Receiving Promptings...

Oct 23, 2019

I learned, and was surprised, at a prompting I had received.  I was to receive two tickets in the mail for a Conference session in the Salt Lake Temple on Oct 27. for Temple workers, and a guest.
I was still invited, even though I have been on medical leave for a while.

I needed to call Sis Smith, who was to send the two tickets to me, to let her know I had not received them.  I received a prompting to call her.  During the many hours during the day I was bombarded by loud thoughts that I should not call her, with many, many excuses with them.
Latter I thought, of how loud these were, and almost a constant war. 
I remembered the Holy Ghost speaks in soft, quiet tones.  I told myself that the first one was a very quiet thought, and I would go with that one.....It was a good thing I did, as Sis Smith had mailed them to me, but I had never received them.

Some how, things will work out so that Pauli and I will be able to attend that meeting.




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Week Three....

Sept 13, 2018


In the Temple this week, I had a full schedule.  Among them was my first time at the vale.
It was a small group, about 5 rows of sisters.  I knew everything perfectly at home, but walking in front of the vale I got scared.  I was hoping to be placed at the end of the line, but instead was placed about the third, which didn't help... I couldn't hide.

I made it through with the help of Sister Rose, my instructor....how ever I kept forgetting the last three words. I hope she couldn't see how I was shacking all over from head to toe.  I felt she could have scoped me up with a butter knife off the floor, and I told her so...

It is so different doing this as a worker... than going threw for yourself or a patron.
I realize how important this work is, and how many folks are waiting, and are stuck until their work can be finished.  I hope I learn fast, it makes you feel so good all week when you spend time in the Temple, and you make more friends who feel as you do...



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Serving in Salt Lake Temple...

Sept 7 1820

I was surprised yesterday as I finished my shift at the Temple.  For about six hours of being on my feet and walking, and sitting, studying I was not in any pain.  Even my shoes did not erratae my feet.  But as soon as my shift was over the pain started in.  My back was in full pain by the time I drove home, my knees did not want to hold me up, and was painful to walk.  I felt totally exhasted, and I looked it in my face. One person told me I looked real tired.  Yet I came home with such a very special feeling, a inward happiness, and calmness.

I will start at the vale next week, I hope I will do well.  Our instructor, Nancy Rose, is awsome, she was also a school teacher, and a great sense of humor.  I found out that she likes to sew, and has made many fancy dresses, like wedding and formals dresses.
from what she has said, I believe she spends several days in the Temple. Both she and her husband serve in the Temple.



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Receiving a Temple calling....

25 Aug 2018


Sister Bingham called, I am to meet with Brother and Sister Rosemary Wixom in the Salt Lake Temple, on August 23rd at 4:30pm.  I was to enter the Temple on the east side and go straight back to the desk.  My friend Jeanene Hamatake was there working where the family names are given.  She helped me find where I was to go.  It was great to see her there.

President Wixcom, the Salt Lake Temple President, laid his hands upon my head and called me to be a Ordance worker in the Salt Lake Temple.  My daughter Paulette was present..
Both  Bro and Sister Wixom said that Bishop Chesdister, and Stake President Killian said great things about me....

I will work on Thursdays at 10am to about 4pm in the Salt Lake Temple.
This is something I have always wanted to do...



Thursday  Aug 30 2018

Today was my first day in training in the Temple.  One of the videos they showed was a couple who came to the Temple in their street clothing.  They had just came from the doctors office where they  found out that their unborn baby girl had died.  They needed the comfort of being in the Temple at this special time of their life.

Watching this film and seeing how they were struggling, brought back full feelings of when I lost my son Eugene.  I was so overcome, I struggled with my own feelings inside....I could not eat, I could not think clear, I was shaking and was having a hard time breathing.  My heart was beating oddly, I only wanted to find a place where I could hide my face and cry my eyes out, hoping to find peace....

Sitting in the study room trying to memorize, I turned my face to the wall and cried out to Heavenly Father for help ..... A soft voice of thought responded....He is ok,...you saw him...he is ok ...he is ok... you saw him....he is ok...he is ok... he is ok.... he is ok....
Slowly my breathing started to return to normal...My heart and emotions calmed down.  Soon I was able to function again...I don't know what I would have done if  He hadn't helped me.....
I am so Thankful we can receive Heavenly Fathers help when we need him,  and know that He is aware of each of us...



