Happy Birthday Plastic Brother

I don't know that I've ever acknowledged my plastic brother on my blog.  Today is his birthday, so I thought I would post pictures and wish him a happy birthday today.

Jason is my brother's best friend since fifth grade I believe.  Growing up he was always at our house and became like a brother to us.  Thus, he is our plastic brother.

Jason is only 18 days younger than Michael.  They did everything together.  Jason is the brother Michael never had.  They remain close to this day.

I have always considered Jason to be my plastic brother throughout the years.  Jason has always been there for us.  When Dad was dying, Jason was here.  Mom's funeral was actually on Jason's birthday two years ago today.  Jason flew up here to support us and spent his birthday at Mom's funeral.

Michael and Jason came to visit me at college and medical school many times.  We always had a blast!  I even starred in the "Patty" music video filmed on the Utah State University campus when they were visiting me shortly before their missions.

When we were both living in Texas, Jason brought his family to visit me in Texarkana for the fourth of July.  (sorry I couldn't find the photo)  

I have many fond memories with my plastic brother.

Here are a few photographs I found of us.

Tammy dying Jason's hair blonde in my San Francisco apartment.  Around 1998.

Tammy's graduation from Utah State University 1996.  Logan, Utah
Michael, Tammy, Jason

Logan, Utah mid nineties.  Tennis anyone?

Logan, Utah mid-nineties

San Francisco around 1998

Easter mid-nineties  Logan, Utah

Oakland Temple late nineties.  Notice Jason's celestial glow.  :-)

Thanks for all the memories throughout the years.  It's fun to reminisce and look back on better times.  Thanks for being the best plastic brother ever.  Love you, Jason.

Happy Birthday plastic brother!

That's my two cents.

Lamentation

"…My father hath been slain in battle, and all my kinsfolk, and I have not friends nor whither to go; and how long the Lord will suffer that I may live I know not." – Mormon 8:5 

"But behold, I am consigned that these are my days, and that my soul shall be filled with sorrow because of this the wickedness of my brethren."  – Helaman 7:9

I very much relate to these Scriptures written by two different prophets, hundreds of years apart.  Those of you aware of my situation for the past two months, and with no end in sight, will understand my plight.

I understand and empathize with Moroni's and Nephi's laments.  I feel their pain and sorrow.

On days when it's too much to bear, I look to Moroni and Nephi and the strong example of these two great men to help get me through this difficult challenge.  I just hope and pray that I have the strength to endure to the end as well as they did.

Please pray for me.  I need all the help I can get.  Thank you.

That's my two cents.

Happy Birthday Mom

Mom died exactly one week before her 77th birthday.  Her mom died when she was 77 and she wanted to make it as long as her mom.  She fell one week short.  But when she got to the Spirit World, I'm sure that didn't matter anymore.  I'm sure she was just happy to not be sick anymore and be with Dad and other loved ones in such a beautiful, peaceful place.  I can't wait to join them!

Today would be Mom's 79th birthday.

Happy birthday to my beautiful mother who is now up in heaven.  She is the best mom ever.  I am so blessed to be her daughter.  I miss you every day Mom!  Can't wait to see you again! Love you, Mom.

That's my two cents.

Happy Birthday Dad

Today is Dad's birthday.  He would have been 78 today.  It's hard to believe he's been gone almost 5 years now.  I miss him.  I'm so blessed to have him as my father.

I know Dad is busy on the other side of the veil doing the Lord's work.  I hope he has time to celebrate his birthday today.

I love you, Dad.  I miss you.  Can't wait to see you again.

That's my two cents.

Happy Mother's Day/Graduation Day Mom!

Today is a bittersweet day for me.  Two years ago today Mom graduated from mortality.  Today also happens to be Mother's Day.  What a fitting day to have Mother's Day.  Mom epitomized motherhood.  I am truly blessed beyond measure to call her mother.  She truly is an angel– both while she was on earth and now in heaven.  She watched over me in life and now, for these past two years, she's been watching over me from the Spirit World.  I have no doubts about that.

"… yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.

And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it."  – Alma 56:47-48

I am so grateful for a mother who taught me the gospel and, like the Stripling Warriors in the Book of Mormon, I have no doubt my mother knew it.

 I love you Mom!  I miss you so much and can't wait until we are reunited again on the other side of the veil.  Happy Graduation Day and Happy Mother's Day to the best mom in the world!

God be with you till we meet again.

That's my two cents.

My Handwriting Analysis from 2002

As many of you know, Lisa and I really got into handwriting analysis about a year ago and had a handwriting analysis expert, Mozelle Martin, analyze a bunch of handwriting samples for us.  Well, a few months ago she retired and we were sad that we couldn't have her analyze anymore handwriting samples for us.

Just a few days ago my Aunt Annette sent me an email with a letter I had sent them from just a few months before my accident in 2002.  It was a pleasant surprise.  I really was wishing that Mozelle could analyze it for me.  Since it's 10 years newer than the sample I had her analyze from my mission.  But, alas, she was retired and I was out of luck.  Well, then yesterday, out of the blue, I found in my junk mail a message from Mozelle saying she was back!  I was so excited I immediately thought of my letter to Uncle Ron and Aunt Annette.  So I sent it to her yesterday and got my results today.  I'm so excited!  Mozelle is the best!  I think it's a very accurate personality snapshot of me.  What do y'all think?

Here it is: 

• You are self-assured and independent.
• You have a strong personal identity and a desire to assert yourself.
• You are analytical and creative.
• You have the innate ability to explore various paths and innovative solutions.
• You are open and receptive in communication.
• You have a willingness to listen to others’ viewpoints.
• You are detail-oriented and analytical.
• You have a preference for privacy and a meticulous approach to thinking.
• You are cautious and precise.
• However, you can be skeptical and discerning nature in accepting information.
• You are efficient and have an aesthetic sensitivity.
• You have a practical and stylish approach in your expressions.
• You may face variability in emotional expression.
• You have fluctuating energy levels or a variable approach to how you express yourself.
• You may experience emotional ups and downs affecting your rational thinking.
• This can cause challenges in maintaining your personal output or emotional state.
• Overall, this points to you as a complex individual with a blend of creativity, analytical thinking, and a preference for clarity and precision in your interactions.

Here is my handwriting sample that she analyzed:

One thing I noticed that changed from 10 years earlier was before I was intolerant of others' opinions and perhaps close minded.  And in this sample, 10 years later, I was open and receptive to communication.  And have a willingness to listen to others' viewpoints.  I can see how that changed a little bit through my years of education after my mission.  Although, I'm still stubborn.  :-)

I am definitely self-assured and independent with a strong self-identity and can be assertive. One thing I've never had a problem with is self-esteem!  :-) 

I am certainly analytical and can be creative.  I've always enjoyed making things – sewing and cooking etc. 

I am certainly a private person and I like to think I have a meticulous approach to thinking.  

I am a cautious person and generally skeptical.  Not sure if my skepticism is innate or learned through all my years of scientific study.

I try to be efficient (thus my messy, fast handwriting) :-).  

I am practical and, back then, I was stylish.  :-)  I like to think I'm still stylish – at least in my mind.  Hey, if I could, I would still be wearing platform shoes and bellbottoms.  :-)

Anyway, thanks to Mozelle for her expert analysis of my handwriting from 2002.  Just for bearings, this was after I had graduated from podiatry school and was getting ready to start my residency.

Mozelle has analyzed countless handwriting samples for us and they are always surprisingly accurate.  At this point it shouldn't surprise me at how accurate her analyses always are but I'm always amazed every time I get results.

If you would like to utilize Mozelle's services, now that she's back in business, here is a link to her website. You can get a personality snapshot, which is what I posted, for $22.  Go check it out!

That's my two cents.

