The Heart of the Storm

 We have had so little rain all year that whenever it does rain, we LOVE it! This past week we had our first big storm and it let loose! It turns out we were in the very center of it, and the direction of the wind changed several times before the rains and hail subsided.

I think it lasted about a half hour. The hail was on and off and thankfully never got bigger than peas and it didn't come down so heavy that it shredded everything. The garden even fared pretty well, though my poor corn, which was just tassling, is slightly askew.

There may be bruises on the fruit, and there are certainly more crab apples, plums, and regular apples on the ground than there were before, but the beauty that followed the storm was amazing!!! The rain came down so hard and so fast that it literally flooded our street. Charity waded out in gum boots, and couldn't go as far as the end of the street without the water rising above the boot level. The colors on that lake-like street were so beautiful as you can see in the photos.

The sunset was also amazing, and the light looked almost fiery as the sun set through the clouds and moisture that hung in the atmosphere.

I am so grateful for the moisture - we got all of 2 inches maybe more in that short time. I'm also very grateful that the hail didn't really do much damage. And on top of all that, there was such a neat feeling of rejoicing in the blessing of moisture and beauty that followed. It smelled wonderful and the nearby dill fields became ever more fragrant. 

This week I've been pondering a little bit on the storms of life, and when this storm rolled through I was reminded that though storms come, and each one is a little different, bringing with it different challenges and struggles, there is a beauty that can be found. For me that beauty is in discovering the hand of God guiding me, blessing me, lifting me, comforting me, and extending His precious grace. The storms of life don't always end with a sunset, in fact, there are some that don't seem to end... but the beauty comes as I am strengthened to endure the storm, and empowered to face it with faith and trust that God hasn't forgotten me. I know He lives and that He loves not just me, but everyone. I know that He is intensely interested in our success as we face those storms. This knowledge is the equivalent of a beautiful, vibrant sunset in my life. It brings me joy, even when there is commotion or unrest and I am so thankful for that peace that settles on my soul in the heart of life's storms.

Cute Campers!

We have been so blessed this week to be able to take some time off of work and to spend some time in the mountains.

Monday was our first official day of holidays and it was full of tasks to be completed before we could leave... but, we had everything done that was on the list in the time that we had, and by 1:00 we were on the road. Our destination was the Beaver Mines campground. We had extreme wind gusts sporadically through the night, but we weathered it well. 

Tuesday, Alisha and the kids joined us, and we engaged in all sorts of activities with them.

There were bike rides around the camping loop...

Hiking the mountain trails...

Flying Kites...

We did crafts and played games. The kids were delighted to discover 'a mountain!' and they especially loved the water, wading with their mom. We had rain Tuesday night, so the games inside the tent at bedtime were fully engaged in. The kids loved the tent and especially found the flashlights entertaining on the tent walls. They only had two days with us before they had to go home.

That evening we went for a walk through the campsites. I took scads of photos, and had some that I really loved... but for some reason the camera deleted a pile of them. However, I did still get some good ones of beautiful scenery.

The sunset was so lovely!

Before leaving the area we visited Castle Mountain Falls. The area was lovely and so nice to visit before we headed for home.

We are so grateful for the beautiful areas we've been able to not only visit, but also share with our family. It was delightful having Alisha and the kids join us, I only wish more of our family could have been with us. It is such a joy to have beautiful area's so close to where we live that we can spend time in 

Though we absolutely loved our time away, we are also happy to be home again. Our watering system worked beautifully and our yard is happy. We've picked a pile of peas already and in looking around I think that the squash grew 1.5 feet or so in our absence!!!  It is such a joy to be able to come home to a flourishing garden and yard. I am so blessed to not only find beauty in the mountains, but I also find much beauty right here, at my home.

We are Loved... Warts and All!

We live in a society that tends to expect perfection – the perfect look, the perfect relationship, the perfect words. Our actions are expected to be void of mistakes, errors, misjudgements and so forth. Sadly, if you do something someone doesn't like they may 'cancel' you which means you will likely be ostracized, boycotted, or shunned by them. The pressure for our lives at least appear perfect is tangible which can lead one to view others with less than charitable eyes. Perfectionism and comparison go hand in hand and can become deep rooted habits, like warts, that are hard to overcome. Comparison often spurs one to judge others OR causes anxiety and self criticism. This is toxic to cherished connections and steals joy.

