Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
We love the lights!
We went up to Tacoma on Sunday night to visit our friend Jr. who lives in a nursing home there. We took him a plate of goodies and had a nice visit with him. We were sad to hear that his good friend, Russel, passed away a few weeks ago. We are going to be seeing him again in a couple of days. Afterwards we took the kids around looking at Christmas lights. This house was our favorite one of the evening.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
More things happening-
I heard a rumor that we had drywall up in the house so I decided to run out there this afternoon after Brandon woke up from his nap. Mike had 3 gigs this weekend and we've had things every night so haven't been able to go out and check the progress on our house the past few days. I was pleasantly surprised when we drove up and immediately could see the sheet rock up in the garage. The house looks so different with the drywall up. It still needs taped and mudded but am starting to see the end in sight so I'm really excited. I'm also putting up a couple other pictures of things we've done. I babysat Kingston and Richie last weekend so I made gingerbread houses for the boys to decorate. We drove up with the boys to Bellevue on Monday to the Botanical Gardens to see the lights which was really beautiful. Then during the week we made Christmas goodies (which the boys helped a ton with) and drove them around to the various recipricants. We are delivering our last one tomorrow afternoon so then we will just relax and enjoy the week (and keep checking on our house;)!
Trying to be like Jesus
The Man on the Bike
By Peggy Creager
When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? (Matt. 25:38).
If you routinely traveled through Weber Canyon in northern Utah between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 10:00 A.M., you probably saw him. He rode an old rickety bicycle with a box of aluminum cans on each side of the back tires. At age sixty-five, he had ridden this same bike from his home in Tennessee to Utah. Then, for reasons known only to him, he had made a canyon cave his home.*
Everyone in Morgan County knew of him. They had either seen him riding his bike through the canyon or had noticed the bike parked at a local convenience store early in the morning. He had become a part of the community. People would visit him from time to time in his cave, but he told them very little about himself. He was a sad sort of man.
Many people were afraid of him, including four-year-old Amy Creager. She had seen the man on many occasions and wondered about him. One day, about six weeks before Christmas, as she, her baby sister, Sydney, and her mother left the convenience store, Amy saw him. As they waited to turn onto the road, she said, “Mama, tell me about that man. Where does he live? And why does he have all those cans on his bike?”
Amy’s mother told her that the man lived in a cave in the canyon and that each morning he went around to dumpsters in the town to sort out the cans, load them onto his bike, and take them through the canyon into Ogden to turn them in for money.
As her mother told her what she knew about the man, a worried look came over Amy’s face. Her mother told her of the different names people used to refer to him, such as “the can man” and “the hermit.” But from that day forward, Amy and her mother began to call him simply “the man on the bike.”
With her voice trembling, Amy said, “It’s too cold to sleep outside. Why does he want to live in a cave?”
Trying to explain it simply, her mother said, “He probably doesn’t have enough money to live anywhere else.”
Amy and her family had just built a home the year before, so the solution seemed simple: “Why can’t Daddy build him a new home?”
“Well, we don’t have enough money, and Daddy doesn’t really know how.”
“The men who built our home can do it!”
“Well, it’s not that simple, Amy.” Mother tried to explain why that could not happen.
With tears welling up in her eyes, Amy sat silent for a few seconds, then said, “He can come and live with us! I am afraid of him, but he can have my room! I just won’t look at him.”
Tears came into her mother’s eyes as well. She could tell that Amy was determined to help the man somehow.
They finally reached Grandmother’s house, where Amy and Sydney would stay while their mother went to help their father at his shop. Reaching the shop, Amy’s mother told her husband about the events of the morning. The story touched him.
“We need to figure out a way for her to help him,” Amy’s father said. He thought for a while. “Since we can’t build him a home, let’s get him a new bike! I know a guy who owns a bike shop. I’ll call him, and he can tell us which would be the best bicycle for the man’s needs.”
Amy’s parents were both so excited about the idea that they stopped working and made the call. Her father told the bicycle shop owner the story. They decided that the man needed a sturdy mountain bike. After working out a few other details, they felt that Amy needed to decide the rest.
When Amy’s mother went to pick up her and her sister, she told Amy about their idea.
Amy’s face lit up. “Let’s get him a horn so that he can honk back at the cars! And let’s make sure the bike has two big baskets on the back for his cans! And, Mama, it has to be purple! Purple is everyone’s favorite color!”
