Father than I can ever say.
Fifth day, my sister had emergency surgery, after being terribly ill for 9 days.  Up all night awaiting word...scary stuff.
A couple more days of really nice visit with family, then sweet little RJ's funeral on Saturday.  A beautiful tribute to his sweet and short (22month) life.
Sunday home...
a few days later I'm in a VERY small fender bender.
Tomorrow my biopsy on the uterus....can you say an emotion filled month so far...want August far behind me AND with a benign biospy report!
There must be a lesson the Lord is trying to teach me, to be more humble maybe?  I am trying very hard and the past 2 weeks have brought me to my knees for help a startling amount...I am aware that I can do nothing without his help.....I love the Lord and I know that His plans for me are for good, perhaps I need to show that more and...
Perhaps I just need reminding now and again...
Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths

The "C" Word

After a bunch (A BIG BUNCH) of tests, the results were in....Gall stones, many of them-though the gall bladder itself seems ok for now; a large lesion and large cyst on my kidney (maybe from the  infection that sent me to the hospital in the first place) that might just go away; and a growth on my uterus, which may or may not be cancer.  Hearing the word cancer, immediately brought a tremor to my soul, how would I tell my mom.  Then some comforting words, even if it is cancer it seems self contained and they'd just take the uterus out!  Hey take it, I've never used it anyway.  If it is cancer they will again check the kidney (more tests ugh, but hey I have two kidneys!!! :-))))....
Brother S and Brother J gave me another blessing.  I was not in a panic in the first place BUT it's always good to hear what the Lord has to say.  It's interesting, I remember once when I was young asking for a blessing, my Dad basically said you only need a blessing if you are weak....well I now know that information is misleading.  It is the Lord's pleasure for you to have a blessing; it is a worthy Priesthood holder's pleasure to give you a blessing AND it is certainly your pleasure to have a blessing.  Bro S said we should ask for a blessing WHENEVER we feel we need one.  He also said to "please allow him to magnify his Priesthood" to bring the peace to someone that a blessing can give.  What a wonderful thing...  Bro J said yes we are weak, THAT IS WHY we MUST call on Heavenly Father for strength, especially in a blessing. If I were to say that the blessing was awesome that would be an understatement.  I know that worthy Priesthood holders would never say something that was not directed to them....Bro S said that this would be taken care and over soon.  That it would not impair me because Heavenly Father had work for me to do both in the ward and the stake AND He loved me (reiterated several times during the blessing) AND how pleased He is with me and with the temple work I do and that He did not want that interrupted!  WOW told you it was more than awesome!  Again I'm so thankful for worthy Priesthood holders and the power that God has given them!!!

The Power of the Priesthood and Sisterhood of Relief Society

Over the past two weeks (since I was VERY briefly in the hospital) I have witnessed and felt the spirit, first hand, of the Power of the Priesthood and of the Sisterhood of Relief Society.  When my friend Denise, thankfully, goaded me to call my Home Teacher and ask for a blessing I did.  I'll insert here that my former HT had just moved to another ward, so my new HT (though I do know him) hadn't even had the opportunity to visit me yet.  When I called his home, his wife answered the phone (at that time it was close to 10p) she said she was on it!  Boy was she, within the hour her husband and another Brother from church were at the hospital giving me a blessing.  They hung around (taking care that I was being cared for) until probably 12:30a or so (even though I kept trying to get them to go home to their families)...The Spirit I felt when hands were laid on my head and the blessing began was one of total peace, I KNEW then that regardless of what was found everything would be fine.  I know when such blessings are made promises are only given by direction of the spirit, and I was promised that I would be well and home soon!  By the many pauses in the blessing I knew that Dale was being directed what to say, not just saying "something"...it occurred to me then that the awesome power of the Priesthood is so definitely a gift from God, and something to be nurtured and held with the highest regard and reverence.  
Then we come to the Sisterhood of Relief Society.  I was so blessed on Sunday to have many sisters visit me, in the early evening when I was finally starting to feel better.  Mom left around 2 and I tried to get some rest...the visitors started at 4:30 and last ones leaving a little before 8...
Sometimes when you are unmarried and have no children there can be moments of terrible loneliness...usually my kits fill in those spots at home...but they aren't allowed at the hospital (LOL) so it was wonderful to feel that sisterhood, as I'm sure this the what the Lord intended...Charity indeed never faileth, to bolster a woman's (or man's) soul!  So thank you Lord for the lessons learned by this brief, frightening experience....perhaps that is why this happened...to bring new/renewed reverence for the power of the Priesthood and love for the Sisterhood of the Relief Society.....THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Been toooooo long

