Thankful Thursday

I am Thankful for Eternal Marriage

Scott and I were married on January 23, 1979. I know, we are really old! Our next Anniversary will be our 3oth. I am so thankful to have him in my life. Like most husbands, he drives me crazy some of the time, but I love him anyway!

We were married in the Arizona Temple. Back then the Arizona Temple was in our temple district even though we lived over 1,000 miles away in Dallas, Texas. We had to make great sacrifices to marry in the temple. I remember packing up our whole wedding and transporting it to Arizona. We had to give up some things to get married in the temple. Most of our friends couldn't be there because it would cost too much for them to come. And for that reason our reception was held a week later in Dallas. But we were surrounded by our family and it was a wonderful day...everything I'd hoped it would be. I think many of us now don't realize what a blessing it is to have so many temples all over. President Hinckley was amazing, wasn't he?

When we drove to Arizona, I got to ride with Scott in his little red VW Bug. We enjoyed spending that time together. Our parents followed us in a caravan. My dad had a CB radio at the time and he told every trucker on the road that we were going to Arizona to get married. Every 18 wheeler that passed us honked and we didn't understand until later why they were honking!

A lot has happened in the past 30 years... three beautiful children, two amazing grand children, lots of moving, lots of love and lots of life! I think the thing that keeps us going through the good and the bad is knowing we have an eternal marriage...one that will last forever! Knowing the eternal truth behind eternal marriage is more important now than ever...

In April General Conference 2006, Elder David A. Bednar gave a wonderful talk called "Marriage is Essential to His Plan" in that talk he says:

"Two compelling doctrinal reasons help us to understand why eternal marriage is essential to the Father’s plan.

Reason 1: The natures of male and female spirits complete and perfect each other, and therefore men and women are intended to progress together toward exaltation.

The eternal nature and importance of marriage can be fully understood only within the overarching context of the Father’s plan for His children. “All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and … has a divine nature and destiny.” 3 The great plan of happiness enables the spirit sons and daughters of Heavenly Father to obtain physical bodies, to gain earthly experience, and to progress toward perfection.

“Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose” 4 and in large measure defines who we are, why we are here upon the earth, and what we are to do and become. For divine purposes, male and female spirits are different, distinctive, and complementary.

After the earth was created, Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden. Importantly, however, God said it was “not good that the man should be alone” (Gen. 2:18; Moses 3:18), and Eve became Adam’s companion and helpmeet. The unique combination of spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional capacities of both males and females were needed to implement the plan of happiness. Alone, neither the man nor the woman could fulfill the purposes of his or her creation.

By divine design, men and women are intended to progress together toward perfection and a fulness of glory. Because of their distinctive temperaments and capacities, males and females each bring to a marriage relationship unique perspectives and experiences. The man and the woman contribute differently but equally to a oneness and a unity that can be achieved in no other way. The man completes and perfects the woman and the woman completes and perfects the man as they learn from and mutually strengthen and bless each other. “Neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord” (1 Cor. 11:11; italics added).

Reason 2: By divine design, both a man and a woman are needed to bring children into mortality and to provide the best setting for the rearing and nurturing of children.

The commandment given anciently to Adam and Eve to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force today. “God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife. … The means by which mortal life is created [are] divinely appointed.” 5 Thus, marriage between a man and a woman is the authorized channel through which premortal spirits enter mortality. Complete sexual abstinence before marriage and total fidelity within marriage protect the sanctity of this sacred channel.

A home with a loving and loyal husband and wife is the supreme setting in which children can be reared in love and righteousness and in which the spiritual and physical needs of children can be met. Just as the unique characteristics of both males and females contribute to the completeness of a marriage relationship, so those same characteristics are vital to the rearing, nurturing, and teaching of children. “Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.”

I am grateful for the great Plan of Happiness, for Eternal Marriages and for my wonderful husband and his commitment to me and these principles! I am grateful my children are committed to gaining these blessings in their lives too!

Prematurity Awareness Day!

