Veteran’s Day 2015

* image found online through google search

Veteran’s Day in America, Armistice or Remembrance Day for many others, is a day to remember those who served to protect the freedom of their friends, families, and those they have never and will never meet. Today is a day to show your gratitude and appreciation of the sacrifices made by every person who defends their country, and protects those within her arms. I hope those who read this have or will thank a veteran in person or through prayer. Remember that they put their lives on the line to protect our great Republic.

I am reminded of the passage in Alma Chapter 46 when those who follow the Lord are in danger. Captain Moroni stands to lead the righteous and Title of Liberty is flow high, proud, and for all to see.

1 And it came to pass that as many as would not hearken to the words of Helaman and his brethren were gathered together against their brethren.

 2 And now behold, they were exceedingly wroth, insomuch that they were determined to slay them.

 3 Now the leader of those who were wroth against their brethren was a large and a strong man; and his name wasAmalickiah.

 4 And Amalickiah was desirous to be a king; and those people who were wroth were also desirous that he should be their king; and they were the greater part of them the lower judges of the land, and they were seeking for power.

 5 And they had been led by the flatteries of Amalickiah, that if they would support him and establish him to be their king that he would make them rulers over the people.

 6 Thus they were led away by Amalickiah to dissensions, notwithstanding the preaching of Helaman and his brethren, yea, notwithstanding their exceedingly great care over the church, for they were high priests over the church.

 7 And there were many in the church who believed in theflattering words of Amalickiah, therefore they dissentedeven from the church; and thus were the affairs of the people of Nephi exceedingly precarious and dangerous, notwithstanding their great victory which they had had over the Lamanites, and their great rejoicings which they had had because of their deliverance by the hand of the Lord.

 8 Thus we see how quick the children of men do forgetthe Lord their God, yea, how quick to do iniquity, and to be led away by the evil one.

 9 Yea, and we also see the great wickedness one very wicked man can cause to take place among the children of men.

 10 Yea, we see that Amalickiah, because he was a man of cunning device and a man of many flattering words, that he led away the hearts of many people to do wickedly; yea, and to seek to destroy the church of God, and to destroy the foundation of liberty which God had granted unto them, or which blessing God had sent upon the face of the land for the righteous’ sake.

 11 And now it came to pass that when Moroni, who was the chief commander of the armies of the Nephites, had heard of these dissensions, he was angry with Amalickiah.

 12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.

 13 And he fastened on his head-plate, and his breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of liberty) and hebowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christiansremain to possess the land—

 14 For thus were all the true believers of Christ, who belonged to the church of God, called by those who did not belong to the church.

 15 And those who did belong to the church were faithful; yea, all those who were true believers in Christ took uponthem, gladly, the name of Christ, or Christians as they were called, because of their belief in Christ who should come.

 16 And therefore, at this time, Moroni prayed that the cause of the Christians, and the freedom of the land might be favored.

 17 And it came to pass that when he had poured out his soul to God, he named all the land which was south of the land Desolation, yea, and in fine, all the land, both on thenorth and on the south—A chosen land, and the land ofliberty.

 18 And he said: Surely God shall not suffer that we, who are despised because we take upon us the name of Christ, shall be trodden down and destroyed, until we bring it upon us by our own transgressions.

 19 And when Moroni had said these words, he went forth among the people, waving the rent part of his garment in the air, that all might see the writing which he had written upon the rent part, and crying with a loud voice, saying:

 20 Behold, whosoever will maintain this title upon the land, let them come forth in the strength of the Lord, andenter into a covenant that they will maintain their rights, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them.

 21 And it came to pass that when Moroni had proclaimed these words, behold, the people came running togetherwith their armor girded about their loins, rending their garments in token, or as a covenant, that they would not forsake the Lord their God; or, in other words, if they should transgress the commandments of God, or fall into transgression, and be ashamed to take upon them the name of Christ, the Lord should rend them even as they had rent their garments.

 22 Now this was the covenant which they made, and theycast their garments at the feet of Moroni, saying: Wecovenant with our God, that we shall be destroyed, even as our brethren in the land northward, if we shall fall into transgression; yea, he may cast us at the feet of our enemies, even as we have cast our garments at thy feet to be trodden under foot, if we shall fall into transgression.