WOW, it's been far too long since I've written here!  What's up with that, busy, busy, busy!  Busy at church, at work, and at home.  Teaching the 4 year olds in Sunday School....the first Sunday I was spit on and pinched by the same little boy...the next Sunday kicked by him...the next Sunday he was totally disruptive in class...hasn't been there the past 3 Sundays...been very peaceful and quite in class and sharing time!  My dear, dear neighbors Lue and Gabe are moving to Reno down the street from their daughter.  BOY am I gonna miss them.  They are so sweet, but totally understand why at both of them nearing (or he may be) 90 why they would want to be in a smaller home with less yard, etc for her to care for.  So i'll just have to drop by and see them once in a while when I go to the temple on Friday's.  Love getting the updates from Meg on her mission in Korea...she's quite the special one! (of course all my nieces and nephews are)...well better get to work.  I'll try to come up with more this week.  Need to start writing about some of my experiences to put together for my someday demise, so I can leave something behind for the nieces and nephews I love so much! xoxo til later

Humble Ourselves before the Lord

As I was writing this to my niece a little while ago I decided to add it here....I was reminded of something in Sunday School a few weeks ago....the Lord not only invites you but WANTS SO MUCH for you to ask HIM for help in tackling the difficulties of your goals; but we must ask.  I remember someone in class saying, but I hate to always bother HIM with my "little" issues...HE wants us to ask.  It is important to HIM, and to us, that we humble ourselves enough to ask for HIS guidance and assistance.  The first week teaching my primary class was a trial in magnitude (I was pinched and spit on by one particularly trying young boy)...then I read something last week that if you can't get the children to behave, or be reverent or whatever it may be, then just love them.  I prayed all week to that end and yesterday my class was, for the most part, reverent and other than a couple of outbursts (and the same little boy insisting the window sill was his seat) calm and went well....the difference was more me than them.....

Moving on-Spiritually

I will admit that my previous calling at church (until yesterday) as the Singles 31+ Rep was the most challenging position I've ever held.  I worked to refine a list that I was given.  Contacted people, sent out notices and letters...only to receive 2 (yes count them TWO) replies.  One from someone saying that she'd been married for 30 years, but "thanks anyway" and one that might be interested.  It became disheartening.  I prayed for strength to fulfill and magnify my calling, then began to pray to be released....well I was released yesterday and am now in Primary.  OK I'll admit I was praying for a RS position, but still here I am.  I might be co-teaching the 4 year old children.  Everyone knows I LOVE children.  I did teach primary for a number of years so I was hoping for adults, but I also know that the Lord knows just what I need and He will support me IF I do my best.  Primary has changed a great deal since I was a teacher, but I will enjoy the children.  I WILL, however, miss terribly my Gospel Doctrine class....I still need it so much and was so EXCITED to be studying the Book of Mormon this year.  I will also miss RS so very, very much.  I so love the interaction with the sisters and the love that is in that room, I was just getting to know them all...such sweet spirits. 
Already missing Sister Shaffer...she and her husband Steve were assigned to the Walker Branch (an hour away) and their records will also be transferred there, but she'll go to the temple with me on Friday's once in awhile. 
Beautiful talks yesterday on Personal Revelation, I love Sacrament Meeting. 
Well back to work....check out the "Spiritual Directory Assistance" and the "Conference Talks Spiritual Directory Assistance" lists...some good stuff there.

Discouragement

When I was a teenager someone wrote a note to me, as follows....wish I had read it over and over during some years, but now I can post it here and consistentlly remember...

