Thoughts From the Heart

My thoughts:

Life is not easy. Each day brings challenges to each of us. Whether we are parents, grandparents or children. It is a constant battle. Questions: How do we get through a day? Answer: One day at a time. It is best not to get too far ahead of oneself. Taking too much at one time can be overwhelming and the ‘road of life’ more or less gets bumpy on us. If a warning alarm were to figuratively go off, then would be that time!

We learn to walk by crawling. After we have gained our strength in our muscles we crawl until we have the strength for our legs to hold us up, and we become “toddlers.” Sometimes we are toddlers and don’t even know it when it comes to making decisions that effect us for the rest of our lives and eternity.

Our spiritual nature is the same way. We learn to cope with life’s challenges mostly as one reaches the age of young adulthood. That being said, those choices made during and shortly after that time have been known as the period of time that many (wise) decisions are in store and need to be addressed. There needs to be a base, a foundation to make the right choices from which we must prepare for and DO! The physical as well as the spiritual needs to be in sync, however, when the emotional age we are and the physical age are not in sync, the SPIRITUAL age suffers. There in a lack of congruence at this critical time that must be nurtured and need to reach inside oneself to stretch those ‘spiritual’ muscles to carry us through the next important stage of our lives by having solved those issues that come up in our lives.

We have a very important gift bestowed upon us that is a sure way to be guided and directed on the path to making those eternal decisions. It is the Holy Ghost. The greatest way for the Holy Ghost to help us to is be worthy of his presence and allow ourselves to listen to the still small voice that confirms to our heart and soul to make the right decisions no matter what those may be. The more we listen, the more will be given. Then on the other hand, if those promptings are ignored, we are on shaky ground and need to ground and center immediately to have any success in what we are doing.

The Book of Mormon, Holy Bible, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price are the standard works that have been given to us by holy prophets of God. We have a living ,latter-day prophet on the earth today who is also the resource we need to follow Jesus Christ to regain the promises of dwelling in HIS presence and worthy to be in his presence now. Standing in holy places is the solution to bringing us closer to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

The Gospel is simply beautiful and beautifully simply. As long as we are listening and striving to do the right thing for the right reason, we will have that companionship as be drawn to doing and making the right decisions. We submit our will unto the Father and the Son, and receive the fruits of our own labor besides the innumerable blessings that come from being Obedient.

I find that reading the scriptures is my own way of having the closeness of the Spirit to be with me as I partake of the sacrament each week. I take notes (while reading and listening to the scriptures) in a Gospel Study Journal to make observations and take note of insights that come to mind as I pray and study. I have gained so much hope and comfort as I have had many challenges over the years as a parent in assisting my children to Come Unto Christ. I allowed my hand to be in their hands and found so much JOY as a parent. Reading the Book of Mormon with them increased my testimony as well as theirs. I found that I was given much help in my day as I counseled my children, each one individually many times. We had regular family prayers, morning and evening; and attended (all) our meetings each week. We functioned as one and I do not recall any opposition from any of my children when it came to attending Church. I and grateful I was so blessed that way. We had the sweetness of the GOSPEL in our home that brought us all closer as a family in those years of raising children with only the help of the Godhead to carry me through.

I took seriously the mission I had as a mother. When I was thrust into single parenthood, I know I could not have gotten through that on my own. I relied on the counsel in my Patriarchal blessing. It was my blueprint and Urim and Thummim. I was given many spiritual insights of what to do. I wrote in my journals, I listened and was greatly rewarded as my blessing promised. I was promised that if I would do and follow the counsel from the Holy Ghost and what I was given from my leaders, I would be blessed in raising my children the way God would want me to do. He kept his promise. I know he was aware and was and is always there for me when I went to them for guidance for each one, of my children to bless and help them in their lives. I took it a day at a time, and look over where I had been and marvel that God was always there for me. I attended the temploe regularly as counseled in my Patriarchal bless. I also fasted; when approaching insurmountable challenges-- I was comforted to know how to proceed.