As the days went by and Christmas drew nearer, Amy’s excitement about the bike grew. She could hardly wait to go and pick it out. She did many chores around the house to earn money to help pay for it. Whenever she saw the man riding his old bike in the canyon, she’d say, “He is going to love his Christmas present! How many more days, Mom?”
One night her mother went to Relief Society Homemaking meeting. Each sister was invited to tell of her most memorable Christmas. When it was time for Amy’s mother to tell of hers, tears filled her eyes. She said that she thought this Christmas was going to be one of her most memorable. She told them of Amy’s love for a stranger of whom she was afraid. She told the sisters of their plans to purchase the bike, and they were touched. After the meeting, many of the sisters asked Amy’s mother if they could be part of this Christmas memory. One sister wanted to make the man a quilt and a pillow. Another thought it would be nice for him to have some new, warm shirts. And the offers for contributions kept coming.
The next morning, Amy’s mother had a phone call from a sister in the ward who worked at a local business. The company employed many in the community. She had mentioned Amy’s desire to help the “can man” to some of the employees. They had all seen him because their place of work was his first stop every morning. He’d pick up the cans that they had gathered in a garbage bag for him. She wanted to know, on behalf of the employees she had spoken to, if it would be all right with Amy if they took up a donation to help with the cost of the bike. It was.
As the days went by, the word began to spread. More things were donated, including food and more clothing. It was exciting to watch the community rally together to help a four-year-old girl serve a sixty-five-year-old man.
About two weeks before Christmas, the “man on the bike” was invited to have dinner with a family who lived in the area. He told them it was time for him to move on. He was beginning to feel that he was an embarrassment to the people there. The family tried to tell him differently, but he had made up his mind. Amy heard of his plans and worried that she wouldn’t get the bike to him on time.
The day to buy the bike finally arrived. When she and her father reached the store and walked in, Amy looked around. Her eyes fixed on one bike.
“This is it, Dad! I want this one!”
“It is a mountain bike,” the store owner said.
It wasn’t purple, but it was the brightest blue you could imagine, with even brighter splashes of pink paint all over it! Amy loved it, and that was all that mattered. With the money that had been donated and what Amy had earned, she was able to pay for the bike and buy the largest baskets and the very best horn.
That night as Amy was tying a bow onto the bike, she said to her father once again, “Daddy, I really don’t want the man on the bike to see me.”
Her parents talked it over and asked the sheriff for his help in delivering the collected items and the bike to the “‘man on the bike.’ We understand he goes into the convenience store every morning. Do you think you could try to catch up with him there tomorrow?” Amy’s father asked.
The sheriff agreed, so Amy and her parents took everything over to his house and loaded it into his truck.
“I’m proud of you, Amy,” the sheriff said. “This is a very kind thing you are doing for a stranger.”
The next morning, the sheriff drove to the convenience store, and the man was there. The sheriff went in, walked right up to the man, and said, “You need to come with me.” The “man on the bike” thought that he was in trouble. They walked together out the door. Then the sheriff began to unload his truck, and the man stood there in silence, looking very bewildered.
“This is all for you!” the sheriff told him.
When the sheriff lifted the bike out, the man just stared at it. Then the tears began to fall. “Whose idea was this?”
“A four-year-old girl who is worried about you,” the sheriff said, his own eyes filling with tears. He explained to the man how it had all come about and how the whole community had wanted to help Amy help him.
The man was overwhelmed by this act of love. He said, “I don’t deserve all of this! You need to give these things to someone who really needs them!”
“I think you are plenty deserving. I’ll help you take them over to your cave.”
“Will you tell her thank you for me?”
U
Add a Note
The sheriff quietly nodded.
The man ended up staying in the area until May of the following year. Every time the people of Morgan County saw “the man on the bike,” they were reminded of the Christlike love of a child.
By Peggy Creager
When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? (Matt. 25:38).
If you routinely traveled through Weber Canyon in northern Utah between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 10:00 A.M., you probably saw him. He rode an old rickety bicycle with a box of aluminum cans on each side of the back tires. At age sixty-five, he had ridden this same bike from his home in Tennessee to Utah. Then, for reasons known only to him, he had made a canyon cave his home.*
Everyone in Morgan County knew of him. They had either seen him riding his bike through the canyon or had noticed the bike parked at a local convenience store early in the morning. He had become a part of the community. People would visit him from time to time in his cave, but he told them very little about himself. He was a sad sort of man.