"Discouragement, of course, is the devils principal tool. TAKE IT AWAY FROM HIM! Don't let him use it. He tries it on each of us....Have FAITH. The Lord, when we put our trust in Him, will see us through any dfficulty, BUT IT IS UP TO US to place trust in Him and exercise courage and faith. We must also do our part to move forward, difficult as it may sometimes seem."

This was an Institute teacher of mine, Ronald W. Walker (I believe he is now an author as well!)

From July 2011

From an e-mail I sent my Ute families last July...was getting ready to delete it and didn't want it to go away so I could remind myself about it!

• July 27, 2010

  • D & C 93
    Oh what beautiful words I studied for about an hour or so last night from D & C 93!!! (so of course I want to share...I tell you I feel like a babe in the woods just realizing the truths of all I'm studying) It really brought home the potential to me AND as I first started studying with the professor's at BYU (on TV, lol) they made a statement that struck me....Christ knows our capacity and IT IS MUCH MORE THAN WE BELIEVE OUR CAPACITY TO BE! WOW!
    -------
    12 And I, John, saw that He received not of the fulness at the first, but received grace for grace;
    13 And He received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until He received a fulness;
    14 And thus He was called the Son of God, because He received not of the fulness at the first.
    15 And I, John, bear record, and lo, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Ghost descended upon Him in the form of a dove, and sat upon Him, and there came a voice out of heaven saying: This is my Beloved Son.
    16 And I, John, bear record that He received a fulness of the glory of the Father;
    17 And He received all power, both in heaven and on earth, and the glory of the Father was with Him, for He dwelt in Him.
    18 And it shall come to pass, that if you are faithful you shall receive the fulness of the record of John.
    19 I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in My Name, and in due time receive of His fulness.
    20 For if you keep my commandments you shall receive of His fulness, and be glorified in ME as I am in the Father; therefore, I say unto you, you shall receive grace for grace.
    -------
    WOW what a promise huh! ( I will admit I went through and capitalized the he, him, his and me...just doesn't seem right that, proper English or not, that any reference to HIM or HIS FATHER should ever be lower case....I'm just sayin')
    Love ya

Thanksgiving, Giving Thanks, Being Thankful/Grateful

This month visiting teachers were to pick a message to give themselves....I wrote up the following for our (my comp, Denise and I) message this month....

Your Visiting Teachers, Denise Riley & Deb Allred, wish you a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

This month we are blessed to share a lesson from our hearts to you.  What a better time than Thanksgiving to share what is in our heart.  We want you to know that you are special to us.  We are thankful for the opportunity to be your visiting teachers.  We regret that November just seemed to fly by and with the obligations that we’ve had we will not be able to visit you this month.  We want you to know that we are here, and ever will be if you should need us…to talk, to help, to be a friend. 

Since this is my month to give the message (as Denise and I switch off) I remember seeing a little sign in a store greatly affected me, it read:

“Everyday there is something to be thankful for”. 

I think I had forgotten that in some of those days before I returned to the church.  Some days that “something” may be difficult to find, but it is there if we look for it.  Every day I find more and more if things are stressful, or difficult I can be thankful for the trust our Father in Heaven and His Son placed in the Prophet Joseph to restore the gospel to the earth.  If I start there I find more and more things that come from that wonderful restoration, including you, our Sisters in Relief Society. 

President Joseph F. Smith said, “I believe that one of the greatest sins of which the inhabitants of the earth are guilty today is the sin of ingratitude, the want of acknowledgment, on their part, of God and His right to govern and control.  We see a man raised up with extraordinary gifts, or with great intelligence, and he is instrumental in developing some great principle.  He and the world ascribe this great genius and wisdom to himself.  He attributes his success to his own energies, labor and mental capacity.  He does not acknowledge the hand of God in anything connected with his success, but ignores Him altogether and takes the honor to himself; this will apply to almost all the world.  In all great modern discoveries in science, in the arts, in mechanics, and in all the material advancement of our age, the world says, ‘We have done it.’  The individual says, ‘I have done it,’ and he gives no honor or credit to God.  Now, I read in the revelations through Joseph Smith, the prophet, that because of this, God is not pleased with the inhabitants of the earth but is angry with them because they will not acknowledge HIS hand in all things.” (Gospel Doctrine, 5^th ed., Salt Lake City, Deseret Book Co., 1939,  pp.270-71.)

