Live Long and Prosper

We had a day of fun and fantasy on Saturday. We started with the new Harry Potter movie. It was a fun movie to watch with more humor then most of the other Harry Potter movies. I think because of the sad ending they decided to lighten the whole movie up a bit. We enjoyed it very much, although it was a little hard to see things that were not in the book at all in the movie and parts of the book that I thought were important not make it into the movie. But they still got the story across and I can hardly wait until the next one.

After taking care of a one chore for the day we were off to more fun. We went with two other couples to enjoy an adventure in the park. A small theatrical troupe put together one of the episodes from the long time favorite show of Star Trek. They performed “Amok Time” in a park in downtown Portland. The natural amphitheater on a little hill was perfect for viewing the little play. The actors did a great job and followed the original show perfectly. We had KFC chicken and some wonderful goodies provided by the group to make a delightful evening picnic. The weather was even cooperative. We were under some nice shade trees and there was a light breeze to save us from the sweltering heat. A fun time was had by all.



Our day didn’t end there either. On the way home we were all talking about the movie “Galaxy Quest” which is sort of a spoof on Star Trek. One of the couples had not seen it before so we decided to have a movie night too. Since it was still early, only 6:30 when we got to our house, we covered our windows to darken the room, pulled down the big screen and popped in “Galaxy Quest” into the DVD player. We popped some popcorn and settled in for a fun movie.

Everyone needs a nice play day now and then!!!

Home Made Ice Cream

We had a very fun activity with our Young Women last night. They wanted to play water games, so we headed over to the college for some wet fun. One of our leaders is the softball coach so we had access to the enclosed softball field with a hose and running water. There is also a nice hillside by the diamond.

I froze two big blocks of ice for the girls to slide down the hill on. At first they didn't slide very good, but after they started melting a little they got slicker. The girls put a towel on the ice so they didn't get too cold on their bottoms and took turns sliding down they hill. Several of the girls brought water guns and had fun squirting each other. They balanced cups of water on their heads and played other fun games.

Meanwhile we prepared fixins for home made ice cream in a paint can. We put the ice cream mix plus goodies like fresh strawberries, Oreo cookies, and cookie dough in NEW pint size paint cans. Next we put the little cans into 1 gallon cans and packed them with ice and rock salt. After securing the lids we gave them to the girls to roll down the hill and find other ways to play with them until the ice cream was set.

Finally we gathered in the bleachers and sampled the different ice cream batches we made. They were delicious!!!

A fun time was had by all.

Princess Ballerina

 

What a fun experience we had last week when we got to see our adorable grand daughter in a full production ballet of Hansel and Gretel at the Oregon City High School. Madison's favorite part was getting to play a skunk where she got to "spray" Hansel. All of the Woodland animals were adorable. I got to watch several rehearsals and I don't think they ever did that part of the dance without giggling. There were six little girls who came out one by one as a different animal. The last two animals were a skunk and a porcupine. All the girls would giggle when the skunk sprayed Hansel and then Hansel backed into the porcupine. Even the night of the performance they giggled as they skipped around Hansel and Gretel.

In the second act Madison was a cute little gum drop. She danced and skipped and twirled around like any little ballerina. She is really quite good.

As an added treat, Grandpa got to be an usher for her final performance. He wore his Tux to make her evening extra special.

Shallow Waters

When I was about 13 years old I almost drowned. I went to the beach with my girlfriend’s family one summer day in California. We had a blowup raft that we turned sideways so we could both hang on it together and ride the waves to shore. We had lots of fun riding the waves and then paddling back out to sea. I don’t know if the waves started getting bigger or it was just one wave, but one time…the last time…the wave flipped us over. If felt like something was holding me under. As I struggled to get to the surface I discovered I was completely upside down and was going further under until I touch bottom with my hands. I finally turned myself around, put my feet on the bottom and pushed up hard to reach the surface. I barely gasped for air when another wave pulled me under again. I don’t know if my life flashed before me or not, but I do know I thought I was going to die. I was terrified. I don’t remember if my girlfriend had as much trouble as I did or if anyone on shore knew I was in trouble, but somehow I managed to get close enough to shore to drag myself out of the water.

I don’t think I have ventured into the ocean more than to get my feet wet since that day so long ago. For a long time I avoided deep water of any kind. I tend to stay in shallow waters. It just feels safer that way. I have gradually gained confidence to swim in deeper waters again, although I don’t swim very often anymore. There is greater pleasure swimming in deeper waters, but it is still a little scary for me.

I think I have been spending my life lately in shallow waters. I have been afraid to venture into deeper waters, because I’m afraid. A few years ago I almost drowned again. This time it wasn’t the ocean that held me captive, but life. Actually it was mostly a failed business. At first we were having fun riding the wave of being business owners. We didn’t notice the waves were getting bigger until one finally flipped us over and took us under. We tried to come up for air, but found ourselves hitting bottom over and over again. Occasionally we would grasp a breath only to be hit again by another wave.

During that time our conversations always centered on the business. These were deep conversations that talked about very serious issues. Yes, we prayed a lot, but our spirituality was still lacking. We never discussed gospel topics, only work. When we finally managed to get close enough to shore to drag ourselves out of the business entirely we were able to start talking about something besides work. At first we continued to retell our story, but eventually we were able to start letting it go.