Visit with Uncle Gary and Aunt Val

Uncle Gary and Aunt Val were in town this weekend on Church business.  Uncle Gary is serving as first counselor in the North America West area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  They were kind enough to take time out of their busy schedule to come visit us for a few hours yesterday afternoon.  They also attended our Ward Sacrament Meeting in the morning.  Uncle Gary gave a wonderful talk to our Ward.

One of my favorite parts of his talk was when he said that we all have angels round about us to bear us up to help us through mortality.  I often think of Mom and Dad helping me as my angels from the other side.  Along with other loved ones who have crossed through the veil.  Heaven knows we can all use some help from the other side to navigate through our mortal journey.

He also told a story about his grandson Eric who when he was younger was visiting and Aunt Val was making pancakes.  Uncle Gary said he added chocolate chips to them to enhance them.  Well little Eric wanted nothing to do with the pancakes with "burnt spots".  After much encouragement, Uncle Gary finally convinced Eric to take one bite and made sure that there was a chocolate chip in that bite.  Naturally, Eric loved it and said they were the best pancakes ever.  Then Uncle Gary compared the pancakes to life.  Often times we see only "burnt spots" when in reality the burnt spots are actually chocolate chips.

Rex, Lisa,  Aunt Val, Uncle Gary
Tammy

We had a lovely visit catching up with family members, sharing stories, learning a little bit more about the apostles, and just enjoying each other's company.  Uncle Gary and Aunt Val are wonderful people who epitomize charity – the pure love of Christ.  Uncle Gary was released as a General Authority Seventy this past General Conference and will complete his service on August 1 and receive emeritus status.  They have served valiantly for many years.

Being a General Authority is a demanding call to serve the Lord.  I am thankful for Uncle Gary and Aunt Val for their dedicated service and sacrifice to the Lord and His Church.  I appreciate their effort to make time to come visit us.  I am blessed to call them family.

That's my two cents.

The Path

I read a portion of this quote in the Liahona this morning.  I really liked it, so I went to the source and found the full quote.  I'm not going to elaborate because I just want to get this posted today.  But I really love this quote by Elder Renland.

"No matter how long we have been off the path or how far away we have wandered, the moment we decide to change, God helps us return. From God’s perspective, through sincere repentance and pressing forward with a steadfastness in Christ, once back on the path, it will be as if we were never off. The Savior pays for our sins and frees us from the looming decrease in happiness and blessings. This is referred to in the scriptures as forgiveness. After baptism, all members slip off the path—some of us even dive off. Therefore, exercising faith in Jesus Christ, repenting, receiving help from Him, and being forgiven are not onetime events but lifelong processes, processes that are repetitive and iterative. This is how we “endure to the end.”

"We need to choose whom we will serve. The magnitude of our eternal happiness depends on choosing the living God and joining Him in His work."  – Elder Dale G. Renlund, "Choose You This Day", October 2018 General Conference

I love this quote so much because so many people feel like they've been off the covenant path so long that there is no hope for them to return.  But this is not true!  There is hope for everyone.  No matter how far off the path we wander or for how long we've been gone.  That's the beauty of our Savior's atonement.

I really like the part that says that once we are back on the path it was like we never left.  I love that.  So beautiful. 

So if you've wandered off the path, please choose to come back.  The magnitude of our eternal happiness depends on whom we choose to serve.  Please choose to serve God on His covenant path.

That's my two cents.

Happy 100th Birthday Grandma Stone

Today would have been my paternal grandmother's 100th birthday.  She was born April 17, 1924.  My memories of her include riding horses, her playing honky-tonk music by ear on the piano, and feeding cattle.  She died on October 28, 2016 at the age of 92.

Grandma Stone and Tammy
Stone Ranch – Clearlake Oaks, California
Early 1971

Happy 100th birthday Grandma Stone!

We Are Doomed

We are doomed.  I know that the younger generation – Millennials/Gen Z – are lazy, entitled, and selfish.  But I had no idea how bad it really is.  It is much worse than I ever thought.