Sisters, if I know one thing I KNOW that we in the restored church acknowledge thankfulness to a Father in Heaven who loves us, and that NOTHING we do is without HIS hand guiding us, and blessing us…at this wonderful time to reflect on our thankfulness I will remember to be grateful for, at least, one thing every single day.

We are thankful for you, and look forward to getting to know you better.  Enjoy this wonderful holiday with your family.

With love,      Denise and Deb

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Love, Deb

Thanksgiving

Whenever Thanksgiving comes around I miss the chaos that was always around Mom's house...when we used to have all the siblings and their children there, or when we had our family, friends who were away from their families join in dinner and my Granma and Gramps.  I miss them, MOST ESPECIALLY, at Thanksgiving and Christmas more than any other time of year.  Oh how Granma and Gramps loved those holidays.  Everyone at Mom's...on Christmas Granma and Gramps over around 6a or earlier, waiting for us to get up so they could be there when the festivities began.  Talk about love that was total, no matter what...they were (and are where they are now) the best a girl could have hoped for.  Riding in the driver's seat on Gramps' lap, thinking I was driving the car.  Going with him to the beach, fishing pole in the sand, never catching anything there but just enjoying his company, listening to his stories.  Grandma, who gave me my love for reading...going with her to the library, getting books for the week.  Going with her to her job and "helping" (probably not as well as she could have done it, but she'd instruct me when there were streaks on the massive mahogany dining table I was to polish and dust).  Going with her to A&W after to have a burger in the car from the carhop.  She'd always plan picnics for us kids with our Mom, and it would ALWAYS rain, but the car picnics were just fine with us.  Running errands with her, even going to the laundromat with her were among the most joyous times of my life.  Sitting next to her on the sofa, while she may have been talking to someone else, her hand reaching over every so often and pat my knee or the back of my hand.  Sometimes when I'm having a particularly difficult time with something I will waken in the night, and I swear, feeling her patting my hand.  I could go on and on about Eula, my sweet, dear Grandma...oh how I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her and my Gramps, Smitty.  Oh and the great love of board games that she passed on to me, and I've played with my nieces and nephews....loved it, especially how we'd laugh playing "Uncle Wiggley" or another board game or card game....I'll definitely include more about them sometime in this blog...when my Grandma died I didn't know as much as I believe I do now about death, but I KNEW ONE THING, when I go she'll be there, RIGHT IN FRONT, arms open and heart full of love to welcome me....Love you Granma and Gramps, now and forever...oh that everyone could have Grandparents as they were to me! (Oh and Easter....the hunts in their back yard! lol)

Auntie Deb

Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE being an Auntie....ever since my first honorary nephew was born, Jeremy-now 40- yes forty, I have enjoyed being an auntie...then came all the others and the blood nieces and nephews....Ricky, Christina, Matthew, Megan, Kevin, Nick, Jordan, Aaron, Danielle and Will.....they are just the bestest!
Now there are additions in spouses....Ricky's Heidi; Christina's Josh; Matt's Candace; and Nick's Alyssa....AND Ricky & Heidi's son Raiden (yep GREAT Auntie Deb); Matt & Candace's Hannah and soon another for Matt & Candace and one for Nick & Alyssa....how blessed am I !!!!!!!  LOVE YOU ALL

INQUIRE of the LORD, TRUST in the LORD, LOOK to the Lord in all things

This verse was the subject of my thought for the day in Megan's letter today:

1 Nephi 15:3
For he truly spake many great things unto them, which were hard to be understood, save a man should inquire of the Lord; and they being hard in their hearts, therefore they did not look unto the Lord as they ought.

