Today in Relief Society, our lesson was on church callings. The basis of the lesson was on three conference talks, one by Pres. Monson, one by Elder Eyring and one by Elder Uchtdorf.
During the lesson, I shared an experience I recently had with one of my present callings---playing the organ for Sacrament Meeting.
About four years ago I was asked to play the organ for Sacrament Meeting. I believe, for the most part, I was asked to do this out of default---there wasn't anyone else in our ward at the time that could play most of the hymns. So the choices were me or me.
As unqualified as I felt, I accepted and told them I would do my best. I had never played the organ before. The only thing I knew about playing the organ was something my mother in law had told me years before---that the technique for playing the organ was different from playing the piano. (When playing the organ, it is necessary to always keep one note playing at almost all times, which takes a lot more concentration.)
The piano is also much more forgiving than the organ. With a piano, you can miss a few notes or play a wrong note occassionally and it can still be okay----with the organ you hear EVERY mistake EASILY.
When I started playing the organ for Sacrament meeting, I made many mistakes that were extremely noticable to me (and I'm sure everyone else) and wished there was someone better equipped that could take over. However, I was the only alternative for a long time and so I practiced as much as I could and then just did the best I could each week and tried not to let it bother me too much.
After about 4 years, I find I make mistakes MUCH less frequently (thank goodness!) and it is a fairly stress-free church calling now.
About the time I started playing the organ, Brother G's only child (a 18-year old son) tragically passed away. Because it was caused by an accident that happened at church, it was difficult at times for Brother and Sister G. to attend church.
About 2 months ago, Brother G. came up to the organ while I was playing postlude. He told me that when I began playing the organ several years ago, it made it easier for him to come to Sacrament Meeting---because my organ playing was not perfect. Somehow, the mistakes I made in the music made it easier for him to sit through the meeting.
I was so surprised!! Who would have ever thought that the mistakes I made in my church calling made it easier for someone to attend church? When I made all those mistakes, I felt like I was distracting from the meetings and wished someone more qualified would move into the ward.
All along I thought what I had to offer was completely insufficient. How many times do we feel that way when we lack perfection in what we are doing?
What I learned was that the very things that made me uncomfortable and that I considered "mistakes" were exactly what one person in our ward needed to help them continue coming to church at a very difficult time in their lives. The Lord took what little I had to offer and made it perfect for someone else.
When the Lord asks us to do something, we don't have to have all the qualifications or be "perfect" for the job. He only asks that we be willing and He takes care of the rest.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
A Parable for our Times
Written by an unknown Pastor's Wife, and brilliantly said:
And it came to pass in the Age of Insanity that the people of the land called America, having lost their morals, their work initiative, and their will to defend their liberties, chose as their Supreme Leader that person known as "The One".
He emerged from the vapors with a message that had no meaning; but He hypnotized the people telling them, "I am sent to save you. My lack of experience, my questionable ethics, my monstrous ego, and myassociation with evil doers are of no consequence. For I shall save you with Hope and Change. Go, therefore, and proclaim throughout the land that he who preceded me is evil, that he has defiled the nation, and that all he has built must be destroyed."
And the people rejoiced, for even though they knew not what "The One" would do, he had promised that he would bring change, and they proclaimed "Yes We Can."
And "The One" said "We live in the greatest country in the world. Help me change everything about it!"
And the people said, "Hallelujah!! Change is good!"
Then He said, "We are going to tax the rich fat-cats,"
And the people said "Sock it to them!" "---- and "Redistribute their wealth."
And then He said, "Redistribution of wealth is good for everybody"
And the people said, "Show us the money!"
And Joe the plumber asked, "Are you kidding me? You're going to steal my money and give it to the deadbeats??"
And "The One" ridiculed and taunted him, and Joe's personal records were hacked, publicized, and ridiculed; though no crime could be found.
One lone reporter asked, "That shouldn't be, isn't that Marxist policy?"
And she was banished from the kingdom!
Then a citizen asked, "With no foreign relations experience and having zeromilitary experience or knowledge, how will you deal with radicalterrorists?"