They are addicted to their phones to the point of thinking they will lose their life if they can't stare at their cell phone like a zombie all day. All the while ignoring real life going on around them.  What is with people in the same room text messaging each other?  It makes no sense to me.  Apparently the younger generation doesn't know how to communicate verbally.  It's pathetic.

These young parents don't want to parent.  They have kids and then expect their parents to raise their kids for them.  I know several examples of whole families moving in with their parents/in-laws to have them raise their children for them.  While the young parents selfishly sleep or stare at their cell phones all day, just doing what they want – totally ignoring their children.  All the while the grandparents are chasing the kids around all day, keeping an eye on them because the parents won't.  And having to feed them because the parents won't.  Trying to teach them so they will grow up to be good, productive members of society.  And just giving them the love that they crave – because the parents don't.  It's pretty sad.

Or the parents will drop the kids off all day while they work so that the grandparents will raise the kids for them.  Because going to work is a lot easier than raising children.  The poor worn out grandparents willingly raise their grandkids because they love their grandchildren and don't want them to be neglected, ignored, or abused.

Numerous times I've seen little ones going up to mommy and daddy trying to get their attention while the parent is staring at their cell phone yelling at the kid to go away or ignoring them completely.  I'm surprised these poor kids survive physically let alone emotionally.  They are not fed either way.  The poor kids today have no hope.

These kids are going to grow up not knowing how to function in society because they were never taught the basics of life by their parents.  All they are going to learn is what they are indoctrinated with at school.  Schools don't even teach reading, writing, and arithmetic anymore.  Not even basic skills.  But they do teach liberalism, transgenderism, LGBTQ, DEI, racism, false history, pseudoscience, nonsensical math, and all manner of lies. So not only do kids nowadays not learn the 3Rs, they are being destroyed by evil lies of leftist indoctrination.  And Millennial parents don't seem to care, they just want the kids out of their hair.

What baffles me is these Millennials who were raised by good parents, who taught them how to be good parents, yet themselves are terrible parents.

These Millennials think everybody owes them everything.  They move into their parents' house to have them raise their kids for them while acting as if they are doing their parents a favor by gracing them with their presence.  This is how prideful, conceited, egotistical, and selfish they are.  It's all about me.  They take over the house as if they own the joint,, yet contribute nothing.  Always taking, never giving.  They are easily offended at every little thing, and are always negative and angry.  It's a sad life.

And heaven forbid you ask a Millennial to work.  Perish the thought!  How could they stare at their phones or sleep all day if they had to work?  They wouldn't have time to go play or do what they want to do if they had to work.  They exist, therefore they should get everything handed to them on a silver platter.

I guess this is, in part, the result of being raised in an environment where everybody gets a prize for everything, even losing.  There are many reasons to explain what's going wrong with Millennials and the younger generation.  I would put turning away from God and religion at the top of the list.  Which goes hand-in-hand with moral degradation.  But regardless of the causes, the degradation of society for future generations is in a downward spiral.  We are doomed.

That's my two cents.

Uncle Holland

General Conference just ended.  It was another wonderful weekend of inspiration, counsel, and encouragement.  I just love General Conference weekend.  Before I give my summary of what stood out to me, I want to share a story about what happened yesterday morning.

Yesterday morning while Lisa was getting me ready we were talking about how trying counts.  Lisa mentioned that a lot of people lose hope because they think they are too far gone and there is no saving them.  But they are mistaken because trying counts.  I was trying to say that Elder Holland said in a recent talk that we shouldn't get discouraged because trying counts.  But what came out was, "Uncle Holland said…".  

Lisa and I had a big laugh about that.  I later said that I hoped we get to hear from "Uncle Holland" today (in General Conference).  Then Lisa mentioned "Uncle Holland" in her breakfast prayer.  And guess what?  "Uncle Holland" was the first speaker in the Saturday morning session.  It was awesome!  Because of illness, "Uncle Holland" missed speaking in the last two conferences (April and October 2023).  So, it was the first time he had spoken in General Conference since October 2022.

