We just got done viewing the movie "The Bucket List" last weekend. It wasn't quite what I expected, not nearly as funny, but it did give me some things to think about. In one part of the movie, the two friends, portrayed by Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, are sitting high up on the top of a pyramid in Egypt (something on their "bucket list") and one turns to the other and asks him two questions: Did you have joy in your life? and Did you give someone joy?
As I thought about how I would answer those questions, I thought of several things that have given and still do give me joy. Of course they center on my family and the great moments that we have had; right up there with family times are the times I have been outdoors and in beautiful places, like up in the mountains, at Bear Lake, and at the ocean. But I have to say that the most joyful times I have experienced had to do with the gospel and the love I feel from my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for me, personally and privately. Knowing that I know the truth; know who I am; know where I am going; and know the Giver and Creator of all truth. When a person feels that love coming from Jesus Christ, speaking spirit to spirit, there is no greater joy.
As to the question, Have I given joy?, I can only answer that I hope that I have. And again it centers on my family and the times that we have shared; the love that we have for each other. I can do more, I know. I can reach out to others who may be in need of more love and care. I love this quote from Mother Teresa: In this life, we cannot always do great things--but we can do small things with great love. That, I think, is what I will try to do from now on....increase the small things that I can do, and do them with great love.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Our Names are Written in the Land
We went to an outdoor gathering this weekend, held at a home that overlooks a small glen with the Cub River running through it. I couldn't believe how beautiful it was as I looked out over the green pastures below, spotted with horses and their colts, sheep with their lambs, and a few llamas. As I looked further at the rolling foothills covered with a kaleidoscope of green, and then to the mountains beyond, I couldn't think of a more peaceful setting. It reminded me once again of what Ireland must be like....that IS why I moved to Utah, because Sardine Canyon reminded me of the Ireland of my dreams. I've always thought it odd that, after moving here, I found out Utah was a desert land! I hope that each of you have discovered the beauty of your land and that you embrace and explore it.
I just read a book, "Sarah, Plain and Tall," and in it a woman comes from Maine to live on a farm on the prairie. The book (and movie) tell how she learns to love her new husband and his children, and finally, the land. During an especially harsh summer under drought conditions, she goes back to Maine with the children until the situation improves. Her husband stays on the farm because, "his name is written in this land, " and he will not leave it. When rain returns to the land, she returns to continue her life with her family. The first thing she does when she returns is to get a stick and write her own name "in this land," signifying that she, too, will never leave it again because it is now part of her. I love that story, and as I and my daughters have left our home land for new territory with our husbands, we must come to a time when we write our name in the land and take it for our own.
I just read a book, "Sarah, Plain and Tall," and in it a woman comes from Maine to live on a farm on the prairie. The book (and movie) tell how she learns to love her new husband and his children, and finally, the land. During an especially harsh summer under drought conditions, she goes back to Maine with the children until the situation improves. Her husband stays on the farm because, "his name is written in this land, " and he will not leave it. When rain returns to the land, she returns to continue her life with her family. The first thing she does when she returns is to get a stick and write her own name "in this land," signifying that she, too, will never leave it again because it is now part of her. I love that story, and as I and my daughters have left our home land for new territory with our husbands, we must come to a time when we write our name in the land and take it for our own.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Alive & Well in Utah!
Jeanette has reminded me that it has been a whole year since my last blog!! I can't believe that time goes past so fast and that so much can happen in a year!
To begin with, next Sunday is Father's Day (again!) and I still honor, admire, and love the father of my children! That's good news! He is amazing and still taking such good care of everyone but himself! He's going to wear himself out soon if he doesn't watch it.
It's been a good year for fathers: we have a new father in the family, and a father-to-be! Hurray, because that means more grandchildren for us! Olivia Mae Smith is now 5 months old and discovering more and more of her world each day! Michele tells me she discovered her toes yesterday and insists on sucking them now! I don't think I could ever do that, and certainly wouldn't want to try it now!
Miracles still happen, and Jenny & Devin are growing twins! It is amazing how the technology today can make such an unbelievable thing happen to some wonderful people! We are so excited for this new development and give total credit to a loving Father in Heaven.
Speaking of grandchildren, we have some glorious girls back in North Carolina who are growing more wonderful each day! We can't wait to give Kelsey Marie a hug when she comes to visit us in July! We just wish that all could come and join her here in Utah. We will continue to be patient and wait for that to happen in April of 2009! What a great day that will be!
Scott continues to delight and amuse us, and stretch our patience with his "silly goose" moments. He loves spring and summer (when it is not snowing like today!) when he can come and go freely outside whenever he wants.
Life is good and the simple pleasures are still the best. We love all of our family and can't wait for a day when we will all be together again!
To begin with, next Sunday is Father's Day (again!) and I still honor, admire, and love the father of my children! That's good news! He is amazing and still taking such good care of everyone but himself! He's going to wear himself out soon if he doesn't watch it.
It's been a good year for fathers: we have a new father in the family, and a father-to-be! Hurray, because that means more grandchildren for us! Olivia Mae Smith is now 5 months old and discovering more and more of her world each day! Michele tells me she discovered her toes yesterday and insists on sucking them now! I don't think I could ever do that, and certainly wouldn't want to try it now!
Miracles still happen, and Jenny & Devin are growing twins! It is amazing how the technology today can make such an unbelievable thing happen to some wonderful people! We are so excited for this new development and give total credit to a loving Father in Heaven.
Speaking of grandchildren, we have some glorious girls back in North Carolina who are growing more wonderful each day! We can't wait to give Kelsey Marie a hug when she comes to visit us in July! We just wish that all could come and join her here in Utah. We will continue to be patient and wait for that to happen in April of 2009! What a great day that will be!
Scott continues to delight and amuse us, and stretch our patience with his "silly goose" moments. He loves spring and summer (when it is not snowing like today!) when he can come and go freely outside whenever he wants.
Life is good and the simple pleasures are still the best. We love all of our family and can't wait for a day when we will all be together again!
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