2013.1.1 Daily Good Blessing. "The Lyrics of our New Year songs are waiting in melodies yet to be sung." Kathie L Gakle McArthur

Today's tragedy in Connecticut  at the Sandy Hook Elementary School, leaves a feeling of  hopelessness in the hearts of the nation. Although we can't make sense out of completely senseless horrific acts, we can join our prayers together in the hope that God will heal the families who's lives have been ripped apart; and that the Savior who suffered their deepest pain and wounds while he was in Gethsemane, can succor them in their unspeakable despair. May He wrap His tender ever-encircling arms of love around them to bind up their broken hearts,

"Wise men of the past and the present seek God's gentle grace,

His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ." Kathie L Gakle McArthur

December is here and, oddly enough, we don't have too much snow here in Springville Utah. In fact, it has been almost 60 degrees since Thanksgiving.
That being said, it is time to put on my jingle bells and start the festivities of this wonderful Christmas season. I've already posted our Christmas wishes of love to our family and friends, but have yet to put up my holiday favorite decorations.
I've been busy with blogs and groups because I have so much to say.......they say women need to speak 8000 words a day to maintain.......I'm not sure to maintain what, but I certainly have the need to at least write that many!
The New Year will be here sooner than we would like. That is, if the world doesn't come to an end on the 21st. I'm guessing it won't. I have decided to make a specific plan my online blogs and words for next year, so that I can streamline my 8000 words.
That doesn't mean I will be writing or posting faster, only that I will take each of my blogs on a specific day of the week. I also will combine each of my blogs on kathieskollection. That way I can maintain my need for 'nice little boxes', and still have one place where I will be able to peruse everything at once.
In case any of my 'many followers' are interested, this will be my last blog on any of my blogs until January. This wonderful season seems to be slipping from my grip before I can wrap my heart around it and I don't want that to happen.
Starting in the New Year:
Monday Laughter Is Music For The Soul=Anything I can find that makes me laugh.(maybe some good past)
Tuesday Look for the Sunshine=Positive Inspirational Quips and Images
Wednesday Kathies Kollection=My Weekly Rantings and my new posters
Thursday  Look for the Sunshine=Positive Insprational Quotes and Images
Friday  Nothing
Saturday  Nothing
Sunday Faithful Valiant Women of Christ=Stories you send or I find that will Strengthen us all.
Good bye for now, and Good Blessings.

Mother Teresa said, "There are many people who can do big things but there are very few people who will do the small things."

I've loved this quote for a long time and have thought often about why it is so. I believe that the big things often get done because more people are aware of larger things. But larger things then, bring out many people who willingly put their shoulder to the wheel in order to ride the vehicle of attention. 

On the other hand there are few people who are aware enough to hear of small things like muffled cries for help. There are even fewer people filled with enough humility to step into lonely darkened lives, to do whatever 'little thing' is needed. 

It is those things that seem small to the world....... loving words, lifting hands that hang down, words of comfort, help for the hopeless, sincere praise, unconditional love, humanitarian service, etc., that are 'big' in the eyes of those who benefit.

By humbly doing the little things no one really wants to do, we ensure our efforts will bless in big ways.

What a wonderful world we live in. As I was traveling to Arizona to spend Thanksgiving with my sons David and Vance and daughter's Erin and David's wife Sara, I looked at the beautiful world around me. How grateful I am to have eyes to see. What incredible beauties are around us that we can choose to be aware of, or we can choose to let them dissolve like the sunsets that distill across the desert, without taking notice. 

Like everything else, we can be so involved with the little things in our lives that pile up around us, that we forget that outside our realm of dailies, there is an exciting and beautiful world. Take time to look around and be thankful for the world we live in.

Thursday 2012 November 15
I had the blessing of going to a humanitarian center to work on projects that would be sent around the world to help people who could not help themselves. This humanitarian center is set up for needed projects that will go all over the world, as well as for a drop off place for the local food bank and other organizations helping displaced or needy people.
I have felt the need to "give back" for all the great blessings I have received recently and over my lifetime. My children are grown and the role of grandparent certainly has freed up a lot of my time. Although I still feel there are songs the Lord would have me write, I also feel His gentle prodding to give some of my time to help His other children.
When I arrived at the humanitarian center there were only a couple of cars in the parking lot. The emptiness of the parking lot turned, as I walked into the hall full of tables with working women, into a joyous bouquet of happy beautiful blooms of love.
There were women at different workstations busily crafting their assignments. There were old women, and middle aged women and younger women. There was a buzz of activity and sisterhood that enveloped me even though I had never met any of these women before.
As I put my "shoulder to the wheel", (actually it was to a machine that attached snaps to items of clothing) I could not help watching the younger women who were lovingly watching small children while they worked. What an example of service these younger "mothers" were to me. There they were serving their fellowman, whom they would never meet, while I know there were a thousand other things waiting for them when they returned home. Most young mothers also serve unselfishly as teachers of primary aged children and young women advisers, in Relief Societies, as well as being good neighbors. Women of all religions and backgrounds come together to do what Mother Teresa called, the small things. "There are many people who can do big things, but there are very few people who will do the small things."
As I continue to go to the humanitarian center to do my small part in this effort to bless the lives of those less fortunate than I have been, I am determined to follow the examples of Mother Teresa, who never turned away the small acts of service, and these women I had the privilege of working with who have big responsibilities yet take time to do the 'small' yet needed acts of service.