In relationships our response to other people’s lack of perfection matters a LOT! President Nelson recently reminded us to watch how we speak about others, and to make sure that those things we say are virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy whether we are speaking to his face or behind her back. (April 2023) Speaking and thinking that way emulates the Savior’s grace, which says: “I know you messed up here, and that stinks, but your actions won’t push me away. Instead, they motivate me to draw closer because I know you can do better. I believe you will do better, and I’ll be walking beside you each step of the way.” I can’t help but imagine what it would be like to live in a culture where grace is generously given, where we mirror God’s heart to others in our homes, churches and communities.

I think we have days where, just like the combine, we are doing pretty good. On the other hand, there are days where it seems there are multitudes of mouths (responsibilities) to feed and we are armed with only two small fishes and a hand full of loaves. We may even be feeding the monster of expecting perfection from ourselves or others. No matter what the case, no matter how great the lack, we need the Savior to perfect our efforts and magnify them, and as with the loaves and fishes, we see that He doesn’t just fill the need to precision, but rather He expands our efforts to overflowing as he perfects our offering. 

It was No Accident!

They say that success is not an accident... and that has been true at our house this week. We set out to do some big projects. My husband had a job to finish up in town that has been ongoing for a long time. By the beginning of the week, everything was in place to get it done, and so that was what he did. It was a good plan. It is amazing what a little window trim will do. It literally frames everything that you look at outside your house! It's like a living picture that lets in the light! 

As for me, I had so many things, but the plan I worked was one of incremental pieces. I did little bits on big projects. I sewed, watered, read, weeded, sprayed, cooked, and all the usual things. The big plan was to give one day with my husband to the completion of a project we have been working on for what feels like a long time [right Breanna?!]. 

On the appointed day, with the trim out of the way, we went to work together on the doggy bunk bed. it was near completion already but still needed most of the finishing work done. It took the morning but once we had everything ready to go, we were delighted to discover a little time for our yardwork. I had some bark to spread around my garden, and weeds to spray once again. My husband mowed the lawn and alley. It didn't take long and we were eagerly on the road, excited to get to Breanna's.

This project was the dreamchild of Breanna and is an ingenious space saver. Her dog, Oki, will sleep up top, and the service dog in training sleeps in the kennel below. Both dogs have lots of room. Oki learned to use the stairs quickly. Each step is a drawer unit, so she also has more space for all those doggie things that accumulate when you love animals. 💓

After putting the legs and drawer pulls on, we finally took her out for her birthday dinner and then for a walk down at the park. Oki went for a good run which gave him an even greater appreciation for his new furniture when they got home.

I have to say that it FEELS AMAZING to have so many big things come to completion within days of each other. Truly it was no accident. We had to plan all those things into our schedules which were already full. But the satisfaction of a job well done feels so joyful. It is worth the effort and sacrifice needed to accomplish anything worth doing - and when it comes to the people I love, it is ALWAYS worth doing. [I am also so very grateful for their patience. 🤟]

My Garden of Weed'in

Look at my garden grow!!! I love to go outside and walk through our new veggie garden area. It was a LOT of work to put in and finish in time to plant before it got too late, but I have never had a vegetable garden that has grown so well as this in this yard!!! I absolutely love it!

Nearly daily, I walk through the garden looking for areas that need attention. I hand water the greenhouse and other areas that look dry. Weekly I give it a good soak with the sprinkler, and more recently I've had to dust the plants to discourage grasshoppers [I use diatomaceous earth with a little flour mixed in - neither substance harmful] and bugs from eating them. It seems to be helping. I pull weeds as I see them so they don't grow big. Our raspberries are just starting to come on, and lots of things are blooming. We are also enjoying lettuce, and baby carrots as we anticipate an even greater harvest.

For me, there is something about being in the garden. Perhaps it is because I spent so many, many hours outside as a kid working in the sugar beet field. I find so much satisfaction in growing things. I think I gained a lot of confidence working in the sugar beets. I learned to name all the weeds, so much so that I can still identify most weeds with only two leaves growing... my dad gave me that gift. 

