Renewing Old Friendships of almost half a century ago

My friend, Alan L'Homme from High school days

Al and his wife, Kay

Today I met an old friend, Alan, that I knew in high school. He found me on Facebook the end of August sometime. He and his wife came for the Thanksgiving holidays and spent some time in Clearfield with their daughter. Their son-in-law is stationed at Hill Air Force base in computers.

We had lunch in Salt Lake City at the Lion House. We had a great visit and talked over old times as teen-agers. He was actually a good friend of my boyfriend, Wally. We caught up on old news. When I saw him, he was a lot taller than when I knew him. It was kind of comical to see him so tall and I said, "You grew taller!" What a strange thing to say to a sixty-some year old man. Right? It had been about 48 years since I had seen him.

He was so much fun to get to know all over again. He was kind of a side kick and my friend would bring his friends over to hang out. It wasn't a very long friendship, but Alan said I wrote to him when he was in Viet Nam. I didn't remember that he was there, but I do remember writing him. He was in the Navy. He told me I was the only one of his friends who wrote to him. I feel bad now that I had not kept in touch, but people just kind of move on; I got married so that ended a lot of contact with friends from high school, anyway.

We talked about his family, etc. He is the only survivor of his immediate family. His dad died when I knew him, then he has lost three brothers and his mother. He is not LDS, but a good man. He said he is fairly open minded when it comes to religion. His wife was very kind and seemed like a very good lady, too. She is retired also. We had a good time and I am pleased to have met them both.




He seemed to be very impressed with the Lion House, so I took him and his wife, Kay to tour the Beehive House after lunch. We walked over there and found the tours were guided by sister missionaries. They gave a short overall sketch of Brigham Young and showed us where he lived and about his family's life. Alan made various comments and said he was very interested in history. As we walked through the sisters offered to send representatives to their home. He and his wife declined.




We continued after the Brigham Young home to the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. We had met there when they came in from the parking, so I told them about the genealogy center and that we ought to give it a try to research his family roots. He sounded excited.



The missionaries were so helpful. I put Kay on a computer to find her ancestors. She really had a lot of success in tracing her roots. I helped Alan and we found his grandparents and great-grandparents. There were numerous ways to trace from a 1920 census to find his father as a child. Then when we found his grandparents' names we went to the 1900 census and found a gold mine of information too.

I felt the visit was a success and some good seeds were planted. The missionary who helped us get most of the copies they needed, casually asked them before leaving if they could send a representative to share with them why we search for our families. He said, "Sure." His interest was piqued by the success we had in finding his family. He was delighted to say the least at the results of our searches.

I encouraged them to go to their local stake center in his neighborhood to have the helpers guide them along to find out more. I believe they will. They will be back in July he said, and intend to stay a month instead of two weeks. I look forward to have more time to visit with Al & Fay when they come back to Utah.

Missionary Work is Work

Elder Voorheis as a missionary

Today our sacrament theme was missionary work. Words are so inadequate to express the joy it brings to others in the lives of the missionaries who serve and have served. Those yet to serve have much to look forward to as well.

Several parents of missionaries in our ward shared their missionary sons' mission experiences. Time after time testimony was borne of the growth and refinement a missionary finds as he serves and loves the Lord, Jesus Christ.

I came away still hoping to find a companion and be able to go on a real mission some day. It will be in the Lord's time and way, is all I know.

I took a few notes, since I wanted to drink in the sweetness of the messages given. Each parent had unique yet similar stories to share. The missionaries were in Uraguay, Virginia, Germany, and Ohio.

It brought back fond memories of my own missionaries as they dedicated themselves to the work. It was such a blessing and great time in our lives as a family. That I do recall.


Later, in our last meeting the ward combined with the Priesthood, Relief Society and Young Men, Young Women. They had a special couple to speak to all of us. The couple, Orin and Chartina Voorheis, are from Pleasant Grove. The young husband had been injured while he served a mission in Buenos Aires Argentina in 1996. He was attacked and shot in the head while some men attempted to rob him and his companion. They did not find anything in their wallets. The one missionary, Elder Voorheis, went to get his back pack off his back the the gun held to his head, (he was 6"5") accidentally discharged in his skull. It did neurological damage. He cannot speak or walk.



He has been disabled every since; he has gained some use of his faculties since, but only minimal. He cannot speak like we do, but can sign a short version of ASL, besides he can be understood by his wife. Mentally he still has it, only cannot express it in words. He uses a computer too sometimes to "talk."

