Spiritual Creation

I recently watched Elder Bednar’s talk from last conference and was impressed with the thought he had about spiritually creating each day with prayer.  He compared it to the doctrine that the Lord created all thing spiritually before they were temporally created.

It occurred to me that I need to do better at spiritually creating my choir performance each Sunday.  I am going to do this by attending the temple Sat. morning, having gospel study, praying, and studying the music. I have to be careful too, about what movies and activities I involve myself  in on Saturday night.   I have already been doing these things but just being more aware of creating a performance spiritually will make a difference.

I really love serving the Lord in this calling!  Last week we ended the broadcast with “Rejoice the Lord is King” .  During the performance,  I felt the Lord’s very command:   Rejoice!!!    We live in the fullness of times and have the greatest blessings ever to be on the earth!

Barry’s Happy!

Remember the sitcom called Newhart?  It is Barry’s favorite show of all time.  Its the one with Larry, Darrell and Darrell.  The first season came out a year ago on DVD but nothing else since.  He found the entire season on the web for sale that was recorded off TV.  It came today and he’s watching it as I type. He’s pleased with the quality and very happy!

Get Lost!

                                      

 

Bree and Chad are hosting a “Lost” party tomorrow night.  Its the new season premier.  Our kids have been pretty big fans.  In fact, last year Bree suggested we all get different “Lost” t-shirts to wear.  Barry and I are lukewarm fans but try to go along with the crowd.

 

                             

 

This is our new granddaughter, Estella  3 1/2 months .  She is really mild tempered and sweet.  What a blessing for Bree, Chad, Reese and all of us!

 

Merry Christmas!

Our stake had a Christmas fireside this last week and Barry gave the stake presidency message. He spoke about the three levels of Christmas. I really learned from it so I want to relate what he said. The first level is the Santa Claus level which includes the giving of presents, singing of carols and general good will feeling. The second level is the silent night level. This is the story of the baby born in the manger. We sing and celebrate the birth of the Christ child. These two levels really do not last. The Christmas tree dries up, presents are forgotten or broken. The shepherds at the manger left, the Christ child grew up. It is the third and most important level that we should seek. It is the Adult Christ level. Keeping the Adult Christ in our lives and honoring and obeying His word is keeping Christmas all year long. I joy in my Redeemer and testify that He lives!

New Granddaughter !

 

This is Estella Fowles, 7 lbs. 12 oz 19 in.

My daughter, Breeann and her husband Chad have a new baby girl (their second)born Monday,Oct. 6.  Britney and I were visiting her, playing games, (while in labor ) and got to be there for the birth and 4:04 pm!  We LOVE her!

                                                         

Square Foot Gardener

Last spring I happened upon a book I’d had around for a few years  that I originally found in my choir box in the tabernacle as the kind author had gifted every choir member with a copy.  I began reading and could not put it down.  I had always made an attempt at gardening through the years but never really excelled at it.  I can’t say that I have now either but at least I’ve had a rebirth.  Barry constructed us two 4x4 6 inch tall boxes.  We put tarp on the bottom and set them right on our cement driveway.  We bought the specified soil mixtures for the boxes and then measured off 16 divided squares in each one.  I actually sprouted cherry tomatoes, cucumbers,watermelons,and marigolds back in the early spring.  I really enjoyed tending them each day or so.  In May I transplanted these and also planted lettuce, beets, zucchini and yellow squash , cilantro, carrots, onions, peas,peppers and beans.  I have worked hard but have to say that the box planting is SO much easier and makes more sense than long rows and large spaces that are harder to care for.  The garden is right out my back door and I have pulled very few weeds!  Not everything worked well but I am pleased with the bounty.  I am still harvesting  lettuce,cucumbers, squash,tomatoes,beans,beets,and chard,  I planted peas and spinach in late July for a fall harvest.  The boxes have taken more watering than I expected…almost every day.  I recommend this method to anyone who has little space to garden, even just a patio!

We Had A Great Summer

We had fun in our above ground pool, playing badmitton, and tennis. Barry and the two youngest boys went to Joe's Valley for a week long scout camp. I went to my high school 30th reunion in Logan. I went to Sun Valley, Idaho with the choir where we performed and were treated like royalty. The kids didn't seem to get too bored. They practiced with their rock band, had friends over almost every day, worked at their jobs, filmed and watched movies, went to Bree's place to swim, etc.