I have a deep and abiding love for my Heavenly Father, his son, Jesus Christ my Savior and didn’t falter. I was given strength with spiritual muscles with my testimony and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ to tell me all things that I must do. II Nephi 31;20-21 also known as The doctrine of Christ.

I bear witness as anyone who seeks to know the mind and will of God, and trust his, and allow his will be done, we will ALWAYS make the right decisions and accept it.

My Mother Elena

My mother's birthday was last week. I thought of her often, and do think of her most days. I remember her ingenuity and how she must help me a lot in my day. For example, when I come to a situation to solve I think in my mind what would work the best to solve the issue? And then here comes (instantly)an idea, thought will come in words of what to do.

I consider my mother, Elena a genius. She was like a domestic Engineer She loved to crochet. Her maternal grandmother taught her to crochet at age 8. She lived with her and had influence from her day to day. Nestora was like her second mother, literally. I know they had a special bond for 12 years until Nestora passed away. Elena could look at a crocheted item and copy it by checking it out and come up with the exact thing she made from just examining it. I once sent her a crocheted collar and she sent me back a new one exactly like the original. She thought over a situation and could come up with an answer to the very best result. it amazes me when I come to something like that I think for a second and then comes an answer. i know it isn't me, but her wisdom coming through.

I sometimes feel answers from promptings from her.. I went shopping one day to find clothes to take on a mission. I walked through the department store and felt someone near by and almost showing where to go to find the right items. Mama had a sense of humor that comes through vividly. I found a bra and it was one that really held me up and had some features on it that I heard a comment that was not my own. Now, she had such a sense of humor she said to me "to not poke someone's eye out," with the choice I made when I bought that bra. I laughed knowing it was her and then realized when I go to a flea market or yard sale, she is right there to show me where to look and what to buy! I do find some very good, need items. It is kind of fun still to go "shopping" with her! Ethel and Elena, what more can I say??

So, I think of her often; lovingly and appreciate the person she was and in!

Who is our Neighbor?

Where does respect begin? I have a theory that when a high school student interacts with their peers, they need to use discretion and understand they themselves do not have all the answers to judge others in their class group. You never know who that person is or who they may become or accomplish in their lifetime.

The other day I was watching a news broadcast. I heard a name that I knew and was familiar with this person as a high school almost-junior class student. I remembered him fondly and had mentioned this person in our conversations early in Ron's and my relationship. He was retiring as an assistant coach at a rival university in Utah and I had not known anything about him later in life. My impression when I knew him was that he was the type of person that if I ever had a problem and needed help he would be someone who would offer to help anyone. He had had a fifty year career in coaching at the college level and with NFL teams and helped thousands of football players in his professional career. He is my age, so I know he worked beyond one retirement and was now retiring a second time.

This fellow in high school was what could be considered a “jock.” At the time I knew him, I had no idea what that was or what it meant. All I knew was that he was in football and was somewhat popular. I should say, he WAS popular but I never had the feeling or impression he thought he was better than me, or anyone else in our class.

I attended summer school, mostly to take a heavy class that would spare me a lot of homework on top of my other classes during a regular school year. The class was Human Biology, it was a required class so I took it the summer before my junior year. I had not dated much up to that time and was quite shy and had no specific male friends. This fellow's name was John P. He was tall, handsome and had brown eyes and blonde hair. He was fair skinned and had broad shoulders like a football player. Other than the observation from class, he was polite and knew the social graces and now that I think about was probably LDS. I didn't know many; of the students who were LDS in those years, mostly because no one really pointed them out to me. I think he was on the football team for Varsity Football. I don't think I even attended one football game my entire high school years. It was the “thing” kids did, but I was not part of that and not really interested in the competitiveness of team sports then.