What an emotional roller coaster I, as many people, have been on this past couple of days. The excitement of being able to vote, at least for us here in the United Sates of America, was everywhere. As the time neared I thought about the many souls of this earth who never lived with the freedoms I enjoy everyday. I continually thank God for the privilege I have of living in this country that allows me to worship Him. I pondered those who lived and died so that I could be a free citizen of this country and all the hundreds of thousands of citizens of this great nation who never had the opportunity to vote. I thought too of those brave women who fought for my opportunity, as a woman, to cast my vote.
But even so, when the results of the election came in, a great fear arose in my throat, that took me by surprise and back to my childhood. When I was 10 years old, the Cuban-Missile Crisis was the thing that I feared the most. I remember my heart so scared and pounding at the sound of air-raid sirens being tested. I remember trembling as I, with the rest of my elementary school friends, crawled under the desks in our room when we had 'air raid' drills. The talk in the country was of bomb shelters and what to do in case of this, and where to go, in case of that. I have not felt that fear ever again in my life until hearing the results of the voting for the President of the United States, two nights ago.
When I realized that I was drenched with that same fear, I dropped to my knees asking Heavenly Father for peace and understanding. As in so many times before, I was wrapped in His arms of Love and taught again, that He is in charge and is very mindful of what is happening in my life and in the lives all His children. I was reminded that many of His other good children voted opposite than I had, because their understanding of what our country needs, is different than mine. My fears were calmed and I tried to listen to what God had for me to do.
There is ahead of us darkness, that will surely come, as we as a nation drift further and further from God's laws. Through the many difficult trials of life I have always prayed that I would become better and stronger. This is my prayer now, that all of us, which ever candidate we supported and voted for, will become better citizens. I pray we will all move toward the Light of Christ so that His arms of love will bring us the peace and understanding that is needed in our hearts now more than ever before.
Now, two days after that rush of fear and my little 'private' journey, I realize that nothing will thwart God's plans and I really do have nothing to fear if I will put Him first and Trust Him. I will keep the bright light of my Hope in Christ burning through the dark days ahead.

I wanted to end my October Blogs with the report about the fun Masquerade Ball and wedding reception Craig and I attended last Saturday night.

I must admit that I had fun dressing up as the wife of Zorro. Craig dressed as Zorro with the mask and all. I forgot to carry in my red mask as we had our pictures taken, but we did look the parts.

The festivities were held in the Underground Social Hall in Provo, and it was the perfect magical venue! Jasmine and Eli, the bride and groom looked like they had just stepped from the pumpkin coach from Cinderella! I don't think I have ever seen someone in real life that looked like a real princess as Jasmine did. She has a wonderful collection of items she has found in her world travels.  I especially loved the items from France and those that seemed to transport us to a long ago day and far away place. The 'Underground' was dark and earthy, lighted by elegant candles, posh pumpkins, and soft lighting. The live band added to the charm of the evening with the sound of violins wafting through the air.

The edible fare was perfectly fitted for an underground Masquerade Ball in October with pumpkin soup in bread bowls as the main dish. There was humus dip, flat bread chips, beautiful fruit tarts and the hot drink of the season, wassail.

Eli and Jasmine were the most beautiful couple of the night, as it should have been. But, I must say that Craig and I were the next best dressed masquerade attendees. All in all, my first and last masquerade ball was totally enjoyable.

I am going to my first Masquerade Ball on Saturday and I am so excited. I have never before been invited to one, and am thinking with age marching to a faster drum than ever, I may never have the opportunity again. I don't want to miss anything, so I have done a little research on Masquerade History and found it interesting.

The pageants and processions of late-Medieval court life is where the Masquerade Ball has its origins. Beginning in the Ducal Court of Burgundy in the 14th century, Masquerade balls were expanded into costumed public festivities in Italy during the 15th century Renaissance.

Masquerade slowly focused less around formal dancing, and more and more on the carnival atmosphere. The "costume parties" of the 20th century came from this tradition, especially the cabaret scene of 1890s Paris, epitomized by Moulin Rogue and in the artwork of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

Armed with this information, Craig and I will be attending our Nephew Eli and his new bride, Jasmine's Masquerade Ball Wedding Reception on Saturday night. 