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A Wonderful Blessing...

May 26, 2018

Upon returning home from the store, I was surprised to find two blue pickup trucks on my driveway....I found Bro. Doug Holyoak, and Bro. Joshua Schultz working on my back porch.

It was badly weather worn, and was missing a side rail, which had never been added.  I always wondered if I could fall off the porch as my balance is not the best.  The missing side rail is on the side where the sliding door opens.

They dissembled the porch side, sanded all the wood smooth, painted all the wood, and put it all together again, including railing on both sides of the porch.  It was Wonderful...looked so new and easy to walk on.  I was very grateful to have it...I felt so bad that they were working in the hot sun for over five hours for me.  Bishop Chidester stopped by a little while and helped sand and paint.

Its so nice to be able to walk out onto the porch, and have a handrail all the way down to the cement.  I don't know why I am so blessed to be living in a ward where people watch out for me.

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Gift of Special Blessings...

May 14, 2018
Yesterday was Mother's Day...


Sometimes we receive sacred blessings that cause us to be in awed, how the Lord is welling to bless us when we are in need, and its unexpected.    I was reminded of a lesson I have learned, why people who receive such blessings are not willing to talk about it..... its is because when we talk about it, it doesn't feel special anymore, seems to fade away in our memories, instead of keeping the feeling of humble gratitude.

I know the Lord is very much aware of Mothers,  I have had the experience in my own life, which comfermed the truthfullness of life continuing after this one.

With the unending work that Mothers have, working with his children, when there is a great need, the Lord often open ways to bless us, its sometimes, at times when we feel there are no other way....

Miracles....

January, about 6, 2017

I  often reflect in amazement of how the Lord works in our lives.  Often its in a quiet manor, and once in a while with swift bold moves that almost takes your breath away.... And so it happened,  just last week.
 About twelve years ago, Pauli was a member of a writers group in Tooele, Utah.   and made some good friends.
Last week Pauli and the kids,  went to the DI, there she met Wendy, a friend who also had been part of this writers group, and hadn't seen her for a while.  In talking together it came out that sometime Pauli would like to have a home of her own... Wendy said that Shanna, another friend,  who was also a writer, and LDS, was selling her home in Tooele.

Shanna had been married twice, her second  husband was very violent.  He had beat her and in his anger took a baseball bat to the inside of the house, creating a lot of damage.
With all the bad memories, Shanna just wanted out and was planning on moving to where her parents live, out of state.
The asking price for the home would be close to what Pauli and James could manage.  Also with rent to own a possibility.

Last Wednesday, I had dinner with my friend Penny Pristwich, who has had several dealings with homes..... I was asking questions for my own information,  without talking about Pauli and James.  But Penny put the pieces together, and called a friend of ours, David Gumucio  (Gumby) who deals with property.

Gumby called me the next morning.... I told him briefly, Shanna situation, and Pauli and James interest.  I told him about the area of where the house was without giving him the address.  I also gave him Pauli's phone number, and let her decide what to do with him...

Thursday morning Pauli and James and myself went to see the home.  Gumby also came to give his opinion of the amount of damage that was done,  and to my surprise Shanna came.  Neighbors had seen us in the home and called her.   It was good that everyone was there to talk, and receive some ideas and information.

The home would be perfect for Pauli family.... It is 15 years old.  Has three floors.  Top floor has four bedrooms, and two bathrooms.  The middle floor has a front room and a kitchen area,  The basement has a bathroom, a family room, and a utility room.   A single garage, and a small yard.
The rooms are small, but workable.

It will take a lot work and time to repair all the damage, but in time it will be worth it.
Hopefully they will be able to move in after some repair, and work on it as they go.


UP DATE:   Feb 27, 2017.... The Contract has been signed, Pauli and James have a home, Rent with option to buy.  The inspection was today Feb 28, House is soundly in good condition, just a lot of surface work to be done.  Hopefully they can move in,  in April.

This is a Wonderful Blessing for Pauli and James, but also for Shanna.


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A Lost Mom...