I think another reason I love being in my garden, is because of the way I view my Father in Heaven as the Gardener of my Soul. He sends me spiritual nourishment every day, He waters my soul with His word, and with His love and mercy. He invites me to pull the weeds of sin through repentance and forgiveness, and He helps me discourage distracting pests from my heart that would ravage my time for good things if given the chance. I know that just as I walk through my garden daily, looking for areas that need attention, the Lord spends time with me daily after the manner of a practiced Gardener. He has tutored me often and helped my soul to flourish. Though the harvest is not yet complete, it brings me joy to know that my soul is being cultivated and cared for by my all-knowing and loving  Heavenly Father.

Designed to Smile

 I am blessed with the opportunity to regularly spend time with my grandchildren, and when I do, I always bring my giggle kit with me filled with different activities for them to engage in. This last time I made sure to include the newly purchased play-doh which had been a hit at our family gathering.

I pulled out the Play-Doh and the kids played with it for a bit, but within a half hour, it was all put away and they were ready to move on to the next thing. We opened up the Giggle Kit, and Odin requested the toys.  UH-OH! I had not put that box back in, so I was there without the little cars he loves to play with. Thinking quickly, I suggested we make cars out of play-doh for him to play with instead. He was excited about that idea... so I built the first car. He wanted another.... and another... and another.... When he handed me a blob of red dough, I suggested we make a ladybug with it, then I added wheels and suddenly we were creating cars that have never been invented. Of the 20 or so cars we built, we had a ladybug car, a frog car, a hot dog car, a hamburger car, a lizard car, a snake car, a marshmallow car, a police car, and so many more.

Before long I introduced to him how to blend colors to make more colors. We made orange which built a carrot car, and then we made brown with built a chocolate chip car. He loved blending colors and didn't want to stop for lunch!

I have never seen an activity consume a 4 year old for so long. He didn't want to quit, and when we finally called it done, he cried and cried and cried. Thankfully we were able to distract him, and he settled down - poor little fellow. His little sister was in on it too, but she did a lot of playing in the back yard, hugging the dog, singing songs with actions, and so forth as well. 

It was a good day made even better by adding my grown children into the mix. I got to visit with my Charity for several hours (she helped me calm and distract Odin when we came inside). Did you know she made the papers this week? 

She said she was soaked to the bone and when they took the picture she was thinking something funny, so she looks like she's loving being so wet! But that's my girl, she makes life an adventure, even when it pours other stuff on and around her.

I also got to visit my Melodee and her family. She showed me her garden and told me all about her current courses. Malika had just woke up, and was a little groggy, and it took a bit for her to have those alert, smiling responses that I so enjoy.

I love that even when things don't go as planned or expected, there are things we can do to find joy - kind of like Charity smiling in the rain. I mean, even though her shoes were full of water, she was still smiling!!! Odin would have preferred real cars - at least that's what was expected, but I believe that the play doh cars actually occupied him longer and engaged him more deeply. He LOVED creating them!  Even little Malika was able to find some smiles in her lingering sleepiness, and when her daddy got home, she broke into almost giggles. I believe that life is as good as we make it, and when we do the best we can with what we have, we can also discover that joy accompanies that choice. I am so thankful for the joyful interactions I have with my children.

Flipping the Coin of Repentance

 Last week I studied the JOY of repentance, and this week I studied the other side of the coin - forgiveness as I read the talk: Have I Truly Been Forgiven? by Elder K. Brett Nattress. 

As I have thought about this, I don't think you can ever have one without the other. Repentance and Forgiveness are always present together. In the instances where we seek to repair [repent] for an offense we perpetrated toward another - one who may not be willing to forgive us for the thing we did -  we still receive forgiveness (1) from the Lord, and we can give forgiveness (2) to ourselves, trusting that (3) that individual will one day extend forgiveness as well. Even if they don't we can also forgive them for not forgiving us!!!  

I think that forgiving is a key component of how we remember and love Heavenly Father. It also is an important element of FEELING God's love. When we repent, He forgives which allows us to FEEL His love.  When I have truly forgiven another person of an offense toward me, and I really had to work at it, the joy that accompanied the completion of that forgiveness was so good it is beyond words to describe. 

