Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Hope and Healing in Recovering from Abuse
This is an article that is helping me. I hope it helps someone else.
Ensign » 2008 » September
Hope and Healing in Recovering from Abuse
By Sarah E. Miller
Sarah E. Miller, “Hope and Healing in Recovering from Abuse,” Ensign, Sep 2008, 36–39
Those struggling with the results of abuse can receive peace through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
As a child, Emma (name has been changed) was abused. Now, as a 33-year-old mother of four, she quietly weeps in my office. “I don’t understand,” she stammers. “I try to be faithful, pay an honest tithe, attend church, and serve in callings. Why do I feel so worthless? Why can’t I feel God’s love?” As a Latter-day Saint psychotherapist living and practicing in the United Kingdom, I have witnessed this scenario repeatedly over the years as I have counseled abused Church members in a professional capacity.
Many of my clients, like Emma, currently live faithful lives but continue to struggle with the effects of abuse in their past. In some cases, they perceive Heavenly Father as remote, stern, critical, or condemning. They assume that they “deserved” the abuse, that it was somehow their fault. In other cases, they feel as though their experiences place them beyond the healing power of the Savior. Church activity can seem overwhelming to these individuals, often because they compare themselves with other members and develop feelings of inadequacy. “What’s wrong with me?” they ask. “Why do I feel so unworthy?” Faced with ramifications such as addictions, self-hatred, mental illnesses, or broken relationships, they are eager to find hope and rest, but sometimes they are unsure about how to do so.
I am convinced that Latter-day Saints—or anyone, for that matter—struggling with the results of abuse or childhood trauma can receive peace through the gospel of Jesus Christ. The effects of abuse may persist for a while, but the power of the Atonement can ultimately relieve such burdens and facilitate healing. The Savior included those who have been abused when he beckoned, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). The Savior’s promise of rest can help victims know that God does love them, that they can feel His love, that they can forgive, and that their wounds can be healed.
“Why Did He Let This Happen?”
Clients frequently come to me feeling angry or resentful, asserting that a loving God would never have abandoned them to a fate of abuse. They perceive a lack of divine intervention as an indication of their personal unworthiness. However, Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has said, “There can be some who choose willfully to violate the commandments and harm you. … [But] the Lord has provided a way for you to overcome the destructive results of others’ acts against your will.”1
Healing occurs when individuals learn to search for and accept the Savior’s love. For example, I know of a case where a young brother and sister, twins, were forced to flee from their home late one night. Their stepfather had exploded in rage and threatened to kill them. As they wandered the dark streets searching for a place to rest, they discovered a secluded stairwell in an apartment building. Cold, exhausted, and fearful, they huddled together and somehow slept.
Years later, as an adult, one of those children questioned God, “Why didn’t you help us? Where were you?” An unexpected, gentle answer came to her mind, confirming that He had truly watched over her that night—that He in effect had sent angels who stood sentinel. In searching for answers, she hearkened to the Spirit’s whisperings and came to know that God loves her and is with her in times of need.
Our mortal experiences, however difficult they may be, can be channeled to help us know God and to learn about who we are in relationship to Him. When we learn that we are His children, we can feel that His love for us is unbounded: “Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life” (Isaiah 43:4).
“Why Am I Unable to Feel His Love?”
Even though they may know about God’s love on an intellectual basis, many people who have suffered abuse cannot, at least initially, fathom His caring for them individually. Some have never experienced a kind, loving, and respectful earthly father, so thinking about God in such terms is a difficult challenge.
To help transcend this barrier, I often ask clients to first think about the people they know who have loving qualities: a spouse, a bishop, or other Church leaders. Next, I ask them to visualize Heavenly Father listening to and responding to their prayers in ways that their spouse, bishop, or leaders might respond. With practice, the Spirit teaches them, and they begin to feel Heavenly Father’s tremendous love and compassion, often for the first time. As Jeremiah wrote: “I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
“Then shall you call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:11–13).
Bishops play an especially vital role in the process of helping the abused feel God’s love. Though not all aggressors are male, when this is the case, subsequent relationships with males may be awkward or difficult. To restore healthy attitudes, victims need to see examples of men, particularly fathers, who live righteously and according to gospel standards. By serving in a fatherly role, bishops become healing instruments as they afford sensitive counsel, positive examples, and effective priesthood leadership devoid of unrighteous dominion. Others can assist in the recovery process by reflecting the Savior’s love and sacrifice in how they serve selflessly.
“How Can I Forgive?”
Forgiveness is often difficult because offenders may deny their behavior or avoid acknowledging it. Regardless of how the offender responds—even if the perpetrator does not admit responsibility—the person who has been abused can choose to forgive. It is important to note that forgiveness does not necessarily mean forgetting the offense, trusting the offender, or even associating with him or her. However, it does mean letting go of self-destructive anger.
To help the abused person forgive, leaders, friends, and family members can acknowledge the gravity of the offense, allowing the innocent person to work through his or her anger and pain. Much abuse involves the denial of feelings and truth, so people who have been abused need to be heard and have their feelings validated if they are to truly recover and regain self-worth. When the person who has been abused is pressured to forgive, he or she may feel an added measure of guilt, taking the blame not only for the abuse itself but also for being unable to forgive. Allowing the person time to forgive can be a lengthy process, but it is critical to healing.
Some may fear that their loved one might become stuck at this stage or obsessed with unhealthy rage. However, although needlessly extending this painful process can be unproductive, insisting on forgiveness before feelings have been adequately acknowledged may cause withdrawal and may impede healing. Bishops and other supportive members can facilitate healing by empathetically allowing the hurt to find its expression and then offering Christlike love.
“How Can My Wounds Heal?”
Some members feel so unclean, unworthy, or damaged that they live on the fringes, never allowing the blessings of the Atonement to heal their distress. They believe that their hurt can never be mended or that their pain is greater than the Savior’s ability to heal. Satan is the author of these lies, for “we believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved” (Articles of Faith 1:3; emphasis added). Through patience, charity, spiritual awareness, and prayer, Church leaders can reach even the most troubled souls, dispelling negative ideas, instilling hope, and fostering self-worth.
The journey of recovery from abuse can be long and lonely. However, through my work I have witnessed the undeniable power of the Atonement to renew and revitalize lives. In the advent of abuse, people feel helpless in not knowing what to do or where to turn. But those who suffer—and those charged with the responsibility to help them—are not alone. The saving principles of the gospel have the power and capacity to heal wounded souls. Not only does the Atonement wash the sins of repentant offenders, but it also reconciles with God all who may feel estranged from His love, including the abused and their families.
President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, has taught that it is often necessary to “walk to the edge of the light, and perhaps a few steps into the darkness, and … the light will appear and move ahead of you.”2 In other words, it takes faith to move forward. But when we exercise faith in His omnipotence, we begin to feel the atoning power of the Savior, who bore our pain in Gethsemane. We become free to receive refreshing inner peace born of spiritual renewal that arises from the Atonement’s cleansing and healing power.
Hope in His Sacrifice
The Savior’s sacrifice provides tremendous hope on the path of recovery from abuse: “He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives … to set at liberty them that are bruised” (Luke 4:18). Through prayer, faith, scripture study, hearkening to the Spirit, counseling with priesthood leaders, and receiving support from friends or relatives, those who have been abused can see a road to complete healing.
Many times I have counseled Latter-day Saints recovering from the trauma of abuse, I can testify that though recovery may seem difficult and fraught with temporary setbacks, the Savior offers solace to aching hearts, heals wounded souls, and changes sorrow into joy. All who have been hurt can receive relief through the Atonement of Him who knows and has experienced all: “He will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy … that he may know … how to succor his people” (Alma 7:12).
Above: photograph by Jed Clark; background photographs by Robert Casey
Not My Will But Thine Be Done, by Harry Anderson, courtesy of Pacific Press Publishing Association, Inc.
Notes
1. “Healing the Tragic Scars of Abuse,” Ensign, May 1992, 31.
2. Quoting Harold B. Lee in Lucile C. Tate, Boyd K. Packer: A Watchman on the Tower (1995), 138.
^ Back to top
Ensign » 2008 » September
Hope and Healing in Recovering from Abuse
By Sarah E. Miller
Sarah E. Miller, “Hope and Healing in Recovering from Abuse,” Ensign, Sep 2008, 36–39
Those struggling with the results of abuse can receive peace through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
As a child, Emma (name has been changed) was abused. Now, as a 33-year-old mother of four, she quietly weeps in my office. “I don’t understand,” she stammers. “I try to be faithful, pay an honest tithe, attend church, and serve in callings. Why do I feel so worthless? Why can’t I feel God’s love?” As a Latter-day Saint psychotherapist living and practicing in the United Kingdom, I have witnessed this scenario repeatedly over the years as I have counseled abused Church members in a professional capacity.
Many of my clients, like Emma, currently live faithful lives but continue to struggle with the effects of abuse in their past. In some cases, they perceive Heavenly Father as remote, stern, critical, or condemning. They assume that they “deserved” the abuse, that it was somehow their fault. In other cases, they feel as though their experiences place them beyond the healing power of the Savior. Church activity can seem overwhelming to these individuals, often because they compare themselves with other members and develop feelings of inadequacy. “What’s wrong with me?” they ask. “Why do I feel so unworthy?” Faced with ramifications such as addictions, self-hatred, mental illnesses, or broken relationships, they are eager to find hope and rest, but sometimes they are unsure about how to do so.
I am convinced that Latter-day Saints—or anyone, for that matter—struggling with the results of abuse or childhood trauma can receive peace through the gospel of Jesus Christ. The effects of abuse may persist for a while, but the power of the Atonement can ultimately relieve such burdens and facilitate healing. The Savior included those who have been abused when he beckoned, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). The Savior’s promise of rest can help victims know that God does love them, that they can feel His love, that they can forgive, and that their wounds can be healed.
“Why Did He Let This Happen?”
Clients frequently come to me feeling angry or resentful, asserting that a loving God would never have abandoned them to a fate of abuse. They perceive a lack of divine intervention as an indication of their personal unworthiness. However, Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has said, “There can be some who choose willfully to violate the commandments and harm you. … [But] the Lord has provided a way for you to overcome the destructive results of others’ acts against your will.”1
Healing occurs when individuals learn to search for and accept the Savior’s love. For example, I know of a case where a young brother and sister, twins, were forced to flee from their home late one night. Their stepfather had exploded in rage and threatened to kill them. As they wandered the dark streets searching for a place to rest, they discovered a secluded stairwell in an apartment building. Cold, exhausted, and fearful, they huddled together and somehow slept.
Years later, as an adult, one of those children questioned God, “Why didn’t you help us? Where were you?” An unexpected, gentle answer came to her mind, confirming that He had truly watched over her that night—that He in effect had sent angels who stood sentinel. In searching for answers, she hearkened to the Spirit’s whisperings and came to know that God loves her and is with her in times of need.
Our mortal experiences, however difficult they may be, can be channeled to help us know God and to learn about who we are in relationship to Him. When we learn that we are His children, we can feel that His love for us is unbounded: “Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life” (Isaiah 43:4).
“Why Am I Unable to Feel His Love?”
Even though they may know about God’s love on an intellectual basis, many people who have suffered abuse cannot, at least initially, fathom His caring for them individually. Some have never experienced a kind, loving, and respectful earthly father, so thinking about God in such terms is a difficult challenge.
To help transcend this barrier, I often ask clients to first think about the people they know who have loving qualities: a spouse, a bishop, or other Church leaders. Next, I ask them to visualize Heavenly Father listening to and responding to their prayers in ways that their spouse, bishop, or leaders might respond. With practice, the Spirit teaches them, and they begin to feel Heavenly Father’s tremendous love and compassion, often for the first time. As Jeremiah wrote: “I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
“Then shall you call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:11–13).