Last Friday, Feb 24, 2017, my friend LaDean Weight, called and asked if I would like to go to the Temple in Salt Lake City.... I said yes..I had six names that needed to be sealed, I had already called the Temple the day before, and found out I could do them anytime as I only had a few names.

I had a short time to get ready, I had not called or text my daughter Paulette, as I knew James was home that day, and knew they would be busy doing things together, all day.

I had a great day at the Temple, we left at 12:30 pm, and made the 2:00 pm session.  I was advised to take the names to be sealed with me, and  go to the sealing office right after the session.

At the Sealing Office, we were escorted to a room where sealings were already in progress. They needed people to help so we stayed for the whole session.

 Feeling were so sweet, as family's were sealed together.  One that I was part of was of a Mom, Dad and five children.  As we held hands across the alter all together,  looking into our faces,  we felt the sweetness of this family, that had lived a long time ago, being sealed together, like our own family's are.

Also, one was where my friend, in proxy, was sealed to her parents, and I was the mother....I teased her about having a daughter, that was older than I was....

We stayed for a light dinner in the Temple cafeteria, then headed for home.

When LaDean turned onto my road, I noticed the light was on in my garage....I didn't think I had left it on...but it was possible.

Walking up to the front door the birds saw me and started chirping in greeting.  When I opened the door, I noticed the bird room door was closed.  I knew some one had been in the house as I never close the birds door if I am going to be gone. Perhaps one of my kids, Pauli, or David, as they also have keys.   Opening the door to check on the birds I found the cages all cleaned and the birds fed, and the room clean.....

It had to be Sister Mari Trapp, my Visiting Teacher....

Paulette had tried to call and text me.... When I hadn't responded, she started to worry and knew that Sis Trapp, and Marilyn and Cory Grua had keys to my house, and wanted someone to come over and check and make sure I was ok.

Brother Trapp had checked the garage and saw my car was still there.... Bro Grua said for him to check down stairs, and make sure none of the windows in the window wells were  broken.
He also checked all the rooms in the house, and reported he could smell perfume in my bathroom and thought I had gone somewhere...

Paulette called every phone number she had to find me......I had turned my phone off while I was in the Temple.   I was sooo surprised at all the contacts and people who took this serious to make sure I was fine.  Even Penny Prestwich called, and told me Pauli had called her...

Sis Trapp felt prompted to call Betty Mathews, and Betty told her I was at the Temple, as she had seen LaDean and she had mentioned I was with her.

I was very Surprised, But very Grateful to know that if something was wrong, someone would come looking for me...

And to top it off,  Our new Relief Society President, Jill Whiting,  brought dinner for me....



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Feeling a little numb...

Oct 20 2016


Sister Hollie Bevan had called me last week to let me know that she would not be coming to the Genealogy building, the next week.  Their plans to move had changed and they had to move a week early.  Her husband was scheduled for surgery on the Oct 24th.

I had ordered the CD Beloved Hymns of Christ, by Michael Dowdle, on the Acoustic Guitar.  One of my most favorit CDs. I wanted to give it to Hollie as a thank you gift for helping me learn about Genealogy.

Hollie told me that the Dr. suspected the lumps in her husband neck, were cancer lymph nodes.  Some of the fluid they had taken had some cancer cells in it.  They will take several out and check them.... and if there is cancer, try to see if they can tell where its coming from. His surgery will be done in the Tooele Hospital, on the 24th.

Also Terry and Cathy Walker came for a visit yesterday.  They took me out for lunch at Apple bees.  Terry told me that he has Colon cancer, and may have three years to live if he is lucky...

Terry also informed me that Gary Hardman had died on Saturday Oct 15, from brain cancer...
He was Lynn's cousin, and also his best man at our Wedding Reception.

I am feeling so numb....sometimes when I give deep thought about this news, I get sick to my stomach to the point of almost throwing up.  I hate cancer and what it does to people...To those who get it, and what it does to their families...



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A Spiritual Experience...

Oct 16 2016


I have felt that it is time for me to learn how to do genealogy, start or be involved some how.  I have procrastinated because I don't know very much about computers and everything is on computers now.

