Searching the Scriptures

 "... search them diligently, that ye may profit thereby; and I would that ye should keep the commandments of God, that ye may prosper in the land according to the promises which the Lord made unto our fathers."  Mosiah 1:7

I love feasting on the word of the Lord. 

Snow - And More Snow

When I blogged here about the dusting of snow we received on Saturday, January 14, little did I know we were in for a WEEK of snow, ice, rain, and other such weather that is uncommon for the Seattle area. You probably heard about it on the news.

Fortunately we didn't have to go out in it much and could just observe it from our office window. Every day we commented that we thought we'd left this kind of weather back in Central Ohio. 

Sunday morning, January 15 - We woke up to about an inch of snow. When we drove to church, only about 5 minutes away, we were greeted with 4-5 inches of snow. The change of altitude between our house and the meetinghouse makes a big difference in amounts of snow. It snowed the whole time we were in church, adding several inches. The flakes were the big, beautiful, fluffy flakes. We've mentioned that not many people around here use umbrellas in the rain. Sunday they were using umbrellas in the snow! This palm tree isn't far from church. We drove home and pretty much stayed there all week. 

Mid week - more snow. You'll notice there aren't any tire tracks in the driveway. I don't think anyone left our complex in a car the first three or four days of the week. 

By Friday you could see footprints in the driveway. Late Friday and then Saturday people started driving out. Some got stuck on the driveway incline leading to the street. One man, from London (England that is) got stuck. He said he wasn't used to driving in the snow. 

Where were the snow plows and where were the people with shovels? Cities around here aren't equipped to deal with snow like Central Ohio is. The main streets around us were plowed - somewhat. The side streets were not. You can see that our driveway didn't get cleared. 

All in all, we were very fortunate. We did get a bit of the ice storm but not much. We did keep our power, except for an hour on Sunday the 15th.  Saturday it started raining and by Sunday, January 22 we could see the driveway and street again. 

This has been a good reminder to make sure our emergency plans and supplies are in place. Space and location call for adjustments to the supplies and plans we had in Worthington. 

Flamingos - Connections & Feasting

Did you ever watch James Burke's PBS show Connections? I was fascinated with the interconnections. Often when I'm reading, a word or phrase will trigger a string of thoughts. It's interesting to see where those connections go. 

I was reading "Feast Like a Flamingo." Before getting into the article my mind took off on flamingos. 

My mother liked to encourage Joe's propensity towards gazing balls and other such lawn decorations. At some point she figured since he liked gazing balls, he must like flamingos. That led to flamingos for our garden and other flamingo gifts from Mom and others who decided to get in on the act. We even have a set of tiny flamingo decorations for our year round Christmas tree. 

When we were in the Bahamas on our mission, we saw the "marching flamingos," at the Ardastra Gardens Zoo & Conservation Center. As you can see from this youtube video, the marching looks more like birds trying to get away from the yelling man. 

Now - back to the article - "Feast Like A Flamingo." The author talked about connections her mind made when she saw flamingos at a zoo. She learned that their bright color comes from their food. If they don't feast on enough beta carotene, their feathers are white, not the distinctive pink or orange associated with flamingos.

That led to thoughts about what she "feasts" on and how her body and spirit reflect that "food." That led to thoughts about Christ and how important it is to feast on the words of Christ. When we make Him, His words, His work, and His love integral parts of our lives, people can tell. It shows in our words and our actions - in our countenances. 

 "…Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." (2 Nephi 32:3)

"And now behold, I ask of you, …, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?" (Alma 5:14)

Image from http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/

I learned that the plural of flamingo is either "s" or "es"

Celia Eleanor Betz

Many of you are aware that my sister's granddaughter, Celia Betz, had Batten, a rare neurological disease that currently has no cure. Celia passed away Sunday, January 15, 2012. 

