BYU Keynote Speaker Message

I read a few comments from Elder Steven Snow given as the commencement address. i have been a more faithful journal keeper but as of late I had other things get in the way. It is time for me to REPENT! Here are some highlights I read in the Deseret News online this morning:

“Some of the most inspiring history comes from the diaries and journals of everyday people like you and me,” he said. “You need not be a prominent church leader and a copious journal keeper … but your story is important. Contribute to our body of history by keeping your own story.”

Although one’s journal may not be highlighted in some future display, it will be treasured by one's posterity for generations to come.

“Truth of the matter is if you don’t write your story it may not get written,” he said. “Worse still it may be told by someone else in a way you do not desire. The one who has the last word is the one who writes it down. Remember to keep a journal.”



Left photo was of a surprise visit of my younger sister, Linda with her daughter, Mina and husband, Nick and my sonm,Hank
Right photo: Our district after our weekly meeting in the East Kennewick Branch (WKM)
with Elders, Dexter, Tuttle, Schulz, Hall, Elder Walser, Hermanas Griffin, and Kidd

I am so thankful I took the time to note these events pictured above

Question: How does one go back and retrace our unwritten entries?

Answer: Apologetically, WE can't!! I just need to start over and go forward!

Old House, Home in Chicago

I thought for sure I had posted this photo of my childhood home in Chicago. We lived on the south side as far as I know. We lived about two blocks from my elementary school. Actually it had kindergarten through eight grades. Both my brother attended the same school as I did. Charlie in the seventh grade,with Beeb ein the sixth grade.

We used to walk up the alley to the Marcy Center a recreational center. I remember learning crafts, how to make lanyards and how to make biscuits in a cooking class. It also had softball fields. It was there when I was in first grande that I was hit with a flying baseball bat while standing too close to the batter. The day before the last day of school I ended up with my right cheek and stitches for that last day of school. And eventually had a scar on my cheek.

Marcy Center sponsored the two week summer camp at Camp Rheinberg my brothers and I went to in the summer. It was my first experience away form my parents. I remember two weeks is a long time for a seen year old being separated from home/family!! Our parents came to visit us on the week end in between the two weeks.
Me, at seven years old

My grade school: William Penn as it looked back then.

Blessing Overflowing

The last couple of months we have been so focused on our moving in and organizing the house that we had not been to the St George Temple. Then when we wanted to go the temple was closed for two weeks. we were able to make it this week and it was like an oasis in a dry desert. The feelings there are phenomenal. While there we are not rushed or worried about the worldly events and feel such a peace inside within those holy walls.

We took time to have lunch there downstairs in the cafeteria. There is a choice of two entrees and we chose the Talapia and vegetables. I love that one of the benefits of attending the temple regularly is receiving answers to things we are doing or need to do. It was almost as if I needed to have a paper and pen handy to write down what I was given to know what to do at this very time. I repeated in my head several things as I was hearing that "still small voice" tell me instructions specifically pertaining to some of my concerns of a list of projects I want to do and when to proceed to do them.

I had clarity in my mind given to me that I had not had before in exercising those options. I am thankful to know how much my heavenly father loves me, is present and aware of me to let me know in what order to best carry out my goals. It seems like we could try [on our own] to go in all directions at the same time and accomplish nothing. I felt an "ah hah moment" at the counsel I was given knowing I would not have to worry and to keep things in the order that was most beneficial first.

Over that last month or so I have felt some pressure to do a project that has been waiting and wanting to do for years. I started going to the Family History Center to scan certificates, birth and death records of my ancestors with the goal to compile it altogether and make a very large book for our family this year. I have many dozens of family photos also that I hoped to include in that (huge) book project. I have felt opposition and overwhelmed in managing the files and figuring how it was going to play out. I know now I can put that aside and work on the one that is more beneficial at this time.

I am at peace to know the best way to approach my goals for now.