They appear to be a very loving couple, and the wife is very dedicated to him and his care. They do not have any children. They have been married for seven years. She works full time and he works part time at Deseret Industries. She is also working on a dissertation for a PH.D, in Education.


He hopes to be able eventually to walk and talk in the future. It was very humbling to me to watch this young man with his infirmities and be so positive and happy given his circumstances. I am very blessed and realized the great things I have been able to accomplish in my life so far.


Orin and Chartina Voorheis with artist teacher, Carol Harding

President Hinckley had visited with him before and spoke about Orin Voorheis in conference in 2000 she said. He does watercolor painting and had a painting he had done that was of the Savior. He has lessons to do his art. He is very gifted.

Remembering What it's like to be Four!

It is interesting to my mind now that I knew that as a four year old child I found such great comfort when I saw a photo of the Salt Lake Temple on a baggage label on a round sticker placed on my parents suitcase in their closet.

Oddly I was drawn to that picture when my mother scolded me; I retreated to hide and seek solace in her closet and sit by that suitcase underneath the clothes hanging there.

I never knew the connection to that until much later in my years as an adult. It was the only connection I had to the temple. All I knew is that that suitcase had the Salt Lake Temple on it and it was a source of comfort and peace. It also had the words on it around the medallion on the label "Salt Lake City, Utah"




Mind you I couldn't read but I knew what it said from my memory bank years later I connected the dots and realized it was like my Family Home Evening lesson to have the picture of the temple. It was a powerful teaching tool.

There is wisdom in the counsel from the prophets to have a picture of the temple in our homes. Our children can look to whom they can be eternally happy with our eye on the temples.

Careful Lessons to Learn and Live With

Just as a word of caution, from experience which is the best teacher.

Recently I had a couple of things I was interested in to buy online. Then there were some extra charges on my account which were on a debit card.

I found some companies taking liberty to charge my account for things I never agreed(so I thought) to buy.

Well, when there are paragraphs to read and approve their offer, there are hidden charges that after a week show up and ding the account. I am fairly consistent to check online the status of my bank statement.

Then and there is where I found these extras charges...even though I didn't actually call or wouldn't have ordered any of their offers.

So, I realized when I saw unauthorized charges it was from when I got a .99 purchase which I ended up not needing anyway, for a phone number and address I already had. I was agreeing unknowingly that two charges were made for a discount services. That was a stupid idea, because I don't buy things through discount companies and it would take a long time and a lot of purchases to have the item pay for itself in the long term. It was not something I would say, "Hey, I really like that service and buy it on the spot..."

It was sneaked in like a piggy back purchase. It was not ethical, but companies get away with it and will cancel it once it is discovered, but here is the clincher.

The charges made are not refunded because I "ordered" it, they said and when I didn't cancel it after a week on their little hidden agreement when I made a purchase for .99.

So, beware. I don't think many of you who read this are that naive, but I was simply too much in hurry and didn't READ the fine print, as they say.

Also, my bank told me about this after the fact that that is what probably happened when I disputed the charges on my card and usage. Companies do it ALL the time they said. Then, the bank at the same time is less willing to credit any bank overdrafts since they are not at fault for my ignorance, basically.

It almost makes me want to not use a bank account, much less the debit card. It is another one of those conspiracies that Michael claims does NOT exist...yeah, right.

Stand a Little Taller~

I was watching one of my grandsons pass the sacrament as a Deacon this morning. I have reflected upon it ever since. I went to see the Primary program in Tracie's ward. The following were my observations.

The thought came to my mind that "A man, young or old never stands taller than when he is doing his priesthood duties or responsibilities. Be it a station as a Deacon, Home teacher, priesthood holder husband, father, son or grandfather, bishop, or prophet of God. He has a mantle about him that emanates and gives him the authority to act in God's name, and uses it in righteousness. It is a blessing to him and his family. To this I know that he raises the bar in doing his duty to God and his fellow man."

I stand in awe of the goodness that pervades within that soul who honors and lives up to his priesthood calling. It is evident to me and cannot be hidden. I believe that it shines in their countenances and His image is radiated in their faces.


This is what is so unique when a man honors his priesthood. It's reflected in his face.