I had met Sister Hollie Bevan, when she helped Lynn with his genealogy.  I felt she might be able to teach me what I needed to do and be very patient with me as I learn slowly.  I was pondering what day would be best for me to go over to the Genealogy Building in Grantsville, and Wednesday kept coming to mind. Wednesday morning came and I felt I was fighting with the Spirit, as they kept telling me I had to get over to the Genealogy building, and that it was Wednesday morning...over and over again.

The Church built a new Simminary building for Grantsville High School, which was right next to the old building.  They then used this old building for Family History, which makes it very nice.

I walk into the building and Sis Bevan and her husband were there.  I told her that I had never so strongly been prompted, and pushed to be there that morning.
The only thing that I knew how to do was to log on to the church sight. During the last six weeks Sis Bevan was very patient with me, helping me to feel good about what we were doing.

In the six weeks that she worked with me we found 89 ordinances to be done, and added four new families. Sis Bevan also showed me how to copy photos and documents, and tag the names of the people in the photos.

When I went last Wednesday Sis Bevan informed me that next week would be their last day.  They were going to move to Bountiful, north of Salt Lake City.  They would be helping their family for the next five years.   That was a shock!

Thinking I would get as much instruction as I could before they left, I asked what other days was she working at the Family Search building.....And was Surprised to hear they only come in on Wednesday!


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Dragonfly...

Today I went to Home Depot in Tooele to get a wire brush and some exterior paint.  Our back door frame, paint, is mostly gone.  Its been ten years since it was painted.  Winter will soon be here, I needed to take care of it.

After getting my supply's, I was on my way out of the store. In the foyer where the shopping carts are kept, I noticed a large Dragonfly trying hard to find its way out.  It was trapped inside in the corner of huge large windows. If I could catch him I could set him free.

Each time I tried he managed to get away from me.  Flying up and down the windows.  On the third try that was close, I managed to cup my hands around him and very gently,  trying  hard not to crush his delicate wings.  Taking him in my hands I headed for the door.  I walked a little ways away from the door because I didn't want him to fly back into the store.

Opening my hands I thought he would rush out as fast as he could fly....but I was surprised to see he sat on my finger....rubbing his head.  I noticed that he lost both of his antennas, bumping into the glass windows.  He must have been very tired for he was in no hurry to leave my hand.

As I carried him toward my car, I thought perhaps he would like to be on a tree branch as there were a few trees in the parking lot.  As I tried to put him on a branch of the tree, he quickly few away.
Free at last...


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Valued Friendships....

I am often finding myself in Aww of some of the friends I have met while living here in Grantsville.  Penny Prestwich is one of those Neighborhood Angles.

This year Penny had to have both of her knees replaced before the beginning of the new year, because her insurance coverage would not cover them afterward.

Teasingly I informed her that I was having my knee done also.
I had my surgery on my right knee Dec 29.  I was doing pretty well, but had to go to rehab in Tooele, because Lynn was so sick that he was not able to care for me and himself at the same time.

I  come home on Jan 14, and was so glad to be home. The next day Penny shows up at my home with a large box,  Lynn carried it in for her.  As she sat in a chair next to my bed, with both her knees scares showing, she informed me that I needed to feel pretty, and that always makes one feel better!

So she and La Dean, my other friend, went shopping. (Penny loves to go shopping!)
Penny began pulling out nightgowns and house-dresses and 2 pairs of Isotoner slippers from the box... and tells me that there is another box coming......

I so appreciate Penny and La Dean, I value their friendship highly....  Angels in our neighborhood are still here.

The Pumpkin and Honey...

I was Surprised today by my Visiting Teacher, Sister Emily Lynn.

From her garden she brought me a very Beautiful Pumpkin for the holidays, and a bottle of honey from their bees.

Sister Lynn and I were visiting teacher partners about eight years ago.  I always had the feeling she didn't like me.
After finding out who my new visiting teachers were going to be, I have been carrying a grouchy attitude around with me since.

I realized I needed to change my attitude and have a more Christ like love inside.  Adding my appeal to the Lord for help, my feelings have been slowly changing.

My heart could not believe my eyes, when I saw the pumpkin.

How grateful I am for heavenly help of change.  I realize this is something I have to keep working on every day. It will take a while to completely change the love in my heart.  But the Lord knows I am working on it and He helps me.

Temple night....

