Congratulations Mercedes!

My firstborn niece is getting married today!

So I thought I would take a trip down memory lane and post some pictures of me with Mercedes.

Fun times!

Now, that cute little girl has grown into a beautiful young woman.

Congratulations Mercedes and Jason.

Merry Christmas 2018

The Great Healer

We had a magnificent Christmas program today during Sacrament Meeting.  Beautiful music with violins, flute, organ, and piano.  Even the prelude music was violins and cello.  Absolutely gorgeous.   The ward choir sang like angels. And the narration was excellent.  The Spirit was really strong during the meeting today.  It was lovely!  Such a wonderful way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

Anyway I read this quote today and it struck me.  So I thought I would share it with you all.

"The difficulties of their journey caused the children of Israel to complain, murmuring against the prophet and the Lord. As a result, the Lord allowed poisonous serpents to bite them, bringing death to many. Moses prayed to the Lord to take away the serpents; instead, the Lord provided a way for the people to escape death when they had been bitten. The action required for them to be healed was to look upon a brass serpent that was affixed to a pole.

"Jesus Christ was nailed to a pole—the cross—so that we might look to Him in our sufferings and not be overcome by them. Jesus Christ does not always take away our trials, but as our Healer, He can take the poison out of them through the blessings of His Atonement." -- Stephen P. Schank, "I Am That I Am: Symbols of Jesus Christ in the Old Testament", Ensign, December 2018

We're all familiar with the story in the Old Testament about the poisonous serpents killing the Israelites.  And the brass serpent on the pole.  All they had to do was look at the brass serpent on the pole to be healed if they were bitten-- yet so many didn't even bother to look, and as a consequence died.

Even though  Moses' prayer wasn't answered in the way he asked, his prayer was answered.  The Lord did not take away the poisonous serpents but provided a way to be healed if bitten.

I think a lot of times we don't think the Lord hears or answers our prayers, if we don't get the exact answer we want.  This example reminds me that although the Lord will not always take away our trials-- He allows us to be bitten by poisonous serpents -- yet He will provide healing.  Trials, although unpleasant, are necessary for our growth.  And even though we must experience trials and hardships for our own benefit --Our Savior is the great healer.  Through His Atonement  we may all be healed.

If we look towards our Savior, He will heal us.  It is very simple and straightforward yet how many Israelites died because they would not even look?  How many people today die spiritually because they refuse to look towards the Savior?

At this marvelous time of year when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, may we all remember to look to Him.  Look to Him that He may heal us.

That's my two cents.

Family Portrait 1995

Original six 1995

Outward Appearance

The other day someone commented to me about someone who has lost weight and how great they look now-- in their presence.  This is actually very disturbing to me.  I know it is common in our culture to say people look great when they lose weight.  And somehow elevate their status in society because they have a lower BMI.

I have always had a problem with this.  Not that I am opposed to someone working hard to achieve the goal.   But I am disturbed by people thinking they have to look a certain way or have a certain BMI to be valued.

What people look like, what their BMI is, how much fat they carry, or any number of societal standards of beauty is really irrelevant in life.

It brings to mind the following Scripture:

 1 Samuel 16: 7

"But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."

Our outside appearance means nothing in the grand scheme of things.  Yes, the world will teach that you must look a certain way to be valued in society.  Too many people base their self-esteem on what they look like -- and more importantly what others think of what they look like.

It is extremely sad to me to see children seeking the acceptance and love and praise of a parent by losing weight or trying to make themselves prettier through makeup and clothing.  I've seen this firsthand.  It breaks my heart.  Children should be loved unconditionally by their parents.

Not only do children seek the love and praise and acceptance of a parent.  But they also seek acceptance and praise from society, their friends and peers.  And not only children but also adults seek acceptance and praise of men.

I know of many adults who have dieted and lost weight to be more valued in society or to try to please, be accepted by, praised by, loved by, and valued by someone else.

It is tragic that so many people base their self-esteem and self-worth on their appearance and what others think of them (the praise of men).

I have never experienced low self-esteem or low self-worth.  I have always known that I am of infinite worth regardless of what I look like.  This is coming from someone who has been on both ends of the beauty spectrum. I have just as much self-esteem now as I did in my prime in my 20s -- if not more now.

