Detaching From My Decorations is Tugging at my Heart

One of my favorite activities of the year is to decorate for Christmas, and my least favorite is to take down the decorations.  It is hard to let go of the warm glow Christmas brings, along with the memories of being connected to friends and family with that special glow of love that happens during the holidays.

Having a strong sentimental attachments to many of the ornaments makes it an especially bitter sweet thing as I put them away until next year.  Sometimes I cheat and leave certain decorations hanging around for months, or some make it through the whole year.  The Christmas Spirit doesn't have to end, but it somehow slowly fades away with the ending of the festivities, the beautiful music, the bright lights, and the red and green and silver and gold . . . sniff.  (Also, seeing Valentine stuff already in the stores is a real downer!)

Here's an ornament a dear friend in England made for us in 2011 (it has lots of love in it):

Another darling ornament I cherish was purchased at the Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Garden in Georgia by my youngest daughter.  All three of my daughters enjoyed that event with us while we were serving a military relations mission there.

Made out of a sea shell

The one below was given to me by my oldest daughter this year, who understands I fell in love with hedgehogs while on our mission in England.

Well, you get the idea.  I am super attached to the ornaments given to me by loved ones.  What it all boils down to is, it isn't the ornament itself as much as the thoughtful love behind the giving of it.  Sure, I feel love all year round, but somehow putting away those precious ornament gifts brings a mixture of smiles and tears every year.

Boxing up the nativity until next year is also difficult.  It was made by Mrs. Shiozowa, a teacher at Valley Elementary School, way back in the eighties.  She could see I wasn't having much luck completing my ceramic nativity.  I'm just not good at those things.  She sent her nativity home with my middle daughter as a gift and it has been giving every year since.

Unselfish love, generosity, and thoughtful caring are what make Christmas.  I shall never really put away the Nativity that resides in my heart because of all I have been given and continually receive from those around me.  That is what Jesus Christ's coming has inspired.  

I vow NOT to put Him away only to be remembered at Christmas.

A little angel my oldest daughter made many years ago.

Christmas Tree Symbolism

The pure green color of the pine tree remains green all year round.  This stands for the everlasting hope of mankind.

All needles point toward heaven, making it a symbol of every one's thoughts turning toward heaven.

The evergreen tree has been the best friend of humans and animals alike--providing shelter, warmth, and beauty since the world was created. 

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I am thankful for all types of trees, especially this time of year in snow country.  The shapes of the branches are revealed in all their glory as they become laden with snow.  It is beautiful art!  At Christmastime, the trees with lights glowing out from the snow add an extra special effect for this season of celebration of Jesus Christ being sent to the earth to be our Savior.  He is the light to warms our souls.

Christmas Music--24-hours!

Oh how I love Christmas music!  I worked with a woman who listened to it all year long.  I love it mostly during the Christmas season, starting the day after Thanksgiving and into the first couple days of the new year.

Here is a link to listen to Christmas music around the clock.  Enjoy!

http://www.mormonchannel.org/music

Because He came to the earth . . .

The following are some things President Monson said in the 2011 Christmas devotional:

"When we keep the spirit of Christmas, we keep the Spirit of Christ, for the Christmas spirit is the Christ Spirit.  It will block out all the distractions around us which can diminish Christmas and swallow up its true meaning.

There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus Christ.

Because He came to earth, we have a perfect example to follow.  As we strive to become more like Him, we will have joy and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year.  It is His example which, if followed, stirs within us more kindness and love, more respect and concern for others.

Because He came, there is meaning to our mortal existence.

Because He came, we know how to reach out to those in trouble or distress, wherever they may be.

Because He came, death lost its sting, the grave its victory. We will live again because He came.

Because He came and paid for our sins, we have the opportunity to gain eternal life."

Watch Bible Video--Nativity here:
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S42szZFGmZw

A Christmas Poem--The Stranger

The Stranger

At Christmas time there was a man who looked so out of place,

as people rushed about him at a hurried pace.

He stared at all the Christmas lights, the tinsel everywhere,

the shopping center Santa Claus, with children gathered near.

