And on the eighth day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, "I need a caretaker." So God made a farmer.
God said, "I need somebody willing to get up before dawn, milk cows, work all day in the field, milk cows again, eat supper, then go to town and stay past midnight at a meeting of the school board." So God made a farmer.
God said, "I need somebody willing to sit up all night with a newborn colt and watch it die, then dry his eyes and say,'Maybe next year,' I need somebody who can shape an ax handle from an ash tree, shoe a horse with hunk of car tire, who can make a harness out hay wire, feed sacks and shoe scraps. Who, during planting time and harvest season will finish his 40-hour week by Tuesday noon and then, paining from tractor back, put in another 72 hours." So God made the farmer.
God said, "I need somebody strong enough to clear trees and heave bales, yet gentle enough to yean lambs and wean pigs and tend the pink-comb pullets, who will stop his mower for an hour to splint the leg of a meadowlark."
It had to be somebody who'd plow deep and straight and not cut corners. Somebody to seed, weed, feed, breed, and brake, and disk, and plow, and plant, and tie the fleece and strain the milk, . Somebody who'd bale a family together with the soft, strong bonds of sharing, who would laugh, and then sigh and then reply with smiling eyes when his son says that he wants to spend his life doing what Dad does. "So God made a farmer."
Mama of Many - The Williams Family - Wait! Where did all these people come from?
Showing posts with label Blessings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blessings. Show all posts
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Thursday, September 15, 2011
The Family: A Proclamation to the World - Celebrate the Family - Our Family Photo Essay
The Family: A Proclamation to the World was given in 1995 to the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and to the World as a guide to help all of us understand the importance of the family and how to have a happy family in this life and the next.
As I put together this photo essay; it has given me time to reflect on the eternal nature of families and to see how truly blessed I am. This past year has been a hard one on me, with Donny working away a good amount of time, my health, cancer scare and surgery and with just the craziness of everyday life of a large family and all its demands. I am very grateful for my knowledge of the gospel and the blessings it bring into my life.
To read the Proclamation in its entirety, click on the link below.
"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."
"'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"
"Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan."
"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."
"The family is ordained of God."
Friday, April 15, 2011
How Do I Say Thank you
I don't even know where to start. With my long recovery and Donny gone working out of town. I was in need, and my family and ward offered so much service. Extended need for meals, sisters who came and scrubbed my house and for the brotheren who mowed my lawns.
I don't even know how to say Thank you and is Thank you enough. I can only ask the Lord to bless you.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
A New Baby Niece!
I have a new baby niece - Lisa had her baby today.
Mom and Baby are doing great. (This is number 5 for them)
Mom and Baby are doing great. (This is number 5 for them)
Fresh from Heaven
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
You are More than Enough
The following is a guest post by Courtney Carver of Be More with Less.
When I first wrote Living in the Land of Enough as a guest post on this blog, I had no idea it would become a 7-part series on my blog, or translated into Italian, but the more I wrote about The Land of Enough, the more time I wanted to spend there. Today, as the series comes to a close, I thought it would be exciting to share the conclusion on the same blog where it started.
In the very first post about the Land of Enough, I wrote about seven topics. Subsequently, each topic became its own chapter in the series. Here is a quick recap:
Visiting the Land of Enough
If you think that living this life is appealing, but impractical on a daily basis, don't give up all together. Instead, set aside one day a week, or month to live according to the recommendations above. Choose your favorite ideas and make them part of your life.
When you begin to spend even a few minutes a day in the Land of Enough, you will quickly realize that the experience starts in your heart and begins to change it. But even before you start to make changes, know that you are enough. Sometimes we think we have so far to go to get to where we want to be, that we don't even try. We think we don't deserve better because of our current situation. Regardless of your current habits or circumstances, you are enough. You've always been enough.There is one thing about The Land of Enough that I forgot to tell you. Because everyone there is living more authentically and simply, and because they don't live under a burden of constant stress, they are loving. Simply put, it is easier to love more deeply when you realize you have enough… that you are enough.
The transition from regular life to the Land of Enough takes time. Instead of trying to incorporate all of the changes at once, slowly and deliberately transition the best parts to your life.
What is one change you would like to adopt from the Land of Enough?
***
Read the entire Land of Enough series or visit Courtney's blog. She writes about simplifying and living life on purpose at Be More with Less. You can also follow her on Twitter.
When I first wrote Living in the Land of Enough as a guest post on this blog, I had no idea it would become a 7-part series on my blog, or translated into Italian, but the more I wrote about The Land of Enough, the more time I wanted to spend there. Today, as the series comes to a close, I thought it would be exciting to share the conclusion on the same blog where it started.