March 7, 2007 - January 15, 2012

Celia holds baby spoon that belonged to her namesake, her Great Great Grandmother, Celia Cathcart Holton

August 2008 - about 5 months before the diagnosis

December 2011

From Celia's obituary - "Celia Eleanor Betz, age 4, died peacefully on January 15, 2012. Celia was born on March 7, 2007 and she was almost two before her family learned the she had Batten Disease. Since that time, Celia, who was loved deeply by family and friends, has touched many lives and taught many lessons."  Click here for rest of obituary.  

Celia inspires many and helps us see the big picture. People with big and generous hearts stepped forward to be of service. Here are a few that come to mind. 

Amy Parrish is a Columbus photographer who donates her time and beautiful photography to families with "desperately ill" babies and children. She took amazing photos of Celia. See one of them here. 

The Cardthartic people picked up Parrish's photo and created a card. They were impressed with Celia's beauty and the lushness of the setting (Jan & Tim's yard). When Carthartic learned Celia's story they helped with a Batten fundraiser in German Village, Columbus. The company contacted Andy and Jenni and said they'd like to do a booklet for Celia's memorial service. It is beautiful. 

Joe Blundo, Columbus Dispatch columnist, wrote about Celia several years ago. Today, he wrote a blog posting on Celia and the "cruelty" of this terrible disease. 

Nationwide Children's Hospital Hospice - wonderful people providing care and support in the most difficult of times. 

The Batten Disease Support and Research Association - supporting families with loved ones who have this "rare neurological disease that currently has no cure."

Family and countless friends - many were brought together through serving Celia and her family. So many blessings for everyone involved. 

Celia's parents have graciously shared their journey through their blog. Their posts often touch my heart and help me think about the meaning of our life here on earth, the promise of life after death, the importance of making the most of our earthly journey, the importance of family and friends, and finding joy and meaning even in the midst of great sorrow and disappointment. 

from the blog

Jane Austen - Board Book!

Recently I was babysitting little Clara who is about 18 months old. She was sitting on my lap and directing me, "book, book" every time we finished another of her board books. I laughed out loud when I pulled this one off the bookshelf.

"Pride & Prejudice," in a board book! When Clara's mother returned, we were reading "Pride & Prejudice." I commented that I was amused to see this in a board book. Clara's mother said Clara's grandmother gave it to her for Christmas. "Never too young to start Jane Austen," she said. 

When I was looking for an image, I was surprised to see that there is a Baby Lit board book series. The second book in the series is "Romeo & Juliet." 

Snow!

This heavy rain turned into snow. 

The dusting of white stuff lasted only a few hours. 

Looking east out our office window. This is one of four single family homes squeezed on a narrow lot that runs perpendicular to Kirkland Avenue. 

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Check here for a comprehensive overview of Seattle weather in 2011. From the komonews.com article: "Oh, it did get cold though -- just in the wrong seasons. Spring was just a four month extension of February, it seemed. ... Temperatures took forever to get to their inaugural 70 degree day, then another long wait for 75....days still until we got to 80 (July!). And if you were waiting for 90? Well, hope you weren't holding your breath." 

Heart Exercise

"There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up."

John Andrew Holmes

Christmas Presence

SEEK THE BEST 

CHRISTMAS 

PRESENCE

This year instead of getting wrapped up 

in unimportant things, 

invite the Savior into your celebration.

(See Isaiah 9:6)

This message works for the new year ahead of us as well as for the Christmas season we just celebrated. 

Read this post for more on celebrating Christmas, that is Christ, all year long. 

Image from Mormonad

We're Not In Kansas (or Ohio) Any More

I love Ohio's landscape. Frequently I sing the praises of Ohio's terrain, attempting to help people from other parts of the country see its beauty. 

We are now surrounded by a different kind of beauty. On a clear day the mountains are an amazing sight. Clear days are not a given in this part of the country. In fact, we had been here a few months when I walked outside one morning and headed down to the lake on my usual walk. I was startled to see beautiful, HUGE mountains across the lake. I didn't know they were there! 

On this December trip to and from Seattle we were able to see the Olympic Mountains, the Cascade Mountains, and Mount Rainier - all in one day. 