Many people were afraid of him, including four-year-old Amy Creager. She had seen the man on many occasions and wondered about him. One day, about six weeks before Christmas, as she, her baby sister, Sydney, and her mother left the convenience store, Amy saw him. As they waited to turn onto the road, she said, “Mama, tell me about that man. Where does he live? And why does he have all those cans on his bike?”
Amy’s mother told her that the man lived in a cave in the canyon and that each morning he went around to dumpsters in the town to sort out the cans, load them onto his bike, and take them through the canyon into Ogden to turn them in for money.
As her mother told her what she knew about the man, a worried look came over Amy’s face. Her mother told her of the different names people used to refer to him, such as “the can man” and “the hermit.” But from that day forward, Amy and her mother began to call him simply “the man on the bike.”
With her voice trembling, Amy said, “It’s too cold to sleep outside. Why does he want to live in a cave?”
Trying to explain it simply, her mother said, “He probably doesn’t have enough money to live anywhere else.”
Amy and her family had just built a home the year before, so the solution seemed simple: “Why can’t Daddy build him a new home?”
“Well, we don’t have enough money, and Daddy doesn’t really know how.”
“The men who built our home can do it!”
“Well, it’s not that simple, Amy.” Mother tried to explain why that could not happen.
With tears welling up in her eyes, Amy sat silent for a few seconds, then said, “He can come and live with us! I am afraid of him, but he can have my room! I just won’t look at him.”
Tears came into her mother’s eyes as well. She could tell that Amy was determined to help the man somehow.
They finally reached Grandmother’s house, where Amy and Sydney would stay while their mother went to help their father at his shop. Reaching the shop, Amy’s mother told her husband about the events of the morning. The story touched him.
“We need to figure out a way for her to help him,” Amy’s father said. He thought for a while. “Since we can’t build him a home, let’s get him a new bike! I know a guy who owns a bike shop. I’ll call him, and he can tell us which would be the best bicycle for the man’s needs.”
Amy’s parents were both so excited about the idea that they stopped working and made the call. Her father told the bicycle shop owner the story. They decided that the man needed a sturdy mountain bike. After working out a few other details, they felt that Amy needed to decide the rest.
When Amy’s mother went to pick up her and her sister, she told Amy about their idea.
Amy’s face lit up. “Let’s get him a horn so that he can honk back at the cars! And let’s make sure the bike has two big baskets on the back for his cans! And, Mama, it has to be purple! Purple is everyone’s favorite color!”
As the days went by and Christmas drew nearer, Amy’s excitement about the bike grew. She could hardly wait to go and pick it out. She did many chores around the house to earn money to help pay for it. Whenever she saw the man riding his old bike in the canyon, she’d say, “He is going to love his Christmas present! How many more days, Mom?”
One night her mother went to Relief Society Homemaking meeting. Each sister was invited to tell of her most memorable Christmas. When it was time for Amy’s mother to tell of hers, tears filled her eyes. She said that she thought this Christmas was going to be one of her most memorable. She told them of Amy’s love for a stranger of whom she was afraid. She told the sisters of their plans to purchase the bike, and they were touched. After the meeting, many of the sisters asked Amy’s mother if they could be part of this Christmas memory. One sister wanted to make the man a quilt and a pillow. Another thought it would be nice for him to have some new, warm shirts. And the offers for contributions kept coming.
The next morning, Amy’s mother had a phone call from a sister in the ward who worked at a local business. The company employed many in the community. She had mentioned Amy’s desire to help the “can man” to some of the employees. They had all seen him because their place of work was his first stop every morning. He’d pick up the cans that they had gathered in a garbage bag for him. She wanted to know, on behalf of the employees she had spoken to, if it would be all right with Amy if they took up a donation to help with the cost of the bike. It was.
As the days went by, the word began to spread. More things were donated, including food and more clothing. It was exciting to watch the community rally together to help a four-year-old girl serve a sixty-five-year-old man.