This is reiterated in scripture in the Bible, the Book of Mormon and prophetic writings, talks and so on again and again....inquire of the Lord, trust in the Lord, look to the Lord in all things.

I am so inspired by a talk about Abraham Lincoln (since I was about 8 I remember him as being my most favorite President and so it is today as well!) by Mark E. Peterson, called "The Saver of Men"...what a wonderful God-fearing man.....enjoy:

I would like to talk with you about Abraham Lincoln, man of God.

President Lincoln was one of the great men of all time, and the reason for his greatness was his willingness to acknowledge and obey the Lord.

He believed in God; he lived near to God; he prayed most earnestly and knew for a fact that he was guided by divine inspiration in his important work.

Lincoln wan a devout believer in the Bible and read it often. At one time he said:

“I decided a long time ago that it was less difficult to believe that the Bible was what it claimed to be than to disbelieve it. It is a good book for us to obey.” (John Wesley Hill, Abraham Lincoln—Man of God, New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1927, 4th ed., p. 126.)

Lincoln guided the destinies of the United States during the Civil War period by using the Bible and applying its principles. He exercised faith, and prayer, and deep humility, and out of it all he learned this great fact, as he himself expressed it:

“I have had so many evidences of His [God’s] direction, so many instances when I have been controlled by some other power than my own will, that I cannot doubt that this power comes from above. … I am satisfied that, when the Almighty wants me to do, or not to do, a particular thing, he finds a way of letting me know it.” (Ibid., p. 124.)

Lincoln was convinced that, by and large, God controls the affairs of nations, and that when nations serve the Lord he blesses them; but when they do not, he withdraws his blessings.

Said he:

“It is the duty of Nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon, and to recognize the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that ‘those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.’” (Ibid., p. 390–91.)

With this in mind he also declared that nations, like individuals, are subject to punishments and chastisements at the hand of God.

He believed that the Civil War was one of the punishments God brought upon America because it tolerated slavery. He knew that slavery was wrong, and that the nation could not endure half slave and half free, and therefore took the necessary steps to free the slaves.

One day he declared: “If we do not do right, God will let us go our own way to ruin; and … if we do right, He will lead us safely out of this wilderness, crown our arms with victory and restore our dissevered Union.” (Ibid. p. 129.)

And then, thrillingly, he said: “I know I am right, because I know that liberty is right, for Christ teaches it, and Christ is God.” (Ibid., p. 285–86; italics added.)

Again Lincoln said: “I seem to know that Providence has protected and will protect us against any fatal defeat. All we have to do is to trust the Almighty, and keep on obeying His orders and executing His will.” (Ibid., p. 126.)

“That the Almighty … directly intervenes in human affairs, is one of the plainest statements in the Bible,” the great Civil War leader declared. (Ibid., p. 124.)

Lincoln had seen examples of this very thing as he studied the scriptures. In Deuteronomy, for instance, he read that God had promised the ancient Israelites, as they emerged from Egyptian bondage, that if they would obey the divine commandments, the Lord would make of them the greatest nation on earth.

Archaeologists and historians have fully demonstrated that there were some very great and advanced nations in antiquity; but God would make of the Twelve Tribes the greatest of them all! However, there was one condition: if they would serve the Lord.

In Deuteronomy chapter twenty-eight we read: “It shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth.” (Deut. 28:1; italics added.)

And again the Lord said that His purpose for ancient Israel was “to make thee high above all nations … that thou mayest be an holy people unto the Lord.” (Deut. 26:19.)

He promised them liberty and prosperity and immunity from the diseases that plagued other nations. He promised them peace and pledged that the sword would not go through their land, and furthermore that their enemies would be afraid to attack them.

“And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and do them.” (Deut. 28:13; see also Lev. 26.)

On the other hand, the Lord declared that if Israel should refuse to obey Him, He would withdraw His blessings and would send punishments upon them so that they would become the least of the nations; they would be the tail and not the head; they would lose their prosperity and eventually be scattered over the world.