Olympic Mountains - Driving west from Kirkland, 

over Lake Washington, and into Seattle

Cascade Mountains - driving east from Seattle, 

over Lake Washington, and into Kirkland

Mount Rainier - from the 520 bridge over Lake Washington

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The next pictures show some Olympic Mountain views we see frequently as we drive around Kirkland.

Looking west towards Seattle. Right at this underpass you get a beautiful view of Lake Washington and the Olympic Mountains. Turn left at the traffic light to get to our place.

Downtown Kirkland is at the bottom of this hill.

From the top of our street looking west over Lake Washington

I Will Go And Do

  “… I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.” 1Nephi 3:7*

 I need to go and do even when I’m not sure exactly how to do what’s been requested (or commanded in some instances). I need to step forward in faith. The Lord will prepare a way. I can take great comfort in that knowledge.

Sometimes we are asked to do “hard” things. We find counsel and examples  of different reactions to the Lord's counsel in the scriptures. Not everyone chooses to "go and do."

Some of Jesus’ disciples were “murmuring” about what he was asking them to do. They said “This is an hard saying; who can hear it? …. many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” John 6:60, 66

On the other hand we have many examples of people who responded positively, sometimes quickly and eagerly.

“Now it came to pass that after Alma had received his message from the angel of the Lord he returned speedily ....” Alma 8:18 

After seeing Jesus, the wise men, “… being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.”

Matthew 22:12 

Philip was on a journey preaching the “word of the Lord,” when an angel of the Lord told him what direction to travel. Philip “arose and went” and saw the Ethiopian eunuch who was studying Isaiah. The Spirit told Philip to speak with the man. Philip “ran thither” and asked if the man understood what he was reading. Acts 8: 26-30

Do I go and do? Even the hard things? When I set out, do I go with murmuring or with speed? Do I go with doubt or with faith?

Do I believe the Lord when He says He will prepare the way for me and will be with me as I go and do what He has commanded?

Knicknacks Or Treasures?

When we moved from Worthington to Kirkland, we discovered a LOT of knickknacks had accumulated over our 34 years in our wonderful home. Some of the items hadn't seen the light of day in decades because they had been stored in boxes under the bed or in the attic. Other knickknacks were spread throughout the house, occupying corners and surfaces, some prominent, others almost hidden. 

By definition a knickknack does not have great intrinsic value. It is usually kept because it has a connection to a loved one. This picture shows some of the treasures that made the trek west with us. 

White plastic mouse - We have several of these. I bought them long ago as a joke for Joe, the children, or grandchildren. I can't remember why.The mice almost didn't make the cut to come west. Then I remembered how much Joe likes to move them around the house. You never know where they will appear. They came west. And they are still being moved around the house. 

Glass & metal spider (in front of blue cat) - Our friend and neighbor Eleanor Shearman gave this to us, not for any special occasion. She just gave it to us. She did that periodically. She'd come over with a small plant, a little paring knife (we still use), this spider, or some other trinket. At North Street the spider hung from a picture in the kitchen. In Kirkland the spider is in our year round Christmas tree. 

Blue cat - Mom had this in the windowsill over the kitchen sink at Oak Street. I always admired it because it was so colorful. I think of Mom as a very practical person and this bit of whimsy and color is a wonderful reminder of another side of her. 

"Paper" bag - This also has a connection with Mom. As I mentioned earlier Mom was practical. Her gifts usually reflected that practicality. One day she gave me this paper bag made out clay. It wasn't a birthday or other special occasion. She just gave it to me. This is a glimpse into the fun side of Mom, one I didn't see (or recognize) often enough - a lesson for me. 

Mom and Dad shared stories of many of their "treasures." I wonder about the smaller items that we found in drawers and boxes; things with no known stories and no known connections father back than Mom and Dad. Was something saved because it had a connection with one of their loved ones? Or was it saved simply because it was stashed somewhere and forgotten? An item can become a treasure for a new generation and gain value it never had for the original owner. 

Some day people might wonder about plastic white mice they always saw at our house. They could easily get thrown away because no one knows the story. Or - someone might know the story and toss the mice because it's a bit weird to have white plastic mice moving around your house.