And "The One" said, "Simple. I shall sit with them and talk kindly to themand show them how nice we really are; and they will forget that they everwanted to kill us all!"
And the people said, "Hallelujah!! We are safe at last, and we can beat ourweapons into free cars for the people!"
Then "The One" said, "I shall give 95% of you lower taxes."
And one, lone voice said, "But 40% of us don't pay ANY taxes."
So "The One" said, "Then I shall give you some of the taxes the fat-cats pay!"
And the people said, "Hallelujah!! Show us the money!"
Then "The One" said, "I shall tax your Capital Gains when you sell your homes!"
And the people yawned and the already slumping housing market fully collapsed.
And He said, "I shall mandate employer-funded health care for EVERY worker and raise the minimum wage, and lower the white collar wage. And I shall also give every person unlimited healthcare and medicine and even transportation to the free clinics."
And the people said, "Give me some of that!"
Then he said, "I shall penalize employers who ship jobs overseas."
And the people said, "Where's my rebate check?"
Then "The One" said, "I shall bankrupt the coal industry, and perhaps even the oil industry (Cap & Trade/Carbon Tax) and though electricity rates will skyrocket, we shall soon build wind farms and solar power stations and drive green cars that I shall mandate in Detroit!"
And the people said, "Coal is dirty, coal is evil, no more coal! But we don't care for that part about higher electric rates."
So "The One" said, "Not to worry. If your rebate ($10/week) isn't enough to cover your extra expenses ($3,000/year), we shall bail you out. Just signup with ACORN and your troubles are over! Only the fat cats will have to pay."
Then He said, "Illegal immigrants feel scorned and slighted. Let's grant them amnesty, Social Security, free education, free lunches, free medicalcare, bi-lingual signs and guaranteed housing..."
And the people said, "Hallelujah!!"
And they made him King!
And so it came to pass that employers, facing spiraling costs and ever-higher taxes, raised their prices and laid off workers; though they sold much less of their products. Others simply gave up and went out of business, and the economy sank like unto a rock dropped from a cliff.
The banking industry was destroyed. Manufacturing slowed to a crawl. And more of the people were without a means of support.
So "The One" again blamed the prior administration, extended unemployment benefits to a year, bailed out his favorite banks, and then took over the banks and auto industries.
"The One"said, "I am the "The One" - The Messiah - and I'm here to save you! We shall just print more money so the government will have enough! Surely one trillion dollars will make everyone happy."
And immediately the Fed complied and the money presses roared. And China reconsidered their one trillion dollars of loans to the US ,, and threatened to call in their debts.
Other foreign trading partners said unto"The One", "Wait a minute. Your dollar is not worth a pile of camel dung! You will have to pay more.....for everything....as your dollar becomes worthless."
And the people said, "Wait a minute....That is unfair!!"
And the world said, "Neither are these other idiotic programs you have embraced. Lo, you have become a Socialist state and a second-rate power. What factories are not owned by your government are owned by us. Now you shall play by our rules!"
And "The One" said "Americans are arrogant, divisive, and derisive!" "We will listen."
And the people cried out, "Alas, alas!! What have we done?" But yea, verily, it was too late. The people eventually set upon "The One"and spat upon him and stoned him, and his name was dung.
But the once mighty nation was no more; and the once proud people were without sustenance or shelter or hope. And the Change that "The One" had given them was as like unto a poison that had destroyed them from within, and like a whirlwind that consumed all that they had built.
And the people beat their chests in despair and cried out in anguish, "Give us back our nation and our pride and our hope!!"
But it was too late, and the once-glorious "Home of the Brave and Land of the Free" was no more....
You may think this is a fairy tale, but it's not. It's happening RIGHT NOW, already---- everything down to the last couple of lines....
And it came to pass in the Age of Insanity that the people of the land called America, having lost their morals, their work initiative, and their will to defend their liberties, chose as their Supreme Leader that person known as "The One".
He emerged from the vapors with a message that had no meaning; but He hypnotized the people telling them, "I am sent to save you. My lack of experience, my questionable ethics, my monstrous ego, and myassociation with evil doers are of no consequence. For I shall save you with Hope and Change. Go, therefore, and proclaim throughout the land that he who preceded me is evil, that he has defiled the nation, and that all he has built must be destroyed."