I did notice though that some kids clustered socially after class and “hung out.” a lot in the same circles of the cheer leaders, the student body officers etc. I was a “nobody” so no one really bothered me but were polite and I felt comfortable around many of them. Many may have been LDS but then again, maybe they were just nice regardless. I usually had a few female friends, of all cultures. I had some Mexican class mates that I got to know from Spanish I-IV. I got along with all of them and we had our own so called group too I suppose. I had friends who were neither Mexican nor black. It was acceptable to call Negroes 'blacks' then.

John P. took the same class as I did in Human Biology that summer and we ended up being lab partners. That meant we would work as a team on our experiments or projects like dissecting a frog. We went our separate ways that summer and now a wonder in my mind, was John P a Mormon? Did he go on a mission? Did he have any family along the way? I thank him for his unconditional acceptance of who I was as a sixteen year old lab partner and fellow student.

There is a humorous (to me) incident that stands out in my mind regarding one of the class subjects the teacher, Mr. Hathaway taught one day. He stood in front of me and John as we sat in the front row as the teacher was trying to enlighten us on the ways of the world and human behavior. Mr Hathaway was telling us about how two individuals who were of the same gender and chose to live as if they were a married couple. He said, they lived together as one of them would take on the feminine role, and the other the masculine role but both would be men or women. He mentioned a few other characteristics as cooking or taking care of the household, and one being the breadwinner. It sounded very unusual to me and I whispered to my lab partner, (John P) “What is he talking about?” He looked at me; rolled his eyes and didn't say a word. He was in shock evidently for my having asked the question. I had never in my life nor had any idea about the subject. I was naive and really and honestly did not know what the teacher meant. I even remember it to this day the dress I was wearing that day. It was a white dress; sleeveless style. It was a white polka dotted design; a square neck in front and back with ¼ “ black and turquoise dots alternating 2 ½ ”apart on the material. I had made the summer dress myself that year since my mother taught me how to sew/make my own clothes that year. I was sixteen, and Mama was expecting my brother, David at the time in September, 1959.

Flash Back to now: As I thought about all this since yesterday evening, I came to the conclusion that I sat side-by-side with a genius of a class mate who effected a large group of individual and made a deep impression on so many in his personal and professional life. Who was I? I was just Anna Maria Rodriguez making it through my high school years, marrying a year later and raised a family of eight children. I felt that is my greatest accomplishment in my life. Being a mother and grandmother to over 40+ grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. My educational pursuits are paled with the great mission I had being a wife and the mother and loving my role as I came to understand and embrace being a first generation convert as a Latter-day-Saint. I would not change anything for what I learned and getting to know Jesus Christ as my Savior the last forty-eight years.

Takeaway: We never know who is sitting next to us, or who lives down the street and what they may become. We should not judge, it isn't for us to do that. Do we know who our spouse is, or who our children are that are sent to us from God? If we could see each other as Heavenly Father sees us, we would be amazed and treat each other with greater respect. God loves us unconditionally. And that makes all the difference in this world.

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Gratitude For Goodly Parents

[A Chapter of Family History written October 2, 1997]

“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren ye have done it unto me.”
This quote reminded me today of my own beloved mother, and dad, Carlos and Elena Sanchez Rodriguez.
“Kindness and gentleness were the ways of her household. Her candle does not go out by night,” paraphrased from Proverbs 31. In Mosiah 2:17, “when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God.” Our parents showed an example of compassion for others in their various circumstances.

I remember the Gernertt family, Ed and Rene who where our friends. They were a young family whose second son, Johnnie was born with a deformed hand. He did not have separate fingers of his left hand. It was webbed and looked like his fingers had not developed properly and grown together which resembled a permanently closed, small fist. He had a thumbnail besides some finger nails grown together.

Carlos and Elena knew that perhaps this young boy could receive help through plastic surgery to make his fingers separated and free them. Daddy was a thirty-third degree Mason and Shriner who contributed generously to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital which helped under privileged children with special medical needs. They told the Gernertts about the possibility of getting doctors to look at Johnnie.