Adam gave a fine talk about the Plan of Happiness/Salvation and the War in Heaven. He wrote it himself and I was touched by his insights even though only eight years old, the age of accountability. I am grateful for the teachings of his parents and Primary teachers who help him know basically who he is, a child of God, and where God's plan allows us our agency to fulfill our God given talents.

The Way Things Were--Are, Can we Ever go Back to Home--

This is at the San Antonio Riverwalk. My mother is carrying my sister Martha at about 9 months along. She is fixing my hair bows. The right side of the bridge below can be seen as the right side to walk to the river below. See color photo below.




This is the Riverwalk and the bridge I used to walk on as a child. It is on the far right, which is the left side of the bridge to cross.




Today, I had a bit of nostalgia come over me. It was when I drove back from Salt Lake Airport to pick up, Nathan,my son-in-law. It was early, before 9:00 am that I had been to and from the airport.

I was a little hungry at the time and thought of the Mexican Bread Bakery nearby as I headed back to the house. There was a fresh batch of sweet bread aka Pan Dulce sitting in the rows of breads. There was also a radio or CD player going with the usual Mexican Polka music, accordion and all. It caught me the last time I was there and reminded me so much of when I would visit San Antonio where my paternal grandparents had lived before my father was born there in Texas. The rest of the family were also from Texas as well. My aunts still live there.

Abuelita Hot Cocoa

I like the fresh, soft Mexican Pan Dulce and love it with hot cinnamon/cocoa. My favorite brand is Abuelita. It seems that when I can honor my heritage it is by eating the foods that I learned to love as a child. Whenever I was homesick for my mother's cooking I would got to Mi Ranchito in Orem. Each of their restaurants have the best cooks in the area.
Oh, yummmmmmm.

What Others Are Grateful for and about in their life--in Daily Herald

Whatever your feelings on turkey and sweet potatoes, you have to love a holiday specifically meant to celebrate the bounty we Americans enjoy so freely. In honor of Thanksgiving this upcoming week, we asked readers to tell us what they were thankful for. Some wrote poems, others a short sentence or two. Many mentioned that family, faith and friends are among their greatest blessings. A few letters noted specific acts of service, like a single mom who bought extra packages of ground beef for a family out of work, or an orthopedic surgeon who left his Thanksgiving dinner to help a child. One Santaquin mom was even thankful for a near-fatal accident that shook her family "into a better place."

At the Daily Herald, we are grateful for the continued support of our readers, for their inspiring stories and lives. We hope you enjoy reading the submissions below as much as we did.

SNbS-- Compiled by Karen Hoag.



The best is yet to come

I'm thankful for paper cuts, dry skin and split ends because they remind me that I'm very alive.

I'm thankful for memories that merit weekly re-tellings, and for the capacity to laugh at seemingly unfunny things, like my brother's jokes.

I'm thankful for my recent entrance to the world of "aunthood," and for my 5-pound niece for making that entrance so exciting.

I'm thankful for my talkative father and listening mother.

I'm thankful for new socks that don't cut into my ankles.

I'm thankful for traffic, slow computers and faulty Internet connections because they give me frequent opportunities to cultivate patience.

I'm thankful for my subscription to the Wall Street Journal, and for the unknown paper deliverers that ensure its daily arrival on my doorstep.

I'm thankful for my dad's five heart bypasses, and for the cardiac surgeon who created them in March.

I'm thankful for the Provo Bakery and their bread bowls that resemble pumpkins.

I'm thankful for mercy; for blessings that come well disguised as painful and unpleasant experiences.

I'm thankful for faith, future blessings and a knowledge that the best really is yet to come.

-- Maizy Wilkinson, 24, Provo, registered nurse

Children Come The Way They Are & Corn Meal Mush

Parents spend so much time and effort to mold their children's lives to develop their personalities. Right? I think they come with their own personalities.

Well, I was amazed how the other day, when Parker, now three years old was interacting with me as he came downstairs to invite me and insist I come up stairs for breakfast.


I was watching a cooking show when he came into my room that was in the midst of demonstrating how to cook a healthy meal for Thanksgiving.



I kept wanting to take mental notes of what was said and glean the value of this program. Well, Parker kept coaxing me to come up stairs. He used all kinds of suggestions, "Grandma," he would say,"it is time to eat. We are having Oatmeal" I said, "Yes, I know, I can smell it cooking." "No," he said. "You can't." He would not take my answer and insisted I couldn't smell the oatmeal.



