Breath of Heaven

Thankfully many of us are able to enjoy the blessings of warm home and food during these next few weeks. Often our hearts are turned to remembering all we have to be grateful for and thinking of others who may be in need. Sometimes the 'most wonderful' times of the year can also be the most challenging for different reasons.

Those who have much may be challenged with trying to figure out what to do with their abundance. Those who are alone and lonely may long for any type of companionship or friendship. Those who struggle, who have lost jobs or incomes may wonder how to 'celebrate' without abundance.

Having been in many of these situations over the past 10 yrs. as a single-parent, I know all-too-well some of the challenges that this time of year can present. I also know that I am much more aware of the struggles and heartaches of others because of what I have experienced myself. The thing that underlies all of our desires is a feeling of peace and love and harmony. This blessing is available to us all; the 'breath of heaven' if you wish. His love and life gave us all the opportunity to find comfort amidst trials, peace amongst trauma, and comfort amidst challenges. Without this hope many of us would not know what to do nor where to turn.

On several occassions I've sung these words
"Breath of Heaven, hold me together, be forever near me, Breath of Heaven.
Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness, pour over me Your holiness for You are holy,
Breath of Heaven....
...But I offer all I am for the mercy of Your plan,
Help me be strong, help me."
(Breath of Heaven (Mary's song), Words and Music by Amy Grant and Chris Eaton)

My hope is the same as yours; to be filled with Christ's love and share that with those around me. And, when you and I are down, that someone else will reciprocate; the Breath of Heaven.

Restoring Balance; Wholeness

Hello all,
I'm sure you've wondered where I have been (or not). We've had a lot going on and I just realized that it's been a while since I've blogged on this site.

Just by way of information for those who live in the Salt Lake area of Utah; a seminar will be held this coming Sat. Nov. 14th; entitled Restoring Balance. The goal of Restoring Balance is spiritual, social, physical, mental and emotional wholeness. See www.restoringbalance.wordpress.com for information on the conference.

Seven inspirational speakers include:
Dr. Steve Doughty, Naturopathic Physician
Janet Summit, Cranial Sacral Therapist
Dr. David Christopher, The School of Natural Healing
Tisha Mecham, author "Bio-Kinetic Testing for Health"
Kelly Hansen, Art of Womanhood
Sharon Moran, Butterfly Expressions Essential Oils
and...a panel of real life experiences using alternative approaches to health.

My view is that 'alternative' things are more basic and whole than many of the current medical practices available. Some in the medical field are starting to recognize that fact.

One of my favorite quotes:
"The power that made the body, heals the body".

Lives, Fortunes, and Sacred Honor!

Today has reminded me of the blessings of freedom that we have had. I am deeply grateful for the Founders of this Nation; knowing of their sacrifices in behalf of all who were to come after them. I wonder how much we know of them; their lives, their studies, their extreme efforts.

Today this e-mail was sent to me. I'm attaching it here as I felt it very worthy of review. I have seen the hand of God in the founding of this nation and hope that we will all take time to renew our efforts to defend the God-given principles of liberty.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"In the 1800s there was a tradition at every 4th of July celebration. There were parades, cookouts, games, and fun. Cannon fire, fireworks, and more. Yet there were two key traditions which we should consider giving new life to.
First is prayer. No sect driven focus, simply a moment all shared in appreciation for the divine influence their Creator had on daily life with each other. Remember, governing is simply people agreeing how they will treat each other. Respect is the easiest, single word to describe a successful society governed in freedom.
Second, and one we can all embrace, is the reading of our country's birth certificate. The Declaration of Independence always was read toward the end of the festivities. It was an honor to be chosen to read it. It would be good to hear it read many times, many places today!
Happy Independence Day!!

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.
Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.
Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.
Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.
They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
What kind of men were they?
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.
Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.
Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.
Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer,Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.
At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.
Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.
John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.
So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.
Remember: freedom is never free!

How Prepared Are You???

Recently I've attended several preparedness seminars. Some were sponsored by the church, others were community events. At each one I have learned things that have helped me get more prepared and feel more ready for future events that may occur.

The greatest thing I've learned is that there is a great deal of peace that comes by being prepared. Those who choose to stick their heads in the sand --- are also those who don't have that peace.

Here is an article that was on-line today. I'm sharing it in hopes that it will be of benefit to all of you as well.
http://www.ldsmag.com/emergency/090610culture.html

Lists

I don't know what I'd do without lists. My small 5x7 notebook keeps me organized and 'in the know' as to what is to be done. The first page is for long-term items that need to be addressed sometime (my Running To-Do page). They are not urgent -- but are important. When I read over them I am reminded to address them when I am able -- and to add them to my daily list when I can tackle them.

