a simple inspiration

do we have a food tradition

One morning while I was making breakfast I turned on the new FamilySearch recipe videos for the children to watch.

The little boys watched and watched oohing and aaahing over the traditions and recipes shared.  The fourth time through the videos they moved to a bigger screen for closer inspection if ingredients and they needed their hands to eat their breakfast burritos.  They critiqued the ease and/or difficulty of the food preparation.  They discussed how they would alter the recipe, leaving out ingredients they did not like or additions that would enhance the food. Apparently, Si, from A Bountiful Kitchen, did not add enough chocolate chips in her family cookie recipe. The boys were not convinced even after I told them that they were indeed perfect, having tried such cookie from Si.  We will have to make them ourselves and see what they think. 

An impromptu dance party happened when the French onion soup music came on and the morning turned into an unexpected teaching moment, in a way that was relatable and fun the children were learning about how food and family history are connected.  Often when I bring up a topic, they roll their eyes and tune me out, this morning they were engaged and asking questions, and I just sat back and enjoyed the process.

"Mom, let's start a tradition."  

"We already have food traditions.  Can you think of any?"

I was met with blank stares and doubting minds.  They are not convinced that we already have food traditions.  They wanted to adopt one of the ones featured in the videos.

Then I proceeded to tell them all the different ways food is part of our family history and narrative, from holidays to comfort food our lives are filled with memories that revolve around food.  The boys quickly joined in talking about their favorite foods and how we could make our own food video. 

Steve Rockwood of FamilySearch said, “No matter where you live and no matter where your family is from, in all cultures throughout the world, we have all gathered joyously around food in the kitchen, around the dinner or breakfast table, centered around homemade dishes prepared thoughtfully by a loved one. We perpetuate these wonderful experiences and, in a very real sense, honor our heritage when we share these wonderful recipes with our children and grandchildren."

You can watch his RootsTech presentation here: "What is your Rocky Road."  His talk doesn't have a title, so I made one up from a question he asked the audience after sharing one of his family food traditions.  He talked about food traditions in such a beautiful, engaging, and delicious way and inspired me to want to create more meaningful cookbooks and recipes.

 

I am viewing our food preparation and time together in new ways.  It also comes at a perfect time for us as our family meal time is harder to have with conflicting schedules.  Family dinners have always been important to us, something I learned from my parents and grandparents.  It would be so easy to let this time go in the business of our lives, but the value is irreplaceable, so I appreciate a beautiful reminder of the learning and memories that take place in our home.  

I hope you will join me in documenting those smells and tastes that fill our memories with love.  If you want to learn more about FamilySearch/Recipes go here or here.  You will find examples and questions to help you think about your family food traditions.  I have a few stories I am just finishing up to share with the family. Legacies and heirlooms that will help them remember who they are and where they come from because that is what is important. 

remembering

Look what I found while trying to find something for another project.  These photos are from last year, but perfect for this week and the starting of RootsTech. 

One of the first things I noticed is the light in Guelita's eyes has dimmed.  She has Alzheimer's, and it's amazing the change I immediately noticed.  It's happening so slowly, yet quickly, but in an instant, I saw these photos I could see it.  Her short term memory is nearly gone, and it's hard to see her body deteriorate, but she has lived a good life and misses Guelito terribly.

One day while I was visiting with her I bought out her wedding picture,  turned on my phone and started recording her talking about the photo and that time in her life.  It was unscripted and simple, just Guelita and I at the kitchen table. This is what I love about family history; there are not rules.  It can be a simple as a video and photos on your phone to the words on a page.  There is no wrong way the beauty lies in the record and sharing the stories with others. 

These photos were going to be something I was doing for last year's Easter celebration: Hallelujah.  You can still watch the video about how Christ is the reason we will see our loved ones again.  Each of the children picked someone they wanted to know better.  I remember thinking I am going to focus on each of these people during the next year, but I forgot. I got busy with other things and didn't follow through, but the beauty of family history is that it's never to0 late to start.  I can start this week, and we can remember these special ancestors who have shaped our lives.  

One story a week. I can do that.  

Not a biography, a story.  Something simple.  

Something simple.  

 As I think about my RootsTech experience the last two years, I am amazed at all that I've learned about family history in general.

I'm not an expert and might not ever become one.  I am constantly asking friends and family members to get me out of binds it's amazing the messes I can get myself into, but with each mixup, I learn more than I would have otherwise, and the most important thing I have learned is nothing is permanent.  Everything can be fixed, and the important thing is that I am trying.  

Family history is for everyone. There is something that everyone can do, no matter your circumstance and situation in life.  Big or small your efforts will be rewarded in ways you never thought possible.  

Little things over a long period of time yield big results.  I don't have significant periods of time to devote to family history, but a minute here and a minute there create a greater whole.  I've learned not to disregard the single minutes.

The story is important, perhaps essential. This is certainly not a new knowledge for me; I am the storyteller in my family.  I am the record keeper and talk about it regularly here, there and everywhere. The thing I have seen the last couple of years is how much this knowledge has been reaffirmed over and over again.  