And what happened to them? They gazed upon their neighboring nations and envied them and wanted to be like them. They knew that those nations were evil and idolatrous, but they seemed to have an air of popularity about them; and therefore, the Israelites, blinded by selfishness and pride, still clamored to be like them. Eventually they were—and went down to destruction as did those other nations. They apostatized from the principles God gave them to make them great. They failed to achieve their ultimate potential and suffered the bitter consequences of disobedience. It was a stupendous loss of a magnificent opportunity which could have changed the whole course of history.

The same principle held true in ancient America. Two nations occupied the Western Hemisphere. Both received commandments similar to those given to ancient Israel. Both were told that to prosper in this land they must serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, or they would be swept off.

But neither nation had sufficient faith to keep the commandments. Both threw to the four winds an opportunity like that offered to ancient Israel—to be mighty in the earth. Both fell into sin, and both were destroyed.

Now what was it that Lincoln said? “It is the duty of Nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God.”

And what else did he say? “Those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.”

That principle held true in the days of ancient Israel, it held true with the Jaredites and the Nephites, and it holds true today: only those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord!

But Lincoln taught something else. He not only said that the blessings of God are limited to those nations who acknowledge Him, but that likewise, only those individual persons who serve the Lord receive His blessings.

Remember that he said: It is the duty of both nations and individuals to acknowledge their dependence upon the overruling power of God and that they should confess their sins in humble sorrow and seek mercy and forgiveness.

What else did Lincoln say? Almost like a prophet he said: “We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; … we have grown in number, wealth, and power as no other Nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. [Italics added.] We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. … We have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God who made us.” (Hill, p. 391.)

And then Lincoln continued: “It behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended power, to confess our … sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.” (Ibid.)

Have we the courage to do what Lincoln said?

Heaven knows this world is filled with sin and corruption, with pride and arrogance, with selfishness, greed, and avarice. Do we really want to live this way and endure the misery of it all? Can mankind really enjoy filth and wickedness and not seek for the freedom and exhilaration of cleanliness?

This kind of freedom can only be found in righteousness. Filth and wickedness bring only slavery, degradation, and death.

The Savior at one time spoke of the salt that gives savour to mankind. He spoke also of the salt that loses its savor. Old Testament prophets spoke of a “sweet savor,” too; but they also spoke of the savor “that stinketh,” which is the ghastly stench of wickedness.

Every nation is made up of its individual citizens. When its citizens are evil, the nation is evil. When they are righteous we have an upright nation.

Then righteousness must begin with each person. Each must regard himself as a part of the salt of the earth which is intended to give a sweet savor to his fellowmen. Especially should every follower of Christ be as salt that provides a sweet savor.

But we must remember the Lord’s warning: “If the salt have lost his savor wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” (Matt. 5:13.)

And again, what was it Lincoln said? “If we do not do right, God will let us go on our own way to ruin.” And that is true, for God will force no man to heaven.

But the Lord was more forceful than was Lincoln, and declared that disobedience is an affront to Him. The savor that the wicked give off becomes a stench in His face. It is the savor “that stinketh.”

I ask you, how do we lose the savor that followers of the Lord should have? We lose it as we cease to serve Him, or even by becoming casual in our obedience.

For example, if we become careless about attending our meetings, do we not lose some of the savor that good salt should have?

If we neglect our prayers, our tithes and offerings, what becomes of our savor?

President Kimball the day before yesterday asked if we do not share the gospel with our neighbors, what becomes of our savor?

If we violate God’s holy Sabbath day, does that cause a sweet savor to arise from us, or do we cast a stench into His face?

If we are dishonest, unkind, or vengeful, do we not offend the Deity?

And if we lose our virtue—that priceless gift of chastity—what becomes of our savor? Is not cleanliness next to godliness? Does not filth banish purity? Does not unchastity insult the Lord? Is it not a “savor that stinketh”?

If we are guilty of infidelity in our family, or are otherwise cruel in our home, do we exude a sweet savor or a stench?

If we oppose Church policies and defy our chosen leaders, what becomes of our “sweet savor”? Can there be any sweetness in disloyalty?

If we withdraw from the Church and accept the destructive teachings of false prophets, do we not abdicate our place in the Lord’s kingdom? And does that give the Lord a sweet savor?