Visiting the Land of Enough
- Save Your Money. There is no need for credit cards or therapeutic shopping in the land of enough. There are also no overdraft fees or ATM charges. Just put your cards away for 10 days. Then, keep a list of purchases you would have made if you were using your credit card, or if you were shopping for sport, and take note of the money that you didn't spend.
- Take Your Time. In the land of enough, you have time to breathe. Stop trying to squeeze so much in. If you are always running late, falling behind, or trying to catch up, try slowing down. Cancel a few unnecessary appointments and don't schedule any new ones if you can help it. Then, make a little time everyday for solitude.
- Disconnect. Set a specific time to disconnect each day. In the land of enough, there is less need to be plugged in. If you can, commit to not using a computer after dinner or before lunch time. Be mindful of how much time you spend online and are virtually available. Protect your time and your mind.
- Eat Real Food. Only eat food that you prepare. Summertime is the perfect time to eat fresh food – fruits and veggies are often fresh, local, and less expensive than buying them in winter. Do not eat anything from a box, restaurant or drive-thru. While you may choose to eat less by eliminating processed foods, you may find that you naturally eat just enough.
- Make Space. Clear out some space in your house. You don't need to take on big purging projects during this time to make space. Simplify one room (or even just the corner of one room) and keep it as clean and clutter free as possible. Even if the rest of your house is cluttered, this area can be a great reminder of how you might feel living with less.
- Entertain Yourself. Unplug your TV and plan to enjoy your friends, family, the great outdoors, or a book you have been meaning to read. Do not spend time and money on expensive shows, travel or recreational activities. While the land of plenty calls you to spend more money for entertainment, you already have enough right where you are.
- Say Thank You. As you go through these steps, you will find enough time and space to be grateful. Through prayer, thank you cards, or a kind gesture, share your gratitude every day.
If you think that living this life is appealing, but impractical on a daily basis, don't give up all together. Instead, set aside one day a week, or month to live according to the recommendations above. Choose your favorite ideas and make them part of your life.
When you begin to spend even a few minutes a day in the Land of Enough, you will quickly realize that the experience starts in your heart and begins to change it. But even before you start to make changes, know that you are enough. Sometimes we think we have so far to go to get to where we want to be, that we don't even try. We think we don't deserve better because of our current situation. Regardless of your current habits or circumstances, you are enough. You've always been enough.There is one thing about The Land of Enough that I forgot to tell you. Because everyone there is living more authentically and simply, and because they don't live under a burden of constant stress, they are loving. Simply put, it is easier to love more deeply when you realize you have enough… that you are enough.
The transition from regular life to the Land of Enough takes time. Instead of trying to incorporate all of the changes at once, slowly and deliberately transition the best parts to your life.
What is one change you would like to adopt from the Land of Enough?
***
Read the entire Land of Enough series or visit Courtney's blog. She writes about simplifying and living life on purpose at Be More with Less. You can also follow her on Twitter.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
Welcome to Feel Good Friday! ~ 5 Good Things
I love this idea!!
presented by: the girl next door grows up
Are you with me?!
Step 1:
Pick one of these prompts and write about it on your blog! You can:
- Just make a list. List 5 things that made you really happy this week. No matter how bad or boring you think your week was, I bet you can find 5 things.
- Write about something that happened to you this week that really made you smile. Was it your child, husband, or maybe a complete stranger did to you?
- Write about something that YOU did for someone else that really made them happy or laugh.
- Is there something you treasure so much that every single time you look at it, it brings you happiness? Post a pic and tell everyone about it.
- Having a hard week and can't find one good thing about it? Well then, what is your happy place? What do you think of that makes you happy? A past vacation? A childhood memory? We want to know!
Come back to my blog on Friday and link up with Mister Linky's Magical Widgets. Then go and read at least one other blog and leave them a comment to make their day brighter.
Step 3:
Have fun. Feel good. Smile.
Then, start looking for all of the good things you can write about for next week! Once you start looking for the "good" you will find it everywhere!
5 things that made me really happy this week.
1) Monday was Memorial Day; I could not help but think about the freedom we enjoy. There are so many who have given their lives for what we have. Donny put our American Flag out in the front yard. It made happy to watch it blow gently in the spring breeze and for what it represents. As I enjoyed a great BBQ with my family I know that I am truly blessed.
2) The weather this week has made a turn. We have had a very cold and rainy spring. This week we have had blue skies with puffy white clouds. I love feeling of the sun on my face.