Carlos would help to drive the Gernertt family to Los Angeles for their appointments with the surgeons for consultations to operate on his hand to separate his fingers. My mother’s association and friendship to this family was a comfort and a strength to them and to their son. Johnnie eventually had the use of his crippled hand after several surgeries.

My mother would always prepare meals for this family of all boys when they came to visit us. That friendship lasted over forty years. I remember that our home was always a haven, especially to those in need. My parents would sometimes take them into our home and helped them until they “got on their feet.” When I was a teenager in high school, one of my mother’s cousins, Tony and his wife, Lupe from Brownsville, lived in our home when the two of them were first married. They stayed until they found a place of their own to live. They always remembered and appreciated Mom and Dad’s generosity and opened hearts.

Mother and Daddy spent many hours giving Christ-like service. When Tony and Lupe’s first child, Tony, Jr was born, he had a club-foot. My mother suggested they go with them to the same children’s hospital for treatment and care to correct the deformity of the little boys foot. The success of the treatment was phenomenal. Again, those young parents were grateful for the suggestion, time and service given to take them to the hospital to sit and wait with them at the appointments and surgeries. Tony, Jr was able to run and play to even participate in sports like other children did his age, because he not longer had a club- foot or limped when he walked. His foot was straight and this young boy had a normal childhood.

My parents never turned away anyone who was truly down and out or without money. Their kindness and generosity were ever present as they served others. As I recall, we always had what we needed in our home. We were not wealthy in the things of the world, but we owned our homes, and always had plenty to eat and enough to share with others.

Another time, one of my aunts, Anita came from Washington state to stay with us until my Uncle Albert (who was my mother’s brother) was transferred with the Air Force to California. My Aunt Anita did not speak much English being from Mexico. I shared my room with her, and got to speak Spanish to her during her stay. She literally became part of our family during her stay and helped out a lot with cooking and cleaning the house for us. I remember going on my first date in eighth grade, to a Job’s Daughter’s semi-formal dance. I could not afford to buy a dress for the dance. My aunt loaned me a beautiful white chiffon dress with black velvet trim for the occasion. It was my first date and I received my first corsage, a lovely white gardenia. I felt like Cinderella, and Tia Anita was my fairy godmother.
My parents both “cast their bread upon the waters,” and after many days found it come back an hundred fold. They never went without the necessities of life and always had enough to share with others. "Surely goodness and mercy followed them all the days of their lives."

I count my many blessings for their example as they never ceased to give of themselves.
Their charity never failed. They extended charity to their own family as well. They gave their all for any of us children in need; even when we were all grown and had families of our own. They were always their with arms opened and willing to give in any way needed.

If one of us was having difficulties or not, I remember Mom would open her purse and find a twenty dollar bill stashed between the compartments in her walled of pictures. Daddy would like wise perceive my need and lend his support in his own quiet way. I felt special to him. My love and gratitude towards them both was thanks enough for them. Their hearts were solid gold.

During the years that they had some of the grand kids live with them while one of my brothers was incarcerated for a time. My parents would drive every other month almost to San Francisco to visit a son who needed them more than they would every know. Yes, they sacrificed many hours of their own personal pleasures for each of us in different ways.
The grandchildren were a large part of their lives for several years in their home. How could we ever repay such a debt of gratitude of that magnitude? We can’t actually, at least not on paper. My parents gave much more than they received it seemed. How they loved all their great-grand children and babies. What a wonderful legacy to pass to their posterity forever.

Our parents worked hard all their lives and gave much. I appreciate that their sole concern was to be sure that we, their loved ones had a roof over our heads and a place to call home. Their example of giving before thinking of themselves continues to bless each one of us as their posterity.