And the people rejoiced, for even though they knew not what "The One" would do, he had promised that he would bring change, and they proclaimed "Yes We Can."
And "The One" said "We live in the greatest country in the world. Help me change everything about it!"
And the people said, "Hallelujah!! Change is good!"
Then He said, "We are going to tax the rich fat-cats,"
And the people said "Sock it to them!" "---- and "Redistribute their wealth."
And then He said, "Redistribution of wealth is good for everybody"
And the people said, "Show us the money!"
And Joe the plumber asked, "Are you kidding me? You're going to steal my money and give it to the deadbeats??"
And "The One" ridiculed and taunted him, and Joe's personal records were hacked, publicized, and ridiculed; though no crime could be found.
One lone reporter asked, "That shouldn't be, isn't that Marxist policy?"
And she was banished from the kingdom!
Then a citizen asked, "With no foreign relations experience and having zeromilitary experience or knowledge, how will you deal with radicalterrorists?"
And "The One" said, "Simple. I shall sit with them and talk kindly to themand show them how nice we really are; and they will forget that they everwanted to kill us all!"
And the people said, "Hallelujah!! We are safe at last, and we can beat ourweapons into free cars for the people!"
Then "The One" said, "I shall give 95% of you lower taxes."
And one, lone voice said, "But 40% of us don't pay ANY taxes."
So "The One" said, "Then I shall give you some of the taxes the fat-cats pay!"
And the people said, "Hallelujah!! Show us the money!"
Then "The One" said, "I shall tax your Capital Gains when you sell your homes!"
And the people yawned and the already slumping housing market fully collapsed.
And He said, "I shall mandate employer-funded health care for EVERY worker and raise the minimum wage, and lower the white collar wage. And I shall also give every person unlimited healthcare and medicine and even transportation to the free clinics."
And the people said, "Give me some of that!"
Then he said, "I shall penalize employers who ship jobs overseas."
And the people said, "Where's my rebate check?"
Then "The One" said, "I shall bankrupt the coal industry, and perhaps even the oil industry (Cap & Trade/Carbon Tax) and though electricity rates will skyrocket, we shall soon build wind farms and solar power stations and drive green cars that I shall mandate in Detroit!"
And the people said, "Coal is dirty, coal is evil, no more coal! But we don't care for that part about higher electric rates."
So "The One" said, "Not to worry. If your rebate ($10/week) isn't enough to cover your extra expenses ($3,000/year), we shall bail you out. Just signup with ACORN and your troubles are over! Only the fat cats will have to pay."
Then He said, "Illegal immigrants feel scorned and slighted. Let's grant them amnesty, Social Security, free education, free lunches, free medicalcare, bi-lingual signs and guaranteed housing..."
And the people said, "Hallelujah!!"
And they made him King!
And so it came to pass that employers, facing spiraling costs and ever-higher taxes, raised their prices and laid off workers; though they sold much less of their products. Others simply gave up and went out of business, and the economy sank like unto a rock dropped from a cliff.
The banking industry was destroyed. Manufacturing slowed to a crawl. And more of the people were without a means of support.
So "The One" again blamed the prior administration, extended unemployment benefits to a year, bailed out his favorite banks, and then took over the banks and auto industries.
"The One"said, "I am the "The One" - The Messiah - and I'm here to save you! We shall just print more money so the government will have enough! Surely one trillion dollars will make everyone happy."
And immediately the Fed complied and the money presses roared. And China reconsidered their one trillion dollars of loans to the US ,, and threatened to call in their debts.
Other foreign trading partners said unto"The One", "Wait a minute. Your dollar is not worth a pile of camel dung! You will have to pay more.....for everything....as your dollar becomes worthless."
And the people said, "Wait a minute....That is unfair!!"
And the world said, "Neither are these other idiotic programs you have embraced. Lo, you have become a Socialist state and a second-rate power. What factories are not owned by your government are owned by us. Now you shall play by our rules!"
And "The One" said "Americans are arrogant, divisive, and derisive!" "We will listen."