"Uncle Holland" gave an amazing talk as usual.  He talked a lot about prayer.  He mentioned that Heavenly Father hears and answers every prayer – although not always in the way we want.  He talked about his wife, Pat, and how many people were praying for her to live, but she died.  So those prayers were not answered in the way everyone wanted.  But, even though we don't understand, Heavenly Father in his infinite wisdom knows what's best.  Then he talked about how 48 hours after he buried his wife, he had a medical crisis and was in the hospital for six weeks, mostly in ICU.  He mentioned that his memory is vague of being in the hospital but he does have a memory of being in the Spirit World.  But those experiences are too sacred to mention in General Conference.  He did talk about all the people that prayed for him while he was ill and that those prayers were answered in the way we were all hoping for, because he made a full recovery from the brink of death.  He mentioned how grateful he was to everyone who prayed for him.  Like "Uncle Holland", I too know that Heavenly Father hears every prayer and answers in a way that is for our eternal benefit – even though we may not fully understand His reasoning.  With Elder Holland being an apostle for most of my adult life, I can honestly say that he is like an uncle to me.

Now, I just want to summarize my take on General Conference while it's still fresh in my mind.  Some of the things that stuck out to me are prayer, temples and temple worship, trials and keeping covenants.

There were a handful of talks about prayer.  Which, in this evil, wicked world is vitally important in keeping our communication open with God.  As I just mentioned, God hears and answers every prayer.

Several talks on temples and temple worship.  In fact that was our prophet, President Russell M. Nelson's, main message was about the importance of temple worship and the blessings we receive from it.

There were a few talks about trials and how trials are part of our mortal journey.  We can't grow and progress without them.  They are necessary for our spiritual development and progress.  We are never alone in our trials.

A few talks on keeping covenants and staying on the covenant path.  Enduring to the end.  We need to feed our spirits every day like we feed our bodies.  Only feeding our spirits once a week on Sundays is not enough to survive spiritually. 

Those are just a few of my thoughts.  I'm excited to rewatch conference, in the coming weeks, to be able to glean more from all the wonderful talks.  It was truly a wonderful conference.  Always edifying and uplifting.

Just an aside, Uncle Gary – my actual, biological uncle :-) – A.K.A. Elder Gary B Sabin, was released as a General Authority Seventy effective August 1.  He will receive emeritus status on that date as he turns 70 this year.  His birthday is actually today!  Happy Birthday Uncle Gary!  General Authority Seventies, unlike prophets and apostles, only serve until their 70th year.  Then they are given emeritus status.

If you didn't take the opportunity to watch General Conference this weekend, I would highly recommend you do so.  The transcripts will be out in a few days but I believe you can watch the talks immediately.  Here is a link to the Saturday morning session . From that link you can find the other sessions.

I am so thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, and His true church.  I'm thankful for living prophets and apostles that lead and guide His Church.  I'm grateful that we get to hear from the Lord through His living prophets and apostles every six months via General Conference.  I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the joy, happiness, and peace it brings to me.

That's my two cents.

Fifth Annual Myron Hampton Stone Memorial 2 Mile Awards

We just got the awards for this year's race.  Here are some photos:

The trophies aren't quite as nice as the past couple of years but they were discontinued so these will have to do.

I hope you're all getting excited for the race in July.  Should be fun!

That's my two cents.

Happy Easter!

Today we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  I don't have words to express my gratitude for Him and His atoning sacrifice for me, including His resurrection.  I'm eternally grateful.

The atonement of Jesus Christ is the single most important event in the history of mankind.  His resurrection made it possible for each of us to overcome death and be resurrected like Him someday.  Because of our Savior's resurrection we will all be resurrected one day.  We will overcome death.  This is a free gift to everyone who has ever lived on earth or who ever will live on earth.