You may be wondering why or how this could be.  I will tell you why.  It's because I know who I am.  I am  a daughter of God.  I have an eternal perspective.  I know God's plan for me.  Mortality is temporary.  Looks are fleeting.  Even the most beautiful or handsome people age and lose their youthful good looks as defined by society.

How devastating for those who base their value on their looks.

I know many of you will argue that most people lose weight for health reasons.  And that people should do their best to keep their bodies healthy.  Yes, the scriptures teach that we should respect our bodies and keep them healthy.  But I would argue that most people lose weight for vanity's sake not for health.

I would also argue that most people on diets -- those who take in fewer calories than their body needs and/or restrict certain foods-- are less healthy than those who eat a balanced diet and are slightly overweight.

Contrary to popular belief, skinny does not equal healthy.  Often times those who lose weight are very sick.  On the other hand, being overweight does not equate to being unhealthy.  There are many different natural body types. As the saying goes, you can't judge a book by its cover.

You can't judge a person's health by their looks.  People who live their life to sculpt their body into what they think looks good are just wasting precious time that could be spent doing themselves some good.  Serving God, serving others -- doing those things that will keep them on the path to eternal life.

I guarantee you that on the day of final judgment the Lord will not ask you how much weight you lost in your life or what your BMI was or what your measurements were etc. or anything about your physical characteristics in mortality.  He will, however, ask you what you did to serve Him and serve your fellow beings.

The Lord does not look on the outward appearance, the Lord looks on our hearts.

It is never polite to comment on someone's weight.  Even if you think it is a compliment.

I wish more people understood who they are and why they are here.  If more people understood their divine nature and Heavenly Father's plan of happiness, then more people would not worry about what they look like.  Their self-esteem and self-worth would be based on who they are and how they live their life, not their physical appearance.

That's my two cents.

College Football Picks 2018 Weeks 14 and 15

1. Lisa   -2    TB  52
2. Dad  -3    TB  67
3. Michael -4 TB 50
4. Rex  -4    TB  72
5. Tammy -5  TB  63
6. Mom  -6   TB  57

Actual Tie Breaker: 13

Talk Prepared for Stake Conference

Our Stake Presidency asked every member of the Stake to prepare a 3-5 minute talk on Mosiah 3:19.  We were told that we might get called up to give our talk during Stake Conference, which was today.

So, like a good obedient disciple of Christ, I listened to my leaders and I prepared my talk last week in preparation of Stake Conference today.

Of the thousand or two thousand people that were there, only two youth (teenagers) were called up to speak and only one adult. I knew the odds were extremely low that I would be asked to speak, but I wanted to be prepared nonetheless. Not only because of the slim chance that I might be called upon, but mostly because I wanted to be obedient to my local church leaders and show the Lord that I'm willing to do what He asks.

 Here is the Scripture we were assigned to study and write our talk on:

Mosiah 3:19

For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.

Here is the talk I prepared:

Tammy’s talk on Mosiah 3:19

For Stake Conference December 2, 2018

We all lived with our Heavenly Father, as spirit children, before we were born here on earth.  Our spirits are made of matter, but much more pure and refined than our physical bodies. While living with our Heavenly Father in our pre-mortal life, we learned much and progressed as far as we could to become like Him.

Our Heavenly Father’s plan includes the opportunity to come to earth to receive a mortal physical body and to be tested.  In doing so, we have the chance to progress further to become more like our Heavenly Father.

When we are born, our spirit joins with our physical body.  A veil is placed over our minds so we won’t remember our pre-mortal existence and provides the opportunity to learn and grow by walking by faith.

Our physical bodies have appetites that we must learn to control.  Our spirit can control the appetites of our physical body.  This requires effort on our part.  The Scripture says “the natural man is an enemy to God… and will be forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit and putteth off the natural man.”(Mosiah 3:19)

In order to “put off the natural man” we must “yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit”.  In other words, to control the appetites of our physical bodies we must listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost.  We must be worthy and in tune with the Holy Ghost to receive his promptings.

To be worthy and in tune with the Holy Ghost we must constantly work at  staying on the covenant path by - praying, reading our scriptures, attending church, attending the temple, paying tithing, partaking of the sacrament, receiving a patriarchal blessing, etc.

