Scriptures Bless Our Lives

I was just getting ready to go to the Yes on 8 Call Center. I had some extra time before I needed to leave and decided I'd read my scriptures. (ACAD-32 years next January 7th!) Anyway I am reading in the Doctrine & Covenants and today I opened to section 99 & read the short 8 verses (thinking of all the elders I shared the directive with as they approached the last few weeks of their missions - thou shalt continue proclaiming my gospel until thou be taken.) But then I decided to read section 100 and these verses are so applicable to my assignment tonight - speak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts, and you shall not be confounded before men; For it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment what ye shall say. The scriptures truly are written for our day with insights to bless our lives.

Bicycle Built for Five

I was at breakfast with my friend Alice at a trendy Utah eatery named Eggs In The City. As we were finishing our meal I glanced out the window and above the shrubbery I saw a row of bike helmets coast to a stop. I could see a papa helmet, three baby helmets and then a mama helmet go by in quick succession. I thought wow they're traveling awfully close to each other. As we paid our bill and walked out the mom and children were coming in. The reason they could be so tightly gathered had to do with their mode of transportation.

We visited with the dad who told us how he was able to score on this rare bike. What do you think? Wouldn't you love a bicycle built for five too? This Wikipedia article gives additional insights and lists manufacturers of tandem bikes.

Parenting Issues

Here's a good link from a knowledgeable source The American College of Pediatricians. Seems like a good idea to get some expert advise in the dialog in regards to our most precious asset, the children entrusted to our care.

Spiritual Energy from the Holy Ghost

"When we invite the Holy Ghost to fill our minds with light and knowledge, He 'quickens' us, that is to say, enlightens and enlivens the inner man or woman. As a result we notice a measurable difference in our soul. We feel strengthened, filled with peace and joy. We possess spiritual energy and enthusiasm, both of which enhance our natural abilities. We can accomplish more than we otherwise could do on our own. We yearn to become a holier person."

Keith K. Hilbig, "Quench Not the Spirit Which Quickens the Inner Man

Quote of the Day

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.
- Herm Albright

Getty Museum with the Aunts

I went to the Getty Museum with my two Kremer aunts-Karen and Mary Ann. On Thursday there was a fire near the Museum which is off the 405 Freeway near downtown LA. but today there were no residual effects and the place was brimming with life. There was live entertainment in the courtyard and lots of children's art activities because it was family day. It was the first time the aunties had been and they were overwhelmed with all of the galleries. We were able to visit the painting galleries in the south & west galleries as well as the photo gallery in the west gallery and a new exhibit of cartoon & caricature drawings. We also caught the Bernini exhibition which closes tomorrow. I think when the Turks came in August we caught the opening week of that special exhibit. We also enjoyed all of the outdoor gardens and listened in on the architecture tour. The Getty can be visited every day for a month and still have places that are unexplored.

Heavenly Father's Love for Us

I liked this quote that came in my Daily Gem email:

"Sometimes the greatest love is not found in the dramatic scenes that poets and writers immortalize. Often, the greatest manifestations of love are the simple acts of kindness and caring we extend to those we meet along the path of life."True love lasts forever. It is eternally patient and forgiving. It believes, hopes, and endures all things. That is the love our Heavenly Father bears for us."

Joseph B Wirthlin, "The Great Commandment"

Tracking Contributions & Votes

Backers and foes of a November ballot initiative to ban same-sex marriage are raising millions of dollars across the nation. Consultants had predicted each side would bring in $15 million by election day--figures surpassed by early October. Tracking the money has an interactive map found on this LA Times website. You can roll over the counties to see amounts raised so far and the vote the last time a gay marriage ban was on the ballot, Proposition 22 in 2000. It's interesting to see the percentages in each county from the 2000 vote. Check out the link.