 23 Moroni said unto them: Behold, we are a remnant of the seed of Jacob; yea, we are a remnant of the seed ofJoseph, whose coat was rent by his brethren into many pieces; yea, and now behold, let us remember to keep the commandments of God, or our garments shall be rent by our brethren, and we be cast into prison, or be sold, or be slain.

Fall has come

It’s crazy to think the summer has gone by so fast and that we are into October already. I can’t ever come to this time of year without thinking “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers”. It is so true. The sun is gentle and golden and everything hasn’t quite gotten to be gray, mushy, and lifeless. There is a feeling of anticipation in the air and nature seems to be waiting for something exciting to happen. A couple of years ago, I took the picture below. I think it summarizes the beautiful, crisp mornings of this time of year. The horses in the mists are always so peaceful to watch.

God’s Daily Care

                                                                       “As I watch the rising sun                                                                                                                                      When the Day has just begun,                                                                                                                                      I am thinking of the love                                                                            That comes daily from above.

                                                                  Father, turn thine ear to me;                                                                                                                                   Let me offer thanks to thee                                                                                                                                     For thy wise and tender care                                                                    Of thy children ev’rywhere.”

September 11, 2015

14 years ago today the United States of America was devastated. Planes had been commandeered and New York City had seen two of the greatest trade centers demolished. Emotions were ripped apart as thousands of innocent people  felt the impact of what happened. After the destruction on September 11, 2001, the American people rallied together to rebuild and to defend their country. It didn’t matter what a person looked like, how he sounded, what sum of money was in his bank account- what mattered was whether or not he was willing to work and put in his share to help rebuild a nation that was traumatized.

I had a realization today. I realized that even though I have not walked long on this earth, there are those who have walked a shorter time. And they don’t remember what happened- they can’t remember what happened. What they know about the country during that time is what we show them. As the same can be said to me about other times of abundance and times of trial. The level of reverence that those who come after us have for history is the responsibility of those who lived through it to pass on the truth. How can a child know of the lives that were given in the name of their freedom if there is no voice to teach of that gift? How can a teenager be expected to respect his nation’s flag if there is not an instilled sense of respect for what that flag represents? How can God be relied upon for strength if one knows not that He exists?

Many say remember September 11, 2001- remember the lives that were lost. I say remember September 11, 2001- remember the lives that were gained- the fires that burned for freedom in the hearts of men. Remember September 11, 2001 for those who stood to defend the God-given-unalienable right of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Remember the spirit of kindness and generosity and compassion that was exhibited. But don’t just remember the memory; live the memory. There is no memorial to the amount of money that was lost in the rubble. The memorial is to the lives of those who were in the wreckage.

When lives were about to end, lawyers and accountants weren’t the ones receiving final financial instructions. When lives were about to end, friends, and family were receiving calls and texts filled with “i love yous” and apologies. People were making right past mistakes and saying good bye to those they cared about. That is how our lives should be lived. Fighting and anger causes nothing but pain.  Every moment should be about making sure those around us know how much we care. The message we should remember from September 11, 2001 is that now is all we have and that our freedom and our loved ones are worth protecting.

My prayer is that whoever reads this may remember that all we really have in this life is the moment we live in and that all we take with us is who we knew and what we learned. So remember September 11. Remember what happened that day. But also remember that how we react to life is also a choice. We can either cower and fall or rally and stand strong. Strength comes from Him and He tells us to love one another.

May you find strength, hope, and peace today. Tell your loved ones you love them and live your moments to their fullest.

And may God bless the USA.

A Light Dust of Snow| Poetry

A light dust of snow, far from last late frost.

Soft bright rays beam down, fairylight not lost.

Shine upon my maid, Youth is yet her friend.

Sleeps she ‘neath branches, sweet dreams yet to send.

To laugh and still dream, through hardship and strife,

’tis but her choice course, through trials of life.

Just as the blossom comes after the rain,

so does the smile just after the pain.

Such is the pathway through darkness to bright,

bring oh thou sunshine, bring joy and bring light!

Bring spirit and spark, bring lilac’s clean scent.

Revitalize Hope, her dear chorus rent;

Troll bells of mercy, forgiveness its due.

Do always remember, to ever press through.

 Fear not, my maiden, there is yet a plan.

For now just delight, and day dream ’til then.

 

He Is Risen!

“Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.  And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass. And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communedtogether and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart tobelieve all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, heexpounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burnwithin us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread. And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself:handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them hishands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them. And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus itbehoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should bepreached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye beendued with power from on high. And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.”