Being in the Salt Lake Temple tonight gave me such a warm feeling.  It has always been a very special place to me.  We are very lucky, that our area is assigned to the Salt Lake Temple, which means we have the privilege of going there more often.

Tonight in a session, I noticed a dear friend who was working at the vail, Judy Norton.  I was very lucky to have her as the person who helped me.  As she realized who I was she gave me a big hug......At that moment I felt that warmth and love and hugs, that we will feel when we return home to our Father....




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Paulette, Jennifer- Messa Temple...

From my older Maroon Journal...

February 2, 200l
Temple Day for Paulette and Jennifer

This day was a very special day, two of my daughters, Paulette and Jennifer went through the Mesa Temple in Arizona, for their first time.

The day itself seemed so beautiful.  The air was cool and refreshing.  It was a neat feeling to walk with Paulette from the parking lot to the Mesa Temple.  Lynn, Paulette, and Launie and I came in our car.  Jennifer, Windy, Jennifer's friend from Flagstaff, were already inside.  Mike Maughan, Jennifer's fiance, was there for the session.

Those who were in attendance for our group were Lynn, Mike, Paulette, Jennifer, Launie, Alycemarie, Pauli's friend who is deft.  Wendy, Jennifer's friend and Escort.  Sis. Carrie Seline, our Bishops wife.
Most all know a little sign langue, and was able to sign to Alycemarie, except for me, I don't know it.

This year for Christmas 2000, Lynn and I were able to get a full set of Temple clothing, including the Temple dress for both Pauli and Jennifer.  Pauli went with us and helped pick things out for both of them.

One of the ladies, a  Temple worker, walked us from where Pauli reported in,  to records, where they checked  her record.  Pauli is going on a Mission to Sydney Australia in March.  Jennifer is hoping to Marry Mike in March.  Mixing up the two sisters, Temple workers tried a few times to give Mike to Pauli. Even in the Celestral room, they asked for Sister Walker to stand, we had to ask which one....for there were three of us. We left the Brother momentarily confused.....  but good memories to remember.

We followed to where we could get clothing if needed, then Lynn left to go to the men side.  Launie and I followed Pauli and the Sister back to the dressing rooms.  Leaving Pauli at the Bridal rooms for new sisters.  I saw Windy in the Bridal waiting room and waved at her.
After changing into our white clothing, Launie saw some ladies from her branch who had come to go through with a sister who also was going through for the first time.  She was around 76 years old and in a wheelchair.

Launie and I went into the Bridal waiting room to wait for Jennifer and Pauli.  I was so surprised to see Marge Russel there.  I didn't even recognized her.  Marge was my Primary President back in the 8th ward, right after Lynn and I had moved to Phoenix.  I was a Primary teacher at that time. (1966).

Marge, along with Shirley Auserie gave me a baby shower for Launie, just before Launie was born.
Marge's sister,  is the one who is in the wheelchair, and also a member of Launie's Branch.

We sat on the 2nd row and waited for Jennifer and Pauli to come in.  Jeniffer came in first and sat in front of Windy, who was her Escort.  Pauli came in and sat in front of us.
Both girls are so beautiful....I hope I can always hold those memories in the deep part of my heart, so they may always be there....being in the Temple with three of my children is very sweet....



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The Cook's Book...

This year I realized my Recipes were fading in my cookbook. Recipes that I have used through my married life.  Recipes from my family, and friends that are just to my liking. I included people's names from whom the recipes came from.  What a neat way to be able to remember who they are, and how they touched my life.

As I was typing the recipes on my computer, I realized my daughters always call me to get recipes, from time to time.  So I thought I might make one for each of my girls for Christmas.

Much to my Surprise I had over 146 Recipes.....Some are doubled--so about 150 or more.

Paulette picked out beautiful binders.  I placed the recipes on top of card-stock, to make the pages a little stiffer, and slipped them into a good Top-load plastic sleeves, before placing them in the binder.

The Top-load plastic sleeves make it easy to make notes or improvements on the recipes by sliding them out when needed.  It protects, and is easy to wipe off when needed. 

My Girls may not like all the recipes in the book, but that's ok...I want them to make it their own.  

Take out what they don't like or want.  Make notes on recipes the way they like to cook them.  

Just enjoy reliving things,  from when they were living at home...