Open the books. I have books sitting on my shelf about my ancestors, files on hard drives, and stories on FamilySearch.  They don't help me if I don't open them.  Great sacrifice was made so that I could have them.  I am grateful more and more each day.

Our ancestors don't like to be called dead.  Now this might sound crazy, and technically their bodies are dead, but their spirits are very much alive and help in miraculous ways to find their records.  I could tell you experience after experience whether personal or from a friend, neighbor or from an email of how the ancestors' presence was felt. It's impossible to put into words, but it's real and powerful.  Miraculous. 

Your love will grow in ways you never thought possible.  I feel like it's a cliche to say, I've heard it so many times for teachers and apostles. Family history was always for someone else, or I'm too young, or whatever excuse I have felt or given.  As I result I have missed out one some beautiful relationships that I am making with my ancestors.  I am so thankful for their lives in new and beautiful ways. 

Everything  circles back to love.  Love of family.  Love of the Savior who made this all possible. 

some years...

My intentions are good.  Some years I am on top of things, and everything falls into place.  This is not that kind of year.  I started this process of choosing a Christmas card in November.  I had everything planned, and it was going to be easy. I had an amazing assortment of wonderfully beautiful pictures.  I had most of the addresses ready to go from the wedding, and now Christmas is just days away, and I never got around to finishing.   

I love Christmas cards. I love cards in general. I love writing a simple message of love and thinking about each person and how much they mean to me as I prepare each card to be mailed. But this year I got sick and lost weeks just trying to survive, nothing serious a terrible sinus infection, but the medications gave me some adverse effects.  I wondered which was worse the infection or the drugs. 

So this year it will just be a digital version and will perhaps only reach a few who come and visit here, but please know that I thought about you, the people I love to send cards to.  Know that you have been in my heart and how much you mean to me.  This might be impersonal, but this year I hope you will forgive impersonal.  

From our house to yours.  We wish you the merriest of holidays.  As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, we are filled with peace and joy of His life and ministry.  He is our all.  
 

evolving traditions

I try to get the children new pajamas each year.  In the past, our tradition has typically been to open the pajamas on Christmas Eve just before bed.  Then there would be a Christmas movie and giant sleepover.  However, as our lives change our traditions change.  It was cute and fun having a bunch of tiny little people sleeping on our bedroom floor.  Not so much now that they are big, snoring, and staying up late. Besides most of them want to sleep in their beds as the floor is not so comfortable.  The three youngest are holdouts, but the end up sleeping around the Christmas tree, so it all works out.  

Old tradition leave and new traditions start.

Our new tradition is to gather the first Sunday of the month of December, have a nice dinner, watch the Christmas devotional and then open the pajamas.  A couple of reasons I made the switch. First conflicting schedules.  Our entire married lives we have juggled our different family traditions. We each gave up something to make it all fit, but the problem is it doesn't leave much time for our own little family to start our own.  Not without giving up more and I want my children to have the associations and traditions with their grandparents.  That was something I loved growing up. 

So we've been looking for ways to create meaningful traditions that won't interfere with what we already have and more importantly with what our future in-law families will bring.  I am learning that the event isn't about a date or place, it's about the people who are with you and I want to continue to provide times when we can all be together.  

Another reason for changing the date is I adore festive Christmas pajamas and would much rather see them all during December rather than all during January.  I know it's silly, but I'm okay with it.  However, I think I might only get plaid pajamas from now on.  I love plaid, and you can wear plaid all year long.  

Starting our new tradition, that is really an old tradition.  John's mom would give the children a children's book every year, still, does.  This year she gave us The Christmas Story by Robert Sabuda.  The pop-up cutouts are beautiful and will hopefully last longer with fewer tiny people. I decided to start our Christmas book tradition this year now that Whitney and Andrew are married.  I also decided to give all the children their own copy of Mr. Willowby's Christms Tree by Robert Barry.  It has always been the children's favorite and a good place to start.  The younger children thought it was crazy to give them their own copy to keep until they move out, but if I don't give everyone the same thing every year, but the time Loaf moves out, and everyone in between it will be a chaotic mess of who has what.  This way we can all read together, and I can just put their books in their "when I move out" storage boxes.

New traditions.  Old traditions.  So happy to spend time together. 

family history fan chart quilt

Nearly every night since we put the tree up the three youngest have slept in the music room around the light of the tree.  I hear them talking about what their gifts might be and the adventures of the previous day.  Laughter fills the room, and I hope that they will always remember these moments together.  Last night they wanted to sleep with their ancestors and cuddled up under our fan chart quilts. 

At the beginning of November as part of my family history display I was created I remembered this local company that made family history fan chart quilts: see here.  It was a last minute order in preparation for a conference, and they were so fantastic to work with me to get them done in time.  Thanks to everyone at Stitched Custom quilts.  I planned to take a quilt when I go and teach because it's such a great backdrop and of course I love quilts. 