I kept watching the cooks on TV continue to give more healthy tips for stuffing the turkey with apples and chopped onion, using Canola oil to baste it in the oven. Then the show told about using Canola oil to make a rue for a white sauce over steamed broccoli. I was really quite "into" this show.

Meanwhile, Parker insisted I come upstairs. He used all kinds of coaxing for ten minutes, no less. "Grandma, it is time for breakfast" he would tell me. I got the idea that I needed really to go upstairs with him. He was not going to leave
me behind. I knew I must obey him and he was not going up without ME. NO WAY!

Just like a Dad would do. : )



I relented and went up stairs and had my oatmeal, even though it is not my favorite, but healthy breakfast. I used to have it everyday as a kid growing up in Chicago on cold winter mornings. That and corn meal, like cream of wheat. I gag just thinking about the corn meal "mush." One day I went to school and lost my breakfast (mush) all over the boy's desk behind me.


Joel is learning to speak his first words . One of those words, is "Grandma!" I noticed when we came back from Time Out For Women those few days, he came across the living room floor walking toward me and called me by my name, Grandma. I heard him say it two or three times when I realized that is what he was saying.

He did it again on Sunday and it thrilled this grandmother to hear those sweet words come from his little mouth and the response I got as he said it and looked to me.

He also said, "horse," at the dinner table the next evening. Candice reads to him a lot and he loves to be read to. One of his books has the colors of animals and there is a blue horse that gets read daily. He recognized the horse and said it quite clearly actually.

He is normally so quiet and observes a lot. It is good to see him now at fifteen months to begin to express himself beyond pointing his fingers and grunting or making little sounds to get our attention. He has master his walking now for about a month. His walking has improved and isn't as stiff-legged as at first. He climbs up and down the stairs like a pro and at full speed sometime.

It is such a joy to watch him grow up like Parker did, from newborn to toddler. Time flys by so fast. Before we know it, they will both be in school!! It happens.

Sunday Time with Hank's Family

I have a standing weekly invitation for dinner at Hank & Lori's. It is the best time to visit with them and enjoy being in their company. It helps me stay connected even though they are so busy in their daily activities.

We had a nice meal and had a short span of time to visit before Hank was off to an Eagle Scout Court of Honor. He and K2 went, K2 was in uniform for his first Eagle's nest since he received his award earlier this year. He is now preparing for his mission departure January 20, 2010 to go into the Missionary Training Center to learn Malagasky for his assignment in Madagascar. I don't know how to spell the rest of the name of his mission, but be assured it is the only mission for that country.

What a special blessing to be able to visit with my children and grandchildren and break bread with them each week on Sundays.

Son, Hank Returns~ Family Time

It seems like these last three weeks for me have been the longest in a while.

Hank has been on a National Guard duty, and assignment in Georgia, across the world and over the North Pole. It is his full time employment and has been for the last twenty-one years. He goes all over the world at different times. I know he likes to do this on occasion, but he is ALWAYS glad to be back home again. I don't blame it for that. People that know us from years past comment to me when I see then that they see him on TV making Public Affairs announcements for the Utah Army National Guard.

His trip was extended a week and I know that was not easy for him either. He said in his blog comments, that "you hurry up and wait with the Army," and some of the wait is often mechanical dysfunction of the chartered aircraft for these trips. You would think they would keep up these kinds of things a bit more efficiently. I am just grateful for my prayers that are answered when he does get back home, safely and soundly. A mother's prayers are given a lot of influence like beams of light in heaven, I hear.

Mother's Prayers Going Up to Heaven

One of the things that I like to do is to send him personal emails while he is away, an when I do know he is out of the area for any length of time. It makes those contact with him and me more meaningful. I am such a sentimental person, that I hope my posterity will glean much from my writings over the years of my life. I enjoy taking the time to write things down. It isn't just now of late, but I have attempted to make written records of my thoughts, experiences and verse. Some have rhymed and other are more or less prose.

It was great to see Hank with his family again on Sunday. He is a busy, husband, father and bishop. He works full time to provide for his wife and children, like all of my sons do and do it very well, I must say.


K10

While I was there, K10 was sitting with me on the sofa in the family room. She brought me some books to read to her. I no sooner finished one, and she would hop down off the sofa and run to get another one. She would say something like, "I will be right back, don't go away." She would hop back on as I read another story after another. She was so cute with her big blue eyes and blond curls.