Made one for my Granddaughter Ivie, who was here for Christmas...


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I Answered Your Prayers....

For months I have felt sorrow for not sharing in the Happiness that surrounds Jodie, my youngest.  In my complaint to the Lord, I received this answer...

I Have Answered Your Prayers.......I got Jodie out of Parker, and Lake Havasue because of the bad influence that was there.
I did bring her to Provo Utah where she would be safe, and reinforced her strength, as she had to deal with a bad relationship.
I introduced her to a Wonderful Man.
I led her to the Temple for a Temple Marriage, to be sealed for all Eternity.
And blessed her to be part of a family that is strong in the Church, being surrounded by two strong families that love her.
I have granted Her prayers to be a Mother......

What More Do You Want From Me??????....

I am at peace.....

Another Blessing...

There are Surprises that pop up once in a while, and this was one of them. On top of all that has happens, Our six year old Refrigerator quit. It would cost more to fix it than to buy a new one. Our money is tight for the rest of the year, and it seems that more is expected from us. Lynn and My health situation, the Walkers expensive, Sharlyn's, Our Granddaughter, Wedding in November, and now this...

I was at this point of time, sick in bed, and having a fogy head, because of Chemo. Lynn was trying to figure out what to do to replace it with in our means, or just to get by with until we could afford another regular Refrig. He went to three stores in Tooele, to see what he could find. He looked on the Web for second hand ones. Even Our Amazing Ward wanted to help and had one we could barrow, with helpers to move it in.

In my foggy head, I jumped all over Lynn, For me he was moving faster than I could think. He was trying so hard to solve the problem. I was of no help for him. All I could see was we would barrow a Refrigerator from a friend and it would quit too, and then we would have to buy two Refrigerators. Or I also saw in my mind, a make do, that would rain inside all the time...I had one once. That was over a Friday and Saturday. By Monday I was starting to feel better, weak, but not in bed. Lynn wanted me to go see some at the stores that he had seen.

It was the 24th of July weekend, Utah's, Pioneer Holiday, and some of the stores were running sales, they were to end that night. We went into Home Depot to see the ones Lynn had seen. He had picked out some that were similar to what we had. I suggested that we might consider a freezer on the bottom, instead of the top, as we were getting older and it is getting harder to bend over. We were looking at some of those, and focused on two. A young couple was discussing one that was next to the one we were looking at. The young man said to Lynn, thinking Lynn was his wife, as she had been standing there, "This one is cheaper!" As we studied it out, it was. It also was extremely well designed inside. We both agreed this was the one we liked. The store had a policy of pay it off in six months, there would be no interest. That would work great for us, we just needed to get to January and we could pay it off.

So to make a long story, short, with smiles.....It will be delivered next Saturday. They will install it and a new water line for the ice cube maker...

I can't believe we are getting a new Refrigerator, close to something we could afford. And it comes with all the bells and whistles...

Beautiful December...

It has been a very long time since I have written here, how ever it has been on my mind for the last few weeks.

I have received many blessings, some I hadn't noticed until I started thinking about Christmas and putting up our Christmas tree. I remember two years ago that we had our Christmas tree up, but didn't have time to decorate it. So there it was, standing tall, with all its lights on, and nothing elts.

Last year I had my first Hip replacement in March. I was still walking with crutches and in alot of pain. So much was going on in our lives at that time, that the thought of putting up a Christmas tree seemed impossible. I had a porcelain tree I had made back in 1980, and to my surprise it still worked. So that was our tree for last year.

I guess it was in Oct when I started thinking, about when I was going to put up the tree. A few weeks later I realized my blessings. I had the 2nd hip replacement this last June, and I was already off the cane. The 2nd Hip was worse than the first.
It is a great blessing, to be walking again.

Another Beautiful Surprise came today. We came home from church and found a Beautiful, dancing, snow storm in our front room. Well not really, but my surprise gift was beautifully hand cut snowflakes, hanging from my celling around our Christmas tree. Even a small one that looks like a star, was placed right over the top of the tree.

My Daughter Paulette and her husband James, had waited around the corner of the street, for us to go to church. Then they came in and hung snowflakes to surprise us. We have a lot of frost outside today, it has been fogy for the last two days. As we were coming home from church we discovered a frozen hand cut paper snowflake taped to our windshield. It had no name on it, but both Lynn and I said "its from Pauli".