Bishops play an especially vital role in the process of helping the abused feel God’s love. Though not all aggressors are male, when this is the case, subsequent relationships with males may be awkward or difficult. To restore healthy attitudes, victims need to see examples of men, particularly fathers, who live righteously and according to gospel standards. By serving in a fatherly role, bishops become healing instruments as they afford sensitive counsel, positive examples, and effective priesthood leadership devoid of unrighteous dominion. Others can assist in the recovery process by reflecting the Savior’s love and sacrifice in how they serve selflessly.
“How Can I Forgive?”
Forgiveness is often difficult because offenders may deny their behavior or avoid acknowledging it. Regardless of how the offender responds—even if the perpetrator does not admit responsibility—the person who has been abused can choose to forgive. It is important to note that forgiveness does not necessarily mean forgetting the offense, trusting the offender, or even associating with him or her. However, it does mean letting go of self-destructive anger.
To help the abused person forgive, leaders, friends, and family members can acknowledge the gravity of the offense, allowing the innocent person to work through his or her anger and pain. Much abuse involves the denial of feelings and truth, so people who have been abused need to be heard and have their feelings validated if they are to truly recover and regain self-worth. When the person who has been abused is pressured to forgive, he or she may feel an added measure of guilt, taking the blame not only for the abuse itself but also for being unable to forgive. Allowing the person time to forgive can be a lengthy process, but it is critical to healing.
Some may fear that their loved one might become stuck at this stage or obsessed with unhealthy rage. However, although needlessly extending this painful process can be unproductive, insisting on forgiveness before feelings have been adequately acknowledged may cause withdrawal and may impede healing. Bishops and other supportive members can facilitate healing by empathetically allowing the hurt to find its expression and then offering Christlike love.
“How Can My Wounds Heal?”
Some members feel so unclean, unworthy, or damaged that they live on the fringes, never allowing the blessings of the Atonement to heal their distress. They believe that their hurt can never be mended or that their pain is greater than the Savior’s ability to heal. Satan is the author of these lies, for “we believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved” (Articles of Faith 1:3; emphasis added). Through patience, charity, spiritual awareness, and prayer, Church leaders can reach even the most troubled souls, dispelling negative ideas, instilling hope, and fostering self-worth.
The journey of recovery from abuse can be long and lonely. However, through my work I have witnessed the undeniable power of the Atonement to renew and revitalize lives. In the advent of abuse, people feel helpless in not knowing what to do or where to turn. But those who suffer—and those charged with the responsibility to help them—are not alone. The saving principles of the gospel have the power and capacity to heal wounded souls. Not only does the Atonement wash the sins of repentant offenders, but it also reconciles with God all who may feel estranged from His love, including the abused and their families.
President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, has taught that it is often necessary to “walk to the edge of the light, and perhaps a few steps into the darkness, and … the light will appear and move ahead of you.”2 In other words, it takes faith to move forward. But when we exercise faith in His omnipotence, we begin to feel the atoning power of the Savior, who bore our pain in Gethsemane. We become free to receive refreshing inner peace born of spiritual renewal that arises from the Atonement’s cleansing and healing power.
Hope in His Sacrifice
The Savior’s sacrifice provides tremendous hope on the path of recovery from abuse: “He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives … to set at liberty them that are bruised” (Luke 4:18). Through prayer, faith, scripture study, hearkening to the Spirit, counseling with priesthood leaders, and receiving support from friends or relatives, those who have been abused can see a road to complete healing.
Many times I have counseled Latter-day Saints recovering from the trauma of abuse, I can testify that though recovery may seem difficult and fraught with temporary setbacks, the Savior offers solace to aching hearts, heals wounded souls, and changes sorrow into joy. All who have been hurt can receive relief through the Atonement of Him who knows and has experienced all: “He will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy … that he may know … how to succor his people” (Alma 7:12).
Above: photograph by Jed Clark; background photographs by Robert Casey
Not My Will But Thine Be Done, by Harry Anderson, courtesy of Pacific Press Publishing Association, Inc.
Notes
1. “Healing the Tragic Scars of Abuse,” Ensign, May 1992, 31.
2. Quoting Harold B. Lee in Lucile C. Tate, Boyd K. Packer: A Watchman on the Tower (1995), 138.
^ Back to top
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
The Tablecoth
A pastor and his wife, newly assigned to their first ministry, reopened a church in suburban Brooklyn. Excitedly arriving in early October, they saw the opportunities to accomplish something good before them. When they first laid eyes upon the church, they found it to be very run down and in need of much work. They set a goal, though, to have everything done in time to have their first service on Christmas Eve.
They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls, painting, etc., and on Dec 18 were ahead of schedule and just about finished. On December 19 a terrible tempest hit the area, lasting two days.
On the 21st, the pastor went over to the church. His heart sank when he saw that the roof had leaked, causing a large area of plaster about 20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit, beginning about head high. The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor, and not knowing what else to do but postpone the Christmas Eve service, headed home. On the way he noticed a local business having a flea market type sale for charity so he stopped in.
One of the items was a beautiful, handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth with exquisite work, fine colors and a Cross embroidered right in the center. It was just the right size to cover up the hole in the front wall. He bought it and headed back to the church. By this time it had started to snow. An older woman running from the opposite direction was trying to catch the bus. She missed it. The pastor invited her to wait in the warm church for the next bus 45 minutes later. She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor while he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry. The pastor could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and it covered up the entire problem area.
Then he noticed the woman walking down the center aisle. Her face was like a sheet. "Pastor," she said, "where did you get that tablecloth?" The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were crocheted into it there. To his astonishment, he found that they were. These being the initials of the woman. She had made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria. The woman could hardly believe it, for the pastor told how he had just acquired the tablecloth.
The woman explained that before the war she and her husband were well-to-do people in Austria. When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave. Her husband was going to follow her the next week. She was captured, sent to prison and she never saw her husband or her home again.
The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth; but she made the pastor keep it for the church. The pastor insisted on driving her home, that was the least he could do. She lived on the other side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn for the day for a housecleaning job.
What a wonderful service they had on Christmas Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the spirit were great. At the end of the service, the pastor and his wife greeted everyone at the door and many said that they would return.
One older man, whom the pastor recognized from the neighbourhood, continued
to sit in one of the pews and stare at the Tablecloth on the front wall because it was identical to the one that his wife had made many years ago in Austria before the war and how could there be two Tablecloths so much alike?
He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he forced his wife to flee for her safety, and he was supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and put in a prison. He never saw his wife or his home again all the 35 years in between.
The pastor asked him if he would allow him to take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten Island and to the same house where the pastor had taken the woman three days earlier. He helped the man climb the three flights of stairs to the woman's apartment, knocked on the door and he saw the greatest Christmas reunion he could ever imagine.
They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls, painting, etc., and on Dec 18 were ahead of schedule and just about finished. On December 19 a terrible tempest hit the area, lasting two days.
On the 21st, the pastor went over to the church. His heart sank when he saw that the roof had leaked, causing a large area of plaster about 20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit, beginning about head high. The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor, and not knowing what else to do but postpone the Christmas Eve service, headed home. On the way he noticed a local business having a flea market type sale for charity so he stopped in.
One of the items was a beautiful, handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth with exquisite work, fine colors and a Cross embroidered right in the center. It was just the right size to cover up the hole in the front wall. He bought it and headed back to the church. By this time it had started to snow. An older woman running from the opposite direction was trying to catch the bus. She missed it. The pastor invited her to wait in the warm church for the next bus 45 minutes later. She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor while he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry. The pastor could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and it covered up the entire problem area.
Then he noticed the woman walking down the center aisle. Her face was like a sheet. "Pastor," she said, "where did you get that tablecloth?" The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were crocheted into it there. To his astonishment, he found that they were. These being the initials of the woman. She had made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria. The woman could hardly believe it, for the pastor told how he had just acquired the tablecloth.
The woman explained that before the war she and her husband were well-to-do people in Austria. When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave. Her husband was going to follow her the next week. She was captured, sent to prison and she never saw her husband or her home again.
The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth; but she made the pastor keep it for the church. The pastor insisted on driving her home, that was the least he could do. She lived on the other side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn for the day for a housecleaning job.
What a wonderful service they had on Christmas Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the spirit were great. At the end of the service, the pastor and his wife greeted everyone at the door and many said that they would return.
One older man, whom the pastor recognized from the neighbourhood, continued
to sit in one of the pews and stare at the Tablecloth on the front wall because it was identical to the one that his wife had made many years ago in Austria before the war and how could there be two Tablecloths so much alike?
He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he forced his wife to flee for her safety, and he was supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and put in a prison. He never saw his wife or his home again all the 35 years in between.
The pastor asked him if he would allow him to take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten Island and to the same house where the pastor had taken the woman three days earlier. He helped the man climb the three flights of stairs to the woman's apartment, knocked on the door and he saw the greatest Christmas reunion he could ever imagine.
How the Angel Got on Top of the Tree
It was supposed to be a happy time, but it wasn't. Santa was really pissed.
It was Christmas Eve and NOTHING was going right. Mrs. Claus had burned all the Christmas cookies. The Elves were b*#@!^&% about not getting paid for the overtime they had put in while making toys, and the reindeer had been drinking all afternoon and were dead drunk. They had taken the sleigh out for a spin earlier in the day and crashed it into a tree, breaking off one of the runners.
Santa was beside himself with anger. "I CAN'T believe it! I've got to deliver millions of presents all over the world in just a few hours from now and all my reindeer are drunk, my Elves are on strike and I don't even have a Christmas tree! I sent that stupid Little Angel out HOURS a go to find a tree and he isn't even back yet! What am I going to do?"
Just then the Little Angel opened the front door and stepped in from the snowy night, dragging a Christmas tree.
He says: "Yo, Santa, where do you want me to stick the Christmas Tree this year???"
And thus the tradition of Angels perched atop the Christmas trees came to pass. . . . .
It was Christmas Eve and NOTHING was going right. Mrs. Claus had burned all the Christmas cookies. The Elves were b*#@!^&% about not getting paid for the overtime they had put in while making toys, and the reindeer had been drinking all afternoon and were dead drunk. They had taken the sleigh out for a spin earlier in the day and crashed it into a tree, breaking off one of the runners.
Santa was beside himself with anger. "I CAN'T believe it! I've got to deliver millions of presents all over the world in just a few hours from now and all my reindeer are drunk, my Elves are on strike and I don't even have a Christmas tree! I sent that stupid Little Angel out HOURS a go to find a tree and he isn't even back yet! What am I going to do?"
Just then the Little Angel opened the front door and stepped in from the snowy night, dragging a Christmas tree.
He says: "Yo, Santa, where do you want me to stick the Christmas Tree this year???"
And thus the tradition of Angels perched atop the Christmas trees came to pass. . . . .
Things that sound dirty at Christmas
"Talk about a huge breast!"
"Whew, that's one terrific spread!"
"It's a little dry, do you still want to eat it?"
"Tying the legs together will keep the inside moist."
"Just lay back and take it easy. I'll do the rest."
"I'm in the mood for a little dark meat."
"How long do I beat it before it's ready?"
"Use a nice, smooth stroke when you whip it."
"Don't play with your meat."
"Just spread the legs open and stuff it in."
"How long will it take after you stick it in?"
"You'll know when it's ready when it pops up."
"If I don't undo my pants, I'll burst."
"That's the biggest one I've ever seen!"
"Do you think you'll be able to handle all these people at once?"
"I didn't expect everyone to come at once."
"It's Cool Whip time!"
"You still have a little bit on your chin."
"Are you ready for seconds yet?"
"Whew, that's one terrific spread!"
"It's a little dry, do you still want to eat it?"
"Tying the legs together will keep the inside moist."
"Just lay back and take it easy. I'll do the rest."