We had a nice meal and had a short span of time to visit before Hank was off to an Eagle Scout Court of Honor. He and K2 went, K2 was in uniform for his first Eagle's nest since he received his award earlier this year. He is now preparing for his mission departure January 20, 2010 to go into the Missionary Training Center to learn Malagasky for his assignment in Madagascar. I don't know how to spell the rest of the name of his mission, but be assured it is the only mission for that country.

What a special blessing to be able to visit with my children and grandchildren and break bread with them each week on Sundays.

Time Out For Women--A TIme to Learn

This week end, "Time Out For Women" Conference was held in the Salt Palace, a venue for the first time in Salt Lake City. It had been on tour over besides other cities for more than a few years prior. It was sponsored by Deseret Book. It was deemed an incredible success, a boost and an inspiration with speakers who presented messages which 3,300 women attended. There was something for all women in all stages of their lives, from the young adult age woman, to women with families, and the grandmother stages in life as well.

Sheri Dew


Where can women find such a boost to their morale and hope in Christ and strengthen their testimony aside from Church sponsored events? This filled the bill and it was an overwhelming success for everyone who participated.



Three of my daughters, and two of my daughter-in-laws and their mothers went up with us and we spent overnight at a hotel across the street from the center.

The main theme was knowing truth and the certainty of it that gives us the hope and comfort for our life's purpose. If we could just see even just a ten minute video/DVD of our pre-earth lives we would be so empowered beyond comprehension.

I am a better person for having attended and have a resolve to forge ahead. I have the confidence that I can and will realize my full potential. I am empowered with GOD's love and assurance of each step of my journey here on earth and into the eternities. Amazing.

Kris Belcher--------->


I took copious notes and am thankful for the great women who shared themselves to present at this conference and who left a mark on my book of life. We all laughed and cried hearing their individual stories. We all, they said have a story and can teach one another if we were able to share. My gratitude is great and do look forward to attending it again next year.




Two outstanding young mothers spoke and performed their GOD given talents in song and musical talents through the piano and violin, Hillary Weeks and Jenny Oaks Baker.

Something to be Excited About

Today is a day that may very well change my life for the better. I am enthusiastic about a new technique that I learned, but is one that has been around for centuries.

I learned a technique in a seminar called sacred massage also known as Lomilomi. It is a Hawaiian technique that puts the body in alignment. It is a traditional kind of body work that rejuvenates the tissues in the entire body.

The body has memory and when that memory is restored it goes back to its youthful state. I already see a big difference in my skin and facial lines. I am in wonderment. It is a very therapeutic, healing (pardon the redundancy) modality.

I look forward to using it soon to practice on family, and built a clientele. It is tradition in the Islands and I am doing more research to find out more about it and sharpen my skills.

It is exhilarating to find this technique and use it with gusto! I think I have discovered a fountain of youth with all the benefits of the wisdom and knowledge of my age. The best of both worlds, most likely.

I searched the subject and found an article about the history of it. If I can save it I will post it here:

LomiLomi is the Hawaiian word for massage. There are many different styles of Lomi Lomi each one passed down from generation to generation.

There are primarily two styles of Lomi Lomi that have become more well known than others, they are "Temple Style" and "Auntie Margaret's Style or Big Island Massage". Sacred Lomi™ has been developed by Tom Cochran and Donna Jason from Temple Style Lomi Lomi.
Many believe that in the temples of ancient Hawaii, the Kahuna, or Hawaiian Shaman, practiced a unique lineage of Lomi Lomi known as Ke Ala Hoku, "Pathway to the Stars" or Hawaiian Temple Bodywork. Others believe that this work is so old that it existed before there were Ali'i (Kings) ruling the Hawaiian lands.

Since there is no written history in Hawaii, we have no way of knowing the actual origins of this style of Lomi Lomi. We only know what our teachers shared with us and the profound beauty and impact their teachings have had on us and our students.

Lomi Massage: The legend that was passed down describes a ritual incorporating fire, drumming, chanting, and shamanic movement. The Kahuna would call on the wisdom of their ancestry and request a vision so they would know who was next to receive this sacred rite of passage. The ritual was designed to awaken and enlighten the being in the physical body; to awaken one’s true calling in life and to provide a space for them to receive visions and transformation. In the ancient temples, the initiate is believed to have received this work for an extended period of time by multiple practitioners. Today, the practice has shifted but the original intention remains the same.
Hawaii bodywork-- We are not here to retell the historical origins of this work. We have developed Sacred Lomi™ to serve modern day people in their quest to heal themselves and others. However, the stories, chants, music and land of Hawaii support this work on so many levels and we appreciate and honor the beauty and power of Hawaii and it's magnificent history and people.