About two weeks before Christmas, the “man on the bike” was invited to have dinner with a family who lived in the area. He told them it was time for him to move on. He was beginning to feel that he was an embarrassment to the people there. The family tried to tell him differently, but he had made up his mind. Amy heard of his plans and worried that she wouldn’t get the bike to him on time.
The day to buy the bike finally arrived. When she and her father reached the store and walked in, Amy looked around. Her eyes fixed on one bike.
“This is it, Dad! I want this one!”
“It is a mountain bike,” the store owner said.
It wasn’t purple, but it was the brightest blue you could imagine, with even brighter splashes of pink paint all over it! Amy loved it, and that was all that mattered. With the money that had been donated and what Amy had earned, she was able to pay for the bike and buy the largest baskets and the very best horn.
That night as Amy was tying a bow onto the bike, she said to her father once again, “Daddy, I really don’t want the man on the bike to see me.”
Her parents talked it over and asked the sheriff for his help in delivering the collected items and the bike to the “‘man on the bike.’ We understand he goes into the convenience store every morning. Do you think you could try to catch up with him there tomorrow?” Amy’s father asked.
The sheriff agreed, so Amy and her parents took everything over to his house and loaded it into his truck.
“I’m proud of you, Amy,” the sheriff said. “This is a very kind thing you are doing for a stranger.”
The next morning, the sheriff drove to the convenience store, and the man was there. The sheriff went in, walked right up to the man, and said, “You need to come with me.” The “man on the bike” thought that he was in trouble. They walked together out the door. Then the sheriff began to unload his truck, and the man stood there in silence, looking very bewildered.
“This is all for you!” the sheriff told him.
When the sheriff lifted the bike out, the man just stared at it. Then the tears began to fall. “Whose idea was this?”
“A four-year-old girl who is worried about you,” the sheriff said, his own eyes filling with tears. He explained to the man how it had all come about and how the whole community had wanted to help Amy help him.
The man was overwhelmed by this act of love. He said, “I don’t deserve all of this! You need to give these things to someone who really needs them!”
“I think you are plenty deserving. I’ll help you take them over to your cave.”
“Will you tell her thank you for me?”
U
Add a Note
The sheriff quietly nodded.
The man ended up staying in the area until May of the following year. Every time the people of Morgan County saw “the man on the bike,” they were reminded of the Christlike love of a child.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Keep the Sabbath Day Holy
I was studying D&C 59 this morning and was reading about how we are to keep the Sabbath a holy day. Anyways..I liked it and thought I would share.
59:12 "Lord's day"
The purpose of the Sabbath day has never changed, to "keep thyself unspotted from the world," but the symbolism of the Sabbath has changed. When it was first given, it was for the purpose of remembering the creation of the world (Ex. 20:11). Next, the Lord said they were to remember that he had delivered them from the bondage of Egypt (Deut. 5:15). Today, we are to remember that on the first day of the week, the Lord Jesus Christ was raised from the dead (John 20:1). That is why it is called the Lord's day.
Too many people ask what we shouldn't do on the Lord's day when the question ought to be, "What should I be doing on the Sabbath?" Isaiah's instructions are very helpful in determining what is appropriate on this sacred day:
If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. (Isa. 58:13–14.)
We are not to do our pleasure on the Sabbath, but we are to call it a delight, holy, and honorable. We are to honor him and not do our own thing, find our own pleasure, nor speak our own words. Then the Lord's day will truly be delightful, holy, and honorable.
59:12 "Lord's day"
The purpose of the Sabbath day has never changed, to "keep thyself unspotted from the world," but the symbolism of the Sabbath has changed. When it was first given, it was for the purpose of remembering the creation of the world (Ex. 20:11). Next, the Lord said they were to remember that he had delivered them from the bondage of Egypt (Deut. 5:15). Today, we are to remember that on the first day of the week, the Lord Jesus Christ was raised from the dead (John 20:1). That is why it is called the Lord's day.
Too many people ask what we shouldn't do on the Lord's day when the question ought to be, "What should I be doing on the Sabbath?" Isaiah's instructions are very helpful in determining what is appropriate on this sacred day:
If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. (Isa. 58:13–14.)
We are not to do our pleasure on the Sabbath, but we are to call it a delight, holy, and honorable. We are to honor him and not do our own thing, find our own pleasure, nor speak our own words. Then the Lord's day will truly be delightful, holy, and honorable.