When speaking of the preservation of our place in the Kingdom of God, President Heber J. Grant said:

“I have seen men, no matter how high the position … they have reached, neglect their duties and turn away, and become enemies of the Church” because they did not keep the commandments of God. “My most earnest prayer,” President Grant continued, “is that every man and every woman will get it into his or her heart that they are in very deed the architects of their lives. … There are two spirits striving with all of us. There is no labor in which we engage but that there is a spirit telling us, ‘Oh, you do not need to do that; it is a waste of time, and you ought to be engaged in something else.’

“On the other hand,” President Grant continued, “there is a still small voice telling us what is right, and if we listen to that still small voice we shall grow and increase in strength and power, in testimony and in ability not only to live the gospel but to inspire others to do so.” (Improvement Era, Dec. 1937, p. 735.)

And again Lincoln said: “Remember to call upon and confide in our great and good and merciful Maker, Who will not turn away from [us] in any extremity. He notes the fall of the sparrow, and numbers the hairs of our heads. He will not forget the dying man who puts his trust in Him.” (Hill, p. 334.)

May we have sufficient common sense to trust and obey the Lord our God! It is the only way to security, both for nations and for individuals. To this I testify, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Releasing Anger

After my less than desirable interaction with my neighbor on Saturday night I had so much anger in my heart and was sooooo tired I thought I'd stay home from church yesterday.  I called my pal, Denise, and told her that I wouldn't be at church and to let a couple people know I'm ok just exhausted.  After I hung up I had a swift kick to my heart, which can only be attributed to the Holy Ghost, that told me because I had this anger in my heart toward my neighbor I not only should go to church, but MUST go to church...which I did.  I'm so happy I did, I was able to let it go and be done with it.  Thank you Lord for providing your spirit to have me be where I should be (even though I almost fell asleep a couple of times) and release the anger I was holding.  Have a good Monday everyone.

Expectations

I chose living in a home rather than an apartment because I had expectations of a home, they aren't many but they mean alot...1. That I can sit in the living room and hear the TV without the neighbors so loud that I couldn't... 2. That I could sleep in my bedroom without hearing the neighbors so loud I can't....in the past week both those myths busted.  I long since can't keep the front door open if the neighbors across the street are home, in their gargage with the door open, always seems to escalate into a fight betwen the two of them, then this past week it was their music...with the my door closed I could only hear it not my TV.  Last night, as the previous 3 Friday and Saturday nights, the person living in the garage next door blasting his music...difference the previous 3 was not so loud it seemed it was in my house, so I could sleep...NOT SO last night...last night the pictures on my bedroom wall were shaking and the flat chimes against the wall vibrating to the wall.  I kept thinking ok it will stop at 10, then 11 then 11:30 I went over and had to bang on the garage door to get them to hear me, he said "sorry" then proceeded on until 12:20, never again, now I'll just have to call the police. ...just seems there is no respect for anyone, anymore.

Another fun and tiring day at Apple Hill

Went to Apple Hill again yesterday with Mom and Shirley.  Shirley wanted to go so we went again so she could enjoy the day at Apple Hill too.  Again bought a lot of apples, so today the peeling begins!  Going to make some pies, turnovers, crisps, etc. and put them in the freezer for company; make a couple of little ones for me!  Had a great time, but the body is tired...
Today clean house this a.m., finish decorating, then start on the apples.  Happy Saturday!!!
"An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away!"  maybe, maybe not...but I have sure missed apples since my Gastric Bypass surgery.  The sugar in them makes me go into dumping syndrome...so I bought some very small apples at Apple Hill and, as long as I don't eat the skin I'm doin' ok! Yipeee

Jenn on her way home

Our dear friend, Sister Mack, is on her way home.  What a wonderful missionary and servant of the Lord she is and has been.  I know, from her Mother, that they are sooooo looking forward to her arrival tomorrow.  What wonderful young women we've become aquainted with through the sister missionaries we've had in our ward!  I've just adopted them all....A blessing to be sure.