The mall was packed with shoppers who were going to and fro,

some with smiles and some with frowns and some too tired to go.

They rested on the benches or they hurried on their way

to fight the crowd for purchases to carry home that day.

The music from the stereo was playing loud and clear

of Santa Claus, and snowmen, and funny-nosed reindeer.

He heard the people talk about the good times on the way,

of parties, fun and food galore, and gifts exchanged that day.

“I’d like to know what’s going on,” the man was heard to say.

“There seems to be some sort of celebration on the way.

And would you tell me who this is, all dress in red and white,

and why are children asking him about a special night?”

The answer came in disbelief.  “I can’t believe my ears!

I can’t believe you do not know that Christmas time is here—

the time when Santa comes around with gifts for girls and boys.

When they’re asleep on Christmas Eve, he leaves them books and toys.

The man you see in red and white is Santa Claus so sly.

The children love his joyful laugh and twinkle in his eye.

His gift-packed sleigh is pulled along by very small reindeer,

as he flies quickly through the air, while darting here and there.

The children learn of Santa Claus while they are still quite small.

When Christmas comes, he is the most important one of all!”

The stranger hung his head in shame; he closed a nail-pierced hand.

His body shook in disbelief; he did not understand.

A shadow crossed his stricken face, his voice was low but clear,

“After all these years, they still don’t know,” and Jesus shed a tear.

-Author Unknown-

http://www.lds.org/bible-videos/videos/the-nativity?lang=eng

The Best Christmas Gift

Note:  This is a blog post I wrote for Christmas in 2011 on our mission blog.  I hope it is worth repeating as a reminder how simple it is to follow Jesus Christ’s example by giving a priceless gift that is within everyone’s capabilities—your love.

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Reflecting on past holiday seasons, and all the years gone by, I am more aware of the truths the Savior taught concerning his wish that each of us cherish and love one another.

The worth of your soul is great in the sight of God.  “Ah,” you might say in all humility, “I am nothing.”  Oh, but you are something!  You are loving as you are living and thus you are able to bestow the greatest gift to others.  This helps other people to know the truth of their own great worth.

The innate goodness and caring, the warmth extended from one human being to another, is something to be cherished above all things in this world because it brings what is needed most by human beings.

May you and your loved ones feel an inner peaceful fulfillment knowing that you are giving the most, the ultimate best there is to give to others as you love, serve, and reach out in whatever way you can.

May you have a deep abiding respect for the fact that the love you give is enough.  No costly presents or showy, elaborate performances are necessary when someone else knows how much he or she is loved. Value who you are, along with all other living things.  No one has to be rich or famous to be “someone.”  Know that you are famously fulfilling your purpose on this earth when you are loving others.  Celebrate life and love!

May you have enlightenment in seeing, comfort in feeling, sweet ecstasy in breathing, joy in hearing, and the wonderful taste of happiness in purely living life the best you can.

May you have time to find and experience the treasures all around you in people, places, and things.

May you experience even more of an abundance of love throughout the coming New Year.  Simply love with all you have.  Love is the one thing that can bring peace in the world, triumph over adversity, lend abiding hope, and heal lonely or sorrowing hearts.

Be Steadfast and Immovable

This is Cape Flattery, which is the most northwestern point in the lower U.S.A., located in Washington State.

My cousin, Sandy, died in 2009, a couple months after we visited her in Quilcene, Washington, which is near where this picture was taken.  Sandy was a rock in her life and in many others she served.  She earned a doctorate in education of the severely disabled and taught students with special needs all of her adult life. She did much research to know how to best help her students to learn and to understand how to address learning disabilities in  education.

For many years Sandy fought ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), but stayed independent (except for nurses who helped her with some things) until the last month of her life.  When we visited her, she could only move her hands, but she typed into her computer, which spoke to us for her.  She was then feeding herself with a tube in her stomach, but her attitude was upbeat and matter-of-fact.  I never heard her complain about the unfairness of almost reaching retirement age only to die.  It is what she did in life that matters and she accomplished a lot of good for untold numbers of people who wouldn't have been able to progress and enjoy a sense of pride in learning if it hadn't been for her.