Friday, December 10, 2010
A Big Mac Day
We find ourselves getting so anxious and excited to see what is going on with the house that we will drive up on our lunch break real fast to see what is going on that day. Today we drove by and the county inspector was there checking the electric etc.. so that the drywall can go in! Yesterday we drove by on our way to an awesome birthday party, and noticed that the driveway was completly poured. Mike measured the driveway and the longest part was 85 feet. Crazy long but we are so excited for it. On the way home we had to stop at McDonalds and grab some big macs. Tastes good:)
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
To Tam!
Happy 40th Birthday to my awesome sister in law!!! I hope you have a fabulous day!! Love you!!!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Ward Party
I can't believe we are in December already. It sure seems like the past couple of months are flying by. We had our ward Christmas party tonight-A Night In Bethlehem. It was quite small compared to our party last year. Dallas, Cody and Elijah were all in the nativity. Nothing to exciting besides that. Our house is coming along nicely. I wasn't able to get pictures today but these that I am posting are from Thursday. The siding is all up on 3 sides of the house and electrical is being done on Monday.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving
Went out to Mike's family's home today for Thanksgiving. We drove by our house on the way and was so super excited to see that they had started some of the plumbing and most of the windows were in. Can't wait to see what happens next:) I talked my sweet sister in law, Juliet, into getting some "stuff" for me during the great sales on Black Friday. It's nice to have most of my Christmas shopping done already. I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Fun times....
I made a slideshow of our busy weekend. Cody had a couple friends come over and stay the night on Friday. I think it went ok for our first sleepover. The next morning though Dallas and Cody decided to roast marshmellows on the fireplace-needless to say it didn't go over to well with mommy and daddy and they had a fun time cleaning that up after we took the boys home. Mike and Dallas also went on a chilly motorcycle ride on Saturday up to mom, dad, and Tam's home to watch college football. Needless to say it was a chilly trip. Today after meetings and church we headed out to walk through our house. It is really starting to come together and we can't wait for it to be finished. We already got a call from the school tonight about a 2 hour late start tomorrow because of the weather. Should make for a fun week if the weather continues like this. We are really excited for Thanksgiving the end of the week and for the chance to get a day off work. My wonderful grandpa Bob is also celebrating his 80th birthday today so Happy Birthday Grandpa-we love you!!
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Friday, November 19, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
House update
I promised my sister in law that I would post some updated pictures of the house upstairs. The darkness was creeping up on us fast so I do apologize that they are a little dark. We went by again tonight and looks like they will be setting trusses tomorrow which is very exciting. Maybe we'll even have a roof by Thanksgiving.
*On a side note Dallas got back from his little vaca with Uncle Aaron, Aunt Juliet and Kingston to the Great Wolf Lodge. He had a blast and I can't wait when we can all go as a family!
*On a side note Dallas got back from his little vaca with Uncle Aaron, Aunt Juliet and Kingston to the Great Wolf Lodge. He had a blast and I can't wait when we can all go as a family!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Love With All Our Hearts
I wanted to share an article that I read while studying D&C 42 which I thought was really good and well put. (I am taking a D&C History class right now through BYU)
What does it mean to love someone with all our hearts? It means with all our emotional feelings and our devotion. Surely when you love your wife with all your heart, you cannot demean her, criticize her, find fault with her, nor abuse her by words, sullen behavior, or actions.
What does it mean to "cleave unto her"? It means to stay close to her, to be loyal to her, to strengthen her, to communicate with her, and to express your love for her. (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, Nov. 1983, p. 43; or Conference Report, Oct. 1983, pp. 63–64.)
In latter-day revelation the Lord speaks again of this obligation. He said, "Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else" (D&C 42:22). To my knowledge there is only one other thing in all scripture that we are commanded to love with all our hearts, and that is God Himself. Think what that means!
This kind of love can be shown for your wives in so many ways. First and foremost, nothing except God Himself takes priority over your wife in your life--not work, not recreation, not hobbies. Your wife is your precious, eternal helpmate--your companion. (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, Nov. 1987, p. 50; or Conference Report, Oct. 1987, p. 61.)
Elder Delbert L. Stapley of the Council of the Twelve quoted D&C 42:20, 22, 24 and then gave this informative counsel:
These commandments also are very clear, forthright, and understandable. What applies to the man cleaving unto his wife and none else applies with equal force also to the wife for her husband. There is no double standard in the Church. Both man and woman are responsible for their personal acts.