"I'm in the mood for a little dark meat."
"How long do I beat it before it's ready?"
"Use a nice, smooth stroke when you whip it."
"Don't play with your meat."
"Just spread the legs open and stuff it in."
"How long will it take after you stick it in?"
"You'll know when it's ready when it pops up."
"If I don't undo my pants, I'll burst."
"That's the biggest one I've ever seen!"
"Do you think you'll be able to handle all these people at once?"
"I didn't expect everyone to come at once."
"It's Cool Whip time!"
"You still have a little bit on your chin."
"Are you ready for seconds yet?"
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The Star in The East
The star in the east is shinning again
For the eyes of the world to see
It stips once more o'er Bethlehem
Where the manager used to be.
It shines on the spot where the crowded inn
Had no room for the Mother with Child.
It shines on the fields where shepherds were
Minding their flocks so mild.
It shines on the road the wise men took
As they followeth its rays so bright
And knelt at the feet od the new born Chold
That brought to the world God's Light.
Oh, lift your eyes to the eastern star
That shines in the heaven tonight,
And feel the glory the wise men felt
And bathed in its wondrous light.
By Clara Moote
For the eyes of the world to see
It stips once more o'er Bethlehem
Where the manager used to be.
It shines on the spot where the crowded inn
Had no room for the Mother with Child.
It shines on the fields where shepherds were
Minding their flocks so mild.
It shines on the road the wise men took
As they followeth its rays so bright
And knelt at the feet od the new born Chold
That brought to the world God's Light.
Oh, lift your eyes to the eastern star
That shines in the heaven tonight,
And feel the glory the wise men felt
And bathed in its wondrous light.
By Clara Moote
Monday, December 15, 2008
Did You Know?
Did you know that I have been collecting statehood quarters since they started in 1999. I have 2 books, 1 for D and for P. The difference is what mint they were made in.
As of just now, the D book is complete. The P book I am nine short.
They are:
2003 Alabama and Missouri
2005 California
2006 South Dakota
2007 Idaho and Utah
2008 Arizona, Alaska and Hawaii
I can't wait to get these and finish my last book.
:)
As of just now, the D book is complete. The P book I am nine short.
They are:
2003 Alabama and Missouri
2005 California
2006 South Dakota
2007 Idaho and Utah
2008 Arizona, Alaska and Hawaii
I can't wait to get these and finish my last book.
:)
A Soldier's Christmas
'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE
MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE.
I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY
WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO
IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.
I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,
A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,
NOT EVEN A TREE.
NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,
JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES
OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.
WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,
AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT
CAME THROUGH MY MIND.
FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,
IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER,
ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.
THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING,
SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR
IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.
THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,
THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED
A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.
WAS THIS THE HERO
OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,
THE FLOOR FOR A BED?
I REALIZED THE FAMILIES
THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS
WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.
SOON ROUND THE WORLD,
THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE
A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.
THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM
EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,
LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.
I COULDN'T HELP WONDER
HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE
IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.
THE VERY THOUGHT
BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES
AND STARTED TO CRY.
THE SOLDIER AWAKENED
AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
"SANTA DON'T CRY,
THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;
I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM,
I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD,
MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS."
THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER
AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT,
I CONTINUED TO WEEP.
I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,
SO SILENT AND STILL
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED
FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.
I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE
ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR
SO WILLING TO FIGHT.
THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA,
IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE."
ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH,
AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND,
AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT."
This poem was written by a Marine stationed in Okinawa Japan
HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE
MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE.
I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY
WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO
IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.
I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,
A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,
NOT EVEN A TREE.
NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,
JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES
OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.
WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,
AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT
CAME THROUGH MY MIND.
FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,
IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER,
ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.
THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING,
SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR
IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.
THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,
THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED
A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.
WAS THIS THE HERO
OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,
THE FLOOR FOR A BED?
I REALIZED THE FAMILIES
THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS
WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.
SOON ROUND THE WORLD,
THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE
A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.
THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM
EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,
LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.
I COULDN'T HELP WONDER
HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE
IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.
THE VERY THOUGHT
BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES
AND STARTED TO CRY.
THE SOLDIER AWAKENED
AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
"SANTA DON'T CRY,
THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;
I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM,
I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD,
MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS."
THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER
AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT,
I CONTINUED TO WEEP.
I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,
SO SILENT AND STILL
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED
FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.
I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE
ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR
SO WILLING TO FIGHT.
THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA,
IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE."
ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH,
AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND,
AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT."
This poem was written by a Marine stationed in Okinawa Japan
My Christmas Wish List
This year I have a very different Christmas wish list, some of them have been carried over for years and will carry on to years to come.
1. A well paying good full time job
2. A permanent roof over my head
3. A beautiful man to share my life with
4. A respectful, loving and understanding family
5. Children (adopted or by birth), To be a mother
6. A good, working, cost effective car
7. To be a size 10 again
8. To be out of debt
9. To be Temple Worthy
10. Not to be dependent on caffeine
11. To be healthy and strong
12. To have a Bachelor's degree
13. To have a profession
14. To own my own business
15. To be a writer
16. To feel like I belong some where with some one special to me
These are dreams and goals of mine, some will never happen but hopefully most will.
1. A well paying good full time job
2. A permanent roof over my head
3. A beautiful man to share my life with
4. A respectful, loving and understanding family
5. Children (adopted or by birth), To be a mother
6. A good, working, cost effective car
7. To be a size 10 again
8. To be out of debt
9. To be Temple Worthy
10. Not to be dependent on caffeine
11. To be healthy and strong
12. To have a Bachelor's degree
13. To have a profession
14. To own my own business
15. To be a writer
16. To feel like I belong some where with some one special to me
These are dreams and goals of mine, some will never happen but hopefully most will.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Santa's Secert Wish
On Christmas Eve,
a young boy with light in his eyes,
Looked deep into Santa's, to Santa's surprise,
And said as he nestled on Santa's broad knee,
"I want your secret, tell it to me."
He leaned up & whispered in Santa's good ear,
"How do you do it, year after year?"
"I want to know how, as you travel about,
Giving gifts here & there, you never run out.
How is it, dear Santa, that in your pack of toys,
You have plenty for all of the world's girls & boys?
Stays so full, never empties as you make your way
From rooftop to rooftop, to homes large & small,
From nation to nation, reaching them all?
And Santa smiled kindly & said to the boy,
"Don't ask me hard questions.
Don't you want a toy?"
But the child shook his head, and Santa could see
That he needed the answer. "Now listen to me,"
He told the small boy with the light in his eyes,
"My secret will make you sadder & wise.
"The truth is that my sack is magic. Inside
It holds millions of toys for my Christmas Eve ride.
But although I do visit each girl & each boy
I don't always leave them a gaily wrapped toy.
Some homes are hungry, some homes are sad.
Some homes are desperate, some homes are bad.
Some homes are broken, & children there grieve.
Those homes I visit, but what should I leave?
"My sleigh is filled with the happiest stuff,
But for homes where despair lives,
toys aren't enough.
So I tiptoe in, kiss each girl & boy,
And pray with them that they'll be given the joy
Of the spirit of Christmas, the spirit that lives
In the heart of the dear child who gets not,
but gives.
If only God hears me & answers my prayer,
When I visit next year, what I will find there
Are homes filled with peace,
and with giving, and love
And boys and girls gifted with light from above.
It's a very had task, my smart little brother,
To give toys to some,
and to give prayers to others.
But the prayers are the best gifts,
the best gifts indeed,
For God has a way of meeting each need.
"That's part of the answer.
The rest, my dear youth,
Is that my sack is magic, And that is the truth.
In my sack I carry on Christmas Eve day
More love than a Santa could e'er give away.
The sack never empties of love, or of joys
'Cause inside it are prayers, and hopes.
Not just toys.
The more that I give, the fuller it seems,
Because giving is my way of fulfilling dreams.
"And do you know something?
You've got a sack, too.
It's as magic as mine, and it's inside of you.
It never gets empty, it's full from the start.
It's the centre of lights, and of love. It's your heart.
And if on this Christmas you want to help me,
Don't be so concerned with your gifts
'neath your tree.
Open that sack, call your heart, & share
Your joy, your friendship, your wealth, your care."
The light in the small boy's eyes was glowing.
"Thanks for the secret. I've got to be going."
"Wait, little boy," said Santa "don't go.
Will you share? Will you help?
Will you use what you know?"
And just for a moment the small boy stood still,
Touched his heart with his small hand & whispered,
"I will."
Author Unknown
a young boy with light in his eyes,
Looked deep into Santa's, to Santa's surprise,
And said as he nestled on Santa's broad knee,
"I want your secret, tell it to me."
He leaned up & whispered in Santa's good ear,
"How do you do it, year after year?"
"I want to know how, as you travel about,
Giving gifts here & there, you never run out.
How is it, dear Santa, that in your pack of toys,
You have plenty for all of the world's girls & boys?
Stays so full, never empties as you make your way
From rooftop to rooftop, to homes large & small,
From nation to nation, reaching them all?
And Santa smiled kindly & said to the boy,
"Don't ask me hard questions.
Don't you want a toy?"
But the child shook his head, and Santa could see
That he needed the answer. "Now listen to me,"
He told the small boy with the light in his eyes,
"My secret will make you sadder & wise.
"The truth is that my sack is magic. Inside
It holds millions of toys for my Christmas Eve ride.
But although I do visit each girl & each boy
I don't always leave them a gaily wrapped toy.
Some homes are hungry, some homes are sad.
Some homes are desperate, some homes are bad.
Some homes are broken, & children there grieve.
Those homes I visit, but what should I leave?
"My sleigh is filled with the happiest stuff,
But for homes where despair lives,
toys aren't enough.
So I tiptoe in, kiss each girl & boy,
And pray with them that they'll be given the joy
Of the spirit of Christmas, the spirit that lives
In the heart of the dear child who gets not,
but gives.
If only God hears me & answers my prayer,
When I visit next year, what I will find there
Are homes filled with peace,
and with giving, and love
And boys and girls gifted with light from above.
It's a very had task, my smart little brother,
To give toys to some,
and to give prayers to others.
But the prayers are the best gifts,
the best gifts indeed,
For God has a way of meeting each need.
"That's part of the answer.
The rest, my dear youth,
Is that my sack is magic, And that is the truth.
In my sack I carry on Christmas Eve day
More love than a Santa could e'er give away.
The sack never empties of love, or of joys
'Cause inside it are prayers, and hopes.
Not just toys.
The more that I give, the fuller it seems,
Because giving is my way of fulfilling dreams.
"And do you know something?
You've got a sack, too.
It's as magic as mine, and it's inside of you.
It never gets empty, it's full from the start.
It's the centre of lights, and of love. It's your heart.
And if on this Christmas you want to help me,
Don't be so concerned with your gifts
'neath your tree.
Open that sack, call your heart, & share
Your joy, your friendship, your wealth, your care."
The light in the small boy's eyes was glowing.
"Thanks for the secret. I've got to be going."
"Wait, little boy," said Santa "don't go.
Will you share? Will you help?
Will you use what you know?"
And just for a moment the small boy stood still,
Touched his heart with his small hand & whispered,
"I will."
Author Unknown
Oh Holy Night
Oh holy night!
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh night divine
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the wise men from Orient land
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend.
Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Words by Chappeau de Roquemaure
Translated by John S. Dwight
This is one of my favorite Christmas songs ever.
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh night divine
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the wise men from Orient land
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend.
Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Words by Chappeau de Roquemaure
Translated by John S. Dwight
This is one of my favorite Christmas songs ever.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Four Christmases
http://www.fourchristmasesmovie.com/
This is a very funny movie. I really enjoyed and laughed a lot. The only thing a friend and myself kept commenting about to each other was, Reece Witherspoon's hair. It kept changing. One part of a screen it was her natural hair and then it would change to a wig. The wig had different bangs. It made her hair look different and it didn't look like her natural hair. You think a budget that big they would have dyed the wig to look like her natural hair. You can't have roots in one shot and then turn back in the next shot and you don't have roots. It was weird. The movie was very cute and I would suggest people to go and see it.
This is a very funny movie. I really enjoyed and laughed a lot. The only thing a friend and myself kept commenting about to each other was, Reece Witherspoon's hair. It kept changing. One part of a screen it was her natural hair and then it would change to a wig. The wig had different bangs. It made her hair look different and it didn't look like her natural hair. You think a budget that big they would have dyed the wig to look like her natural hair. You can't have roots in one shot and then turn back in the next shot and you don't have roots. It was weird. The movie was very cute and I would suggest people to go and see it.
Friday, December 12, 2008
The Story of Silent Night
Father Joseph Mohr sat at the old organ. His fingers stretched over the keys, forming the notes of a chord. He took a deep breath and pressed down. Nothing. He lifted his fingers and tried again. Silence echoed through the church.
Father Joseph shook his head. It was no use. The pipes were rusted, the bellows mildewed. The organ had been wheezing and growing quieter for months, and Father Joseph had been hoping it would hold together until the organ builder arrived to repair it in the spring. But now, on December 23, 1818, the organ had finally given out. St. Nicholas Church would have no music for Christmas.
Father Joseph sighed. Maybe a brisk walk would make him feel better. He pulled on his overcoat and stepped out into the night. His white breath puffed out before him. Moonlight sparkled off the snow-crusted trees and houses in the village of Oberndorf. Father Joseph crunched through the snowy streets to the edge of the little Austrian town and climbed the path leading up the mountain.
From high above Oberndorf, Father Joseph watched the Salzach River ripple past St. Nicolas Church. In the spring, wen melting snow flowed down the mountains and river swelled in its banks, water lapped at the foundation of the church. It was moisture from the flooding river that had caused the organ to mildew and rust.
Father Joseph looked out over the Austrian Alps. Stars shone above in the still and silent night.
Silent Night? Father Joseph stopped. Of course! "Silent Night!" He had written a poem a few years before, when he had first become a priest, and he had given it that very title. "Silent Night."
Father Joseph scrambled down the mountain. Suddenly he knew how to bring music to the church.
The next morning, Father Joseph set out on another walk. This time he carried his poem. And this time he knew exactly where he was going --- to see his friend Fran Gruber, the organist for St. Nicholas, who loved in the next village.
Franz Gruber was surprised to see the priest so far from home on Christmas Eve, and even more surprised when Father Joseph handed him the poem.
That night Father Joseph and Franz Gruber stood a the altar of St. Nicholas Church. Father Joseph held his guitar. He could see members of the congregation giving each other puzzle looks. They had never heard a guitar played in church before, and certainly no during midnight mass on Christmas Eve, the holiest night of the year.
Father Joseph picked out a few notes on his guitar, and he and Franz Gruber began to sing. Their two voices rang out, joined by the church choir on the chorus.
When the lst notes faded into the night, the congregation remained still for a moment, then began to clap their hands. Applause filled the church. The villagers of Oberndorf loved the song! Father Josep's plan to bring music to St. Nicholas Church had worked.
A few months later, the organ builder arrived in Oberndorf and found the words and music to "Silent Night" lying on the organ. The song enchanted home. ans when he left, he took a copy of it with him.
The organ builder gave the song to two families of traveling singers who lived neat his home. The raveling singer preformed "Silent Night" in concerts all over Europe, and soon the song spread throughout the world.
Today, cathedral choirs an carolers from New York to New Zealand sing the simple song that was first played in a mountain church in Austria on Christmas Eve nearly 200 years ago.
By Lisa Harkrader
Silent Night
Silent Night, Holy Night!
All is calm,all is right, Round yon Virgin Mother and
Child, Holy infant so tender and mild.
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace
Silent Night, Holy Night!
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heav'nly hosts sing Hallelujah,
Christ the Saviour is born,
Christ the Saviour is born.
Silent Night, Holy Night!
Son of God, love's pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus Lord at Thy birth,
Jesus Lord at Thy birth.
by Father Joseph Mohr
Franz Gruber
Father Joseph shook his head. It was no use. The pipes were rusted, the bellows mildewed. The organ had been wheezing and growing quieter for months, and Father Joseph had been hoping it would hold together until the organ builder arrived to repair it in the spring. But now, on December 23, 1818, the organ had finally given out. St. Nicholas Church would have no music for Christmas.
Father Joseph sighed. Maybe a brisk walk would make him feel better. He pulled on his overcoat and stepped out into the night. His white breath puffed out before him. Moonlight sparkled off the snow-crusted trees and houses in the village of Oberndorf. Father Joseph crunched through the snowy streets to the edge of the little Austrian town and climbed the path leading up the mountain.
From high above Oberndorf, Father Joseph watched the Salzach River ripple past St. Nicolas Church. In the spring, wen melting snow flowed down the mountains and river swelled in its banks, water lapped at the foundation of the church. It was moisture from the flooding river that had caused the organ to mildew and rust.
Father Joseph looked out over the Austrian Alps. Stars shone above in the still and silent night.
Silent Night? Father Joseph stopped. Of course! "Silent Night!" He had written a poem a few years before, when he had first become a priest, and he had given it that very title. "Silent Night."
Father Joseph scrambled down the mountain. Suddenly he knew how to bring music to the church.
The next morning, Father Joseph set out on another walk. This time he carried his poem. And this time he knew exactly where he was going --- to see his friend Fran Gruber, the organist for St. Nicholas, who loved in the next village.
Franz Gruber was surprised to see the priest so far from home on Christmas Eve, and even more surprised when Father Joseph handed him the poem.
That night Father Joseph and Franz Gruber stood a the altar of St. Nicholas Church. Father Joseph held his guitar. He could see members of the congregation giving each other puzzle looks. They had never heard a guitar played in church before, and certainly no during midnight mass on Christmas Eve, the holiest night of the year.
Father Joseph picked out a few notes on his guitar, and he and Franz Gruber began to sing. Their two voices rang out, joined by the church choir on the chorus.
When the lst notes faded into the night, the congregation remained still for a moment, then began to clap their hands. Applause filled the church. The villagers of Oberndorf loved the song! Father Josep's plan to bring music to St. Nicholas Church had worked.
A few months later, the organ builder arrived in Oberndorf and found the words and music to "Silent Night" lying on the organ. The song enchanted home. ans when he left, he took a copy of it with him.
The organ builder gave the song to two families of traveling singers who lived neat his home. The raveling singer preformed "Silent Night" in concerts all over Europe, and soon the song spread throughout the world.
Today, cathedral choirs an carolers from New York to New Zealand sing the simple song that was first played in a mountain church in Austria on Christmas Eve nearly 200 years ago.
By Lisa Harkrader
Silent Night
Silent Night, Holy Night!
All is calm,all is right, Round yon Virgin Mother and
Child, Holy infant so tender and mild.
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace
Silent Night, Holy Night!
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heav'nly hosts sing Hallelujah,
Christ the Saviour is born,
Christ the Saviour is born.
Silent Night, Holy Night!
Son of God, love's pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus Lord at Thy birth,
Jesus Lord at Thy birth.
by Father Joseph Mohr
Franz Gruber
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Twas the Night Before Christmas
Twas the Night before Christmas Poem
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
By Clement Clarke Moore
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
By Clement Clarke Moore
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Aussie Jingle Bells
Brought to you by Jaybee's Entertainment!
Dashing through the bush
In a rusty Holden Ute
Kicking up the dust
Esky in the boot
Kelpie by my side
Singing Christmas songs
It's summer time and I am in
My singlet, shorts & thongs
CHORUS:
OH, JINGLE BELLS, JINGLE BELLS
JINGLE ALL THE WAY
CHRISTMAS IN AUSTRALIA
ON A SCORCHING SUMMER'S DAY
JINGLE BELLS, JINGLE BELLS
CHRISTMAS TIME IS BEAUT
OH WHAT FUN IT IS TO RIDE
IN A RUSTY HOLDEN UTE
Engine's getting hot
Dodge the kangaroos
Swaggy climbs aboard
He is welcome too
All the family is there
Sitting by the pool
Christmas day, the Aussie way
By the barbecue!
CHORUS
Come the afternoon
Grandpa has a doze
The kids and uncle Bruce
Are swimming in their clothes
The time comes round to go
We take a family snap
Then pack the car and all shoot through
Before the washing up
CHORUS
Dashing through the bush
In a rusty Holden Ute
Kicking up the dust
Esky in the boot
Kelpie by my side
Singing Christmas songs
It's summer time and I am in
My singlet, shorts & thongs
CHORUS:
OH, JINGLE BELLS, JINGLE BELLS
JINGLE ALL THE WAY
CHRISTMAS IN AUSTRALIA
ON A SCORCHING SUMMER'S DAY
JINGLE BELLS, JINGLE BELLS
CHRISTMAS TIME IS BEAUT
OH WHAT FUN IT IS TO RIDE
IN A RUSTY HOLDEN UTE
Engine's getting hot
Dodge the kangaroos
Swaggy climbs aboard
He is welcome too
All the family is there
Sitting by the pool
Christmas day, the Aussie way
By the barbecue!
CHORUS
Come the afternoon
Grandpa has a doze
The kids and uncle Bruce
Are swimming in their clothes
The time comes round to go
We take a family snap
Then pack the car and all shoot through
Before the washing up
CHORUS
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
12 Days of Christmas Carol
There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffles us. What in the world do leaping lords, French hens,swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?
From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics.
It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.
-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy.
-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control.
-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now you know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol
Merry (Twelve Days of) Christmas Everyone
From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics.
It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.
-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy.
-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control.
-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now you know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol
Merry (Twelve Days of) Christmas Everyone
Monday, December 8, 2008
Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer
Grandma got run over by a reindeer
walkin' home from our house Christmas eve.
You can say there's no such thing as Santa.
But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.
She'd been drinkin' too much egg nog.
And we'd begged her not to go.
But she'd forgot her medication,
and she staggered out the door into the snow.
When we found her Christmas mornin,'
at the scene of the attack.
She had hoof prints on her forehead,
And incriminatin' Claus marks on her back.
Grandma got run over by a reindeer,
walkin' home from our house Christmas eve.
You can say there's no such thing as Santa,
but as for me and Grandpa, we believe.
Now were all so proud of Grandpa.
He's been takin' this so well.
See him in there watchin' football,
drinkin' beer and playin' cards with cousin Belle.
It's not Christmas without Grandma.
All the family dressed in black.
And we just can't help but wonder:
Should we open up her gifts or send them back?
(Send them back)
Grandma got run over by a reindeer,
walkin' home from our house Christmas eve.
You can say there's no such thing as Santa,
But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.
Now the goose is on the table.
And the pudding made of fig.
And a blue and silver candle,
that would just have matched the hair in Grandma's wig.
I've warned all my friends and neighbors.
"Better watch out for yourselves."
They should never give a license,
to a man who drives a sleigh and plays with elves.
Grandma got run over by a reindeer,
walkin' home from our house, Christmas eve.
You can say there's no such thing as Santa,
but as for me and Grandpa, we believe.
(Sing it Grandpa)
Grandma got run over by a reindeer,
walkin' home from our house, Christmas eve.
You can say there's no such thing as Santa,
but as for me and Grandpa, we believe.
Merry Christmas
walkin' home from our house Christmas eve.
You can say there's no such thing as Santa.
But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.
She'd been drinkin' too much egg nog.
And we'd begged her not to go.
But she'd forgot her medication,
and she staggered out the door into the snow.