Sandy refused to be washed away by her overwhelming, debilitating disease.  She never became immersed in self-pity.  She hiked with poles to keep her upright and laughed when she fell.  One of the craziest adventures, a couple of months before she died, was going to a rodeo in her wheelchair.  She related the tedious journey with a sense of humor.  Sandy traveled and hiked all over the world.  I'm glad she was able to visit and see the beautiful places she enjoyed.

Never let anything stop you from doing the things you love or being the person you desire to be!

Wise Counsel From General Conference

Lone Sunflower is Murdered

It would be lovely to have my whole back field looking like this, but we were gifted with just one little, lonely sunflower bravely growing in the rocky soil by the road on our property.

I loved this one little  wild sunflower because, for me, it represented a single life on earth.  It demonstrated courage under difficult circumstances, and I vowed to protect it so it could spread sunshine and happiness all of its days. 

A few days ago, I asked my husband to be careful not to harm the special sunflower in the front yard. Today, I failed in my watchful care because I heard the lawn mower and didn't remind my husband to watch for that precious little flower.  Mournfully picking up the pieces of the yellow petals strewn upon the lawn, I burst into tears and my body was racked with grief.  It took quite some time to stop sobbing uncontrollably over the death of this flower.  I know, you're thinking that was a huge overreaction concerning what is typically regarded as a weed here in Utah.  Indulge me a bit to examine why this was so devastating at the moment, and why I'm still hurting as I post this eulogy for my favorite sunflower.  If I hadn't gotten to know, cherish, and appreciate it, perhaps its demise would have gone unnoticed, but nothing should have to die forgotten and alone by the wayside.

This flower dared to try to live where its seed was cast.  It struggled through the rough, rocky soil and against the lack of rain and somehow survived to full bloom.  It could have lived to die a natural death when the frost beat it down.  Instead, it was cut down in its prime when it wasn't harming anyone or anything by just been there.  It was fulfilling the measure of its creation and bringing much joy to at least one person.

Perhaps in view of the latest senseless murders, I'm thinking how like this sunflower are some peoples' lives.  No one is guaranteed a perfect, long life with no hardship.  Some lives are easier than others, but everyone is expected to make the best of it and keep that chin up facing the sunshine smiling, even if a cloud is in the way.  

I am sad that some people lose their lives before living them fully.  It is a tragedy not deserved.  Loved ones are left to suffer the consequences of the loss for the rest of their lives.  People who didn't even know those reported in media feel compassion  How can we resolve within our hearts the senseless murders and human suffering taking place throughout the world?  Many people blame God.

God has a Plan of Happiness for us.  We lived with him as His spirit children before we came to earth.  We are born, we live (experiencing whatever we need to help us grow and become), we die, and we return to Him who created us.  He knows the end from the beginning.  Death is not the end to Him.  He knows that life on earth is but a short speck in the eternal scheme of things.  He could stop all pain, suffering, and evil deeds.  Sometimes he does have angels intervene for purposes we do not understand.  For the most part, He allows the people in the world to evolve and to struggle and to learn.  Choice and natural circumstances happen to everything and everyone on earth.  We must have faith that we will understand it all someday.  We must have faith that He can offer us insight and comfort in the face of tragedy.  There is the promise of a resurrection to immortality for all things.  Eternal Life is a choice available to all.

If you'd like a better understanding of these things, go to the LDS links on the main page of this blog.  Meanwhile, pray for yourself, your family and friends, those who need comfort and help, and for the world.  Go out and spread sunshine however and wherever you can.  Remember the saying, "Bloom where you are planted."  What you do doesn't have to be costly or a big production.  Think of my little sunflower.

Stories about how people deal with tragedy:  mormon.org

You Are My Sunshine!

Tell me, doesn't the picture of this little plastic bobbing flower make you smile?

While we were remodeling our kitchen, my husband accidentally broke my happy flower and I was very sad, but he replaced it the other day with one exactly like the one he'd broken!  I had to giggle at the stuff written on the outside of the box.  The company obviously has a great sense of humor.