Living in a scarred, broken body for over two decades makes me even more thankful for Christ's resurrection because I know that through Him, I will also be resurrected with a perfect body one day.  I am so looking forward to that day.  So looking forward to it.

I know that my Redeemer lives.  He is risen!

That's my two cents.

Fifth Annual Myron Hampton Stone Memorial 2 Mile Run

I would like to announce that this year's Myron Hampton Stone Memorial 2 Mile Run will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024.  We will plan on having it at Eatonville track as usual around 10 AM.

There will be trophies for first place, medals for second and third, and ribbons through 10th place.  And of course, don't forget about the drawing.

Afterwards we will meet back at the house for hoagies and hopefully a concert by Michael and his boys.  There will also be a talent show for anyone who wants to showcase their talents.

More details to follow.  Any questions, please email me.

Hope to see you all there!

Panserification

I'm sick and tired of the panserification of society.  Yes, I made that word up.  It means everybody's becoming a pansy.  My last post titled, "Teddy Bear Jesus" was about the panserification of Jesus.  Or I should say people's perception that He is a pansy.  Because He certainly is not a pansy.  By pansy I mean soft, weak, tolerant, always nice, a pushover.  No, Jesus is the opposite.  Jesus does not tolerate sin – not in the least degree.  He lays down the law and expects it to be followed.  Yes, He is merciful and forgiving to repentant persons, but is also just.  Anyone living the eat, drink, and be merry philosophy is in for a rude awakening come Judgment Day.

I mention the panserification of Jesus in society's eyes because panserification is rampant in our current society.  Almost everybody is now a pansy.  Nobody wants to work.  Everybody wants to get paid for doing nothing.  Everybody feels entitled to whatever they want and expects others to cater to their every whim.  People are easily offended at the slightest thing.  Men are no longer masculine.  They are weak, panseric, pathetic creatures.  Real men are fewer and far between.  Each generation gets worse.  Men and women are becoming more and more indistinguishable.  Men and women are supposed to be different.  That's the way God designed us.  Men should be masculine and women should be feminine.  But everyone is becoming a pansy.

I miss the days when everyone knew their place in society.  When people took pride in their work.  Whether it be men working hard to provide for their families or women taking pride in nurturing their children and raising up a righteous, moral, productive generation.

I miss the days when people had thick skin and were not offended at everything.  Calling people by their actual, correct pronouns is now offensive?  Teaching truth is now offensive.  Because, heaven forbid, people realize that what they're doing is wrong and feel bad.  We can't have people feeling guilty for their sins.  We must be nice and tolerate, accept, and embrace their sinful lifestyles.  Because if we don't, they are offended.  And we wouldn't want anyone thinking that we don't love them in their sins.  After all, they are just being true to themselves.  Do prophets embrace sin?  No, their charge is to teach truth and call people to repentance.  Not to be nice to everyone and embrace their sins.

Alma 11:37 

"And I say unto you again that he cannot save them in their sins; for I cannot deny his word, and he hath said that no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore, how can ye be saved, except ye inherit the kingdom of heaven? Therefore, ye cannot be saved in your sins."

There goes the eat, drink, and be merry philosophy.

I miss the days when people were accountable for their choices and actions.  Now everybody wants to blame everybody else for everything.

I miss the days when truth was universally accepted as truth.  

I miss the days when people were patriotic and took pride in our country.  

I miss the days when people earned the respect of others, and didn't demand it.

I miss the days when people took pride in their appearance and dressed nicely, even at home.  

I miss the days when people respected their elders and those in authority and honored their family name.  

I miss the days when profanity was considered disrespectful and frowned upon by society.  

I miss the days when people went to church to worship the Almighty God because they love and respect Him.  

I miss the days when Jesus was honored and respected as our Savior and not looked upon as a teddy bear.

I miss the days when everyone was not a pansy.

The panserification of people is one of the most detrimental and sad things to happen to our society.

That's my two cents.