When we found her Christmas mornin,'
at the scene of the attack.
She had hoof prints on her forehead,
And incriminatin' Claus marks on her back.
Grandma got run over by a reindeer,
walkin' home from our house Christmas eve.
You can say there's no such thing as Santa,
but as for me and Grandpa, we believe.
Now were all so proud of Grandpa.
He's been takin' this so well.
See him in there watchin' football,
drinkin' beer and playin' cards with cousin Belle.
It's not Christmas without Grandma.
All the family dressed in black.
And we just can't help but wonder:
Should we open up her gifts or send them back?
(Send them back)
Grandma got run over by a reindeer,
walkin' home from our house Christmas eve.
You can say there's no such thing as Santa,
But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.
Now the goose is on the table.
And the pudding made of fig.
And a blue and silver candle,
that would just have matched the hair in Grandma's wig.
I've warned all my friends and neighbors.
"Better watch out for yourselves."
They should never give a license,
to a man who drives a sleigh and plays with elves.
Grandma got run over by a reindeer,
walkin' home from our house, Christmas eve.
You can say there's no such thing as Santa,
but as for me and Grandpa, we believe.
(Sing it Grandpa)
Grandma got run over by a reindeer,
walkin' home from our house, Christmas eve.
You can say there's no such thing as Santa,
but as for me and Grandpa, we believe.
Merry Christmas
Can You Believe This???
Missing Toddler Found; Puppies Kept Him Warm
Monday, Dec 08, 2008 - 11:10 AM
By Denice Thibodeau
HALIFAX COUNTY, Va. -- A missing toddler from Halifax County was found safe Saturday afternoon by Angel Search and Rescue of Danville.
Three-year-old Jaylynn Thorpe wandered away from Buskshoal Road in the Virgilina community on Friday shortly after 4 p.m., according to Halifax County officials.
He was found at about 12:30 p.m. Saturday about a half mile away from his home sitting on a log at a pond, according to news partner WSLS10.
Gary Goodson Jr., captain of Angel Search and Rescue, said the two puppies the child had with him helped keep him warm throughout the night.
"He was doing extremely well when our search teams found him," Goodson said. "It's really amazing, with as cool as the temperature got last night; it got down to about 24 degrees."
Goodson had nothing but praise for the volunteers and professional rescue teams that turned out to search for the boy.
"There were about 300 different volunteers and professional searchers from all over the state and North Carolina," Goodson said. "There were about 150 professional searchers at the scene."
He said some of the professionals brought trained search dogs, others had special training in tracking footprints and other human signs and many were members of ground-team search crews.
A state police helicopter also joined the search.
"All our training has really paid off," Goodson said of his 50-member team. "We been practicing and drilling for this kind of emergency, and it all came together really well."
Halifax County Sheriff Stanley Noblin was not available for comment Saturday afternoon - but an official with the sheriff's department said everyone involved in the all-night search had finally gone home to get some sleep.
Stay tuned to NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com for the latest news and information.
Monday, Dec 08, 2008 - 11:10 AM
By Denice Thibodeau
HALIFAX COUNTY, Va. -- A missing toddler from Halifax County was found safe Saturday afternoon by Angel Search and Rescue of Danville.
Three-year-old Jaylynn Thorpe wandered away from Buskshoal Road in the Virgilina community on Friday shortly after 4 p.m., according to Halifax County officials.
He was found at about 12:30 p.m. Saturday about a half mile away from his home sitting on a log at a pond, according to news partner WSLS10.
Gary Goodson Jr., captain of Angel Search and Rescue, said the two puppies the child had with him helped keep him warm throughout the night.
"He was doing extremely well when our search teams found him," Goodson said. "It's really amazing, with as cool as the temperature got last night; it got down to about 24 degrees."
Goodson had nothing but praise for the volunteers and professional rescue teams that turned out to search for the boy.
"There were about 300 different volunteers and professional searchers from all over the state and North Carolina," Goodson said. "There were about 150 professional searchers at the scene."
He said some of the professionals brought trained search dogs, others had special training in tracking footprints and other human signs and many were members of ground-team search crews.
A state police helicopter also joined the search.
"All our training has really paid off," Goodson said of his 50-member team. "We been practicing and drilling for this kind of emergency, and it all came together really well."
Halifax County Sheriff Stanley Noblin was not available for comment Saturday afternoon - but an official with the sheriff's department said everyone involved in the all-night search had finally gone home to get some sleep.
Stay tuned to NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com for the latest news and information.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
The Prayer of Santa Claus
By Lance Micklus
Father God, tonight is Christmas Eve. Children all over the world are on their best behavior tonight – hoping, praying, believing that if they’re extra good, I’ll visit them in the middle of the night while they’re sleeping to leave a special gift. I love little children. They have such faith. They believe in the impossible – and they expect to receive it. For their sake, Father God, I pray that you will honor their faith and anoint me, for this one night to make their dreams come true.
I pray also for the adults – all of them mommies and daddies, grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles. May the gifts they receive on this night remind them that there is always someone who cares about them, and that no one is beyond the reach of love.
I pray for the world that 2,000 years ago once knew a special night of peace, when baby Jesus was born. Angels sand in the night sky and the sheep were not afraid of the wolf. I pray that on this night the world may know that peace again, an when day comes, they will never forget that Christmas is the day we have set aside to celebrate the birth of the Savior Jesus.
Finally, Father God, I pray for myself: I thank you for one more year of my life. I thank you for my health, and my wonderful wife, Mrs. Claus. Grant me a safe journey. May I find every home and forget no one. Help me to complete my task swiftly – there is much to be done in a single night. May the spirit of loe fill the night sky and may joy come in the morning. Amen
Father God, tonight is Christmas Eve. Children all over the world are on their best behavior tonight – hoping, praying, believing that if they’re extra good, I’ll visit them in the middle of the night while they’re sleeping to leave a special gift. I love little children. They have such faith. They believe in the impossible – and they expect to receive it. For their sake, Father God, I pray that you will honor their faith and anoint me, for this one night to make their dreams come true.
I pray also for the adults – all of them mommies and daddies, grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles. May the gifts they receive on this night remind them that there is always someone who cares about them, and that no one is beyond the reach of love.
I pray for the world that 2,000 years ago once knew a special night of peace, when baby Jesus was born. Angels sand in the night sky and the sheep were not afraid of the wolf. I pray that on this night the world may know that peace again, an when day comes, they will never forget that Christmas is the day we have set aside to celebrate the birth of the Savior Jesus.
Finally, Father God, I pray for myself: I thank you for one more year of my life. I thank you for my health, and my wonderful wife, Mrs. Claus. Grant me a safe journey. May I find every home and forget no one. Help me to complete my task swiftly – there is much to be done in a single night. May the spirit of loe fill the night sky and may joy come in the morning. Amen
Today
I went to church today. I went to my family ward The Silver Springs Ward. I went a few times during the summer but I didn't talk to anyone. Today I stayed for the whole thing. I spoke to my Bishop, Bishop Erickson. I spoke to my Relief Society President, Connie, Sister ??? Another sister just started talking to me, introduced herself to me. Made sure I knew where I was going. It was so cool. She even waited for me while I was meeting with the Bishop in his office. During Relief Society I discovered that a former co-worker is a member of the ward. So now I know someone.
So now the repentance process starts. I'm not going to say what I have to repent for or what I have to do during this process. It is between me, my Bishop, my Stake President if my Bishop feels necessary and the Lord. I am so nervous, scared, excited and happy all at the same time. I think I'm getting a headache from it all.
So now the repentance process starts. I'm not going to say what I have to repent for or what I have to do during this process. It is between me, my Bishop, my Stake President if my Bishop feels necessary and the Lord. I am so nervous, scared, excited and happy all at the same time. I think I'm getting a headache from it all.
James Bond Quantum of Solace
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0830515/
I saw this movie tonight. I was suppose to see Four Christmases but it has been changed to this Friday.
I really don't like James Bond movies but I love Daniel Craig as James Bond. He is the sexiest one and the one I feel does the character the best justice. Sean Connery was ok but no where near the sex appeal of Daniel Craig.
The movie had a lot of action. Daniel Craig does a lot of his own stunts from what I understand. Either way, I still love him as James Bond and I would watch this movie and Casino Royale over and over again.
I saw this movie tonight. I was suppose to see Four Christmases but it has been changed to this Friday.
I really don't like James Bond movies but I love Daniel Craig as James Bond. He is the sexiest one and the one I feel does the character the best justice. Sean Connery was ok but no where near the sex appeal of Daniel Craig.
The movie had a lot of action. Daniel Craig does a lot of his own stunts from what I understand. Either way, I still love him as James Bond and I would watch this movie and Casino Royale over and over again.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Santa's Prayer on Christmas Eve
By Warren D Jennings
The sleigh was all packed, the reindeer were fed,
But Santa still knelt by the side of the bed.
“Dear Father,” he prayed “Be with me tonight.
There’s much work to do and my schedule is tight.
I must jump in my sleigh and streak through the sky,
Knowing full well that a reindeer can’t fly.
I will visit each household before the first light,
I’ll cover the world and all in one night.
With sleighbells a-ringing, I’ll land on each roof
Amid the soft clatter of each little hoof.
To get in the house is the difficult part,
So I’ll slide down the chimney of each child’s heart.
My sack will hold toys to grant all their wishes.
The supply will be endless like the loaves and the fishes.
I will fill all the stockings and not leave a track.
I’ll eat every cookie that is left for my snack.
I can do all these things Lord, only through You,
I just need your blessing, then it’s easy to do.
All this is to honor the birth of the One,
That was sent to redeem us, Your most Holy Son.
So to all of my friends, least Your glory I rob,
Please Lord, remind them who gave me this job.’’
The sleigh was all packed, the reindeer were fed,
But Santa still knelt by the side of the bed.
“Dear Father,” he prayed “Be with me tonight.
There’s much work to do and my schedule is tight.
I must jump in my sleigh and streak through the sky,
Knowing full well that a reindeer can’t fly.
I will visit each household before the first light,
I’ll cover the world and all in one night.
With sleighbells a-ringing, I’ll land on each roof
Amid the soft clatter of each little hoof.
To get in the house is the difficult part,
So I’ll slide down the chimney of each child’s heart.
My sack will hold toys to grant all their wishes.
The supply will be endless like the loaves and the fishes.
I will fill all the stockings and not leave a track.
I’ll eat every cookie that is left for my snack.
I can do all these things Lord, only through You,
I just need your blessing, then it’s easy to do.
All this is to honor the birth of the One,
That was sent to redeem us, Your most Holy Son.
So to all of my friends, least Your glory I rob,
Please Lord, remind them who gave me this job.’’
Lately . . .
I am still feeling down and alone. I still don't want to get out of bed and do anything all day. I am currently thankful for responisbilites that get me out of bed. I am currently also thankful for my mother's voice haunting me saying 'how dare you stay in bed after 9 am'.
I am still looking for work everywhere. I had another job interview this week, I think it went well. I got another lead today. It looks like I will have 3 part time jobs besides my housesitting work.
I had an old friend kind of come back into my life. It has been nice to be able to open up to someone like that. I think I have opened up to much to him and I have scared him. But he has been very helpful to me.
I am listening to the new Kayne West album Heartbreak. It is really good.
I'm going to see Four Christmases tonight with some friends.
I still have hope the future will be better. That I will make it through all of this and become a better person.
I have deciced to go back to church and become Temple worthy again. So this means no more drinking and all that other stuff I did while I worked at Zappos. And yes, I have had a drink or two since leaving Zappos but nothing like I did there and nothing in a month or so.
I still believe in love. If it happens to me or not, I will always believe in it. I like to see other people happy and in love. It does hurt sometimes seeing people in love but I have just to have hope it will happen for me one day.