I often wonder why a man or a woman will give up wife or husband and children for an adulterous relationship. When sin is the foundation of the marriage relationship, the chance of a secure and happy companionship is very remote. Surely the Spirit of the Lord, neither God's laws to man, sanction such behavior, nor can the blessings of the Lord be expected upon such a union.
It is difficult to understand how church members who know these commandments can cast aside such knowledge and yield to the lusts of the flesh. Small violations lead to more serious and devastating sins. Those who play with fire, ultimately, if they persist, will be burned. (Improvement Era, June 1963, p. 482; or Conference Report, Apr. 1963, p. 35.)
Other Brethren have given us this excellent counsel on these verses:
Marriage is a divine institution, ordained of God. Achieving success in the home is a supernal challenge--no other success can compensate for it. (L. Tom Perry, Ensign, May 1995, p. 72.)
And, when the Lord says all thy heart, it allows for no sharing nor dividing nor depriving. And, to the woman it is paraphrased: "Thou shalt love thy husband with all thy heart and shall cleave unto him and none else." The words none else eliminate everyone and everything. The spouse then becomes preeminent in the life of the husband or wife, and neither social life nor occupational life nor political life nor any other interest nor person nor thing shall ever take precedence over the companion spouse. We sometimes find women who absorb and hover over the children at the expense of the husband, sometimes even estranging them from him. The Lord says to them: ". . . Thou shalt cleave unto him and none else." (Spencer W. Kimball, Improvement Era, Dec. 1962, p. 928, or Conference Report, Oct. 1962, p. 57.)
Brethren, our home can never be any better than our selection and care of the one to be the queen in our castle. This sweet and hopefully eternal companion needs particular attention, for she is so tender and so special. "Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shall cleave unto her and none else." (D&C 42:22.)
If you really love her, you are more concerned for her welfare than for that of yourself. Do you see that she has opportunity for her self-improvement? She has the same God-given desire for perfection as you do. A regular day of diversion whereby she may pursue this goal is so vital. But do you know what she wants most from you? Your companionship, your courtesies, and your communication. And least? Your selfishness and silence. Each couple must constantly cultivate the art of communication. (Russell M. Nelson, Improvement Era, Dec. 1968, p. 87; or Conference Report, Oct. 1968, pp. 89–90.)
-I know this article states loving and cleaving to your wife but I think that husband can be replaced just as easily-
What does it mean to love someone with all our hearts? It means with all our emotional feelings and our devotion. Surely when you love your wife with all your heart, you cannot demean her, criticize her, find fault with her, nor abuse her by words, sullen behavior, or actions.
What does it mean to "cleave unto her"? It means to stay close to her, to be loyal to her, to strengthen her, to communicate with her, and to express your love for her. (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, Nov. 1983, p. 43; or Conference Report, Oct. 1983, pp. 63–64.)
In latter-day revelation the Lord speaks again of this obligation. He said, "Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else" (D&C 42:22). To my knowledge there is only one other thing in all scripture that we are commanded to love with all our hearts, and that is God Himself. Think what that means!
This kind of love can be shown for your wives in so many ways. First and foremost, nothing except God Himself takes priority over your wife in your life--not work, not recreation, not hobbies. Your wife is your precious, eternal helpmate--your companion. (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, Nov. 1987, p. 50; or Conference Report, Oct. 1987, p. 61.)
Elder Delbert L. Stapley of the Council of the Twelve quoted D&C 42:20, 22, 24 and then gave this informative counsel:
These commandments also are very clear, forthright, and understandable. What applies to the man cleaving unto his wife and none else applies with equal force also to the wife for her husband. There is no double standard in the Church. Both man and woman are responsible for their personal acts.
I often wonder why a man or a woman will give up wife or husband and children for an adulterous relationship. When sin is the foundation of the marriage relationship, the chance of a secure and happy companionship is very remote. Surely the Spirit of the Lord, neither God's laws to man, sanction such behavior, nor can the blessings of the Lord be expected upon such a union.
It is difficult to understand how church members who know these commandments can cast aside such knowledge and yield to the lusts of the flesh. Small violations lead to more serious and devastating sins. Those who play with fire, ultimately, if they persist, will be burned. (Improvement Era, June 1963, p. 482; or Conference Report, Apr. 1963, p. 35.)