Ice Cream

Every once in a while the Kings call to say they are making an ice cream run over to our neck of the woods. It takes 15-20 minutes to boat from their house to one of Kirkland's downtown docks. Ben & Jerry's is conveniently near the dock. The dock is just a 15 minute walk from our house.

  

Righteous Women

 "To be a righteous woman is a glorious thing in any age. To be a righteous woman during the winding up scenes on this earth, before the second coming of our Savior, is an especially noble calling. The righteous woman’s strength and influence today can be tenfold what it might be in more tranquil times. She has been placed here to help, to enrich, to protect, and to guard the home—which is society’s basic and most noble institution. Other institutions in society may falter and even fail, but the righteous woman can help to save the home, which may be the last and only sanctuary some mortals know in the midst of storm and strife." (Spencer W. Kimball*)

JHT- In the book "Daughters in My Kingdom" the above quote was followed by this next one. Together they are a wonderful reminder of who we are (and can become) and a reflection of what we need in order to fulfill the stewardship we have been given.


"May the Lord bless you, my beloved sisters. You are the guardians of the hearth. You are the bearers of the children. You are they who nurture them and establish within them the habits of their lives. No other work reaches so close to divinity as does the nurturing of the sons and daughters of God.


May you be strengthened for the challenges of the day. May you be endowed with wisdom beyond your own in dealing with the problems you constantly face. May your prayers and your pleadings be answered with blessings upon your heads and upon the heads of your loved ones. We leave with you our love and our blessing, that your lives may be filled with peace and gladness. It can be so. Many of you can testify that it has been so. The Lord bless you now and through the years to come." (Gordon B. Hinckley+)


*Spencer W. Kimball, Privileges and Responsibilities of Sisters, September 1978

+Gordon B. Hinckley, Stand Strong against the Wiles of the World, October 1995
Image - friends from Nassau, Bahamas

Earthquakes & Volcanoes

Growing up in the Midwest, we heard about the San Andreas Fault and California and its history of and potential for earthquakes. We were even aware of earthquakes in the Midwest. We felt one when we were in Indiana back in the 1980s. In addition we experienced an earthquake in Tokyo when we were picking up Michael at the end of his mission in Japan. 

Not long after we moved from Ohio to the Seattle area, we heard news reports about the numerous faults that go through this area. Look at the map above. We're in the red zone - AND we have FIVE active volcanoes. FIVE! 

Experts say it's only a matter of time before the BIG earthquakes hit or one of these volcanoes erupts. 

After we'd been here a few months and had heard many news reports about earthquakes, Joe remarked that perhaps we should have done more homework on this aspect of life out here. 

We are enjoying life in this beautiful part of the country. 

Map from Smithsonian.com (click on view more photos) and Smithsonian, December 2001, page 21

More Holiness Give Me

The hymn "More Holiness Give Me" always touches me deeply. As I reflect on the year that has ended and the new year before me, I echo the plea for more of the characteristics that help me be more like Christ and help me grow into the person I can be because I am a daughter of God. 

More Holiness Give Me

More holiness give me,

More strivings within,

More patience in suff’ring,

More sorrow for sin,

More faith in my Savior,

More sense of his care,

More joy in his service,

More purpose in prayer.

More gratitude give me,

More trust in the Lord,

More pride in his glory,

More hope in his word,

More tears for his sorrows,

More pain at his grief,

More meekness in trial,

More praise for relief.

More purity give me,

More strength to o’ercome,

More freedom from earth-stains,

More longing for home.

More fit for the kingdom,

More used would I be,

More blessed and holy—

More, Savior, like thee.

I like the phrase, “more freedom from earth stains.” Christ shows us the way to stay "unspotted from the world." 

Each time I hear the hymn, different phrases jump out at me. Sometimes the Spirit reminds me about patience. Other times it's faith or joy or purpose in prayer. The words of this hymn and the Spirit that accompanies it are always reminders that there is more for me to do and more for me to be - "More, Savior, like thee."

*Text and music: Philip Paul Bliss, 1838–1876