I am still looking for work everywhere. I had another job interview this week, I think it went well. I got another lead today. It looks like I will have 3 part time jobs besides my housesitting work.
I had an old friend kind of come back into my life. It has been nice to be able to open up to someone like that. I think I have opened up to much to him and I have scared him. But he has been very helpful to me.
I am listening to the new Kayne West album Heartbreak. It is really good.
I'm going to see Four Christmases tonight with some friends.
I still have hope the future will be better. That I will make it through all of this and become a better person.
I have deciced to go back to church and become Temple worthy again. So this means no more drinking and all that other stuff I did while I worked at Zappos. And yes, I have had a drink or two since leaving Zappos but nothing like I did there and nothing in a month or so.
I still believe in love. If it happens to me or not, I will always believe in it. I like to see other people happy and in love. It does hurt sometimes seeing people in love but I have just to have hope it will happen for me one day.
The Shop Around the Corner
The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
Director:Ernst Lubitsch
Writers:Samson Raphaelson (screenplay)
Miklós László (play)
Release Date:12 January 1940 (USA)
Genre:Comedy | Romance | Drama more
Plot:Two employees at a gift shop can barely stand one another, without realizing that they're falling in love through the post as each other's anonymous pen pal.
Cast (Complete credited cast)
Margaret Sullavan ... Klara Novak
James Stewart ... Alfred Kralik
Frank Morgan ... Hugo Matuschek
Joseph Schildkraut ... Ferencz Vadas
Sara Haden ... Flora
Felix Bressart ... Pirovitch
William Tracy ... Pepi Katona
Inez Courtney ... Ilona Novotny
Sarah Edwards ... Woman Customer
Edwin Maxwell ... Doctor
Charles Halton ... Detective
Charles Smith ... Rudy
Additional Details
Parents Guide:Add content advisory for parents
Runtime:99 min
Country:USA
Language:English
Color:Black and White
Aspect Ratio:1.37 : 1 more
Sound Mix:Mono (Western Electric Sound System)
Certification:USA:Approved (certificate #5967) | Canada:G (video rating) | USA:Passed (National Board of Review) | Finland:S | Sweden:Btl | UK:U
MOVIEmeter: 12% since last week why?
Company:Loew's more
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fun Stuff
Trivia:According to the Book "Ernst Lubitsch: Laughter in Paradise", ‘The Shop Around the Corner’ is the most meaningful tribute possible to the owner and employees of the long vanished Berlin clothing firm of S. Lubitsch. more
Goofs:Continuity: When Klara hurries out of the back room with her hat and coat she rushes past the rest of the employees as they enter the room in a group. Flora is the second-to-last person in the line and she is clearly inside the room before Klara runs past. In the next cut showing Klara hurrying through the store, Flora is the last person in line and is still in the doorway. more
Quotes:[Alfred Kralik has just been called into his supervisor's office]
Alfred Kralik: Yes, Mr. Matuschek
Hugo Matuschek: Eh, close the door. Kralik, why did you put me in that situation, in front of the whole shop?
Alfred Kralik: Well, I'm very sorry, sir... but it was not my fault.
Hugo Matuschek: Well whose fault was it? Mine?
Alfred Kralik: Well... yes.
more
Movie Connections:Referenced in Il y a longtemps que je t'aime (2008) more
Soundtrack:Ochi Tchornya (Dark Eyes) more
I watched this movie today. You might know one of its remakes "You Got Mail". The original is just as good as its remake. I suggest everyone to see this movie.
Director:Ernst Lubitsch
Writers:Samson Raphaelson (screenplay)
Miklós László (play)
Release Date:12 January 1940 (USA)
Genre:Comedy | Romance | Drama more
Plot:Two employees at a gift shop can barely stand one another, without realizing that they're falling in love through the post as each other's anonymous pen pal.
Cast (Complete credited cast)
Margaret Sullavan ... Klara Novak
James Stewart ... Alfred Kralik
Frank Morgan ... Hugo Matuschek
Joseph Schildkraut ... Ferencz Vadas
Sara Haden ... Flora
Felix Bressart ... Pirovitch
William Tracy ... Pepi Katona
Inez Courtney ... Ilona Novotny
Sarah Edwards ... Woman Customer
Edwin Maxwell ... Doctor
Charles Halton ... Detective
Charles Smith ... Rudy
Additional Details
Parents Guide:Add content advisory for parents
Runtime:99 min
Country:USA
Language:English
Color:Black and White
Aspect Ratio:1.37 : 1 more
Sound Mix:Mono (Western Electric Sound System)
Certification:USA:Approved (certificate #5967) | Canada:G (video rating) | USA:Passed (National Board of Review) | Finland:S | Sweden:Btl | UK:U
MOVIEmeter: 12% since last week why?
Company:Loew's more
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fun Stuff
Trivia:According to the Book "Ernst Lubitsch: Laughter in Paradise", ‘The Shop Around the Corner’ is the most meaningful tribute possible to the owner and employees of the long vanished Berlin clothing firm of S. Lubitsch. more
Goofs:Continuity: When Klara hurries out of the back room with her hat and coat she rushes past the rest of the employees as they enter the room in a group. Flora is the second-to-last person in the line and she is clearly inside the room before Klara runs past. In the next cut showing Klara hurrying through the store, Flora is the last person in line and is still in the doorway. more
Quotes:[Alfred Kralik has just been called into his supervisor's office]
Alfred Kralik: Yes, Mr. Matuschek
Hugo Matuschek: Eh, close the door. Kralik, why did you put me in that situation, in front of the whole shop?
Alfred Kralik: Well, I'm very sorry, sir... but it was not my fault.
Hugo Matuschek: Well whose fault was it? Mine?
Alfred Kralik: Well... yes.
more
Movie Connections:Referenced in Il y a longtemps que je t'aime (2008) more
Soundtrack:Ochi Tchornya (Dark Eyes) more
I watched this movie today. You might know one of its remakes "You Got Mail". The original is just as good as its remake. I suggest everyone to see this movie.
Friday, December 5, 2008
The Meaning of the Candy Cane
Many years ago a candy maker wanted to make a candy that would symbolize the true meaning of Christmas – Jesus.
The hard candy was shaped like a ‘J’ to represent that Jesus is our rock of all ages. The candy was made of white to stand for the pureness of Jesus. The red represents the blood that Jesus shed to save us from our sins.
So the next time you see a candy cane take a minute to remember the real meaning of Christmas.
The hard candy was shaped like a ‘J’ to represent that Jesus is our rock of all ages. The candy was made of white to stand for the pureness of Jesus. The red represents the blood that Jesus shed to save us from our sins.
So the next time you see a candy cane take a minute to remember the real meaning of Christmas.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Christmas Jokes
What do elves learn in school?
The elf-abet
What is the difference between the Christmas alphabet and the ordinary alphabet?
The Christmas alphabet has No L (Noel)
What Christmas Carol is a favorite of parents?
Silent Night
Why does Santa have 3 gardens?
So he can hoe hoe hoe
What do snowmen eat for breakfast?
Frosted Flakes
What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire?
Frostbite
What kind of bird can write?
A Pen-guin
What did the ghost say to Santa Claus?
I’ll have a boo Christmas without you . . .
How do sheep in Mexico say Merry Christmas?
Fleece Navidad!
What does a cat on the beach have in common with Christmas?
Sandy Claws!
What do you get if Santa goes down the chimney when a fire is lit?
Crisp Cringle
What kind of candle burns longer, a red candle or a green candle?
Neither! Candles always burn shorter!
What do you get if you deep fry Santa Claus?
Crisp Cringle
Why was Santa's little helper depressed?
He had low elf esteem
What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus?
Claustrophobic
The elf-abet
What is the difference between the Christmas alphabet and the ordinary alphabet?
The Christmas alphabet has No L (Noel)
What Christmas Carol is a favorite of parents?
Silent Night
Why does Santa have 3 gardens?
So he can hoe hoe hoe
What do snowmen eat for breakfast?
Frosted Flakes
What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire?
Frostbite
What kind of bird can write?
A Pen-guin
What did the ghost say to Santa Claus?
I’ll have a boo Christmas without you . . .
How do sheep in Mexico say Merry Christmas?
Fleece Navidad!
What does a cat on the beach have in common with Christmas?
Sandy Claws!
What do you get if Santa goes down the chimney when a fire is lit?
Crisp Cringle
What kind of candle burns longer, a red candle or a green candle?
Neither! Candles always burn shorter!
What do you get if you deep fry Santa Claus?
Crisp Cringle
Why was Santa's little helper depressed?
He had low elf esteem
What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus?
Claustrophobic
The Tender Mercies of the Lord
This is a talk a dear friend brought to my attention recently. It helped me realize some things and I wanted to share it with you. I know not everyone will understand it or get anything from it that read it. Just know, it has helped me.
The Tender Mercies of the Lord
Elder David A. Bednar
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us and that the Redeemer of Israel is eager to bestow such gifts upon us.
Six months ago, I stood at this pulpit for the first time as the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Both then and even more so now, I have felt and feel the weight of the call to serve and of the responsibility to teach with clarity and to testify with authority. I pray for and invite the assistance of the Holy Ghost as I now speak with you.
This afternoon I want to describe and discuss a spiritual impression I received a few moments before I stepped to this pulpit during the Sunday morning session of general conference last October. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf had just finished speaking and had declared his powerful witness of the Savior. Then we all stood together to sing the intermediate hymn that previously had been announced by President Gordon B. Hinckley. The intermediate hymn that morning was "Redeemer of Israel" (Hymns, no. 6).
Now, the music for the various conference sessions had been determined many weeks before—and obviously long before my new call to serve. If, however, I had been invited to suggest an intermediate hymn for that particular session of the conference—a hymn that would have been both edifying and spiritually soothing for me and for the congregation before my first address in this Conference Center—I would have selected my favorite hymn, "Redeemer of Israel." Tears filled my eyes as I stood with you to sing that stirring hymn of the Restoration.
Near the conclusion of the singing, to my mind came this verse from the Book of Mormon: "But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance" (1 Nephi 1:20).
My mind was drawn immediately to Nephi's phrase "the tender mercies of the Lord," and I knew in that very moment I was experiencing just such a tender mercy. A loving Savior was sending me a most personal and timely message of comfort and reassurance through a hymn selected weeks previously. Some may count this experience as simply a nice coincidence, but I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are real and that they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Often, the Lord's timing of His tender mercies helps us to both discern and acknowledge them.
What Are the Tender Mercies of the Lord?
Since last October I have reflected repeatedly upon the phrase "the tender mercies of the Lord." Through personal study, observation, pondering, and prayer, I believe I have come to better understand that the Lord's tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ. Truly, the Lord suits "his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men" (D&C 46:15).
Recall how the Savior instructed His Apostles that He would not leave them comfortless. Not only would He send "another Comforter" (John 14:16), even the Holy Ghost, but the Savior said that He would come to them (see John 14:18). Let me suggest that one of the ways whereby the Savior comes to each of us is through His abundant and tender mercies. For instance, as you and I face challenges and tests in our lives, the gift of faith and an appropriate sense of personal confidence that reaches beyond our own capacity are two examples of the tender mercies of the Lord. Repentance and forgiveness of sins and peace of conscience are examples of the tender mercies of the Lord. And the persistence and the fortitude that enable us to press forward with cheerfulness through physical limitations and spiritual difficulties are examples of the tender mercies of the Lord.
In a recent stake conference, the tender mercies of the Lord were evident in the touching testimony of a young wife and mother of four whose husband was slain in Iraq in December of 2003. This stalwart sister recounted how, after being notified of her husband's death, she received his Christmas card and message. In the midst of the abrupt reality of a dramatically altered life came to this good sister a timely and tender reminder that indeed families can be together forever. With permission I quote from that Christmas card:
"To the best family in the world! Have a great time together and remember the true meaning of Christmas! The Lord has made it possible for us to be together forever. So even when we are apart, we will still be together as a family.