Elder Nattress through reminding us of Alma's story of repentance, also teaches that the same promise of complete and perfect forgiveness given to Alma is made to each of us as well. I have to think about that phrase some more... complete and perfect forgiveness... I like the idea of being able to EXTEND complete and perfect forgiveness to others just as the Lord extends it to me daily.

Making Space for Good Things

We have engaged in so many big projects over the last week with the help of our kids. I am sooooo grateful for their help! They are amazing and so supportive of what we have wanted and needed to do.

Myles and his dad demolished the old, rotting camper that once held tools, but has fulfilled its usefulness. The removal of it cleaned up a pretty major portion of our driveway that can be put to better use now!

With the camper all cleaned up and hauled away, we moved on to the next project... bushes that had not only overgrown but also winter-killed along the front walk. Breanna took care of this project while I was at work. It looks amazing!!! That is more space available to us.

My main project this week has been cleaning out the cracks in my flagstone patio in the front yard. I work on it a little every day with the garden hose on a high spray stream that washes the cracks beautifully. It has improved the area exponentially! Not only are the weeds gone, but the extra dirt and debris that have blown in over time are also all washed away. Even with the grasshoppers devouring the border plants, it looks pretty good.

It feels so good to clean up those areas of old, built-up debris and clutter. That is the nature of stewardship. I try to be a good steward of my property, and of my relationships, and of my time and talents, but the juggle is constant and sometimes I simply don't get the balance right. My yard is a perfect example of this... things built up, and without immediate attention, and in some cases procrastinating the determination of what should be done with an item, those areas got away from us. 

It is a principle that applies to spaces, relationships, and even the way we prioritize our time. 

The camper, like complacency, helps me see the need to eliminate distractions from my life that don't serve me well. Spiritual edification is so important. It fuels not just the spirit but also the soul - mind and body together. It invites light into one's heart consistently and allows for growth and change in good ways. Most especially, for me, it allows me to feel my Heavenly Father's love and care for me. It is a major part of building that relationship. The removal of the camper is in essence for me, the equivalent of removing the distractions and other superfluous things that fill the space in my life that I need to reserve for God.

The bushes, like material things and worldly cares, can overgrow and fill up our time so thoroughly that we find ourselves completely overwhelmed.  In that mindset, it is hard to see anything correctly. Relationships, jobs, health [physical, spiritual, and emotional], and overall enjoyment of life can all suffer. When I reprioritize and open up those spaces, my soul can 'breathe' again. There is a rejuvenation that comes when space is opened up, my life fills back up with joy and fulfillment and the overwhelm is curtailed.

The patio, like relationships, can become filled with unsightly things - you know - those little things that bug you but don't seem big enough to mention. However, over time, they build up. I have learned that extending grace - the permission to be less than perfect, to make mistakes, and to learn from them - is the thing that cleans up those debris-filled seams. When we offer grace, allowing for the imperfections of others around us, we are no longer judging their actions, we are supporting them through their challenges and encouraging improved behavior, but only by extending forgiveness, kindness, love, and acceptance on a daily basis can this happen... the result of the effort is an increasingly stronger, more beautiful relationship than you ever imagined. It is probably one of the greatest sources of joy - this growing WITH others into greater goodness and together stepping closer to God. Relationships - how we treat others - are the greatest source of joy we can find in mortality. A good relationship is an extension of our relationship with God, and God is the pure source of all the joy we can ever experience.

Interestingly, as I get one area all cleaned up the need to work in another space becomes more apparent. We've done a lot over a short period of time, but those things have drawn our attention to other things that need action. I think that as we draw closer to God, He helps us that way as well. He invites us to clean up one area after another in our lives, and as we open up those spaces, He reveals more, teaching us along the way, giving us wisdom and experience and best of all companions walking the road to joy along with us. I am so grateful for the joy that He blesses me with in every effort I make to improve. Jesus Christ is my joy.

Repentance in a New LIght

 My favorite word is JOY so I really loved the talk by Elder Craig C Christiansen, "There Can Be Nothing So Exquisite and Sweet as Was My Joy"!!!!  I had a few thoughts that really stood out to me as I've studied this talk...