Next week, I will report on the festivities. Good Blessings till then.

I have found this statement by Eleanor Roosevelt so true. Although some experiences that come into our lives may seem insurmountable, raising fear and trepidation in our hearts, when looking back upon our lives it is those very experiences that helped mold us into stronger more self-sufficient people. As we should find 'joy' in the journey of life, we too can find 'joy' in those hard experiences that helped to make us  individuals of great inner character. Good Blessings!

My heart aches for those involved in the dehumanizing addiction of pornography. But my heartache intensifies when I ponder the 'tender hearts' that are bruised, broken and discarded because of it's effects. There is no reason or need to defend this self-centered and selfish behavior, that surely makes the God of all mankind cringe in agony at what some of his children do.

In this world of, 'if it feels good do it and take no thought of anyone else', especially the Savior of mankind who suffered and died so that each of us would not have to pay the debt that surely must be paid, it is time to wake up and stand against this heinous outrage against humanity. (Thank you Britt for providing this chart.)

My last blog was exactly a month ago today! WOW! A lot has transpired in our lives, mine and Craig's, and.......in the climate of our great country, the United States of America.

I don't want to sound like a broken record but what can I say.......my heart is not only red, it is red, white and blue! As long as I can remember, I have had a great love for and devotion to the principles and values embodied in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. But I'm getting ahead of myself.
Craig and I are in our new home!

Those of you who know me know that I rely heavily on my Heavenly Father to guide my life, and though this was a long and drawn out process, He kept re-assuring me that He had my back as He always has, and always will. Since we began looking for a home in March I have had the distinct impression that God had a specific place for us to be. I don't know how many homes we looked at in how many cities, but it was a lot! We were praying for Heavenly Father's tender mercies. Because of the financial difficulties arising from Craig's Harley accident a year ago, and subsequent finding of 4 different cancers, and surgeries to remove his thyroid, spleen, part of his pancreas, and his left kidney, and 7 months of rehabilitation, his ability to work and see clients ended. As a result we were approved for a short sale of our 'dream home' in the foothills of Tooele, looking over the town and the Great Salt Lake. We were supposed to be out so that the new people could move in, by the 15th of September. To make this story short we were still desperately looking for THE place, when our dear friend and Realtor, Tyler Cope, insisted we come and see this home in Springville, Ut. After we gave in to his prodding we drove up to this home and I knew it was the place that Heavenly Father was holding for us. Because of the short sale, we couldn't qualify for a home loan. We are so grateful to the dear people, who loved this house before we did and made it available to us by carrying the loan for us. And not only are we in a wonderful neighborhood and house, but it is on the side of the mountain. Our view from our front windows overlooks the city of Spanish Fork, Springville and Utah Lake. Our view from our back is straight up the beautiful mountain. If we had planned this ourselves, it couldn't be better. God does know each of us and is there for us. (But oh it is hard to be still and patient sometimes!)

Now, onto my Red White and Blue heart. Yesterday I went onto Facebook and posted the following:

I was so looking forward to the first Presidential Debate between, President Obama and Mitt Romney. It was very good and very enlightening. But today my heart has been turned to the turmoil our country is in because we as citizen's have let ourselves drift away from the principles of freedom this land was founded on, and because we as a people have turned away from the God who gave us this land of Liberty.

Today on Facebook I came across two videos that embodied thoughts of my heart. I include them here with the hope you will watch them to be more informed.

Dr. Barbra Bellar

Illinois Women For Romney/Ryan Victory Rally Speaker ~ Dr. Barbara Bellar. She received a standing ovation after her speech at our Rally on Aug 21st, 2012. "...

Bishop E.W. Jackson Message to Black Christians

A short message from Bishop E.W. Jackson to fellow black Christians about the evil being done by the Democrat party.

We must keep ourselves educated so that we can responsibly make the right choices of our conscience. May God Bless America.

Standing for the Constitution

For over a week now, we have been watching the summer Olympics, London 2012, every night on the television. I have watched the athletes in awe of their dedication and tenacity, striving to be the best they could be. 
Gently, the Lord used the example of all those athletes to teach me that we each are capable of greatness. The athletes have as their goal, physical prowess. If I want to reach my goal of living with Heavenly Father and His Son again, I must be willing to train and to sacrifice for that goal, at the very least, as much as those athletes train and sacrifice for their goal.
WOW, what an eye opener. Why should I think that anything less than that would get me ‘on the medal stand’, let alone, earning ‘gold’.

(Just a note to say I will not be blogging for the next few weeks. My husband and I are moving, but I will be back online for sure.) 