"God bless and keep y'all safe and grant this Christmas to be our gift of love from us to Him above!!!
"All my love, Daddy and your loving husband!"
Clearly, the husband's reference to being apart in his Christmas greeting referred to the separation caused by his military assignment. But to this sister, as a voice from the dust from a departed eternal companion and father, came a most needed spiritual reassurance and witness. As I indicated earlier, the Lord's tender mercies do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Faithfulness, obedience, and humility invite tender mercies into our lives, and it is often the Lord's timing that enables us to recognize and treasure these important blessings.
Some time ago I spoke with a priesthood leader who was prompted to memorize the names of all of the youth ages 13 to 21 in his stake. Using snapshots of the young men and women, he created flash cards that he reviewed while traveling on business and at other times. This priesthood leader quickly learned all of the names of the youth.
One night the priesthood leader had a dream about one of the young men whom he knew only from a picture. In the dream he saw the young man dressed in a white shirt and wearing a missionary name tag. With a companion seated at his side, the young man was teaching a family. The young man held the Book of Mormon in his hand, and he looked as if he were testifying of the truthfulness of the book. The priesthood leader then awoke from his dream.
At an ensuing priesthood gathering, the leader approached the young man he had seen in his dream and asked to talk with him for a few minutes. After a brief introduction, the leader called the young man by name and said: "I am not a dreamer. I have never had a dream about a single member of this stake, except for you. I am going to tell you about my dream, and then I would like you to help me understand what it means."
The priesthood leader recounted the dream and asked the young man about its meaning. Choking with emotion, the young man simply replied, "It means God knows who I am." The remainder of the conversation between this young man and his priesthood leader was most meaningful, and they agreed to meet and counsel together from time to time during the following months.
That young man received the Lord's tender mercies through an inspired priesthood leader. I repeat again, the Lord's tender mercies do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Faithfulness and obedience enable us to receive these important gifts and, frequently, the Lord's timing helps us to recognize them.
We should not underestimate or overlook the power of the Lord's tender mercies. The simpleness, the sweetness, and the constancy of the tender mercies of the Lord will do much to fortify and protect us in the troubled times in which we do now and will yet live. When words cannot provide the solace we need or express the joy we feel, when it is simply futile to attempt to explain that which is unexplainable, when logic and reason cannot yield adequate understanding about the injustices and inequities of life, when mortal experience and evaluation are insufficient to produce a desired outcome, and when it seems that perhaps we are so totally alone, truly we are blessed by the tender mercies of the Lord and made mighty even unto the power of deliverance (see 1 Nephi 1:20).
Who Are They Whom the Lord Has Chosen to Receive His Tender Mercies?
The word chosen in 1 Nephi 1:20 is central to understanding the concept of the Lord's tender mercies. The dictionary indicates that chosen suggests one who is selected, taken by preference, or picked out. It also can be used to refer to the elect or chosen of God (Oxford English Dictionary Online, second ed. [1989], "Chosen").
Some individuals who hear or read this message erroneously may discount or dismiss in their personal lives the availability of the tender mercies of the Lord, believing that "I certainly am not one who has been or ever will be chosen." We may falsely think that such blessings and gifts are reserved for other people who appear to be more righteous or who serve in visible Church callings. I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us and that the Redeemer of Israel is eager to bestow such gifts upon us.
To be or to become chosen is not an exclusive status conferred upon us. Rather, you and I ultimately determine if we are chosen. Please now note the use of the word chosen in the following verses from the Doctrine and Covenants:
"Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?
"Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men" (D&C 121:34–35; emphasis added).
I believe the implication of these verses is quite straightforward. God does not have a list of favorites to which we must hope our names will someday be added. He does not limit "the chosen" to a restricted few. Rather, it is our hearts and our aspirations and our obedience which definitively determine whether we are counted as one of God's chosen.
Enoch was instructed by the Lord on this very point of doctrine. Please note the use of the word choose in these verses: "Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands, and I gave unto them their knowledge, in the day I created them; and in the Garden of Eden, gave I unto man his agency;
"And unto thy brethren have I said, and also given commandment, that they should love one another, and that they should choose me, their Father" (Moses 7:32–33; emphasis added).
As we learn in these scriptures, the fundamental purposes for the gift of agency were to love one another and to choose God. Thus we become God's chosen and invite His tender mercies as we use our agency to choose God.
One of the most well-known and frequently cited passages of scripture is found in Moses 1:39. This verse clearly and concisely describes the work of the Eternal Father: "For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (emphasis added).
A companion scripture found in the Doctrine and Covenants describes with equal clarity and conciseness our primary work as the sons and daughters of the Eternal Father. Interestingly, this verse does not seem to be as well known and is not quoted with great frequency. "Behold, this is your work, to keep my commandments, yea, with all your might, mind and strength" (D&C 11:20; emphasis added).
Thus, the Father's work is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of His children. Our work is to keep His commandments with all of our might, mind, and strength—and we thereby become chosen and, through the Holy Ghost, receive and recognize the tender mercies of the Lord in our daily lives.
The very conference in which we are participating this weekend is yet another example of the Lord's tender mercies. We have been blessed to receive inspired counsel from the leaders of the Savior's Church—timely counsel for our day and for our circumstances and for our challenges. We have been instructed, lifted, edified, called to repentance, and strengthened. The spirit of this conference has fortified our faith and fueled our desire to repent, to obey, to improve, and to serve. Like you, I am eager to now act upon the reminders, counsel, and personal inspiration with which we have been blessed during this conference. And in just a few moments each of us will receive one of the Lord's tender mercies as we hear the concluding remarks and testimony of President Gordon B. Hinckley. Truly, "the Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works" (Psalm 145:9).
I am thankful for the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ through the Prophet Joseph Smith and for the knowledge we have today about the Lord's tender mercies. Our desires, faithfulness, and obedience invite and help us to discern His mercies in our lives. As one of His servants, I declare my witness that Jesus is the Christ, our Redeemer and our Savior. I know that He lives and that His tender mercies are available to all of us. Each of us can have eyes to see clearly and ears to hear distinctly the tender mercies of the Lord as they strengthen and assist us in these latter days. May our hearts always be filled with gratitude for His abundant and tender mercies. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
The Tender Mercies of the Lord
Elder David A. Bednar
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us and that the Redeemer of Israel is eager to bestow such gifts upon us.
Six months ago, I stood at this pulpit for the first time as the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Both then and even more so now, I have felt and feel the weight of the call to serve and of the responsibility to teach with clarity and to testify with authority. I pray for and invite the assistance of the Holy Ghost as I now speak with you.
This afternoon I want to describe and discuss a spiritual impression I received a few moments before I stepped to this pulpit during the Sunday morning session of general conference last October. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf had just finished speaking and had declared his powerful witness of the Savior. Then we all stood together to sing the intermediate hymn that previously had been announced by President Gordon B. Hinckley. The intermediate hymn that morning was "Redeemer of Israel" (Hymns, no. 6).
Now, the music for the various conference sessions had been determined many weeks before—and obviously long before my new call to serve. If, however, I had been invited to suggest an intermediate hymn for that particular session of the conference—a hymn that would have been both edifying and spiritually soothing for me and for the congregation before my first address in this Conference Center—I would have selected my favorite hymn, "Redeemer of Israel." Tears filled my eyes as I stood with you to sing that stirring hymn of the Restoration.
Near the conclusion of the singing, to my mind came this verse from the Book of Mormon: "But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance" (1 Nephi 1:20).
My mind was drawn immediately to Nephi's phrase "the tender mercies of the Lord," and I knew in that very moment I was experiencing just such a tender mercy. A loving Savior was sending me a most personal and timely message of comfort and reassurance through a hymn selected weeks previously. Some may count this experience as simply a nice coincidence, but I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are real and that they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Often, the Lord's timing of His tender mercies helps us to both discern and acknowledge them.
What Are the Tender Mercies of the Lord?
Since last October I have reflected repeatedly upon the phrase "the tender mercies of the Lord." Through personal study, observation, pondering, and prayer, I believe I have come to better understand that the Lord's tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ. Truly, the Lord suits "his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men" (D&C 46:15).
Recall how the Savior instructed His Apostles that He would not leave them comfortless. Not only would He send "another Comforter" (John 14:16), even the Holy Ghost, but the Savior said that He would come to them (see John 14:18). Let me suggest that one of the ways whereby the Savior comes to each of us is through His abundant and tender mercies. For instance, as you and I face challenges and tests in our lives, the gift of faith and an appropriate sense of personal confidence that reaches beyond our own capacity are two examples of the tender mercies of the Lord. Repentance and forgiveness of sins and peace of conscience are examples of the tender mercies of the Lord. And the persistence and the fortitude that enable us to press forward with cheerfulness through physical limitations and spiritual difficulties are examples of the tender mercies of the Lord.
In a recent stake conference, the tender mercies of the Lord were evident in the touching testimony of a young wife and mother of four whose husband was slain in Iraq in December of 2003. This stalwart sister recounted how, after being notified of her husband's death, she received his Christmas card and message. In the midst of the abrupt reality of a dramatically altered life came to this good sister a timely and tender reminder that indeed families can be together forever. With permission I quote from that Christmas card:
"To the best family in the world! Have a great time together and remember the true meaning of Christmas! The Lord has made it possible for us to be together forever. So even when we are apart, we will still be together as a family.
"God bless and keep y'all safe and grant this Christmas to be our gift of love from us to Him above!!!
"All my love, Daddy and your loving husband!"
Clearly, the husband's reference to being apart in his Christmas greeting referred to the separation caused by his military assignment. But to this sister, as a voice from the dust from a departed eternal companion and father, came a most needed spiritual reassurance and witness. As I indicated earlier, the Lord's tender mercies do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Faithfulness, obedience, and humility invite tender mercies into our lives, and it is often the Lord's timing that enables us to recognize and treasure these important blessings.
Some time ago I spoke with a priesthood leader who was prompted to memorize the names of all of the youth ages 13 to 21 in his stake. Using snapshots of the young men and women, he created flash cards that he reviewed while traveling on business and at other times. This priesthood leader quickly learned all of the names of the youth.
One night the priesthood leader had a dream about one of the young men whom he knew only from a picture. In the dream he saw the young man dressed in a white shirt and wearing a missionary name tag. With a companion seated at his side, the young man was teaching a family. The young man held the Book of Mormon in his hand, and he looked as if he were testifying of the truthfulness of the book. The priesthood leader then awoke from his dream.
At an ensuing priesthood gathering, the leader approached the young man he had seen in his dream and asked to talk with him for a few minutes. After a brief introduction, the leader called the young man by name and said: "I am not a dreamer. I have never had a dream about a single member of this stake, except for you. I am going to tell you about my dream, and then I would like you to help me understand what it means."
The priesthood leader recounted the dream and asked the young man about its meaning. Choking with emotion, the young man simply replied, "It means God knows who I am." The remainder of the conversation between this young man and his priesthood leader was most meaningful, and they agreed to meet and counsel together from time to time during the following months.
That young man received the Lord's tender mercies through an inspired priesthood leader. I repeat again, the Lord's tender mercies do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Faithfulness and obedience enable us to receive these important gifts and, frequently, the Lord's timing helps us to recognize them.
We should not underestimate or overlook the power of the Lord's tender mercies. The simpleness, the sweetness, and the constancy of the tender mercies of the Lord will do much to fortify and protect us in the troubled times in which we do now and will yet live. When words cannot provide the solace we need or express the joy we feel, when it is simply futile to attempt to explain that which is unexplainable, when logic and reason cannot yield adequate understanding about the injustices and inequities of life, when mortal experience and evaluation are insufficient to produce a desired outcome, and when it seems that perhaps we are so totally alone, truly we are blessed by the tender mercies of the Lord and made mighty even unto the power of deliverance (see 1 Nephi 1:20).