For Years, we have hand cut, snowflakes, and included them with our Christmas cards, for friends, and family. I have kept most all the ones I have received. I started writing names and years on them, and last year I started putting them in plastic, so as to keep them. They are beautiful memories. And some of them are very delicately cut. Every one likes to look at them on the windows, and remember the year, they had cut each one. I even have two snowflakes from Auzie, Paulette's Jenday bird.

Another blessing that is coming, is most of my family will be here for Christmas. I am sooooo looking forward to being with my kids. Jodie and Tom will be here for a very short time, but Jodie has made arrangements for our family, on the 24th at 9:00 AM, to go to the SLC Temple and do baptisms for the dead. What a wonderful way to start Christmas together.

Another blessing I received last week was to listen to two of my daughters play a piece by Mannheim Steamroller's "Stille Nacht" (Silent Night) in two wards. One on Harp, Paulette, and Jennifer on Viola. To watch and understand the masterful touch of the instruments, and listen to the deep feeling, and quality of the music. Each of them have been given a great blessing and talent of music, and we who listen to their playing are deeply touched, and our lives are enriched because of their willingness to share.

Bishop Grua in a talk, asked that we take time to enjoy the beauty that is all around us every day. The last three days we have had fog here. Fog is very moist, and has been freezing on the trees and bushes. It is looking like a winter wonder land.
At close inspection of some of the trees you can see the ice crystals growing longer, like tiny spikes all over. Very Beautiful.... but extremely cold. The antenna on Lynn's truck looks like it was covered in long white fur.

I have another blessing that happened tonight, but I will keep this one until after Christmas. I will think on this one for a while...the way you do when it mean alot to you.
(update) This neet blessing I received was a calling as a Service Missionary.
I am pleased to serve. I will be helping in the Employment Center in Tooele, for a year, and possible extensions.... :)

I WISH YOU ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, AND HOPE YOUR NEW YEAR IS EVEN BETTER THAN THIS ONE.

December Angels...

Do you believe in Angels? Well I do...
There are Angels flying all around our ward. One December afternoon a family of Angels showed up on our porch singing Christmas carols, and caring gifts of a Turkey and stuffing, can goods, and cranberries, So we could have a Christmas dinner. Their kindness to us, ended up feeding three hungry families for Christmas this year.

Another Angel came and took over the cooking for all of us on Christmas day. Leaving me to spend alot of time off my feet. A great help for me, as my other hip is needing to be replaced and I am often in alot of pain.

More Angels showed up, by leaving a bottle of sparkling apple cider, with a card attached to it. How ever the names on the outside of the envelope was not ours. Thinking I could open the card, and see who it was from, I could call them and let them know they had delivered the bottle to the wrong address. I opened the card, but there were no names of who sent it. Only money in bills.

I called our Bishop, who lives next door, and explained what had happened and how I felt this needed to get to the folks it was intended for. After a few minuets he came to our home, I felt bad because it was late in the evening on Christmas eve, and I know he had family at home.

He seemed to know who the names were and told us a little about them and then I realised I had been her visiting teacher about a year ago.
While we were talking the doorbell rang and to our surprise, our Relief Society President stood on our porch, with a bottle in her hand, our names were on it, in the same handwriting as the other bottle. Sweetness filled the air, and puzzle pieces begin to fall in place. The contents of the card seemed to be from holly hands. The warmth of Two beautiful Angles stood before me...

Because of this wonderful mix up, Friendships have been straightened. I will keep in contact with my friend Ann, Perhaps I might be of some help, even if its just a hug now and then. We both commented on what a wonderful Christmas blessing it had been.

Other Angels live in Yuma Ariz, in the winter. Receiving a Christmas card from my brother and his wife, I was surprised to find a check inside, with a note that it might help with our health bills. I was so touched, they thought of us...and I know its needed more by them now. I don't think I can cash this beautiful gift. Just knowing how much they love me is enough...

Angels come in many shapes and sizes, but the warmth of their arms is unbelievable.... I hope someday when I grow up, I want to be a Angel, and give of my heart, as Angels do...