Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Gila Valley Temple


Just saw the posting on the Merrell family website. You kids remember Phyllis' daughter, Christine? Her two sons were chosen by President Monson to help place the cornerstone of the temple. Of course, I was in the noon session and didn't get to see it :(

It was fun hearing the stories from the first session, since Dad ushered there, he could share with me what I missed. Phyllis' sister, Colleen, and her husband (Richard L.)were in the picture of the temple that was placed in the Church News. I think we should go down there as a family and do some temple work, how about it? You can see them better if you click twice on the above pic.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Gratitude


I just finished reading an article about Socialism. I always find it interesting when people feel that they have a sense of entitlement. You know...they should have all the good stuff that they see their neighbor having. Obama wants to cite scripture to impress upon people that we should SHARE...everything we have. In the book of Acts it states that...."they had all things in common among them." Now remember that this was a voluntary, self -sacrificing situation.....NOT ....a situation where the Government proclaims itself to be GOD and then steals from the rich to give to the poor. That's right...that is called STEALING....and COVETING.....and putting someone/something (the government) ABOVE God.

Okay..I am done with my little rant...oh....except for one thing. Some people believe that because they drive an older vehicle...or have used furniture.....that somehow.....THAT makes them righteous. Actually...some of those people need to be more thankful for what they DO have. Until you live in a hut in a third-world country, wondering where your next meal is coming from....you ARE rich. Especially if you live in America ...AND ...have the gospel. Many people are struggling in the world this very minute....even here in America. Sharing....(Obama's word for redistributing the wealth) needs to be done in the Lord's way. If you don't know what that is....go and see your Bishop. Oh yes....and before you judge the people who SEEM to have everything....just remember that you don't know how or where they are giving to others. Only the Lord knows that....

We are dedicating another temple here in Arizona today. I am so grateful for its presence and the thoughts that soon we will have yet another temple in Gilbert. We are all so blessed. We all have so many things to be thankful for. If you can't go to the temple....my advice....get yourself worthy to attend....right away....things are moving forward at an increasing rate....the Savior IS coming. We need to be ready to meet him. I have just completed the temple work for a large number of names from a very distant relative in Idaho. She and I share a common last name from several generations back on my line. Doing genealogy work is so rewarding and so positive in my life that I am so grateful for it. I KNOW that the church is true and that my particular mission on this earth is to get the work done on behalf of all those who have gone before me and not had the opportunity to receive the saving ordinances of the gospel. As I see all the work that is still to be done...I feel a real sense of urgency.

And....on top of all that....I just spent a GLORIOUS few days up at our little retreat in the mountains...just enjoying the beauty of all the Lord's creations. I can't wait to participate in the Hosanna shout this morning. You will all be in my thoughts as we participate together!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Happy Mother's Day to ME!!!

Mark bought me "Indian Stories" from my favorite artist, Morgan Weistling.....winner of the Prix de West. It will hang over the mantel in our master bedroom at the cabin. My grandfather would take us upstairs in the old farmhouse in Illinois and literally scare us to death with stories that he made up. He loved to tell us Indian stories and he would put each one of us into the story as the heroes and heroines. Then he would go back downstairs and leave us "city kids" alone in the dark...and I MEAN DARK...no street lights out on the farm. Then the famous electrical storms.... complete with chain lightning and terrible thunder would start....WHOA! This is MOTHER'S DAY...FATHER'S DAY.....AND OUR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY GIFT! Sometimes I have to do some heavy negotiating...



Had just about the best Mother's Day EVER! Sonia and Sherman got me a beautiful clock for the cabin. Dan and Keira got me a vintage set of Grimm's Fairy Tales complete with beautiful color illustrations and Lara got me some fab earrings from Anthro. Will gave me a big hug and told me he is saving his money for his wife LOL! I heartily agree...it is going to take bucks to buy her way out of Romania. Drum roll...Dan made me another one of his "handmade" cards. He surprised me again....what can I say? Since I am not a very good photographer I didn't try to capture Lara's earrings...they are tiny and DARLING! Thank you...I LOVE YOU ALL!


Friday, May 7, 2010

Snow in May!

It snowed three times last Sunday up in Heber. The sun came out in between. It was like living in Scotland again. Love to watch it fall....none of it stuck, though.
The kids trying out the new King size bed. That's my super duper savings from Big Lots! Boy did I wait for this one....first 50%...then 70% off. Woo hoo......I went back a week later and the other one was gone. I rescued mine just in time!
Well....happy Mother's Day to me. Mark bought a new quad for Father's Day. I didn't realize that Tatoe enjoyed posing so much. Will have to use him more in the future.