Here is what it says:  "Two's Company, Inc. assumes no responsibility for excess effects of euphoria inspired Bee Happy (trademark).  Please employ common sense and general caution while using this product.  If smiling and/or chuckling become permanent, refrain from operating heavy machinery and consult the appropriate professionals.  For those natural disposition is less than sunny, remember to use this product in moderation at first, as family and friends may become concerned."

Other writing on the box is shown in the photo below.

Don't you just love creative, fun-loving people like this?

The rest of the story on this flower is, it is my third one.  A daughter sent the first one to me while my husband and I were serving a mission in England.  It died due to lack of sun!  That is believable by those who have lived or are living in England.  I left it there in the window of our apartment in hopes someone would at least get some joy out of looking at it.

One of the first things I did upon returning to the States was to buy another happy flower.  As you can tell, I'm sentimentally attached to them.  That is why I was so upset when the second one got broken.  So now my heart is mended and the happy bobbing is continuing to spread joy as long as the sun shines.  It does slow down on cloudy days and it makes me think about us and our moods when the weather is gloomy.  Perhaps this will be a reminder to keep our heads up through not-so-sunny moments, and the sunshine will return to energize our spirits to make things all better.

Wishing everyone as many cheerful days as possible!

Jesus Christ Has Not Forgotten His Children in Modern Times

In your search for happiness, faith, and hope, the following links are a beginning to understanding where I have found mine--as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Here is a link to help you discover what I found many years ago.  It has truly made my life worth living and given me the strength to carry on through life's many trials.  It has given me hope for eternity to come.

May God bless you in your search for His Truth and to know His plan for us, his children, here on earth.

There is good in the world. Do not despair.

Another link for information that provides hope and leads to joy.

Discovering and Radiating a Fuller Potential

My sun catcher radiating what light it has even on a cloudy day.

A few years ago, my oldest daughter gave me a sun catcher.  I hung it from a bird feeder pole and attached it to our deck where it could swing freely and catch the sun.  It was delightful to watch, but it blew around and knocked into the pole when the wind was strong.  To keep it from getting scratched and dented, I brought it in on stormy or windy days.

Today, I looked out the kitchen window and saw the sun catcher blowing in the gentle breeze and noticed it has a tiny hole in the bottom, which I realized would be a way to stabilized it in the wind and get the most enjoyment out of the pattern that twirled and threw sun reflections off its specially designed surface.  I had not been getting the most out of the intended purpose of my treasured sun catcher!  Why hadn't I noticed the way to anchor it before?  My eyes and brain were surely not open to the possibility.

Life is much like my sun catcher.  We go along merrily (or not so merrily, depending on the day and our circumstances) not seeing the possibilities to get the most out of each day and to give our best within the time we are allocated.  We may have the possibility of reflecting talents, wisdom, light, knowledge, compassion, service, and other such things outwards to others, but we haven't discovered our potential or discovered how to do these things.

The only way to know how to give and get the most joy in this world is to live in a way that helps us recognize there are guidelines that can help us see and know what our purpose is and how to fulfill it.  Just as my sun catcher now radiates more brightly, and is not being blown about at the whim of the wind, I can be anchored in truth and righteousness, trying with all my might to follow our Savior, Jesus Christ, and keep his commandments.  Commandments do not keep us tied down, restricted, or hampered in any way, but rather they help us become a bright light to reflect the Son and all he taught.

I am grateful to know that all of us are progressing and learning every day of our lives.  I realize that all knowledge is not available in one place at one time, but becomes available as I strive to learn and recognize truths.  It may seem like an ignorant thing that I was unaware for years that my sun catcher had a higher purpose and more effective way to function, but eventually I saw what was needed.  That's the way my life has been thus far.  A little learning here and a little insight there.  Improvement takes time.  Perhaps this little example will help me better understand human progression on earth.  Patience with ourselves and others, and where we are at the moment, is a good thing.  

Music Video: Have I Done Any Good? featuring Alex Boye and Carmen Rasmus...

“Happiness is mostly a by-product of doing what makes us feel fulfilled.”                                                                          —BENJAMIN SPOCK, American pediatrician

Mother Nature sent a valentine!  Capturing enjoyable photographs brings me happiness.