And the people cried out, "Alas, alas!! What have we done?" But yea, verily, it was too late. The people eventually set upon "The One"and spat upon him and stoned him, and his name was dung.
But the once mighty nation was no more; and the once proud people were without sustenance or shelter or hope. And the Change that "The One" had given them was as like unto a poison that had destroyed them from within, and like a whirlwind that consumed all that they had built.
And the people beat their chests in despair and cried out in anguish, "Give us back our nation and our pride and our hope!!"
But it was too late, and the once-glorious "Home of the Brave and Land of the Free" was no more....
You may think this is a fairy tale, but it's not. It's happening RIGHT NOW, already---- everything down to the last couple of lines....
Thursday, May 7, 2009
What's wrong with this picture?
Last week Michelle visited a food shelter in Washington, D.C......
That's a good thing.
WHY did she wear $588 tennis shoes to a food bank???Did you even know there were tennis shoes that cost $588?
Me neither.
P.S. Note from Kristen: "They're not even cute!"
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Everyone has a Twin...
Scenerio:
Biggest Loser Tuesday -- The contestants are moving and groving on their 26.2 mile marathon.
Sedentary (but Happy) Participants:
Joy, Elizabeth, Matthew, Michael, Ryan
Conversation:
Biggest Loser Tuesday -- The contestants are moving and groving on their 26.2 mile marathon.
Sedentary (but Happy) Participants:
Joy, Elizabeth, Matthew, Michael, Ryan
Conversation:
Ryan: (While watching Ron walk the miles.)
"Hey that guy looks like......you know....you know.....he looks like.....
That CLEANING FREAK!"
"Hey that guy looks like......you know....you know.....he looks like.....
That CLEANING FREAK!"
(Ron)
Who is the CLEANING FREAK????
YOU HAVE TO ASK?????
(The Cleaning Freak.....Billy Mays!!!)
YOU HAVE TO ASK?????
(The Cleaning Freak.....Billy Mays!!!)
SO, it got me thinking....
WHO is my twin out in the world....
And then, I figured it out!
Ta Da!!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
I'm worried.
I'm worried. In fact, very worried. About my 4 youngest children.
They seem to be suffering from language regression. I just don't understand.
I tried to do all the right things.
I talked to them constantly (in English---even when we were living in Asia) from the time of their birthings. I read them books from the time they could sit up in my lap.
I only let them watch educational T.V. like "Nova" and "Mr. Rogers." I stayed away from anything that might confuse their delicate, developing minds---"No Dora, the Explorer" at my house---I mean they could have gotten mixed up with the bilingualness of it all.
And what do I have to show for my labors??? I'm beginning to realize English, in fact, must NOT be their first, and most understood, language.
What are the signs and symptoms? I give them simple, straightforward commands such as "Go to bed." or "Go to bed, NOW!" I will even say it really slowly to help with the comprehension: "DO...THE....DISHES....NOW....NOT....IN...THE...NEXT...CENTURY!!!"
All to no avail. I get these vacant stares and puzzled looks on their faces. No movement towards the requested task whatsoever. And each year of life the regression seems to get worse.
They must just not understand.
I fear for their futures. What if in a few years they comprehend NOTHING I say in English??? I still have hope for short words and phrases such as "golf," "no school," and "Dunkin Donuts."
Nonetheless, I'm worried.... Do you think intensive speech therapy would help? Maybe I can send them to a foreign MTC to re-learn English in eight weeks.
They seem to be suffering from language regression. I just don't understand.
I tried to do all the right things.
I talked to them constantly (in English---even when we were living in Asia) from the time of their birthings. I read them books from the time they could sit up in my lap.
I only let them watch educational T.V. like "Nova" and "Mr. Rogers." I stayed away from anything that might confuse their delicate, developing minds---"No Dora, the Explorer" at my house---I mean they could have gotten mixed up with the bilingualness of it all.
And what do I have to show for my labors??? I'm beginning to realize English, in fact, must NOT be their first, and most understood, language.