However, now I find myself in shallow waters. We have avoided any deep conversations about much of anything. Our talk is shallow and light. It feels safer somehow. We are afraid to delve deeper into thought and conversation because of all the pain it might bring up. We know there are other waters that are deep and pleasurable to swim in. We have started to venture into those waters and explore depths in ourselves that have been long forgotten. Spirituality is coming back into our conversations, although we still tend to stay in shallow waters. It is easier to watch a movie then have a deep conversation. We know we would gain great pleasure swimming in deeper water, but still it is a little scary for me.

Hiking

For someone who is not very physically active normally, I outdid myself two weeks ago. I think I am finally able to move again without feeling all the aches and pains that showed up when I forced my body to do something it rebelled against. I have to admit I surprised myself as well as those who were with me that I actually completed both hikes.

On the "celebrated" Memorial Day holiday of May 25th we went hiking with two of our children and their families. The weather was perfect. We packed a yummy lunch and met everyone at the South Falls park of Silver Falls State Park. We had a total of 6 adults and 7 kids ranging in age from 2 to 60. I was closer to the 60 year old.

We headed right out and took the nearly 5 mile hike slow and steady. The scenes were absolutely beautiful. The kids had fun running behind the waterfall or up the bank of the hills. It took all six of the adults to keep an eye on our adventursome 5 year old Erik. He wanted desperately to slid down the "hills" that ended in a long drop right into the river. Somehow the end of the slide never seemed to register.

We stopped a few times along the way to rest and snack. One place had a hallowed out tree stump that was about 16 feet tall. The boys, both young and old, had fun climbing in and on it.

The "end" of our trail before we turned around was a very long staircase leading to a beautiful spot where you could look back the way you came and see the beautiful falls. Grandma and Grandpa opted to wait at the top until the family came back. Grandma did venture down to the first landing where I could see a pretty good view of the falls, but that was as far as I was willing to go. Climbing back up was difficult to say the least. I never would have made it back up if I had gone to the bottom.

The trip back was just as beautiful, but hotter as the sun got higher in the sky. We finally reached the last leg. Unfortunately for me it was a very steep assend to the top of the trail. I know we didn't come down that way. The two year old had a nice cushy ride on Daddy's back the whole hike until we got to the last leg. Mommy decided she could walk for a bit. So there I was, watching a two year old walk up the steep path. If she could do it then I could do it. Besides I didn't really have a choice. I started up the path, huffing and puffing all the way. I stopped a few times to catch my breath, but eventually I made it to the top.

We headed to a nice grassey area for lunch and to let the kids play in the river to cool down. A fun time was had by all.

I could hardly walk on Tuesday, but by Wednesday I was doing my normal lunch time walk at work. I didn't walk as far, but I did go for a walk on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I'm so glad I did, because that helped me prepare for the hike on Saturday.


We took our Young Women to Silver Falls State Park for a 5 mile hike for camp certification. This time we hiked the North Falls. The hike ended up being closer to 7 miles and the pace was a bit faster. We saw 6 different falls and seemed to run to the next one. This time we brought two grand daughters with us. Alyson is 7 and Laila is 10. Laila stayed right with us and would stop to smell the flowers and take pictures with Grandpa. Alyson wanted to be in the lead. I told her she had to keep me in sight, but that didn't last long. Grandma was one of the last ones and she wanted to be one of the first. Thankfully the Young Women girls decided to keep an eye on her for me. They even had a hard time keeping up with her.

Again, after the long hike we headed to the grassy area by the South Falls and had a picnic lunch and let the girls play in the water.

Amazingly enough I didn't feel nearly as stiff after the second hike and was able to walk "normal" when I went to Church on Sunday. However, I was depressed that the scales didn't reflect a single pound drop off after both hikes.

The Law of Consecration

In a recent General Conference Address, Elder Dallin H. Oaks talked about the unselfish service that the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints uniquely practice. It isn't that others don't practice unselfish service, but as a group we are unique in the extent of our unselfish service.

How many other organizations send tens of thousands of young adults and seniors into full-time missionary service all over the world at their own expense for up to 2 years? Hundreds of thousands serve in the Temples that dot the earth to give unselfish service as workers and patrons with no thought of "what's in it for them" other than to have the privilege of serving their fellowman both living and dead. We serve in unpaid positions throughout the Church in all kinds of callings from Stake President to teacher, to librarian, to nursery work and everything in between. We work on welfare farms and humanitarian aid. Home bound members make blankets, toys, hygiene kits and other items they can donate to the humanitarian aid programs of the Church. We serve part time service missions throughout the church in such capacities as LDS Social Services workers, Employment specialists, Family History specialists, Bishop’s Storehouse, Deseret Industries and many other opportunities.

We believe this is part of the covenants and commandments make and keep so we can return to live with our Heavenly Father in the Celestial Kingdom. Bruce R. McConkie lists them as:

“We are under covenant to live the law of obedience.

“We are under covenant to live the law of sacrifice.

“We are under covenant to live the law of consecration.”