By doing those things we keep the natural man at bay by becoming saints through the atonement of Jesus Christ.  As we learn to control our physical appetites, desires, and passions we develop qualities that help us progress towards becoming more like our Heavenly Father.  We “becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.”  (Mosiah 3:19)

Satan’s objective is to stop our progression.  He wants all of us to be miserable like he is. "And because he had fallen from heaven, and had become miserable forever, he sought also the misery of all mankind..." (2 Nephi 2:18).  Satan’s greatest tool to destroy us and make us miserable like himself is to tempt us to misuse our bodies.

The Scriptures tell us that in the last days even the very elect will be deceived (Matthew 24:24). I have seen this happen to many people including family members.

President Nelson recently told us that "in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."  ¹

I’m grateful for the opportunity a loving Heavenly Father has given me to come to earth and receive a physical body.  I’m grateful for this mortal journey where we can prove ourselves and develop divine qualities.  I’m thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, and for His atonement which makes eternal progression possible.

May we all put off the natural man by keeping ourselves worthy to receive the guiding and comforting constant influence of the Holy Ghost.  May we all stay on the covenant path so we may develop the qualities necessary for eternal progression.

In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

1 - Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives” April 2018 General Conference

Quote of the Day

"If the blessings were immediate, choosing the right would not build faith."

-- President Henry B. Eyring

College Football Picks 2018 Week 13

1. Michael -15 tie breaker 60
2. Lisa -15 tie breaker 59
3. Rex -20 tie breaker 48
4. Tammy -21 tiebreaker 61
5. Dad -25 tiebreaker 62
6. Mom -27 tiebreaker 59

Actual Tiebreaker 62

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!  As we gather together with loved ones and enjoy a bounteous meal, may we all remember the reason for this holiday and give thanks for our abundant blessings.

We had some great talks at church on Sunday on the subject of thanksgiving and gratitude.  One of the speakers mentioned some studies done on happiness.  The conclusion of the studies was that the happiest people were those who were the most thankful and had the most gratitude.  Makes perfect sense.  I've heard several talks in general conference about being grateful and expressing thanks.

The youth speaker mentioned that the best way to express our thanks to our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ is to keep Their commandments.

Then there were a couple quotes which I really liked.  So I looked them up when I came home from church.

They are about the painting, "The Prayer at Valley Forge" by Arnold Friberg.  We actually have this painting hanging in our living room.  I have always loved this painting.  It is a depiction of General George Washington kneeling and praying at Valley Forge.

The following quote, recited at church today, was taken from Nathaniel Randolph Snowden’s (1770-1851) “Diary and Remembrances”.

“In that woods, pointing to a close in view, I heard a plaintive sound as of a man at prayer. I tied my horse to a sapling & went quietly into the woods & to my astonishment I saw the great George Washington on his knees alone, with his sword on one side and his cocked hat on the other. He was at Prayer to the God of the Armies, beseeching to interpose with his Divine aid, as it was ye Crisis, & the cause of the country, of humanity & of the world. ‘Such a prayer I never heard from the lips of man. I left him alone praying.” 

I guess that quote was the inspiration for Arnold Friberg's painting.  Another great quote about the painting was by Ronald Reagan.

“One of the most inspiring portrayals of American history is that of George Washington on his knees in the snow at Valley Forge. That moving image personifies and testifies to our Founder’s dependence upon Divine Providence during the darkest hours of our Revolutionary struggle.” -- Ronald Reagan, United States President (1981-1989)

Those two quotes are great reminders of the reliance on God during our great country's birth and infancy.  It's no coincidence that two of our greatest presidents emphasized the role of Deity in guiding the establishment of this great nation.

"A prayerful life is the key to possessing gratitude."  -- President Thomas S. Monson

I think it is human nature to focus on the blessings we don't have, or the blessings we want or need.  Instead of focusing on the multitude of blessings that we do enjoy and have been given by a loving God.

“Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted.” Aldous Huxley 

Here's an interesting quote from a turn-of-the-century editor/essayist:

“Ingratitude, the most popular sin of humanity, is forgetfulness of the heart. … The individual who possesses it finds it the shortest cut to all the other vices.” -- William George Jordan

Along the same lines, here is a quote from our last prophet:

"If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues."  -- President Thomas S. Monson

And from the Roman orator, Cicero:

“gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” Cicero

Having gratitude and giving thanks is a simple yet extremely important basis for living a Christlike life.

"Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love." -- President Thomas S. Monson

“When you walk with gratitude, you do not walk with arrogance and conceit and egotism, you walk with a spirit of thanksgiving that is becoming to you and will bless your lives.” -- President Gordon B. Hinckley

Wise words from our two most recent prophets.

I hope this Thanksgiving we can all focus on the abundance of blessings we have been granted by the Almighty.  I know I am extremely blessed beyond measure.  For that I am extremely grateful.  I hope we can all express our gratitude for all of the many blessings He pours down upon us every day.

That's my two cents.

Words of a Prophet

 “For each of us, there may be a really serious storm sometime in our lives or there may be a tragedy. But with faith in a loving God and trust in His divine plan, the pain of such a tragedy can be endured. And if we truly understand who we are and why we are here, we can face the future with faith in God and His eternal plan of happiness.”

-- President Russell M. Nelson

College Football Picks 2018 Week 12

1. Michael -7 TB 57
2. Tammy    -11  TB  49
3. Rex   -12   TB  77
4. Dad  -12   TB  46
5. Lisa   -14  TB 37
6. Mom  -16   TB  49

Actual TB:  62

Golden Wedge of Ophir

I hear the word, "wedge" a lot.  Practically every night.  When I hear the word "wedge", my brain automatically goes to "the golden wedge of Ophir".  It's a strong association.   Every time I hear, "wedge", I think "the golden wedge of Ophir."

Before you start thinking I've lost my marbles, let me explain.

I listen to the Book of Mormon every morning.  Several hours every morning.  As soon as I wake up, whether it's 2 AM, 5 AM or somewhere in between, I start listening to The Book of Mormon.  And continue listening while I'm getting ready until around 7:30 AM.  So, I listen to it a lot!

The Prophet Nephi thought that the writings of Isaiah were important for us in the last days before the Second Coming of Christ.  So, Nephi quotes much of Isaiah's writings verbatim.  Isaiah talks about the destruction of Babylon -- the world and its wickedness -- before the Second Coming of our Savior.

Here is the quote from Isaiah found in both the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon, that I've heard many times during my morning scripture study:

Isaiah 13:12 and 2 Nephi 23:12

"I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir."

Now, Isaiah is notorious for being difficult to understand.  So I will explain what this scripture means.

In the last days (now), righteous men and women will be more difficult to find than fine gold.  I looked it up and Ophir was a rich gold producing province of India known for its wealth, as mentioned in the Bible.

Not only will righteous men and women be more difficult to find than fine gold in the last days prior to the Second Coming of Christ, but they will be worth more than the golden wedge of Ophir.  Now, I'm not certain how big or fancy or expensive the golden wedge of Ophir is or was.  But I imagine it was the most precious thing Isaiah could think of to reference in that scripture.

Basically the prophet Isaiah was trying to emphasize the point that, in the last days, righteous people will be extremely rare and hard-to-find and more precious than the finest gold. 

In these last days, wicked people are a dime a dozen.  They are everywhere.  But the truly righteous are few and far between.  And the chasm is getting bigger every day.

To be more precious than the golden wedge of Ophir requires daily effort to stay spiritually strong.  So many people are dropping like flies, due to the efforts of the adversary (Satan).  He and his "angels" are working overtime to drag the righteous into Babylon.  We need to work just as hard to counteract his efforts and remain righteous.

Don't be among the weak multitudes in Babylon who will be destroyed at the last day. Rise above the dross.

I hope that at the last day when our Savior returns that we are all counted among those who remain righteous and are more precious than the golden wedge of Ophir.

That's my two cents.

College Football Picks 2018 Week 11

1. Lisa -12      TB  57
2. Dad -12     TB  58
3. Rex  -13     TB  42
4. Tammy  -17  TB  59
5. Michael -19 TB 57
6. Mom  -28   TB  52

Actual tiebreaker: 57

College Football Picks 2018 Week 10

1. Lisa  -16      TB  62
2. Rex  -16      TB  61
3. Michael -18 TB 72
4. Tammy  -20  TB 73
5. Dad   -22   TB 63
6. Mom  -23  TB 52

Actual Tie Breaker:  73