~Luke 24 KJV

My prayer is that you had a wonderful Easter celebration. Our Lord is RISEN! He has paid the price and all we need do is accept His love, guidance, and ever loving present gift of atonement.

May you be blessed and find your strength in Him who overcame all.

A Week in Pictures| 2nd week|March

We live in a time of insurmountable blessings.

I have been reminded that God is ever good and is always watching.

Here are some of the fun and light things that happened last week!

Met up with my dear friend Anne to help decompress from the stress of dead week and finals. To paraphrase the great Mrs Lynde, “The sun will go on rising and setting whether I pass in digital electronics or not”

My little sister met a frog named Fred and he spent the night in the kitchen

Fred had to go home the next morning

Found an 18-wheeler in front of where I parked the other morning while going picking my brother up from Bible Study.

FINALLY got the truck cleaned out and detailed! So good to have it back up and running!

Continuing the adventures with Anne:) She never ceases to bring comfort to a troubled mind and a heart in need of a kindred spirit.

And lastly, a return to a large project started months ago

What did you do this week?

 “Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.”

~Alma 37:37

Purim

This last Thursday was Purim.

Although I have never traditionally celebrated the holiday, as I am not Jewish, it is amazing to think we still know the date of when Esther freed her people.

I hope this video helps you better understand what happened on that day so many years ago.

“To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves ad for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry.”

Esther 9:31 KJV

If Moses Had the Internet

 

“And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days’ journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the Lord our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword.”

Exodus 5:3 KJV

Historical Sewing|Chemise and Drawers

As I explained in my first historical sewing post, this skill is something I have wanted to learn for very long time. I had done a preview of the mid-1800’s styled chemise and drawers a couple weeks ago and wanted to wait to give the project revue until I had worn the clothing a couple times and tested the strength of the stitching.

Now that that is done, I can give a truthful analysis of the pattern, the technique, and the practicality of this project.

To begin my historical sewing endeavors, it seemed logical to start from the inside and work out. So the first piece I made was a chemise, or lightweight under dress similar to and often used as a night gown.

I used the Simplicity Pattern 9769 as a basis for both the chemise and drawers. A couple modifications were made to the design due to personal preference. I used a lightweight, soft, off-white muslin. The entirety of the project is hand-stitched.

Full front view

Front drawstring adjustable neckline with overlap

gathered banded, gusseted sleeves

Back view

The drawers I made are split, as is consistent with the time era. They are trimmed, at the bottom of the legs, with cream lace that I found at a thrift store. It was a bit of a challenge attaching the lace because it was about a centimeter short and getting the hem even was rather tricky. But overall, the fit was rather comfortable, and the chemise tucks in rather nicely to preserve modesty.

Full side view

Front view, gathered waist

Lace trimming

Un-tied drawstring back closure

Inside back view of front waistband detailing

I was very nervous to start an entirely hand sewn article. However, it was a relatively simple pattern that didn’t take as much time as I thought it would. I probably spent about 10 hours max on both pieces. I used double thread for most of the seam work and it seems to be quite durable, I’ve slept in the chemise and there has been no fraying, ripping, or feeling it would fall apart. I am quite pleased with how this turned out.

If you are interested in completing this project for yourself, or would like to commission a set, let me know and I can share more details regarding these garments:)

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven…a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak…”

Ecclesiastes Chapter 3

Sweet Sisters & Pumpkin Pie

Today was another beautiful Sunday. During women’s group today, I was asked to take 10 min from my time in the Children’s Sunday School to sit in for the announcements. The sisters had chosen me as the spotlight for February and one of the sisters, who coordinate the monthly spotlight, made me a pumpkin pie. Pumpkin pie is one of my favorite desserts and she wanted to bring me a pie. It was such a sweet act and the pie tasted phenomenal!

One of the most amazing things to me is when I see people serve with pure intent. They have such a light about them that brings true joy. We need to be like that. Maybe you don’t bring someone a pie or give them special attention during a meeting, but sometimes all a person needs is a kind word or a smile. There are so many opportunities in our lives to share a little sweetness and make someone’s day good. A minute of your time could be the turning point in someone else’s. You never know who you will touch by just being friendly.

Make that change in your life today. Take a minute to help another. It doesn’t take much to make a difference.

Always remember that true service starts with a smile.

 

 

“And faith, hope, charity, and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.”

Doctrine and Covenants 4:6