3) Something that makes me happy, this week and every moment for just over two months is my new grandbaby. Her amazing blue eyes, her wonderful smile, her yummy rolls and cheeks. Babies are the closest thing to heaven we can get.
4) My in-laws have been in town for two family weddings, what has become a tradition for our family when Grandpa comes to visit is he takes my kids shopping for shoes. It makes my heart happy to see my kids in their new shoes. Thank you Dad.
5) Another thing that has made my heart happy this week is to see one of the dreams for my daughter Alissa happen. Alissa dances on the BYU Ballroom Team and is in Blackpool, England at the Blackpool Dance Festival (World Championships) The Standard Team competed on Wednesday (June 2nd) and Won and now The Latin Team competes today (June 4th) Alissa is on the Latin Team. Go Alissa , Go BYU, Represent for the USA!!
The winning team for Standard with the trophy
Look at that amazing ballroom in the background
The BYU Standard Ballroom Formation Team - Champions!!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Stawberries, Tithing, and the Love of God
From The Mormon Mommy Blogs
When Meredith and I were first married, we were very poor. Meredith was pregnant almost from the first, and since the baby was coming, we decided she’d focus on getting as much school as possible rather than working.
So I supported us on part-time wages. They didn’t go very far. Happily, one of Mere’s showers was a food storage theme, so our pantry was stocked. We ran through it pretty fast, though, and before long, we were down to a large bag of pancake mix.
We ate pancakes. A lot. Eventually, we ran out of mix. No problem. We used flour and water and lots of syrup. Then we ran out of syrup. We still had the pancakes, at least. But the flour started to run out, too.
We were too proud to ask anyone for help, and our flour kept dwindling. I worked and we prayed. And we paid our tithing.
We were pretty hungry. But with the hunger came discouragement. It’s depressing to not have food in your house. There is an emotional hunger as keen as physical hunger and we were pretty glum.
One Sunday afternoon, since we had nothing to eat, we went on a walk.
When we got home, there was a bag on our door. It was full of food: grapes, strawberries, cookies, and even a high-quality frozen pizza. And, there was a note. 17 years later, I still remember what it said and can even picture the handwriting. It said, “Meredith and Braden, God loves you.”
We were overwhelmed by this gesture. We had, and still have, no idea who was behind it. No one, and I mean NO one, knew about our situation.
We saw it as a huge validation of the principle of tithing. We gave thanks for our angels, whoever they were, and had our first real meal in at least a week.
The next day, I was so excited, that I told the story to a friend of mine at work. We worked at the MTC, so trading spiritual experiences was normal. He was a young single guy and really thought it was cool.
That night, our landlady came down to tell us she had something for us and asked if we could come up. We did and found about ten bags of food—someone had dropped them off and asked her to get them to us. It looked like a bunch of young single guys with a few bucks had gone to a store and gone wild. Those bags were full of every staple and luxury item you can imagine.
I’ve pondered this experience many times since then. There’s a lesson not only in the fact that God answered our prayers by sending food. It’s about tithing, for sure, but it’s about God’s love. It’s not only that he sent food, but what he sent: strawberries, grapes, and pizza. At that time, our souls needed the strawberries as badly as our bodies needed the food.
One of my favorite scriptures says that
"all things which come of the earth...are made for the benefit of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; yea, for food, and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul."
When Meredith and I were first married, we were very poor. Meredith was pregnant almost from the first, and since the baby was coming, we decided she’d focus on getting as much school as possible rather than working.
So I supported us on part-time wages. They didn’t go very far. Happily, one of Mere’s showers was a food storage theme, so our pantry was stocked. We ran through it pretty fast, though, and before long, we were down to a large bag of pancake mix.
We ate pancakes. A lot. Eventually, we ran out of mix. No problem. We used flour and water and lots of syrup. Then we ran out of syrup. We still had the pancakes, at least. But the flour started to run out, too.
We were too proud to ask anyone for help, and our flour kept dwindling. I worked and we prayed. And we paid our tithing.
We were pretty hungry. But with the hunger came discouragement. It’s depressing to not have food in your house. There is an emotional hunger as keen as physical hunger and we were pretty glum.
One Sunday afternoon, since we had nothing to eat, we went on a walk.
When we got home, there was a bag on our door. It was full of food: grapes, strawberries, cookies, and even a high-quality frozen pizza. And, there was a note. 17 years later, I still remember what it said and can even picture the handwriting. It said, “Meredith and Braden, God loves you.”
We were overwhelmed by this gesture. We had, and still have, no idea who was behind it. No one, and I mean NO one, knew about our situation.
We saw it as a huge validation of the principle of tithing. We gave thanks for our angels, whoever they were, and had our first real meal in at least a week.