Sisters laugh at the silliest of things while at the same time wrap each other in the tenderest of emotions.

From left to right: Laura, Cheri, Mom and me!

Today I celebrate my sisters! No, I don't think it is 'Sisterday' or anything, but today seems like a good day to reflect on my love for my two sisters. It has been two years since we were in a near fatal car accident together and I am so grateful we were given more time here on this earth to laugh together.
We all grew up in the same household with our Dad and Mom and two brothers. We had a very  normal up bringing in a very normal Los Angeles suburb.......  My older sister was the 2nd oldest living child in our family, I was the middle child, and our youngest sister was the baby of the family.
We were a water-skiing family. Every summer we went up to Northern California for two weeks spent at Lake Shasta. The rest of the summer weekends were often spent at Salton Sea. We were silly California girls wanting a great tan so we laid out in the hot summer sun with our bodies covered in baby oil mixed with Mercurochrome.
In the winters we would go up to our mountain cabin in Forrest Home where we often had to hike the quarter mile to the cabin in knee deep snow. The hike was always worth it because the road was left clear for the longest and most exhilarating toboggan ride ever.
We went to Church each Sunday, and the testimonies of the Savior that we gained from that regular association with the scriptures and Christ's teachings, has strengthened us each as we've traveled our different roads.
My oldest sister traveled to my house last night, and my heart is full of love and thanksgiving because it is time for our annual 'wheeze fest'. We will be joined by our youngest sister in a week, and for the first time we will also be with our brother for the annual "sibling" trip. Since he never has been able (or willing - can you blame him) to join us - we are going to converge on him this year!   
We had our share of trauma and drama, but through it all I have come to realize that no matter what, my sisters will always be there to laugh with me and to hold me in their tenderest emotions.

It doesn't matter who we are, what we've experienced, or how we live our lives; we all have the same hours in a day to choose what we will do with those twenty-four hours. We are blessed to live in a time when gaining untold amounts of information is easy. At the same time, we have tremendous responsibility to remember to live in the here and now and govern the time we spend accessing all that information. We have the choice to ignore the bad information, sort through some information, keep some of it, and be quick to see the difference between the good, better and best of it.

Choice is a gift from our loving Heavenly Father and is part of our very beings. We don't often think about choice in our day to day life but our choices determine a myriad of activities, causes, relationships etc........ Whenever we choose to 'Do Something,' we are choosing 'Not To Do Something Else.' We can't get away from results of action or inaction.
That being the case, it is important that we are spending our precious gift of choice and time, on those things that will help us grow and develop the talents and skills to accomplish our goals in life. There is so much knowledge that is good in the world, so much more than we as individuals could ever come to understand and capture for ourselves. It is important for each of us to look at our lives, our interests, and our goals as well as the lives of our immediate family, and choose to spend time on those things that are 'best.'
That is not to say that we should ignore the world around us. On the contrary, we need to be in the world but not of the world and gather knowledge of many different things. But all too often our 'hyper-focus' on a subject or way of life weakens the choice, that God gave us to choose to spend time serving, loving, sharing, strengthening those we love. We miss the beauty of the simple things of life (and love). When we are hyper-focused, even on things we see as our 'cause,' our spirits can be dimmed to the wonder of life.  Christ is our exemplar and with all the important things that He could have been focused on during the short years of His ministry, the scriptures are replete with incidents of His praying, seeking His Father, loving, sharing, teaching, kindness, tenderness and charity. He had more information than we can imagine, yet there was never a time when He was too busy, or too focused, that he didn't stop and "smell the roses" so to speak.
When we seek information and combine it with knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and live daily to use all that knowledge in our lives, we will be led by the spirit to information that will help us and our families grow to our fullest potential. Along with that knowledge we can be guided in choosing the best way to spend our twenty-four hours and which information is good, better and best.

You all know I LOVE music in almost all it's forms. I love to sing but I don't play a musical instrument, so I would definitely have a difficult time playing this instrument! I have seen this video before, but my cousin Cliff just sent it to me again. Since I enjoyed it so much, I thought I would share it here. Music can bring laughter to the soul as well as dispel the darkening chords of discontent. Wherever you are on your life journey, I hope you will enjoy this. Good Blessings to you.

I was traveling last weekend. As I beheld the beauties of the earth, I was filled with awe at the 'grace' of God. When I saw this beautiful video, I knew that I wanted to share it as my blog post Tuesday.(Click on the picture if the arrow isn't showing and it will bring it up.) Good Blessings to you.

Another Independence Day has passed. The 4th of July has always been one of my favorite holiday's. I have always experienced reverence, and deep love, when reading and studying of the United States of America. When I was in college, I had the blessing and opportunity of increasing that love, by singing in a great American singing group, "The Grand Land Singers."...