Today is National Prematurity Awareness Day
I must admit that 4 years ago I didn't know what it was either. Now, thanks to Elliot, I am very much aware of prematurity and it's impact on the children of our nation. Over 500,000 children are born premature every year in the United States of the 500,000 approximately 150,000 of the don't make it. It is just a matter of time before everyone is impacted by a premature birth.

Today the March of Dimes released the National Report Card on Prematurity. This report card shows how each state is doing on the goal to reduce the risks of prematurity to 7.6% Overall America gets a "D." Check out how YOUR state is doing and then sign the Petition for Preemies. Help to raise the awareness for preemies and their families! This is a problem that we all can help with if we just take a few minutes to become aware.

There are many reasons babies are born too soon. If you are pregnant or are thinking about becoming pregnant or know someone who is pregnant learn the facts about prematurity. For example: Did you know that a low grade infections such as periodontal disease can trigger early labor? If you didn't know that then you owe it to yourself and your baby to become educated! Knowledge is Power! The more you know the better!


Elliot was born weighing 1 pound 12 ounces. He had single umbilical artery: one artery in the umbilical cord instead of two. Eventually that artery gave out completely. Because of great medical care and early intervention Elliot was saved. Babies like him are usually still born. Because Brooke saw her doctor and kept her regular appointments the problems were caught in time to save Elliot.

Thank you ...Aprilyn!

The better part of yesterday I spent reading the comments on the news articles published online regarding the fallout of the passage of Prop 8 in California. It was then that I learned the protesters were coming to Utah... to march on Temple Square.

I read with horror the hateful comment by those who wished to "kill Mormons." I read one chilling remark from a man who said, "I can't wait until Mormon Missionaries come to my door again, they will wish they had never met me!" Having had two of my children serve full time missions it sent shivers down my spine.

I read comments from valiant Saints who tried to calmly and rationally explain the beliefs of the Church,it's members and it's leaders. And some not-so-great comments from the well meaning but misinformed types.

But then came the dissenters - those who said they were good upstanding members of the Church who cannot follow the Prophet any longer and because of the results of this election and the position of the church they have no choice but to leave. There was even a website set up to denounce your membership in solidarity with the gay and lesbian community. What!!!?? You are kidding me, right?

As I sat there stunned and amazed I kept hearing the words of a Prophet of God foretelling this event in my head. I could hear the words and the voice but I was totally unable to place the talk. Then this morning, in answer to prayer, a friend of mine posted it to her blog. She had a different, but similar, take on the same event that caused her to post the talk.

What is the most stunning to me is the talk was given in 1978 while I was still in college! Somehow the words stayed with me down through the ages to be brought to the forefront of my mind by the power of the Spirit just when I needed them most. Reading all that garbage was simply horrible but I just couldn't stop myself in the disbelief of it all!

As I read, the words of the talk rested like dew distilling peace to my soul - I am so thankful for Prophets of God, and in this case, Apostle Neal A. Maxwell. I miss him, but I am so glad his words were recorded for all to hear and remember. So before anyone goes crazy-off-the-deep-end and wants to denounce their membership they should read this -

"Discipleship includes good citizenship. In this connection, if you are a careful student of the statements of the modern prophets, you will have noticed that with rare exceptions—especially when the First Presidency has spoken out—the concerns expressed have been over moral issues, not issues between political parties. The declarations are about principles, not people; and causes, not candidates. On occasions, at other levels in the Church, a few have not been so discreet, so wise, or so inspired.

Make no mistake about it, brothers and sisters, in the months and years ahead, events are likely to require each member to decide whether or not he will follow the First Presidency. Members will find it more difficult to halt longer between two opinions. (See 1 Kgs. 18:21.)

President Marion G. Romney said, many years ago, that he had “never hesitated to follow the counsel of the Authorities of the Church even though it crossed my social, professional or political life” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1941, p. 123). This is a hard doctrine, but it is a particularly vital doctrine in a society which is becoming more wicked. In short, brothers and sisters, not being ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ includes not being ashamed of the prophets of Jesus Christ!