Mahalo Nui Loa

EUREKA--I found it, words to Poem

I wrote these thoughts one day as Hank, my oldest son wanted to go out to explore his world around him. I'm glad I took the time to write this memory as it unfolded. I was also expecting my sixth child, Michael, who was due any day. February 13, 1976


The today's turn into yesterdays all too quickly.

Today you are an eleven year old, carefree young boy enjoying life

As it comes one day at a time, as the the days turn into months, then years.

It is an adventure and treasure of boyhood memories just to watch you in wonderment.

"Mamma, can I go play?" you ask. "Sure, son." I say.

I say that as I watch you pump yourself higher on the backyard swing.

You are swinging back and forth higher up in the air seeing life

through your innocent little boy eyes; as you swing--

You catch a broader view of the park across the street.

You see and feel the excitement of a cement truck

churning its load which is part of you seeking

to know what life is all about.

"Go now, my son; seek to explore your world while

Burdens of tomorrow years are not yet."

Love, Mom

10 New Takes on Guacamole

10 New Takes on Guacamole

Posted using ShareThis

Did you know that "Avocado is the food of the Gods, next to Mangoes that is?"

I am Most Thankful for A Fine Example

The other day I was talking to a few of the sisters I serve in the temple with each week. There are times we can have a break from our duties and visit.

I was sharing how I am very blessed to have have an older son, then four daughters before I had my three younger sons. I had a realization a long time ago that answered why I was given just one son first, then four of his sisters followed with three younger sons on the tail end of my brood.

It was also clear as to the example Hank, the oldest was as a surrogate father figure to the boys. I pondered at what good father's all my sons have become. They must have gleaned that from the example of their older brother, Hank. It was a role I am certain that was not always an easy one.

A lot fell upon his shoulders as I see the weight of his concern for ALL of his younger siblings. I remember how when each of the new younger children were born, he did not mind having to share his bedroom with a younger sibling, female or male.

There is an instance that stands out in my mind when we moved to a house on a very busy street. It was a three bedroom home, and on the business block on a street much like State Street in Orem. There was a residence right there on that congested main highway through Chandler. Tana was the youngest and fifth child. We had her crib in brother, Hank's room. I remember it being in the south east corner of the house. Tana would wake up at night and fuss a little and it was not unusual for Hank to go over to her and pat her on the back and talk to her and put her back to sleep. I am sure he must have also picked her up and soothed her back to sleep by walking the floor with her and calming her down.

At the time I would marvel and his gentle way with her and was not selfish at all in several ways. 1) He was not angry or upset about her waking him up out of a sound sleep. 2)He attended to her in a very loving and fatherly way. He was all of nine years old when she was born and she was not quite a year when we lived in that house. 3)Whatever it was he did, came naturally, I am positive. 4)I believe he learned how to be a caring father at that tender age.


McIntire Family, 1974, when Tana was one year old, and Hank was about ten years old here.


We moved to another house on Erie Avenue, across the street from a baseball field that was where the Football and Baseball games were played. Living across the street from this large field, Hank and Tanise and Tara spent a lot of time there. Tracie was still only about three and stayed close to home with me and Tana.

I wrote a verse about Hank when we lived in that house on Erie Street. He was almost twelve. I will find it later too include it here. It was practically prophetic. I am glad I took those few moments to write down the thought given to me, that are and were written on the pages of my heart.

Called to Serve

Today, one of my grandson's, Kris received his mission call to Madagascar. It is an island off the eastern coast of Africa. French, and Madagasky is spoken there. I "Googled" to get this photo. It doesn't look any different than say, Sedona or Moab, with a beautiful lake. The "mountains" are limestone. The site stated that this island broke away, literally from Africa 165 million years ago. Amazing information.

I imagine that in the next two years while he serves his mission we will learn more about this far away country through his letters and testimony.


I was there at the house to witness him open his mission call. It was very exciting as we all made our own assumptions about just where he might go. Well, no one had it, but someone had South Africa, which was about the closest of all the guesses.