We were young college age students who, not only sang about this great country but, worked with hundreds of elementary schools, teaching the basic principles of the Constitution of the United States of America.... Our dear Connie Rogers inspired a program called, "Project Patriotism." (Later changed to, "Discover Your America.") These two programs helped us in implementing a week of fun activities, learning about and celebrating this great nation, with elementary school kids.

We ate drank and slept Grand Land Singers. (Sleep was optional.) We practiced each Tuesday night from 7-11 and Saturday mornings from 7-10.

We usually had 1-3 performances a week many which were hours away from our base which was in Cerritos, California. We traveled by bus or plane to cities all over the United States, but most of the time we all drove at our own expense to the varied performances.

We sang for Presidents to paupers; anyone who had a love for our great country; President Ezra T Benson, Presidents Nixon and Reagan, Charlton Heston, Debbie Reynolds, Bob Hope to name very few of great people we had the opportunity to meet and perform for.

We preformed hundreds of thousands of people in many different venues; Cherry Blossom Festival Washington DC, The Rose Bowl, Bob Hope's Teluca Lake Home, Disneyland, Freedom's Foundation Valley Forge, and thousands of schools.We received the George Washington Medal of Freedom, 5 different times.

I am so grateful for those Grand Land Singer opportunity's, memories, and friends. We are friends still, this many years later, (and I mean MANY) because of the bonds that were built by standing for something bigger than ourselves.

This Nation is bigger than any one person. As a Democratic Republic we rise from where we are, to be better, because that is who we are. This nation was blessed by God Himself.

George Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention while sitting in a chair with a 'Rising Sun' carved upon it. (The chair remains in Independence Hall.) Benjamin Franklin said as the last members were signing the Declaration of Independence, he looked back at the president's chair. "I have," said he, "often and often in the course of the session, and the vicissitudes of my hopes and fears as to its issue, looked at that behind the President, without being able to tell whether it was rising or setting sun; but now at length, I have the happiness to know, that it is a rising sun......."

                                          

With happiness, I too look back at all those who lived and died that I might be a recipient of the rising sun that has shown over this land. May we as individuals, here today, have the same strength of character to stand firm against tyrants who see the sun as setting over our land of the free. 

God Bless America.

Wednesday July 3
This week we celebrate the Independence of our great nation, the United States of America. Our children will receive lessons on freedom, but many will be taught from books that come from the well oiled machine of socialistic rhetoric seeping from the land of the free. We will have our parties, but they likely will be in the shadow of the dark clouds of uncertainty that rumble from the deep abyss of hidden agendas from many leaders of our country. There will be parades and music, but there will be those who beat the drums of immorality and use 'tolerance' against those who stand for values and religious freedom. The fireworks displays will catch hundreds of thousands of pairs of eyes, while we watch with those same eyes, the rights guaranteed by our Constitution, slowly yet systematically being taken from us and being crushed under the feet of those who have the  responsibility to protect that same constitution.  
Is the hope that once emanated from Old Glory still vibrant and alive, or is it now tattered and torn as many other symbols of our freedom have become. More importantly are we tattered and torn beyond our ability to be ready to stand with all those who given anything and everything so that this nation could remain, "One Nation under God, with Liberty and Justice for All?" God Bless America!

July 2, 1776 was the day when the Continental Congress voted for independence. The written Declaration of Independence was dated July 4, 1776.

Following are parts of, this blessed document, The Unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America.

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.  .......

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States;   .......

And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,that saved a wretch like me....I once was lost but now am found,was blind, but now, I see.T'was Grace that taught...my heart to fear.And Grace, my fears relieved.How precious did that Grace appear...the hour I first believed.Through many dangers, toils and snares...we have already come.T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...and Grace will lead us home.The Lord has promised good to me...His word my hope secures.He will my shield and portion be...as long as life endures.Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,That saved a wretch like me....I once was lost but now am found,Was blind, but now, I see." (The words, "When we've been here ten thousand years...bright shining as the sun. We've no less days to sing God's praise...then when we've first begun," were later added latter by an unknown author.)

The words of the folk hymn known as "Amazing Grace", were written by John Newton. (1725-1807). John was spiritually converted during a terrible storm at sea while he was involved in the slave trade.

How many storms do we need to experience in our own lives before we are spiritually converted? There are many of us who go through the motions of our faith in God. I fear there are many of us who keep up the facade because we really never have really known true conversion.

Oh yes, there are many parts to conversion with the most important being seeking to know God  by studying His word and keeping His commandments. But even when immersing ourselves in God's word, trying to find 'conversion' may still seem allusive. 

The Savior taught, "that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass."(Alma 37:6)  Bringing His words into our lives, and focusing on the small and simple things of spirituality, will guide us to the greater things, the awakening of our souls, if that is our desire. But desiring is key.