What are the signs and symptoms? I give them simple, straightforward commands such as "Go to bed." or "Go to bed, NOW!" I will even say it really slowly to help with the comprehension: "DO...THE....DISHES....NOW....NOT....IN...THE...NEXT...CENTURY!!!"
All to no avail. I get these vacant stares and puzzled looks on their faces. No movement towards the requested task whatsoever. And each year of life the regression seems to get worse.
They must just not understand.
I fear for their futures. What if in a few years they comprehend NOTHING I say in English??? I still have hope for short words and phrases such as "golf," "no school," and "Dunkin Donuts."
Nonetheless, I'm worried.... Do you think intensive speech therapy would help? Maybe I can send them to a foreign MTC to re-learn English in eight weeks.
Be still, my little beating heart (and soul)...
We are now in the middle of round TWO of having a student driver.
I now know another reason why people should have babies before they are 50. If they have a baby at 50 or older, by the time said child is learning to drive, said parent will be at least 65.
Said parent would probably suffer a TRUE mild (to severe) heartattack and/or stroke every time they tried to teach the said love-child to drive. Said parent would be in very poor health (IF they are still with us) by the time love-child got their license.
But then love-child would be available to transport said parent to/from cardiologist appointments and/or hospital stays.....
I now know another reason why people should have babies before they are 50. If they have a baby at 50 or older, by the time said child is learning to drive, said parent will be at least 65.
Said parent would probably suffer a TRUE mild (to severe) heartattack and/or stroke every time they tried to teach the said love-child to drive. Said parent would be in very poor health (IF they are still with us) by the time love-child got their license.
But then love-child would be available to transport said parent to/from cardiologist appointments and/or hospital stays.....
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Piggy Flu
Last week Matthew got an email from an associate in China. He asked if we had been affected by the "Piggy Flu."
Yesterday, Taylor came running in the house SO excited. School will be closed on Monday at Ira Jones Middle School (his school.) Apparently, one child there has been out of school since April 24th with a suspected case of the Swine Flu.
Even if it IS the "piggy flu," wouldn't everyone at the school been exposed to the germs by now?
Luckily for our family, we were ALL at the school Thursday night for a band concert....We are an equal opportunity family for the "piggy flu."
Luckily for our family, we were ALL at the school Thursday night for a band concert....We are an equal opportunity family for the "piggy flu."
And my kids claim everything is SOOO unequal (and thus unfair) around here!!
OINK! OINK!!
Friday, May 1, 2009
First and Foremost, Love and Concern for Others Abounds Here!
Setting:
Getting ready for family prayer.
General Demeanor:
Impatience.
Volunteers for Prayer:
All the children at once. ("I'll say it!" "No, I'LL say it---we don't have time for Dad's prayers tonight!")
Attendance:
Everyone but Kristen--she's at Cally's house.
Sentiments about Kristen:
Ryan: "Where's Kristen?"
Elizabeth: "At Cally's."
Ryan (exasperated and feeling unfairness coming on): "DOES SHE GET TO SLEEP OVER THERE TONIGHT?"
Elizabeth: "No."
Ryan: "G.O.O.D.!!!!"
We're so happy for each other's successes in this family!!
Possible idea for next post:
My discussion with Michael last night about how Matthew and I are TOTALLY unaware of how dysfunctional our family is.
Parenting is SOOOO much more fun than I imagined it to be!!!
Getting ready for family prayer.
General Demeanor:
Impatience.
Volunteers for Prayer:
All the children at once. ("I'll say it!" "No, I'LL say it---we don't have time for Dad's prayers tonight!")
Attendance:
Everyone but Kristen--she's at Cally's house.
Sentiments about Kristen:
Ryan: "Where's Kristen?"
Elizabeth: "At Cally's."
Ryan (exasperated and feeling unfairness coming on): "DOES SHE GET TO SLEEP OVER THERE TONIGHT?"
Elizabeth: "No."
Ryan: "G.O.O.D.!!!!"
We're so happy for each other's successes in this family!!
Possible idea for next post:
My discussion with Michael last night about how Matthew and I are TOTALLY unaware of how dysfunctional our family is.
Parenting is SOOOO much more fun than I imagined it to be!!!
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