The next day, I was so excited, that I told the story to a friend of mine at work. We worked at the MTC, so trading spiritual experiences was normal. He was a young single guy and really thought it was cool.
That night, our landlady came down to tell us she had something for us and asked if we could come up. We did and found about ten bags of food—someone had dropped them off and asked her to get them to us. It looked like a bunch of young single guys with a few bucks had gone to a store and gone wild. Those bags were full of every staple and luxury item you can imagine.
I’ve pondered this experience many times since then. There’s a lesson not only in the fact that God answered our prayers by sending food. It’s about tithing, for sure, but it’s about God’s love. It’s not only that he sent food, but what he sent: strawberries, grapes, and pizza. At that time, our souls needed the strawberries as badly as our bodies needed the food.
One of my favorite scriptures says that
"all things which come of the earth...are made for the benefit of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; yea, for food, and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul."
D&C 59:18
Braden and Meredith are now the parents of five children. They still see miracles from paying their tithing.
Braden blogs at http://www.bradenbell.com/blog.html,where you can read about his forthcoming novel, The Road Show.
Friday, March 26, 2010
I am a Grandma - How did this happen?
Time is a very funny thing, as you are trying each day to get it all together you turn and see that your children have grown. How did that happen? Did I do all I could to teach them, love them, prepare them. It can be a heart wrenching thought and at the same time wonderful. I still think of myself as young, that young mother of many children. The truth is I am not as young as I was and my children are growing into amazing people.
You celebrate each milestone, each birthday, holiday, each year in school, learning to drive, the first date, and soon there comes someone into their life, you can tell. You see them getting closer, making memories between them; they want to share their life with that person. Weddings to celebrate their coming together as one, a new phase of life for them and you.
There is a natural pattern to life the desire to have a child becomes very strong. What a miracle it is to bring two people together to create a baby, a new life. After suffering a miscarriage Ashley struggled to get pregnant again. That underlying fear, is everything okay? Then came the joyous news, she was pregnant again. Each day hoping all will go well. The illness, hearing the heart beat for the first time, and that first flutter of movement. It's going to be a girl. As we watched Ashley get bigger our anticipation grew, Mele'ane will be here name. She was born after all very long day of labor at a little after 9:00 pm on March 25th, its Sierra’s 16th birthday, a niece for her birthday.
Donny and I are Grandparents! Holding that sweet little person in my arms so fresh and new from Our Father in Heaven was truly a tender mercy of God. How did this happen, time has moved so quickly. Too fast and yet life in its plan continues. Five generations of women living. This woman, feeling so inadequate at times feels the love of My Father, confirming to me he is there and is aware of me.
You celebrate each milestone, each birthday, holiday, each year in school, learning to drive, the first date, and soon there comes someone into their life, you can tell. You see them getting closer, making memories between them; they want to share their life with that person. Weddings to celebrate their coming together as one, a new phase of life for them and you.
There is a natural pattern to life the desire to have a child becomes very strong. What a miracle it is to bring two people together to create a baby, a new life. After suffering a miscarriage Ashley struggled to get pregnant again. That underlying fear, is everything okay? Then came the joyous news, she was pregnant again. Each day hoping all will go well. The illness, hearing the heart beat for the first time, and that first flutter of movement. It's going to be a girl. As we watched Ashley get bigger our anticipation grew, Mele'ane will be here name. She was born after all very long day of labor at a little after 9:00 pm on March 25th, its Sierra’s 16th birthday, a niece for her birthday.
Donny and I are Grandparents! Holding that sweet little person in my arms so fresh and new from Our Father in Heaven was truly a tender mercy of God. How did this happen, time has moved so quickly. Too fast and yet life in its plan continues. Five generations of women living. This woman, feeling so inadequate at times feels the love of My Father, confirming to me he is there and is aware of me.
The growing belly
Before all the hard work
So Cute!
Yes, they were all there
The new family
Grandma
Grandpa
Mel'ane
Dad & Mom - Joy!
This is the next day, now my birthday.
I am a Grandma!!
Nothing like a mother's love!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Little Miracles
We have to take the time to see the little miracles all around us. We can get so busy and we forget to just breath and smile. We are truly blessed.
We have witnessed the power of prayer, and the miracles that still happen today. God is aware of each of us. Even is we do not always understand the reasons why things happen, we need to trust in Him.
.
Photos by Jason Leonard
We have witnessed the power of prayer, and the miracles that still happen today. God is aware of each of us. Even is we do not always understand the reasons why things happen, we need to trust in Him.
.
Photos by Jason Leonard
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