Other Brethren have given us this excellent counsel on these verses:
Marriage is a divine institution, ordained of God. Achieving success in the home is a supernal challenge--no other success can compensate for it. (L. Tom Perry, Ensign, May 1995, p. 72.)
And, when the Lord says all thy heart, it allows for no sharing nor dividing nor depriving. And, to the woman it is paraphrased: "Thou shalt love thy husband with all thy heart and shall cleave unto him and none else." The words none else eliminate everyone and everything. The spouse then becomes preeminent in the life of the husband or wife, and neither social life nor occupational life nor political life nor any other interest nor person nor thing shall ever take precedence over the companion spouse. We sometimes find women who absorb and hover over the children at the expense of the husband, sometimes even estranging them from him. The Lord says to them: ". . . Thou shalt cleave unto him and none else." (Spencer W. Kimball, Improvement Era, Dec. 1962, p. 928, or Conference Report, Oct. 1962, p. 57.)
Brethren, our home can never be any better than our selection and care of the one to be the queen in our castle. This sweet and hopefully eternal companion needs particular attention, for she is so tender and so special. "Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shall cleave unto her and none else." (D&C 42:22.)
If you really love her, you are more concerned for her welfare than for that of yourself. Do you see that she has opportunity for her self-improvement? She has the same God-given desire for perfection as you do. A regular day of diversion whereby she may pursue this goal is so vital. But do you know what she wants most from you? Your companionship, your courtesies, and your communication. And least? Your selfishness and silence. Each couple must constantly cultivate the art of communication. (Russell M. Nelson, Improvement Era, Dec. 1968, p. 87; or Conference Report, Oct. 1968, pp. 89–90.)
-I know this article states loving and cleaving to your wife but I think that husband can be replaced just as easily-
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Our New House!!!
Exciting times for our family:) We are building a home in Graham on 224th in a new development called Thrift Pond. We actually started this process back in March and finally-finally after weeks and weeks of waiting on permits, plans, etc. we are seeing progress. This week they started framing the bottom floor (it's a split level layout)and can't wait to see how much gets done next week.
Chicken Party
Yesterday we went out to Graham and worked on pressure canning chicken. It started out by cutting all the fat off of approx. 120 lbs of chicken and cutting them into about 1 inch chunks. After about 3 hours of cutting we had chicken going in the pressure cookers and had fun doing it! Now I'm excited that I have so many jars of canned chicken in my food storage.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
And it continues...
I woke up to the sound of my poor husband throwing up this morning around 4:30 a.m. Mike got a flu shot a couple weeks ago so I don't know what is going on around here. I think it is just something going around. Dallas and I are the only one who haven't thrown up....hopefully we won't either.
Monday, November 1, 2010
What a Night-
I spent all night getting up about every 30 minutes tending to sick boys last night. Cody started throwing up around midnight last night (at first we thought it was because he had eaten to many donuts or something) but when Brandon started about an hour later we figured it must be some kind of weird bug. Sunday morning about 2 a.m. Elijah woke up feeling sick and threw up. Mike and I hadn't even gone to bed yet since we had only got back home around 1 a.m. from his Halloween gig. Then after throwing up one time he went to bed and was fine yesterday. Poor babies were puking around once an hour-thankfully they took turns though-I would help Cody, put him back to bed, lay down close my eyes and then I would hear Brandon starting to cough so I would jump out of bed, grab him and rush him to the toilet. Brandon was so sad while he would be standing in front of the toilet throwing up. He was crying saying he was tired:( Mike started feeling sick after Cody started so he took NyQuil and was pretty much out of it after that.
Cody is home today resting and Brandon and Mike are laying on the couch. Poor babies-to bad they don't have a superior immune system like their mom:) Eeee heeee! Now it's laundry duty to get rid of the smell and watching the office. Now that I took my midterm I can finish up the rest of my D&C History class.
On another note-we drove by our property yesterday and they dug the hole for our house and the forms are there so they can start cement work. We are soooo excited to see something happening on the lot now. We will keep you posted on the progress!
Cody is home today resting and Brandon and Mike are laying on the couch. Poor babies-to bad they don't have a superior immune system like their mom:) Eeee heeee! Now it's laundry duty to get rid of the smell and watching the office. Now that I took my midterm I can finish up the rest of my D&C History class.