YES ON 8 Sign Event

Twenty five committed citizens exercised their rights of free speech by waving YES ON 8 signs during rush hour Tuesday night. We saw plenty of thumbs up and heard horns and yes there were occasional negatives as well. But all in all it was a positive experience and I felt like there are many people out there who are Traditionalists and just need encouragement to know they're not alone. So many people have felt guilted into silence or acquiescence because they didn't want to seem intolerant. The more we quietly speak up the more people will realize it's OK to have an opinion and to stand for something. Then when the time comes to step into that voting booth you can vote with confidence in your moral choice.

PT's are my Heroes!

My new hero is Brodie Pack! He's my Physical Therapist and is treating my neck & shoulder. After suffering from a 'C4-5 disc bulge with left side narrowing' (I have the x-rays and MRI to support that diagnosis) I can appreciate what a Physical Therapist actually does and I want my own! Noelle back to school! We need a full fledged PT in the family!!!

(I found this pic & bio online. His practice in Dana Point is called Pack Physical Therapy. It's in the Kardia Fitness Center on Del Prado. He also added a baby to the family six weeks ago.)

Brodie Pack, MS, MPT

Brodie is a graduate of TWU school of Physical Therapy where he earned his Masters (MS) degree in 2000. In 1997 he received his undergraduate (BS) degree from Brigham Young University. He has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association since 1997. He joined the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) in 2006. He aims to become a Certified Strengthen and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) in 2007. He has been practicing in outpatient sports medicine and orthopedics for the last six years. He lives with his wife and four children in South Orange County. His interests are in road and mountain biking, nutrition and personal fitness, and training and competing in triathlons.

Slot Canyons & Life Lessons

The mother of one of Keileigh's BFF's passed away this week. Sandy was one of those 'real' nice Moms who quietly went about doing tons of things to support her children and her children's friends. She was a dedicated seamstress who made costumes for many events and helped with numerous school and church activities so that the world would be a better, happier place. The following is my contribution in her memory. To read more go to the Deseret News Obituary Guest Book.

Sandra Lee Needham Nelson Memory

My favorite Sandy memory also encapsulates the essence of Sandy’s character. It was April 2004 and several Moms & Daughters decided to go to Mesquite for Spring Break. Sandy was so excited to share a hidden slot canyon she knew about in St George. After leading us to the entrance she stepped back and some adventurous souls squeezed through the narrow opening and edged their way along several hundred claustrophobic yards to the end. Sandy knew that once we made our way up and through the narrow rock canyon we would have to figure out how to get back to the parking lot. She scrambled up and over the mountains so that she could meet us at the exit point of the canyon to guide us back to the cars. She greeted us with smiles and congrats on braving the journey and we reveled in the beauty of the vistas around us as she pointed out familiar landmarks. As we scrambled back down the mountain Sandy innocently jumped off a ledge and landed badly. She shook off the pain, thinking she could 'walk it off' but it proceeded to get worse. When we got to the hotel we arranged for a wheel chair and had grand adventures running her around for the rest of our trip. Despite the pain, she never complained and lasting memories were created to share with the GNO girls (Girls Night Out) and their Moms. When Sandy got back to Salt Lake the x-rays confirmed she had broken the ankle.

I'm grateful for Sandy's example and kind spirit. As she did years ago, Sandy has gone ahead and will meet us as we exit from the slot canyon we call life. I think there will be as much fun and adventure in that reunion as there was so many years ago on a mountain ledge in St George.

Prop 8 Videos

Here's a video that sums it up- On This We Agree.

As well as another excellent and simple video that helps undecided voters understand the ramifications of Prop 8.

MIRANDA'S IN TOWN

George, Barbie & Josiah Miranda came to town over Conference Weekend. Dr Miranda (Wow!) is looking ahead to his next Big Adventure. One of the stops on the 'Let's Look For a Job Tour' occurred in Orange County. George interviewed with the Doctors & staff at an oncology practice he is interested in while Barbie, Josiah & I went to meet some of the Awesome Mothers & Children in the Capistrano 1st Ward at their weekly playtime in the park. (Thanks for your persuasive powers, you made a great impression!)


