03.20.08
Generous
Never suppress a generous thought. - Camilla Kimball
03.01.08
Be Kinder than is Necessary
In church a couple of weeks ago, my neighbor shared a quote that I would like to share with all my readers:
“Be kinder than is necessary because almost everyone you meet is fighting some sort of a battle.” -Unknown
12.27.07
Spending Christmas with My Family
I decided to bring in the New Year by adding a couple of blog entries to show my recommitment to blog more regularly. I also committed not to eat anymore chocolate after Christmas, but watching Brock eat chocolate was too tempting for me to resist, so I am eating chocolate as I write this blog.
The last few years I have tried to simplify Christmas menus, and gift buying to lessen stress and to enjoy what is really important, my family.
The best thing about Christmas this year was talking to my two children who are serving missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My son who has been serving for nine months in Mozambique, Africa has struggled without running water for extended periods of time, language barriers, difficult companions, and teaching morality to a people whose traditions have not included morality and marriage. As I spoke with him on the phone, I noticed that he has developed more appreciation for his family and his blessings. I would definitely categorize this phone conversation as a memorable mother’s moment.
My daughter is serving in an affluent area in California. She tracts day after day in Irvine without smiles, warmth or response. At first she was distraught about being rejected all day every day, but since she found Roxanne who listened and responded to the gospel message of Jesus Christ, she feels renewed strength to endure daily rejection to find the few who will listen to a gospel message of hope through Jesus Christ.
My other favorite part of Christmas was our traditional candlelight dinner on Christmas Eve. It was a relaxing evening of good food, visiting, exchanging of sibling gifts, and giving thanks to God for our blessings.
Christmas evening, the whole family went to the movie, National Treasures II. I like the feeling of being together as a family more than I like seeing the movie itself. I sure love spending Christmas with my family. Happy New Year!
10.03.07
Fasting and Fast Sundays
I don’t love fasting or fast Sundays, but I believe in them. Have you ever heard of fast Sunday? Let me explain.
In my religion the first Sunday of the month is set aside to fast for 24 hours with a purpose in mind such as fasting and praying for someone who is sick or unemployed, or asking God to bless us with rain. In conjunction with the fast we are asked to make a donation for the amount we would have spent on the two skipped meals. My church uses these donations to help the poor and needy with food and clothes.
Several years ago, the leaders of my church asked us to ten times the amount of our fast offerings, and that if we would have the faith to give more abundantly, we would be blessed. Although our family was struggling to make ends meet, my husband and I decided that we should exercise our faith by paying a more generous fast offering. Our financial situation did not seem to improve; however, we were able to pay all our monthly bills even though we were donating ten times more to fast offerings.
We have continued the tradition of paying a generous fast offering because it makes us feel good, and brings us peace. Today, we don’t miss the money we pay to fast offerings because it has become a monthly habit that we do without giving it a second thought.
As I study the scriptures, I have realized that generally most miracles come about through mighty fasting and prayer. As I grow older, I find myself fasting and praying two or three times a month to increase my faith mostly in behalf of my children who are making critical lifetime decisions.
When I fast, I not only feel spiritually strenghtened, I feel better physically. I believe for optimum health that the body needs a rest from digesting at least once a month.
When I complete my fast, I appreciate the abundance of many wonderful foods and treats like:
Golden Trio of Treats from Maple Ridge Farms
Pecan Turtle and Cashews in a Green Box from Maple Ridge Farms