Be aware of small and delicate wild flowers, a beautiful sunset, morning mist, the smell of pine, the sound of children's laughter, the bond between two friends, an aged man and wife serving each other, neighbors gathering to help neighbors, tears falling for a loved one, generosity, benevolence, charity, faith, hope, humility, grace, love, empathy, friendship, etc.  These things are found in the quiet simple things of life.

God's 'Amazing Grace,' is that conversion comes from gathering the good and simple things one step at a time. Conversion isn't a destination it is a journey through life, of epic proportions, collecting all the gracious gifts that God has blessed us  with.  Good Blessings.

Beyond all the confusion and noise of the world there are many who stand together, stalwart and true, in seeking after celestial things. KLGMc

I'm sorry my name is so large on this post. I worked on how to make it smaller till 11:30 last night, and 4 hours this morning. I am still so new at this.

Human development seems to be a catch-all phrase these days. All experiences affect our development either positively or negatively, as with every choice we make. It is a natural cause and affect that whenever we choose to do something, we are choosing not to do something else. 

Neal A. Maxwell raised the level of that thought by saying, "commitment to truth requires the rejection of some things as well as the acceptance of others."

Choices that we make, or don't make, boil down to our conduct and our conduct determines our way of life. That is put rather simply when there are so many cultural, physical, geographical, etc., influences on our conduct. But to reach for the highest influences upon ourselves the, "sincere seeker after celestial culture must be more concerned with the preparation for that culture than with the preservation of present culture." (Maxwell.)

We live in a time when, more often than not, bad is seen as good and good as seen as bad. If we have tried to uphold values and stand on principle we have felt the ire of those situations to some extent. It is a time foretold in the scriptures. "We, likewise, will be confronted with major ironies in which people will turn to teachers of the world and be turned away “from the truth” and “turned into fables.” (See 2 Tim. 4:4.)" (Maxwell)

We must remain true to the standards and values that Jesus Christ instills in all those who commit themselves to truth. As we choose to keep developing the highest attributes, we are also choosing to positively influence our development. 

The way will become increasingly more difficult as time marches on. As our 'human development' rises to the level of the truth we bring to it, we will come to realize the following truth. Beyond all the confusion and noise of the world there are many who stand together, stalwart and true, in seeking after celestial things. Good Blessings.

I have always loved early mornings! When I was a teenager, I had a 7:00 am class every weekday. We lived in a small Southern California suburb almost a mile from the high school. Since it was not a regular curriculum class, I had to figure out how to get there on my own....... You guessed it, I walked.

I would start out walking when it was still dark. There was hardly a sound except for my shoes on the pavement. As l walked, I watched as lights in houses would start being turned on. And there was more than just seeing lights coming on that assured the beginning of a new day; dogs who had been let outside, barking that it was time to come back in, milk bottles rattled as the delivery man left his morning 'moo' on front porches. (And if it was Thursday, and I wasn't in school, around 9:00 am the Helms Bakery truck driver would beep that he was on the block. Ladies would scurry out to get whatever scrumptious delight sounded good, and the weeks bread.)....... Where was I? Oh, yeah. When I got to the main street of my city there were even more signs that another day had begun. As the light filled the landscape like cream, everything became animated and alive. Further from the main street, people were opening garage doors, (manually of course, because there were no automatic garage door openers) and engines would be started so that, slowly and grudgingly, the bread winner of the family could go to work.
Then there was that fresh early morning smell! The sweet fragrance of lilac, honey-suckle, new grass, rose, lily, a bouquet of other fragrant flower essences with the engulfing spritz of morning dew, filled my soul as I walked.
But the grandeur of those mornings came as I watched the sun wake up and stretch it's rays over me. Each morning felt like a new beginning. I could start again at anything that I hadn't done right or accomplished the day before. My unkind thoughts or angry or hurt feelings were washed away with the blackness of the night. With every sunrise, each day was new. The day was an empty slate for me to begin again to try to be kinder than yesterday, to gather more wisdom, to learn from past mistakes or embarrassments. There it is, with every new day hope was born.
When Sara Zamudio sent me a copy of her beautiful photo above, I was taken back to those sweet mornings of my youth. I was filled with a rush, that this is who I am, and this is why.
Remember, we can start again in the morning. Let that thought help lift us to feel all that is good and possible in the here and now and in the veiled eternities to come. Good Blessings!

The 27 of June 1922 was when the Newberry Medal for kids literature was first presented. What a GREAT thing to celebrate today!
                                                      
Those of you who know me know that I Love Books. I never really feel I am at home until my library is set up and my books are safe and snug in their places. There is nothing like the smell of books. (Even though there is a new smell for 'e-readers' they can spray for a 'book experience.')  P-L-E-A-S-E! 
Nothing can take the place of, curling up in an overstuffed arm chair, anticipating the next adventure in a great book. I love this book mark by Mary Engelbreit. Fall into a good book today and Good blessings to you.