On another note-we drove by our property yesterday and they dug the hole for our house and the forms are there so they can start cement work. We are soooo excited to see something happening on the lot now. We will keep you posted on the progress!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Halloween 2010
We had our ward trunk or treat last night and had a fun time. I made a pumpkin roll and the kids all had fun dancing to thriller, purple pumpkin eater and monster mash. The kids got just enough candy and had fun going around to the different cars.
In other news...Elijah got his stitches out after tearing his earlobe last week and we were also able to finally make a trip to the Northwest Animal Trek. It was AWESOME! and the tour guide said that the fall is really the best time to go since the weather is so good the animals are all out grazing and laying down. We even got to see some bull elk locking horns so it was pretty cool. Tonight Mike is playing his first gig with Idol Eyez ( a private party but spouses can come tonight) so I'm excited to go and be there with him. Fall is here and I can't believe that time is just flying by.
In other news...Elijah got his stitches out after tearing his earlobe last week and we were also able to finally make a trip to the Northwest Animal Trek. It was AWESOME! and the tour guide said that the fall is really the best time to go since the weather is so good the animals are all out grazing and laying down. We even got to see some bull elk locking horns so it was pretty cool. Tonight Mike is playing his first gig with Idol Eyez ( a private party but spouses can come tonight) so I'm excited to go and be there with him. Fall is here and I can't believe that time is just flying by.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Such a slacker
Well obviously I have not been keeping my blog up like I should so tonight while my sweet husband is at band practice I thought I would try to catch up a little. Dallas and Cody started their Fall sports. Dallas is playing flag football and is loving it. The team even has a special play just for Dallas (bubble screen right/left)
Cody is taking indoor soccer at the rec center and plays with 2 of his best friends so is also enjoying it. We've had a lot of injuries this month-hopefully no more will come-1st Dallas split the top of his head open which thankfully didn't require any stitches. 2nd-I spliced my finger open on a tin can while taking the garbage out-very painful! and 3rd-Elijah fell off a toilet this morning (not exactly sure how)and definitely required stitches to attach his ear lobe back together. I was 1 of 3 people holding Elijah down on the table so I'm not sure how many stitches were put in but it was at least 3. Poor baby was so scared:( Our family also made a trip to Oregon to surprise my family and make it to my brother Derek's homecoming talk. We left at almost 6 in the morning and made it with about 20 min. to spare. They were all so surprised to see us so it was worth it and Derek gave a great talk. Busy month and it's not even over yet!
Cody is taking indoor soccer at the rec center and plays with 2 of his best friends so is also enjoying it. We've had a lot of injuries this month-hopefully no more will come-1st Dallas split the top of his head open which thankfully didn't require any stitches. 2nd-I spliced my finger open on a tin can while taking the garbage out-very painful! and 3rd-Elijah fell off a toilet this morning (not exactly sure how)and definitely required stitches to attach his ear lobe back together. I was 1 of 3 people holding Elijah down on the table so I'm not sure how many stitches were put in but it was at least 3. Poor baby was so scared:( Our family also made a trip to Oregon to surprise my family and make it to my brother Derek's homecoming talk. We left at almost 6 in the morning and made it with about 20 min. to spare. They were all so surprised to see us so it was worth it and Derek gave a great talk. Busy month and it's not even over yet!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Happy 9th!
Today is our oldest son's birthday. Dallas turns 9 at officially 9 p.m. Washington time. We love our little Utah baby. Dallas was our first and now he is the older brother of 3. 9 lbs. 2 oz. and lots of dark hair. We love Dallas so much and can't believe how awesome he is. Last night we went to Sports Authority to buy him cleats for flag football that he will be playing this fall. Dallas loves music, playing the drums, singing (more like Big Poppa rapping I should say), guitar hero, skateboarding, reading, playing with his cousins, and pretty much anything that keeps him busy. Dallas is a go getter, a good listener, and fun to be around. His teacher last year would always comment to us how he has a good sense of humor and she could kid around with him more than the other kids because of his maturity. Dallas is so special to us and we are so glad to be his parents. It's truly exciting to see how he changes, good and bad, and to see how he is different from even a year ago. We love you Dallas-happy 9th birthday!!
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