On Sunday we enjoyed watching the morning session together while eating Conference Weekend sweet rolls, French breakfast puffs and Coach's Oats (check their website-I love to support local entrepreneurs) with fixins of yogurt, fresh strawberries, craisins, pistachios and cashews. Yummmm!

Josiah is a charming, sweet, smart two year old. You can tell that Barbie and George are great parents by how well their son adapts to life. It was wonderful to spend time with them. Hope their job choices lead them here!

New Moves-New Grooves

I must admit it, I have been cruising on the web. On my home page I have a link to WikiHow. Today's posting was How to Do a Belt Flip With a Partner. Sounded intriguing so I checked it out. Which led me to two other postings that were worth viewing: Swing Like the Stars and Amazing and Funny Acrobatic Duo. Need a moment to marvel at the talents that abound on our planet? Check these out, you'll enjoy the respite from your cares! Just don't get sucked in...

Prop 8 Blog

Check out the postings on this blog.
Concise thinking and well worded arguments are being posted there. It's a great resource to forward to our California associates.

GENERAL CONFERENCE-TRUTH & JOY

General Conference weekend! A time to be joined with like minded individuals all across the world and be spiritually fed. So far during our sojourn in SoCal we have watched it on the internet, usually without major mishap - an occasional delay while the computer buffers itself but all in all, technology is pretty wonderful that we can all be engaged in this experience at the same time. However this October we were able to watch it on cable TV on the BYU channel because we have a three month freebie with Cox. (I've decided it's along the lines of getting someone addicted to something with free samples and then once they're addicted you start charging them. Ask me in November if I have given the cable box back or got suckered into keeping it.)

Anyways, the messages were spot on as always. I appreciated President Uchtdorf's message during the RS broadcast entitled Happiness Your Heritage. I sat in the darkened chapel taking notes and feeling the power of eternity surround me. Some of the things that impressed me -

• This is not a pep talk to encourage those who are sinking in quick sand to imagine they are basking on the beach
• What is the greatest happiness possible? Heavenly Father's
• God of creation, God of compassion. Creativity & compassion contribute to God's happiness. We can emulate these for our own happiness.
• We are spirit daughters of the most creative being in the universe.
• Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter

Bits & Pieces - Elder Andersen's comment: 'Faith is not only a belief, it's a choice.' Elder Wirthlin - Understand the principle of compensation. Elder Hales - Meekness is not weakness. Elder Ballard - Not time for the spiritually faint of heart. And Sister Dalton's message, "Are we...being poisoned by degrees? What could be more deceptive than to entice the youth of this noble generation to do nothing or to be busy ever-texting but never coming to a knowledge of the truths contained in a book that was written for you and your day by prophets of God—The Book of Mormon?" When I heard that I laughed and thought, I should text Noelle right now. Wouldn't you know, seconds later my cell phone beeped and when I looked it was from Noelle and all it said was 'Don't even say it!' HAHAHA I love that my family was listening and applying in their own homes. I felt a powerful witness during Elder Lawrence Corbridge's message The Way. As he testified of Jesus Christ the Holy Ghost confirmed the message to my spirit. I think his talk needed to be seen not just read. If you didn't watch it live, find it on KBYU and watch it online. It's so important to have a frequent reminder of our debt to the Savior.

There were many other messages which spoke to my soul as I'm sure there were for you too. It can best be summed up by the instruction from President Monson of Finding Joy in the Journey.

HAVE YOU SEEN THE FLEEING FAMILY SIGN?

Amor commented on one of her favorite California road signs which happens to be just a few miles down the road from us near Camp Pendleton. I thought it had something to do with the San Onofre nuclear power plant located nearby, but I found this informative newspaper article detailing the genesis of it's creation. Check it out @ HIGHWAY SAFETY SIGN.

As I tried to find the story of that sign I came across many other funny road signs that are out there on the open highways. Enjoy!