Before my post I want to say My Prayers for Good Blessings go out to all those who have suffered from the 6 major fires burning in Utah right now. 
Craig and I found ourselves on a late night drive for ice cream last Friday night. I know, but I have been SO Good! I wanted a vanilla cone dipped in chocolate. In Tooele, Utah there are no fast food places open late at night that could accommodate my craving. We ended up on the back road, two lane highway through Stockton, (which has No fast food places.) to Lehi. We had the most enjoyable 45 minute drive. (Much more leisurely than most of the time when we are pressing the 65 mph speed limit. And yes, that is where I got my ticket for going 95 mph in same said speed zone. Just in case you are wondering, that is also when I committed to going no more than 2 miles over the speed limit!) We were enjoying great topics of conversation, when we noticed an orange glow ahead.
We quickly realized that we were coming upon Eagle Mt. where the fires had burned so much acreage since Thursday morning. We found a place to pull off the road and watched the flames leaping, charging ahead carried by mangled winds. It was so intense but at the same time, sent my mind to thinking about things the scriptures have taught about how the Lord uses fire; fire is kindled in Lord's anger, sweet savor and offerings made by fire, vision of pillar of fire, cleansing of the earth by fire, fire from His mouth, baptism with Holy Ghost and with fire, are just some of the phrases the scriptures use describing fire in relation to Himself, His ordinances or His 2nd coming.
Most of the time when thinking about the Savior's 2nd coming to this earth, we are reminded of the scriptures that talk about the 'lake of fire and brimstone', or the 'consuming of one third the trees and all the grass,"  But as we read above, there are also scriptures that the Lord uses fire for offerings and ordinances to prepare and make way.

We will each have to be prepared to meet the Lord when our time comes, either as we meet Him in the courts above, or as we are blessed to be here at His 2nd coming. Before that time though, 'we must burn the sin out of our hearts and hand the ashes to the Savior. Then we must plead for Him to take them.' (KLGMc 1998.9.3)

The warm glow of the Savior's love will engulf us as we repent and hand the ashes of our sin to Him. It is the reason He suffered in Gethsemane and He waits patiently for us to honor Him, and His glorious gift, by doing so.

Several years ago, when I was working in Reservations for Jet Blue Airways, Craig and I were blessed to be able to travel to Cancun, Mexico. We were so amazed as we traveled the rough dirt roads off the beaten path, at the countless numbers of outcroppings of stone ruins. Unlike Chitzen Itza and Tulum, most of what is left from the Great Mayan Civilization still lies covered by years of creeping vines, billowing trees and the sand from a thousand storms. And what of the inhabitants of  those and other great civilizations that peopled the earth since the time of it's creation? So many of them were unable to endure to the end, falling prey to the insidious darkness the evil one instituted to foil the Great Plan of Salvation presented by our Loving Heavenly Father. 

President Henry B. Eyring, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, had this to say about the power of enduring: "If the foundation of faith is not embedded in our hearts, the power to endure will crumble."


What can you and I do to build our foundation of faith and how does it get embedded in our hearts? Here are 7 things that President Eyring said that our foundation needed to be built with. 1) Personal Integrity, 2) The Gospel of Jesus Christ, 3) Principles, 4) Ordinances, 5) Covenants, 6) Faith in The Lord Jesus Christ and Choosing To Do What He Would Do, 7) Love As The Savior Loved.

We must build our foundation of faith, line upon line, precept on precept; gathering from the scriptures, personal prayer, our relationship with the Savior, serving others, humbling ourselves before God, being willing to choose His will over ours, Temple attendance, and a myriad of other ways. By valiantly attending to our foundation, each and everyday of our lives, it will be embedded in our hearts and it will not crumble.

Our enduring to the end starts today. Even so, President Eyring taught us not to be overwhelmed and in a hurry. The old saying comes to mind, "Rome wasn't built in a day." The stone ruins of civilizations past weren't either. Foundations, when fortified and strengthened, will pass the test of time. We too, when fortified and strengthened by our foundation of faith, will be able to endure to the end with joy and thanksgiving. 

It seems somewhat of a joke, to members of the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day-Saints, to make light of being late. A common phrase of excuse heard all too often is, "Mormon Standard Time."

I was brought up by a Mother who taught me that being on time was being respectful to others.

In this day and age of everyone having an excuse for everything, we would do well to change the old phrase of "Mormon Standard Time" to the new determination, "Mormon's Stand For Being On Time."

