WHY?

Why do things happen? Sometimes there are good reasons why things happen - - and other times, they just seem to happen. And sometimes they just keep on happening!

The one most important thing to me in this lifetime is to have my family (my entire family) in a loving, friendly, open and happy relationship. I never knew that the odds of this happening were even less than me winning the Lottery!

When my children were small and we were trying to take pictures with all of them, inevitably, one of them would make a face or not be happy. It is so hard to take pictures of kids (or families) with everybody smiling at the same time. Well, I've come to the conclusion that the same holds true to the idea of everybody being on good terms all at the same time!

I have spent the last twelve years working in the Temple where people come to unite their families for eternity. That's what I want too. Why is it so hard? I guess the really important things in life are the most difficult.

Recently, a few friends and my daughters talked me into going onto Facebook, a website where you can keep in touch with friends and even locate a few you haven't seen in forever. Should be fun, right??? Well, even seemingly innocent fun things can turn sour. Why, I don't know!

The same holds true with Blogs - - funny I should say that since I'm writing on one right now! People read, they comment, they delete, they make blogs private, they delete blogs - - and why? I'm beginning to think that the only safe way to communicate with anyone is face to face because even on the phone things can get messed up. I originally started this blog at the request of my daughter and I thought it might be a good way to verbalize my feelings and get things off my chest. Maybe it would be safer to write something down on a blank sheet of paper and then tear it up (or shred it) when you're done and throw it safely away so no one anywhere can take things out of context or misinterpret them.

I don't really know who will or won't read this post - - but these were just a few scattered thoughts that I really wanted to get off my chest for the time being. At any rate, not one single word that was typed was meant to upset anyone about anything. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings and I don't want to get my feelings hurt anymore either.

And as far as Facebook goes, I'll be deciding in the next few days if it's worth it or not to stay on there. I'm tired of the add, removing, new invites, adding, and removing for who knows what reason - - whether this is direct or indirect communications (the "take a hint" kind) or whatever, feelings continue to be hurt - - and believe it or not - - I DO HAVE FEELINGS.

Bon Voyage for now!

JESUS IS BETTER THAN SANTA CLAUS

Santa lives at the North Pole;

JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh;

JESUS calms winds and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year ;

JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies ;

JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited ;

JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.

You have to stand in line to see Santa ;

JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap;

JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name; all he can say is, "Hi little boy /girl, What's your name?"

JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name,

He knows our address too.

He knows our history and future and He even knows

how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly;

JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is, HO HO HO;

JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry;"

JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.

Santa's little helpers make toys;

JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes

and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but

JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree,

JESUS became our gift and died on the Tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison.

We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.

We need to put Christ back in Christmas.

Jesus is still the reason for the season.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND FULFILLED NEW YEAR.

December Challenge

Last Sunday, we were given an interesting and uplifting challenge in Relief Society. With the holiday season upon us, we were reminded that one of the greatest gifts we have is our Conference Issue Ensign magazine with all of the talks by our general authorities from October's General Conference.

Our Relief Society president, Carolyn Cottam, challenged us to read the entire Ensign during the month of December. Seems like a big request with us having "so much on our plate" this month. BUT, she said that she counted up the number of talks in both Saturday sessions, both Sunday sessions, and the Relief Society General Broadcast - - it totalled 31 - - the same number of days in the month of December. She told us if we read one article a day for the entire month, we will have read all 31. For extra credit, we could read the talks from the Priesthood Session as well.

One of the neat talks in the magazine was that of Elder Worthlin. You have to read it to appreciate it - - especially since he passed away this past Monday night at the age of 91. He talked about how important laughter is in life and in a family. There is a fun story in his talk that will make just about anyone that reads it laugh. He makes other good points as well -- but I'll let you read it for yourself.

I'm gonna take the challenge and have already read two articles - - Sister Cottam gave us a little checklist to help keep us motivated while we read. Sometimes when you have the opportunity to have a visual aid showing you how much you're accomplishing, it can help you keep going until your goal is complete.

ENJOY YOUR ENSIGN - - it is so full of valuable information - - intellectual and spiritual!