My second and third pages are for information in my church responsibilities and for my children's education. I have some website information as well as names and numbers and ideas etc.

My third section is my largest and most important. Its' my daily list. I plan a new list each day and head it with the date. I star those things that truly need to get done first --- and then, cross of those that are accomplished. (That feels good to do.) :)

But, sometimes I don't follow the list. That's the beauty of it; I'm not tied down to anything as I don't have an hr. by hr. planner.

It seems to me that lists can be good and helpful for those of us who function that way. I've tried many other systems over the years but have always returned to this.

In the back I have a page for groceries, one for food storage and preparedness items needed, and inside the back cover (don't tell my kids) I have a page for gift ideas. When they express something that they need or would really like -- I add it to the page. That page includes my name as well as some close relatives. It really helps when someone inquires as to what I need or what the children need.

For me this is a good way to keep organized, have things in one place (I have phone numbers inside the front cover), acknowledge my progress and accomplish tasks. It's like a 'return and report' item that helps clear my mind of worries -- as it's already written down.

Simplifying our Hearts

What does 'Simplify Heart" really mean?
I believe that we can change our outward surroundings -- but that may be only a temporary fix unless we change our core beliefs or enhance our understanding of the deeper reason for all we do.

In my reading and pondering I've often underlined scriptures with the word 'heart' in them. There are hard hearts, soft hearts, broken hearts, and willing hearts etc. Unless a heart is broken and/or softened -- the outward changes are not a real reflection of inner-feelings.

In all my studies over the years I've come to feel that the attitude of our hearts can change everything. When our heart has changed or healed -- the manifestations of that will be seen in the outward things that we do. Homes will start to heal, weight from stress and anxieties will be reduced and our daily living will start to have more order and peace.

We can start from the outside in -- but I believe that the real change comes from healing the inner-self first. The Lord taught us to 'cleanse the inner vessel first'.

Save Your Liquid Laundry Soap Containers

A great idea is to save your liquid laundry soap containers. When they are empty (or nearly so) fill with water and then label them as "soapy water".

Store for a future emergency when water pipes burst and you need to wash your hands etc.
Or --- take them camping if you'd like.

This is a simple way to adhere to the old pioneer adage:
Use it up
Wear it out
Make it do
or Do Without!

How Simplifying Prepares us for the Tribulations which are to come

In the quest to Simplify Our Lives we each try to let go of non-essentials and hold fast to those things which matter most.

This short and powerful Video Clip by Prophets and Apostles -- reminds us why we are to "set aside the things of this world and seek for the things of a better."

I love these great men. They are 'see-ers' who know what is ahead as they have been given the gifts of prophecy and of revelation. Their mission is to warn and forewarn. We cannot, in the end, say that we did not know.

As I study the signs of the times, the prophecies of the last days, the Constitution of our Land, the Holy Words of God, I am reminded again and again how much He loves his children and desires to bless them. His only request is for us to come unto Him, to obey His commands, and to do the things that He has asked us to do. In this way He is bound by eternal laws - to bless and strengthen us. He would really like to be able to do that.

Any sacrifices that we must make in order to follow His ways -- will be worth it in the end. This I know of myself - independant of any other person.

Dirt Roads; by Paul Harvey

Thought you might like this short clip about Dirt Roads by Paul Harvey.
Gives us all something to think about! Life was simpler then.........

How to REALLY know what's going on in the U.S.

If you're like me you want to know the truth of what's REALLY going on in the country.
If you listen to or watch only the mainstream media --- you'll never know. They are liberally biased and share skewed versions of what is occuring. They have "A Slobbering Love Affair' with Barack Obama (title of book by Bernard Goldberg) and, of course, are pulling away from the principles on which cost this nation some of it's greatest blood.

If you listen to or read works by Ezra Taft Benson -- you'll know more. Watch short clip about the last days here.

And, then watch FOX news cable channel. They are the only ones who will tell both sides of the story and also have several conservative commentators who will share conservative views.

The ones to watch (or listen to on the radio) are Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh.

Many things are happening that most people aren't aware of. See ldsavow.com for information about warning signs to which we might want to be aware.

Simplify

I taught a class last week in church on 'Simplifying'. Here is the flyer from that evening. Some of it will be self-explanatory but other items might need some explaining. But, I thought I'd put it here in case any of you could benefit from a few quick hints.