“What the secularists are increasingly demanding, in their disingenuous way, is that religious people, when they act politically, act only on secularist grounds. They are trying to equate acting on religion with establishing religion. And—I repeat—the consequence of such logic is really to establish secularism. It is in fact, to force the religious to internalize the major premise of secularism: that religion has no proper bearing on public affairs.” (Human Life Review, Summer 1978, pp. 51–52, 60–61.)

Brothers and sisters, irreligion as the state religion would be the worst of all combinations. Its orthodoxy would be insistent and its inquisitors inevitable. Its paid ministry would be numerous beyond belief. Its Caesars would be insufferably condescending. Its majorities—when faced with clear alternatives—will make the Barabbas choice, as did a mob centuries ago when Pilate confronted them with the need to decide.

Your discipleship may see the time when such religious convictions are discounted. M. J. Sobran also said, “A religious conviction is now a second-class conviction, expected to step deferentially to the back of the secular bus, and not to get uppity about it” (Human Life Review, Summer 1978, pp. 58–59).

This new irreligious imperialism seeks to disallow certain opinions simply because those opinions grow out of religious convictions. Resistance to abortion will be seen as primitive. Concern over the institution of the family will be viewed as untrendy and unenlightened.

It may well be that as our time comes to “suffer shame for his name” (Acts 5:41), some of that special stress will grow out of that portion of discipleship which involves citizenship. Remember, as Nephi and Jacob said, we must learn to endure “the crosses of the world” and yet to despise “the shame of it” (2 Ne. 9: 18; Jacob 1:8). To go on clinging to the iron rod in spite of the mockery and scorn that flow at us from the multitudes in that great and spacious building seen by Father Lehi, which is the “pride of the world” (1 Ne. 11:36)—is to disregard the shame of the world. Parenthetically, why, really why, do the disbelievers who line that spacious building watch so intently what the believers are doing? (See 1 Ne. 8:33.) Surely there must be other things for the scorners to do. Unless deep within their seeming disinterest. … Unless. …

If the challenge of the secular church becomes very real, let us, as in all other relationships, be principled but pleasant. Let us be perceptive without being pompous. Let us have integrity and not write checks with our tongues which our conduct cannot cash.

Before the ultimate victory of the forces of righteousness, some skirmishes will be lost. Even in these, however, let us leave a record so that the choices are clear, letting others do as they will in the face of prophetic counsel.

There will also be times, happily, when a minor defeat seems probable, but others will step forward, having been rallied to rightness by what we do. We will know the joy, on occasion, of having awakened a slumbering majority of the decent people of all races and creeds which was, till then, unconscious of itself.

Jesus said that when the fig trees put forth their leaves, “summer is nigh” (Matt. 24:32). Thus warned that summer is upon us, let us not then complain of the heat!"

Read the entire talk here.

Recipe of the Week

Pumpkin Dessert
This is a great recipe for those who are not so fond of pumpkin pie. Everyone loves this dessert so give it a try even if you don’t like pumpkin pie!

Crust:
1 box yellow cake mix
1 egg
1 cube butter (softened)

Empty the contents of the cake mix in a bowl, reserve 1 cup for topping. Cream the egg and butter with the remaining cake mix. Spread mixture evenly across the bottom of a greased 9x13’’ baking dish.

Filling:
1 16 oz. can pumpkin
2 eggs
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. ginger
¼ tsp. cloves
Mix all ingredients together and pour over the crust.

Topping:
1 cup reserved cake mix
¼ cup butter (softened)
2 T Sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon

Cut ingredients with a pastry knife until crumbly and pea sized. Sprinkle on top of filling. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour. Serve warm or chilled with a dollop of whipped cream.


Pumpkin Bread
1 1/3 cups vegetable oil
5 eggs
1 16 oz. can pumpkin
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 3 oz. packages vanilla pudding mix (regular or instant)
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Mix oil, eggs, and pumpkin. Sift together dry ingredients. Add pumpkin mixture to dry mixture and mix until blended. Pour into greased large loaf pans. Bake for one hour at 350 degrees.


Optional Cream Cheese filling:
1 8 oz. package cream cheese
½ cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla

Thankful Thursday

This week I am so grateful for those amazing, courageous and heroic Saints in California, Arizona and Florida who worked so hard to keep that sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman. You have my highest respect and gratitude! Thank you!