His Dad, Hank was in Georgia and had to see and hear the goings on via video chat. Isn't technology incredible at times like this? We were all touched as he read his mission assignment and the letter from President Thomas S Monson. It was beautifully written and I felt the Spirit of this call and support from our family.

He is to report to the Missionary Training Center, January 20, 2010. He is now inducted into the Lord's Army of Helaman, who has been taught in his youth the truth and will take His truth out into the world, in Madagascar.


God Bless you my dear grandson. God be with you.

Service Project Extraordinaire Suggestion

From Blog site: "About our Partners "

The cooperation and generosity of multiple organizations has made it possible to send the millions of postcard messages submitted through this Web site. Xerox has partnered with Give2TheTroops, the Boys and Girls Clubs, print shops and corporations that have all greatly contributed to the success of Let’s Say Thanks.

Below are details about our partners, and we encourage you to check out their organizations!


Give2TheTroops ensures that all of the printed postcards are delivered to the troops in care packages filled with necessities and items to lift the troops’ spirits. Visit their Web site at www.Give2TheTroops.org for information on how you can contribute to their cause.

More about Give2TheTroops:
Give2TheTroops is a non-profit organization formed to support the physical, moral, and spiritual health of America's armed forces in combat zones around the world through the letters and packages prepared and shipped by volunteers. It is incorporated and certified as a non-profit charitable organization. The organization is managed by volunteers who ensure that deployed U.S. military members in all branches of service are supported with letters and care packages.

If you would like to follow up and contribute to this worthy cause, go to the bolded website listed above. I am sure it will make some soldiers very glad you did.

More Gratitude Give Me . . . For the Things I am Most Thankful

That I live in the land of the Free and Home of the Brave


I am thankful for my ancestors who probably helped build this underground tunnel in Guanajuato, Mexico



I am thankful for beautiful art created by others who share their talents




This is a work of handmade art in cloth and machine embroidery



This is a work of WORD ARt for me to enjoy




This is a symbol of the gratitude a person had for the simple things of her life spread out upon her table like a feast. Even though she had no one visible with whom to share it; she gives thanks nevertheless in humble gratitude.


This is a handmade creation like my ancestors used to make out of scrap cloth.


There is beauty in simplicity and expression of words--and ART

Gratitude Journal Thoughts

Note: Rather than tell about this story, I am quoting it verbatim to give it justice. I was very touched by the sincerity and humility in which it was told. I hope it will move you like it did me, and bring you hope in your times of need to see a brighter tomorrow and hope in Christ. Anna

"One of the purposes of our entering into this life is to experience mortality. It seems that with the passing of time, most of us arrive at a place where e can look back and conclude that our most valuable learning experiences came through times of adversity.

Many years ago I found myself stuck in one of those experiences that seemed to go on and on. Nothing seemed to work out for me and I was fast losing confidence in the future. I would like to share with you one of the principles I discovered during that time, that helped turn my life in a different direction. Let me refer to a couple of scriptures that helped to shed light on my life at a very dark time.

"And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness, shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall ber added unto hi, even an hundred fold, yea more."
D & C 78:19

"And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is His wrath kindled, save those who confess not His hand in all things, and obey not His commandments."
D & C 59:21

"Just knowing a principle is not enough. It is necessary to believe and practice
the principle in order to experience positive results. It's not easy to be thankful for all things when you look around and can't see anything good happening. However, I sincerely believe that cultivating this principle and living it is the key to God's law of increase. "And things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea more."

Some of my most effective prayers have been the simple but sincere, "thank you, thank you, thank you," uttered at various times and situations when it seemed appropriate. It's also worth noting that with a heart full of gratitude it's very difficult to simultaneously experience greed, pride, or anger, etc. On the other hand a grateful heart is very compatible with humility, love, kindness and other such godly attributes.

Simple acts and words of appreciation always affect your own heart but also the hearts of all those with whom we interact. It helps to create an environment of peace and harmony, joy and love. One could indeed "be made glorious."

An attitude of gratitude primes the pump of the waters of life which, when partaken of daily, can eliminate all the darkest storms of life and leave us standing in the light of life, asking, "what's next?"

I pray that we will all live with the awareness of God's goodness and of His willingness at all times and in all places to pour out the blessings of heaven when He hears the words of a sincere heart uttering, "thank you, thank you, thank you."

W. K., Lindon III Ward