Simplify
If we want to have our homes in heaven, hereafter, we must have heaven in our homes here. Daryl Hoole

1. Simplify ……then Organize (3 bins; garbage, D.I., put-away, sell, return)
Do I love it?
Do I need it?
Do I want it?
Do I use it? (would something else do the job?) (scale from 1-10)

2. Paperwork; reduce first, simple planner, large familoy calendar, manila folders - labelled, 3-ring binders, binders for kids' schoolwork, tax sorter

3. Kitchen; reduce first (how many measuring cups do I need anyway) reduce gadgets, seasonal things in back or up high, keep only things you use, see-through containers, label everything, Ruffies (you don't need expensive garbage bags), clothes pins to seal bread/chips/cereal packages etc, plastic labelled water cups for kids, pizza cutter for pancakes, waffles etc., chore charts, Simplify Meals;
“To a great extent we are physically what we eat…….In most cases, the closer these can be (vegetables, fruits, and grains, particularly wheat) when eaten, to their most natural state -- without overrefinement and processing -- the healthier we will be. To a significant degree we are an overfed and undernourished nation digging an early grave with our teeth, and lacking the energy that could be ours because we overindulge in junk foods.” Pres. Benson

4. Closets; save favorites, modest, discard outdated or wrong sizes, neighbor who kept 5 sets of clothing for children

5. Laundry; 2 baskets for dirty (colored, whites). Fold as you take out; into labeled bins etc.

6. Kids; fewer toys, clothing, etc. (scale from 1-10), fewer ‘activities’ = less frantic parents/kids
Kids'; fill large box to donate to charity (give them $10.00 for doing so)

7. Cabinets; cleaning supplies- toxic, medicines etc. Clear out. Clean off countertops.

8. Books/Music; read (what to read), Lord’s library, sell, donate etc., A of F 13 – is it virtuous, lovely?

9. Healing (Scriptures, Prayer, Fasting, Temple Worship) “Let Go, Let God”
Feelings Buried Alive Never Die,
Dr. Fish (Healing the Inner Self – From Darkness into Light) www.DrMFish.com

10. Emotional Ties to ‘things’; take photos, ask for Lord’s help, free self from clutter, chaos, stress etc.
Let go of worldly things to put the Lord first -- preparedness; spiritual and temporal.

“Should the Lord decide at this time to cleanse the Church – and the need for that cleansing seems to be increasing – a famine in this land of one year’s duration could wipe out a large percentage of slothful members, including some ward and stake officers. Yet we cannot say we have not been warned”. -- Pres. Benson

“When we get into really hard times, where food is scarce or there is none at all, and so with clothing and shelter, money may be no good for there may be nothing to buy, and you cannot eat money, you cannot get enough of it to burn to keep warm, and you cannot wear it.” -- Pres. J. Reuben Clark

“By and by there will be a gulf between the righteous and the wicked so that they can not trade with each other, and national intercourse will cease…..are we not required to sustain ourselves and to manufacture that which we consume”. -- Brigham Young

“Lay up your stores, and take your fine silks and fine things, and exchange them for grain and such things as you need, and the time will come when we will be obliged to depend upon our own resources; for the time is not far distant when the curtain will be dropped between us and the United States. When that time comes, brethren and sisters, you will wish you can commenced sooner to make your own clothing. I tell you, God requires us to go into home manufacture; and prolong it as much as you like, you have got to do it.” -- Heber C. Kimball

Food Deals: www.MyFoodStorageDeals.com $ 4.99 month (www.KSL.com for 2 free weeks)

Delete Delete Delete

In the quest to simplify --- sometimes we have to delete, delete, delete!

Several years back when my youngest was 4 and saying a family prayer she mentioned something and then wanted to change it so she simply said "oh, delete, delete, delete!" :) We all understood what she meant and knew that technology had played a role in teaching her how to get rid of something she didn't want to keep. :)

All of us have things in our lives which we'd like to delete if we only had the proper 'key' available to do so. Well, we do and we can! The Atonement of Christ call help us rid ourselves of unwanted things as well as give us a clean sheet of paper to type our future on.

I've been very busy the past few weeks and had to 'delete' blogging out of my schedule for that time period. The desire to put First Things First affects many aspects of our lives and seems to be a continual quest. Thanks to the Holy Spirit we can be guided as to what to let go of and what to keep; in all areas of our lives!

Thanks for your kindnesses and support. I've missed blogging!