Daddy was always our spiritual leader and Mom his support. They constantly showed us a sermon by their many acts of sharing, caring and hours of service. Daddy lead us in a daily devotional and prayers.
He read the scriptures to us and read from the booklet, Our Daily Bread at meal times.
Mom and Daddy exercised great faith in God and in each of us. They were a support to each of us and encouraged us to do good, and know that God was always there to answer our prayers.

They gave us the knowledge and tools to live by and how to work in the garden of life. They gave us a shield of faith to face the darker times and see the sunlight through the clouds of despair. How great their influence is still and always will be to us all.

My debt of gratitude is great. I thank my father for all his goodness and charitable traits. I cherish the memories and feelings in my heart for the great man that he is and continues to be the Patriarch of this family. I appreciate my mother for her sterling character and who taught me many of her talents and gift of motherhood. These memories are treasures of the life shared by them together.

I just want you Daddy, to know of the deepest gratitude in my heart while I can still tell you “THANK YOU” for all you did and still do for me and my brothers and sisters. I love you Daddy, and Mama, forever with all my heart. You are both my heroes.

Love, Anna Maria

Gratitude

"Constant Gratitude leads to Happiness"

I just bought a Gospel Study Journal. I actually used a gift card I received for Mother's day and finally had a chance to go to Deseret Book to redeem it. I am so blessed and feel gratitude for the thoughful gesture.

One of the sections of this "journal" is a Gratitude Journal. I read the following instructions:
the heading was "Constant gratitude leads to happiness."

It has been suggested that those who keep a record of the things they are truly grateful for feel more content. President Henry B Eyring stated, "Whatever we get soon seems our natural right, not a gift. And we forget the giver. Then our gaze shifts from what we have been given to what we don't have yet. ("Remembrance and Gratitude." Ensign, November, 1989)

In fact, being ungrateful is an offense not only to God but also to those around you. Doctrine and Covenants59:21 teaches, "And in nothing does man offend God, or against sone is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments."

We easily forget that we came into life with nothing. The recipe of happiness is very simple; rid yourself of your notion of your rights. If you think about this you will see that the greater part of all the indignities, chagrins and humiliations you have endure arise from certain ideas you entertain about what is due you. The great miseries of life come from hyou believing you are not getting the things you thought you should have.

As you arise each morning, think about what you have to be thankful for; remember the surprising good fortune you had, the unexpected favor you received, or the unforeseen love, sympathy, regard, or appreciation you were shown. Think of a great book or the beautiful sights , pleasant odors, delightful good you have experienced.

And on those days you can't think of something to be thankful for, read your gratitude journal to be reminded of the many blessings you h ave received in your life. in other words, "Count your many blessings name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done."

"When you drink of the water, don't forget the spring from which it flows." Charles Dickens

I am thankful to live close to this beautiful place, Zion's National Park that God created for our benefit." Anna R Walser

Following in His Footsteps

In the Beatitudes we read: "Blessed are the Pure in Heart.. . for they shall see God."

I truly believe that when our hearts are pure; we can see Jesus Christ with our spiritual eyes" and feel his spirit by the power of the Holy Ghost.

We can come unto Him and bask in the arms of his love. We can feel his spirit around us and know that as we follow in his footsteps, we are sanctified, purified and worthy to be in his presence.

THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST:

"Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost;wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ;for behold the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." II Nephi 32:3

The Doctrine of Christ is like a Liahona in guiding us to do the right things.

Be Not Afraid~

Mosiah 7: 33 But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage.

I find it very uplifting that the words of our Savior, Jesus Christ gives us the key to our every happiness and JOY!

We are comforted in our sorrows, we are uplifted when we feel abandoned, or uplifted in our successes. What more can we ask as the God of Israel, Abraham, and Jacob gives us his promise to heal our every wound! The Atonement is real, and gives us the will to forge ahead, as we testify of his greatness and glory. He ALWAYS has his hand out reaching out to us to take his , and be lifted up. We are his children.

He promiesd when he said he will NEVER leave us.