In a conference talk given in April of 1975 he described living the laws of consecration and sacrifice. They go hand in hand. He said:

“It is written: ‘He who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory.’ (D&C 88:22.) The law of sacrifice is a celestial law; so also is the law of consecration. Thus to gain that celestial reward which we so devoutly desire, we must be able to live these two laws.

“Sacrifice and consecration are inseparably intertwined. The law of consecration is that we consecrate our time, our talents, and our money and property to the cause of the Church: such are to be available to the extent they are needed to further the Lord’s interests on earth.

“The law of sacrifice is that we are willing to sacrifice all that we have for the truth’s sake—our character and reputation; our honor and applause; our good name among men; our houses, lands, and families: all things, even our very lives if need be.

“Joseph Smith said, ‘A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary [to lead] unto life and salvation.’ (Lectures on Faith, p. 58.)

Of course we are not usually called upon to sacrifice all things; but, as Elder McConkie says “we must in fact live them to the extent we are called upon so to do.

“How, for instance, can we establish our ability to live the full law of consecration if we do not in fact pay an honest tithing? Or how can we prove our willingness to sacrifice all things, if need be, if we do not make the small sacrifices of time and toil, or of money and means, that we are now asked to make?”

The Lord has said: “If you will that I give unto you a place in the celestial world, you must prepare yourselves by doing the things which I have commanded you and required of you.” (D&C 78:7.)

I love how Elder McConkie phrases our opportunities to serve. He says, “It is our privilege to consecrate our time, talents, and means to build up his kingdom. We are called upon to sacrifice, in one degree or another, for the furtherance of his work. Obedience is essential to salvation; so, also, is service; and so, also, are consecration and sacrifice.

“It is our privilege to raise the warning voice to our neighbors and to go on missions and offer the truths of salvation to our Father’s other children everywhere. We can respond to calls to serve as bishops, as Relief Society presidents, as home teachers, and in any of hundreds of positions of responsibility in our various church organizations. We can labor on welfare projects, engage in genealogical research, perform vicarious ordinances in the temples.

“We can pay an honest tithing and contribute to our fast offering, welfare, budget, building, and missionary funds. We can bequeath portions of our assets and devise portions of our properties to the Church when we pass on to other spheres.

“We can consecrate a portion of our time to systematic study, to becoming gospel scholars, to treasuring up the revealed truths which guide us in paths of truth and righteousness.

“And the fact that faithful members of the Church do all these things is one of the great evidences of the divinity of the work. Where else do the generality of the members of any church pay a full tithing? Where is there a people whose congregations have one and two and three percent of their number out in volunteer, self-supporting missionary work at all times? Where does any people as a whole build temples or operate welfare projects as we do? And where is there so much unpaid teaching and church administration?

“All our service in God’s kingdom is predicated on his eternal law which states: ‘The laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion, for if they labor for money they shall perish.’ (2 Ne. 26:31.)

“And every member of his church has this promise: That if he remains true and faithful—obeying, serving, consecrating, sacrificing, as required by the gospel—he shall be repaid in eternity a thousandfold and shall have eternal life. What more can we ask?”

Attitude

In just the few short posts I done to Cathartic Muses I have already seen an improvement in my outlook. I don't know if it is because the sun is shining or I'm blogging, but whatever the reason, life seems to have a brighter outlook. Maybe it is a combination of both.

With the nicer weather I have been walking again at lunch. It has been far too long since I have done that and it feels good to walk again. I am sure out of shape and really need the exercise. I work at a small airport so it makes for a very interesting walk to see all the small planes around. I occasionally see people working on their aircraft. I haven't got up enough nerve yet to stop and talk.

With blogging I find myself looking at my days differently. I wonder if this or that may make an interesting blog. Blogging is different than keeping my journal. For one thing I get to add pictures. I have a different mindset when writing. I want to make it somewhat interesting to the reader. With my journal I am writing to myself or some future generation who won't even know me. Yes, it is a way for them to get to know me, but my blog is for the here and now. Live readers with immediate feedback. In a way it is a little scary and in another way it is kind of exciting.

I think attitude makes all the difference in how we live. A poor attitude leads to poor quality of life and a good attitude leads to a joyful and happy life. Too often we let outside influences affect our attitude. Some of these outside influences we have no control over, such as the weather. Why should we let several rainy days make us blue? Other so called outside influences we have complete control over, such as choices we make, things we do, or how we react.

I have been very guilty of excusing my attitude based on outside influences. For example, I have been overeating for some time now. I gripe and complain about how overweight I am. I get downright depressed about it, but it is something completely in my control to do something about it. When I take charge of my attitude and do something about those things I can change, I feel better and happier. Consistency is the key. Walking one or two days is not going to let me loose 20 pounds. However, if I walk consistently and watch what I eat I stand a good chance of seeing 10, 20 or more pounds drop off over time. As I do that my attitude will stay more positive and I will feel more joyful and happy. That will also lead me to improving other areas of my life, such as more diligent scripture reading or more sincere prayers.

Now by putting this in my blog, I may be more inclined to keep it up, because it is out there for others to read and maybe even encourage me in my quest.