1) Repentance is something we do daily to turn toward the Savior - but that doesn't mean we've done something wrong! One question that was posed by a sister studying this topic was: "How do I word repentance in prayer when I'm not saying sorry to God for something I did wrong?" I love this question because it makes me think about repentance occurring for more than mistakes and sins. Repentance is the process of learning, of growth, of change. It is a process of inviting the Savior's light and grace more fully into our lives. It brings joy because it prepares our hearts to receive the Holy Ghost and the Holy Ghost gives the strongest testimony that can be given... it is even better than a personal visit! "The Lord has taught that there is a stronger witness than seeing a personage, even of seeing the Son of God in a vision. Impressions on the soul that come from the Holy Ghost are far more significant than a vision. When Spirit speaks to Spirit, the imprint upon the soul is far more difficult to erase. Every member of the church should have impressions that Jesus is the Son of God indelibly pictured on his soul through the witness of the Holy Ghost." [President Joseph Fielding Smith] When we experience doubt - drawing closer to Christ is repentance. When we are feeling weak, confused, afflicted, or overwhelmed when we take those things to Jesus seeking His strength and help THAT is also repentance! I am so thankful for repentance - the process of change - and the great joy that it brings into one's life! 

2) Jesus found joy in saving us. 

I love this comment and the insight it invites into the Savior's love for me. It also makes me think a little more deeply about the hard things I've experienced - I have to ask myself, could I have felt greater joy through that challenge like the Savior found joy in the outcome of His sufferings? I have experienced joy in times of trial, but not necessarily in the trials themselves... It is worth pondering...

Thought of the Week - The Power of the Holy Ghost

 This week I listened to a talk given by President Nelson called Identity, Priority, and Blessings. In it, he taught about the power of the Holy Ghost. He said…

“The testimony of the Holy Ghost is the

strongest testimony

that can be given. It is better than a personal visit.”

I LOVE this!!! Sometimes I feel like it would be so cool to see an angel or to glimpse the Lord himself. I’ve heard of those who experience the Lord’s embrace in vision… I would love to feel His arms around me… but after reading about the pure power of the Holy Ghost I realize I am so blessed to feel the witness of divine love, the peace of Christ, his presence and care for me in the most powerful way possible – through the Holy Ghost. We are so blessed to have this gift.

Good Samaritans, Friends and Family for Canada Day

Friday was a full day: Alisha's, Beth's, groceries, and then home to begin gathering for the weekend. Odin and Everlee were super excited about the parade that they would see at my house “tomorrow”. At 4:00 I headed to Beth's and we did some landscaping... it went from a bare dry spot to this:

The flowers she chose are beautiful! It looks so nice. While we finished up outside, Naomi (who had also arrived) was cooking supper in the house. My job for the evening was to watch Lena while Naomi and Beth did a photo shoot with Beth's horses. Lena tells me baby stories and smiles, and was almost giggling a few times. She took a nap and woke up happy a little before Naomi and Beth came in. Myles and Charity headed for my house hoping to arrive in time to catch the fireworks.

I needed groceries before I came home, so I went over to Walmart. The store was due to close so I hurried. Twenty minutes later as I approached my car, I could see an immediate problem – I had a hugely flat tire!!! This wasn't a fill-it-up deal. I could see that it seriously needed to be changed. I haven't changed a tire in 30+ years!!! I called Dad and Beth came over to give me a hand. Dad had me loosen the lug nuts before I jacked the car up. Problem #2: I couldn't budge the lug-nuts!!! I did finally loosen off 3/5 nuts. I was struggling with it when the man in the car next to mine came out of the store and offered to help. Within a half hour, I was on the road, so thankful for my good Samaritan who showed up the very moment that I needed help the most. I'm also grateful for Beth's presence even though she didn't have much to do. Alisha called me on the way home and visited a bit to help me stay awake. Everyone had waited up for me to get home and unloaded my purchases. It was so sweet. I am so well supported by them all. I feel so fortunate to have so many people watching out for me.  I know that there is nothing too hard for the group of us to conquer together if it ever comes to that. They have my back, and I will always do my best to have theirs.  I am also grateful for the good people Heavenly Father sends when I need extra help. I love my family sooo much!

YCANADA DAYY:   Saturday was great! The kids got pounds of candy at the parade. They played to their heart's content, and the adults visited, played games, and enjoyed the beautiful day. It was so good to just be together and relax for Canada Day. It was super rewarding to watch the cousins play together and chase each other around as the day wore on