HOLIDAY "GOODIES"

The holiday time is always a great time to share cool, new recipes. I have one that I put away "to save" several years ago. It has all of the stuff in it that I like and thought it would be really good. I will probably try it in the next few weeks, but wanted to give ya'll the opportunity to try something yummy:

CHOCOLATE CHIP TREASURE COOKIES

1 1/2 Cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
1/2 Cup All-purpose Flour
2 tsp. Baking Powder
1 (14 oz.)can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
1/2 Cup Butter, softened
1 (3 1/2 oz.) can Flaked Coconut (1 1/2 cups)
1 (12 oz.) pkg. Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips (2 cups)
1 Cup Chopped Walnuts

Heat oven to 375 degrees. In small bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, flour, and baking powder. In large mixer bowl, beat sweetened condensed milk and butter until smooth. Add graham cracker crumb mixture; mix well. Stir in coconut, chocolate chips, and walnuts. Drop by rounded tablespoons unto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 9 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Store loosely covered at room temperature.


Let me know if you make them before I do. ENJOY!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

A TIME TO GIVE THANKS

Last night, I had the opportunity to attend a "Holiday Devotional" for all temple workers from the Mesa Arizona Temple. We each received a program that included a heartfelt message from our Temple Presidency. I wanted to share a few thoughts on thankfulness with you:

"It is our hope that each of us can deepen our feelings of gratitude during the Holiday Season. You will remember that President Hinckley, in his address to the youth of the Church in November of 2000 listed, 'Be Grateful' as the first of his 'Six Bs'.

President McKay taught: 'Gratitude is deeper than thanks. Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.'

Your kindness, love and caring for those who come to the temple is a wonderful example of your gratitude.

The Lord has counseled: 'Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things.' (D&C 59:7) This would include not just good things, but also difficult things in our life. When we come to the temple, even in difficult times, we find a 'place of thanksgiving for my saints.' (D&C 97:13) May the temple always provide for us feelings of thankfulness and gratitude.

Thankfulness becomes gratitude as we recognize, with love and appreciation, that the source of all our blessings is our Father in Heaven. His greatest gift to us was allowing His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to come to earth and to effectuate His eternal plan through the atonement. This precious gift of the atonement gives purpose and meaning to all that we do."

I am so thankful for the opportunity that I have to serve in the Mesa Arizona Temple and to work with such wonderful brothers and sisters each week. I am very thankful for the multitude of blessings that I experience in my life each and everyday. They are too numerous to name at this time, but one of the most important blessings I have in my life are my family members. May each and every one of you that take the time to read this blog know how much I love you and appreciate having you as part of my earthly family.

PRIMARY PROGRAMS

PRIMARY PROGRAMS are always the BEST!! The music and message are always awesome, but watching the children (especially grandchildren) sing numerous uplifting songs and give their speaking parts is "priceless."

Today we went to see the Dickinson clan participate in their Primary Presentation. We usually get to see Nancy and Jim Stradling there too (Ben's Mom and stepdad) and we're always amazed at all of the people we see that we know that are also coming to support their extended families (grandchildren).

The program was great - - the theme was "I Am A Child of God" - - and Anson, Ashley, Felicia, and Nathaniel all gave their speaking parts very nicely. Anson was right up front with the other Sunbeams and although he wasn't completely able to sit still, he was very quiet! Way to go guys!!!

Now it's off to Tithing Settlement, church, home for dinner and then to the Holiday Devotional for all temple workers. That should be really cool too especially since our past Stake President (now general authority), Daryl Garn, will be the key speaker. We always love to hear him speak - - he is so spiritual and sweet and so down-to-earth!

Hope everybody has a great Sunday - - ours is definitely off to a good start!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SPENCER!!

Today is the 31st Birthday of my son, Spencer Condie Call! I hope he has a very Happy Birthday! I'm sorry he lives so far away because that means that we can't see him in person on his birthday - - bummer! But we do know that he will have a fun day with his family celebrating his birthday!!

I'm sorry that Spencer and Merrianne both decided to close down their blogs because now we don't get to hear much about how things are going in their family. Hope if they decide to open new ones that they will let us know and invite us to view them.

Or better yet, it would be great to hear first-hand how things are going - - our email is still the same as always.

Again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my special son, SPENCER!!!

Love ya bunches & bunches,
MOM