Who Are They Whom the Lord Has Chosen to Receive His Tender Mercies?
The word chosen in 1 Nephi 1:20 is central to understanding the concept of the Lord's tender mercies. The dictionary indicates that chosen suggests one who is selected, taken by preference, or picked out. It also can be used to refer to the elect or chosen of God (Oxford English Dictionary Online, second ed. [1989], "Chosen").
Some individuals who hear or read this message erroneously may discount or dismiss in their personal lives the availability of the tender mercies of the Lord, believing that "I certainly am not one who has been or ever will be chosen." We may falsely think that such blessings and gifts are reserved for other people who appear to be more righteous or who serve in visible Church callings. I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us and that the Redeemer of Israel is eager to bestow such gifts upon us.
To be or to become chosen is not an exclusive status conferred upon us. Rather, you and I ultimately determine if we are chosen. Please now note the use of the word chosen in the following verses from the Doctrine and Covenants:
"Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?
"Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men" (D&C 121:34–35; emphasis added).
I believe the implication of these verses is quite straightforward. God does not have a list of favorites to which we must hope our names will someday be added. He does not limit "the chosen" to a restricted few. Rather, it is our hearts and our aspirations and our obedience which definitively determine whether we are counted as one of God's chosen.
Enoch was instructed by the Lord on this very point of doctrine. Please note the use of the word choose in these verses: "Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands, and I gave unto them their knowledge, in the day I created them; and in the Garden of Eden, gave I unto man his agency;
"And unto thy brethren have I said, and also given commandment, that they should love one another, and that they should choose me, their Father" (Moses 7:32–33; emphasis added).
As we learn in these scriptures, the fundamental purposes for the gift of agency were to love one another and to choose God. Thus we become God's chosen and invite His tender mercies as we use our agency to choose God.
One of the most well-known and frequently cited passages of scripture is found in Moses 1:39. This verse clearly and concisely describes the work of the Eternal Father: "For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (emphasis added).
A companion scripture found in the Doctrine and Covenants describes with equal clarity and conciseness our primary work as the sons and daughters of the Eternal Father. Interestingly, this verse does not seem to be as well known and is not quoted with great frequency. "Behold, this is your work, to keep my commandments, yea, with all your might, mind and strength" (D&C 11:20; emphasis added).
Thus, the Father's work is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of His children. Our work is to keep His commandments with all of our might, mind, and strength—and we thereby become chosen and, through the Holy Ghost, receive and recognize the tender mercies of the Lord in our daily lives.
The very conference in which we are participating this weekend is yet another example of the Lord's tender mercies. We have been blessed to receive inspired counsel from the leaders of the Savior's Church—timely counsel for our day and for our circumstances and for our challenges. We have been instructed, lifted, edified, called to repentance, and strengthened. The spirit of this conference has fortified our faith and fueled our desire to repent, to obey, to improve, and to serve. Like you, I am eager to now act upon the reminders, counsel, and personal inspiration with which we have been blessed during this conference. And in just a few moments each of us will receive one of the Lord's tender mercies as we hear the concluding remarks and testimony of President Gordon B. Hinckley. Truly, "the Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works" (Psalm 145:9).
I am thankful for the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ through the Prophet Joseph Smith and for the knowledge we have today about the Lord's tender mercies. Our desires, faithfulness, and obedience invite and help us to discern His mercies in our lives. As one of His servants, I declare my witness that Jesus is the Christ, our Redeemer and our Savior. I know that He lives and that His tender mercies are available to all of us. Each of us can have eyes to see clearly and ears to hear distinctly the tender mercies of the Lord as they strengthen and assist us in these latter days. May our hearts always be filled with gratitude for His abundant and tender mercies. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Santa Whispered
Santa Whispered, “Teach the children the true meaning of Christmas”
The Star: A heavenly sign of prophecy fulfilled long ages ago – the shining hope of mankind.
Red: The first color of Christmas symbolizing the Savior’s sacrifice for all.
Fir Tree: Evergreen – The second color of Christmas showa everlasting life. The needles point Heavenward
The Bell: Rings out to guide lost sheep back to the fold – signifying all are precious in the eyes of the Lord
The Candle: A mirror of starlight reflecting our thanks for the Star of Bethlehem.
Gift Bow: Tied as we should all be tied together in bonds of goodwill forever.
Candy Cane: The shepherd’s crook used to bring lambs back into the fold – A reminder that we are all our brother’s keeper.
The Wreath: A symbol of the never ending eternal nature of love, having no beginning and no end.
The Star: A heavenly sign of prophecy fulfilled long ages ago – the shining hope of mankind.
Red: The first color of Christmas symbolizing the Savior’s sacrifice for all.
Fir Tree: Evergreen – The second color of Christmas showa everlasting life. The needles point Heavenward
The Bell: Rings out to guide lost sheep back to the fold – signifying all are precious in the eyes of the Lord
The Candle: A mirror of starlight reflecting our thanks for the Star of Bethlehem.
Gift Bow: Tied as we should all be tied together in bonds of goodwill forever.
Candy Cane: The shepherd’s crook used to bring lambs back into the fold – A reminder that we are all our brother’s keeper.
The Wreath: A symbol of the never ending eternal nature of love, having no beginning and no end.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
What I Don't Understand the Most
What I don't understand the most is the phrase:
'Do as I say and not as I do'
This phrase upsets me more than anything. How dare someone tell me to do something a certain way or to be a certain way but they don't do it. They are the exception to the rule. How dare they think they are better than us. This phrase will get me upset faster than almost anything else can. This is one thing on a short list of way to upset me almost instantly.
Another is kicking the bed to wake me up. Or touching / grabbing my feet to wake me up. I don't care who you are, I will wake up and start yelling at you instantly if you do either of these things to me. I will likely apologize afterwards because I feel bad about yelling like.
I understand that I need to 'get over it' but it is easier said than done. There is only so much self improvement you can work on at a time. And yes, I have a lot to work on.
'Do as I say and not as I do'
This phrase upsets me more than anything. How dare someone tell me to do something a certain way or to be a certain way but they don't do it. They are the exception to the rule. How dare they think they are better than us. This phrase will get me upset faster than almost anything else can. This is one thing on a short list of way to upset me almost instantly.
Another is kicking the bed to wake me up. Or touching / grabbing my feet to wake me up. I don't care who you are, I will wake up and start yelling at you instantly if you do either of these things to me. I will likely apologize afterwards because I feel bad about yelling like.
I understand that I need to 'get over it' but it is easier said than done. There is only so much self improvement you can work on at a time. And yes, I have a lot to work on.
Monday, December 1, 2008
The Chrismtas Candle
Turn your lights low and read by the glow of this candle, about the life of our Savior at this Christmas time. From the scriptures we read of His example and Christ like characteristics, His mission on each so divine. Strive diligently to emulate each of these wonderful qualities and follow the example of our Savior each day. Not only at this special giving season, but throughout the year remember Him and show love in every way.
December 1st John 13:15 Example
December 2nd Matthew 18:4 Humility
December 3rd Colossians 3:13 Forgiveness
December 4th 1 Corinthians 16:14 Charity
December 5th John 12:26 Service
December 6th James 2:18 Faith
December 7th Colossians 3:20 Obedience
December 8th Matthew 5:9 Peacemaker
December 9th Mark 5:19 Compassionate
December 10th Luke 6:36 Merciful
December 11th Daniel 6:26 Steadfast
December 12th Matthew 5:16 Good Works
December 13th Leviticus 19:2 Holy
December 14th Matthew 5:48 Perfect
December 15th Matthew 11:29 Meek
December 16th Hebrews 6:15 Patient
December 17th John 15:13 Friend
December 18th Matthew 5:8 Pure in Heart
December 19th 1 Corinthians 13:7 Endurance
December 20th Proverbs 1:5 Wisdom
December 21st Romans 14:13 Judge Not
December 22nd John 15:12 Show Love
December 23rd Proverbs 4:11 Leader
December 24th Philippians 4:8 Honest
December 25th Luke 2:11 Chosen
Beginning December 1st read one scripture reference each day until Christmas. Light a candle as you read to remind you of Christ’s life and example.
December 1st John 13:15 Example
December 2nd Matthew 18:4 Humility
December 3rd Colossians 3:13 Forgiveness
December 4th 1 Corinthians 16:14 Charity
December 5th John 12:26 Service
December 6th James 2:18 Faith
December 7th Colossians 3:20 Obedience
December 8th Matthew 5:9 Peacemaker
December 9th Mark 5:19 Compassionate
December 10th Luke 6:36 Merciful
December 11th Daniel 6:26 Steadfast
December 12th Matthew 5:16 Good Works
December 13th Leviticus 19:2 Holy
December 14th Matthew 5:48 Perfect
December 15th Matthew 11:29 Meek
December 16th Hebrews 6:15 Patient
December 17th John 15:13 Friend
December 18th Matthew 5:8 Pure in Heart
December 19th 1 Corinthians 13:7 Endurance
December 20th Proverbs 1:5 Wisdom
December 21st Romans 14:13 Judge Not
December 22nd John 15:12 Show Love
December 23rd Proverbs 4:11 Leader
December 24th Philippians 4:8 Honest
December 25th Luke 2:11 Chosen
Beginning December 1st read one scripture reference each day until Christmas. Light a candle as you read to remind you of Christ’s life and example.
Things I don't Understand . . .
There are several things I don't understand or agree with.
1. An apartment manager & maintenace team who doesn't do there job, changes staff almost monthly and say one thing but do another.
2. A person who was born a woman then wanted to be seen as a man, had her breasts removed and took male hormones but then decided to have children. I really don't understand this at all. If you want to be seen as a man, why are you having babies like a woman.
3. Terorist who attack inocent people. Like the ones in India who attacked hotels, a cafe a hopsital and other places. Why would you attack a hopsital, why would you attack innocent people who can't defend themselves in anyway shape or form. That is a horrible, horrible thing to do. I know there is a special place for all of you. As for the innocent people who were killed, I know there is a special place in heaven for you.
4. The people attacking the LDS church in California and individuals who supported the band on same sex marriage. Those people attacking the LDS church are doing the thing they have been fighting against for years. They have become the people they have been fighting against for years. They have become biggots. LDS people are not the only ones in California who support that law, if they were it wouldn't have pasted. There are not enough of them in that state to past a law like that.
There are many things in this world I don't understand and never will. These are just a few that are bothing me right now. Things that are in the news and effect many people and some that just effect me.
1. An apartment manager & maintenace team who doesn't do there job, changes staff almost monthly and say one thing but do another.
2. A person who was born a woman then wanted to be seen as a man, had her breasts removed and took male hormones but then decided to have children. I really don't understand this at all. If you want to be seen as a man, why are you having babies like a woman.
3. Terorist who attack inocent people. Like the ones in India who attacked hotels, a cafe a hopsital and other places. Why would you attack a hopsital, why would you attack innocent people who can't defend themselves in anyway shape or form. That is a horrible, horrible thing to do. I know there is a special place for all of you. As for the innocent people who were killed, I know there is a special place in heaven for you.
4. The people attacking the LDS church in California and individuals who supported the band on same sex marriage. Those people attacking the LDS church are doing the thing they have been fighting against for years. They have become the people they have been fighting against for years. They have become biggots. LDS people are not the only ones in California who support that law, if they were it wouldn't have pasted. There are not enough of them in that state to past a law like that.
There are many things in this world I don't understand and never will. These are just a few that are bothing me right now. Things that are in the news and effect many people and some that just effect me.
Reality Check
Reality Check is another comic strip I enjoy. I have a profile on comics.com with all of my favorites listed. I thought this one was really funny. I wanted to share it with everyone.
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