This has been a hard fought battle and it is not over! But it is important that we continue to protect the family and marriage. California is especially in need of our prayers and support. Many lawsuits have been filed there and I am sure the battle will go on for a long time. What is more disturbing is there have been riots in the streets and attacks against the church. Now that those who opposed Prop 8 know the involvement of the Saints and the Church we are starting to see more and more attacks against the Church. Let the persecution begin!

This disgusting photo was posted on Fox News today -



And here is a news story on a commercial that ran the last few days before the election. It portrays two Mormon missionaries ransacking a lesbian couple's home and tearing up their marriage license and taking their wedding rings -



I am also thankful for the knowledge we have been given by inspired prophets on these issues so that we know what the Lord would have us do. I pray that we will ALL have the courage to uphold these principles when we are called on to do so!

The Family: A Proclamation to the World
We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Voting: Our Duty and Our Right

Every election year we get a letter sent by the First Presidency of the Church telling us that we should exercise our right to vote. I have listened to this letter read many times over the course of my voting years. But I never really understood what they were trying to tell us until now.

It has been said that every answer to life's questions can be answered in the scriptures. I believe this to be true! So can we find anything about voting in the scriptures? The answer is a resounding YES!

In the Book of Mormon King Mosiah was faced with the challenge of finding a ruler to take his place. None of the Sons of Mosiah wanted the job. So the people, under the direction of King Mosiah, began a process of finding a Chief Judge to rule over the people:

"Therefore, choose you by the voice of the people, judges, that ye may be judged according to the laws...Therefore, it came to pass that they assembled themselves together in bodies throughout the land, to cast their voices concerning who should be their judge." Mosiah 29:25-39

King Mosiah recognized that even self-government is not flawless and even though the laws were established by just men on the principles of the Law of Moses, they were still subjected to corruption by men. Mosiah warned: " Now it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything that is contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the people to desire that which is not right; therefore this shall ye observe and make it your law - to do your business by the voice of the people." (Mosiah 29:26)

When sensible laws are upheld and sustained by the will of the majority of the righteous people, society functions smoothly. It is true that it may be difficult to find unanimity of opinions on any one issue. Righteous people may disagree or have differing opinions on a number of issues. So how do we overcome this difference of opinion?

The best course of action was in the counsel given by this wise Nephite King - to make and sustain laws by the voice of the people - the majority. When most of the people are righteous, sustain equitable laws, and elect officials who conscientiously sustain existing laws while the judiciary interprets the laws without regard money or power - chances are good for harmony in the populace.

There is also a weakness in self-government; "And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity; then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited this land." (Mosiah 29:27)

Here in is the key component! If the majority upholds, honors and sustains the law then society keeps moving along. BUT if the majority becomes fuzzy about what is right and what is wrong OR if they relinquish their rights to the minority through pacification then a democracy can become as corrupt as a wicked kingship! Our ONLY assurance against this happening is for us to vote; not just a few people, but everyone!

We, the righteous majority, cannot afford to become passive in these times of decaying morality and loss of our liberties - We MUST exercise our vote - it is our duty and our right. It is the only way that we can preserve our values and our nation! We must stand up and be counted so that the voices of the decent, moral and righteous majority are heard. We cannot subjugate our rights to a vocal minority. It is my duty and your duty to - VOTE!

For more information on this subject I recommend this book to you "America's Hope" by Douglas E. Brinley

Pro Life

This election some serious issues will be decided. One of them is abortion. This is a powerful video that will shed some light on this important issue. Please watch it and then vote your conscience.

Elliot was born at 29 weeks and 6 days - The law allows for live birth abortions to take place up to 30 weeks and these babies are allowed to die with no medical intervention, there was no protection because these babies were meant to die. If they are born alive they could and should be saved! Hundreds of couples are waiting to adopt!

Elliot survived his planned premature delivery because it would be the ONLY way to save his life! (I find this so ironic!)He survived because he had the best medical care available. Today he is a happy and healthy 3 year-old with NO long term effects of prematurity. We hope that ALL babies are given the same chance at life.