Those wonderful memories that can come with childhood take me back to my favorite place on earth. My Dad, always providing good things for our family, bought a boat and made all our water skis. Every summer he packed us all up and we were off to our 'Perfect Destination,' Shasta Lake and Mt. Shasta in northern California. 
Whenever I picture a mountain in my mind, Mt. Shasta in the distance, comes clearly into my minds eye. Today as I think about marriage and mountains, again it is Mt. Shasta that I think of. 
Man has the opportunity to truly be made noble and a woman truly made majestic when they are joined together as one in marriage. There are many relationships that try and mimic what God has blessed as the union of two souls, marriage between a man and a woman. The world misses the fact that only when joined together, a man and a woman can reach their highest potential. Every other union will allow a person only to have vision from part way up the mountain of life.

I am ever indebted to our Heavenly Father for the knowledge He placed on earth to help me past the pitfalls devised to keep me from from my full potential of all that is noble and majestic and the view available from the 'pinnacle.'

"Neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man."

And so it is. The sacred bond of marriage between a man and a woman broadens the horizons of their understanding. It is as if they've gone from the valley up to the pinnacle of a very high mountain. For the first time in their lives, together they have a clear view of forever.
I remember the grandeur of Mt. Shasta and the rugged beauty of it's terrain with the clear view of all it has to offer. I never had the opportunity to see the view from the top. I look forward to the view of forever that the Lord has in store for my husband and I as we climb to the pinnacle of our mountain of life together.

OK Go - Needing/Getting - Official Video

As most of you know, I struggle to think creatively at times. My brain seems to be stuck in 'The Box'. Because of that, I get really happy when I see people with true fun creativity. My thinking goes immediately to, "How in the world did they ever dream that up." And then it goes directly to enjoying their gift. 
Today I've determined to think creatively. To try this for one day shouldn't be too hard. (I say that now at the beginning of the day!) 
I Love Music! I Love Laughing! I Love Creativity! So to begin my day of creativity off, I start with a video I love that combines all three of these elements. (And yes, I know posting it isn't very creative because I've posted it before.) But this video is one of those things that I sat back, enjoyed and thought to myself, "How in the world did they ever come up with that?" Hang on for the ride, the concert and for the sunshine of creativity and laughter! And Good Blessings to you today!

With the jury dismissing six counts of Roger Clemens' lying to Congress over steroid use this week, I thought it apropos to bring some all American Baseball to my blog today. I find it very interesting that the 'All American' sport of baseball claims another All American ranking. The wall street journal lists 10 things that are still made in America today. It is heartening to note that the "Louisville Slugger Baseball Bat" comes in as one of those 10. God Bless America!

Wow, 2 days in a row, I am on a roll! There is so much going on in my mind that it is hard to capture it all. Today is the Summer Solstice. To cover that thought I add my post from the Look For The Sunshine Blog:
 Summer Solstice occurs on the longest day of the year. Legend has it, on that day, Wakan Tanka revealed in vision to a Lakota Indian named Kiblaya, that his people had become lazy in their prayers, so he sent them a new way of praying - the Sun Dance.

"As the sun dances across the sky on this day of summer solstice may we recommit to God that our prayers, from this time forth, will be more focused in faith."

The end of May brought severe allergies to me. Several years ago I was given a steroid shot because, as the Dr. put it, I "looked like I had rubbed my face in poison ivy." This year, only my eyes were affected, But make no mistake, I still looked miserable and horrific! I only left the house for church, going incognito in sunglasses which I wore throughout the entire meeting.  I was surviving by living on allergy pills for 3 straight weeks. (A 24 hour Claratin D or an Allegra D PLUS once ad day PLUS a benadryl every four hours.) To say I was a perfect subject for the new "zombie bullets" is an understatement. 

Just when I was ready to put an end to it all.......well, I guess that is a little melodramatic. (But what do you expect when "zombie bullets" has already come up in this blog!?) Continuing.......a friend told me to try 3 drops each of essential oils, peppermint, lemon and lavender, in bottled water. (No, the bottled water was not a key ingredient, it was how the oils were delivered into my system.) Within the next 3 hours I had downed 3 bottles of 'oiled' water and for the first time in 3 weeks, I felt some relief! 

The amazing thing is, that I am now 'sunglasses', itch, and leathery swollen eyes, free. I have cut the dose of 'oils peppermint, lemon and lavender' down to 2 drops 4 times a day. Last night was the first night since the end of May that I haven't woken up to get another dose of either allergy meds or my 'allergy oils'. (Because of no essential oils for that long night of sleep, my eyes were red and the swelling was returning when I woke up.  It was calmed within the hour of taking my allergy concoction of essential oils.) I Now Am An Essential Oils Believer.

GOOD BLESSINGS TO YOU ALL  this day of summer solstice, Kathie