The quilts were sitting on the couch waiting for me to photograph when the little people pulled them out one evening after dinner and started reading the names and asking questions.  I sat and watched for several minutes while they giggled and talked and recognized the names of people. They were creating connections in a way I had not anticipated.  They put John's quilt and my quilt together to create a big circle and remarked about how all these people must love them. 

They wanted to know more about their ancestors; they wanted stories from the names on the quilt.  I found the perfect app/site to help me with this: All my stories.  It's not really an app, you use your browser, but it compiles and shows all the stories that people have added to FamilySearch.  I just keep it open on my phone and can see if there is anything to share quickly. It has also made me realize once again how important it is to include the stories so I have something to share.

I will have to admit that the fan chart has never meant very much to me, but that night my love for a simple graph grew into something tangible for all of us.

Now the children will grab a quilt and say they want to wrapped up in the love of their ancestors.  

It made me think to a darling friend, who at the conference said those exact things.  She wanted to get a quilt for her grandchildren when they are born so they can be wrapped up love.  What a brilliant idea, although I think I have a few children that might want one now.  

I have no affiliation with this company, nor is this a sponsored post. I just happened to find them and never dreamed that the quilts would be so meaningful in our home.  Here are the details, you need to download your fan chart using your FamilySearch account.  If you don't have an account, you can sign up for free. It will aways be free. FamilySearch is a nonprofit family history organization dedicated to connecting families across generations. FamilySearch believes that families bring joy and meaning to life.  

Once you have downloaded your fan chart pdf, upload it in the required spot on the fan chart quilt order form and order.  They will print the quilt, quilt the quilt, bind the quilt and ship it to you ready to use.  They use Minky fabric on the back, so it's very soft which the children love.  I did ask them to boost the color a little bit, to make the fan chart a little brighter.  

Stitched Custom Quilts has generously offered a 20% off coupon code to use by the 14th of December to get your quilt in time for Christmas.  Type FAMILYSEARCH in the checkout coupon done for the discount on the fan chart quilt.  Thank you Stitched Custom Quilts.

we're the Kimball's, we got this....

A dear friend shared a recent experience where one of her young daughters said, "Don't worry, we're the B______'s, we got this!" when faced with a challenging situation.  I haven't been able to stop thinking about this innocent declaration of understanding of not only who she is, but who her family is.   As I looked around at my children last night with the bickering and teasing, I stopped and asked myself, "do my children feel the same way?"  Do they face a challenge and say, "I've got this." and square their shoulders and get it done because they know who they are and that they have a support group waiting to help if needed?  Do they remember the countless prayers offered on their behalf, for their success and strength?  Do they remember daily "I love you!" and kisses as they walk out the door?   

As I watched the little people being interviewed yesterday, I saw a glimpse of that knowledge that they do in fact know who they are and that they are treasured.  It wasn't perfect; it isn't supposed to be, life is messy.  It's complicated and filled with ups and downs, but together we can accomplish anything.  Together we can pull together and say, "Don't worry. We're the Kimball's; We got this!"

I'm not sure if any of the footage will be used.  Maybe early next year, but it was chaos on the couch.  I probably should have prepped some of the answers, but I wanted them to be authentic.  There were some gems.  Clearly, we didn't color coordinate.  Finding non-logo apparel was more challenging for the boys, rethinking future wardrobe purchases.  After thanking the children of participating  Dash said, "Wait.  We had a choice?"  I don't think he cracked a smile the entire time we were filming, which I don't understand because he was so excited to go.  Ups and downs. 

behind the scenes of our photo shoot

One of the reasons I love Jonathan Canlas, besides his fantastic images, is his interaction with people.  He has a gift for making you feel at ease. He makes you feel valued and important in a genuine way.  He cares about you.  Perhaps it's part of a bigger relationship that has formed over the years, but I have felt this way since our first session when Loaf was a baby.  Jon is just a loving person with a wonderful gift and skill with a camera.

His portraiture work is wonderful, but I adore the candid images that he captures.  The true moments of who we are and our relationships.  He doesn't force a situation, but rather is able to recognize and capture the seemingly ordinary moments that in the end are remarkable.

Also, Ellie was so good to sit and be involved in the photo shoot.  I have to say it again, she is the best dog.

Another thing I love about Jon, he just takes his shoes off and becomes part of the family.  We are a take your shoes off and join in the fun kind of group and I this one action endeared him even more.

You can read a little bit about his philosophy when it comes to shooting families here: Jon Canlas on Film and family.  Dash is one of the photos featured in the bottom.  

It's fun to see what everyone else was going while some of the shots were being taken.

Ellie getting a little love from her girls.  She looked pretty cute in her black bow.  

I didn't take too many photos as there was so much happening as we were trying also getting ready for the ring ceremony that would happen later that evening.  It was a busy few days, but it was so wonderful.  

 

Side note: I've learned about lightroom templates, I'm sure it's not new, but wow!  I want to stand up and cheer.  It has revolutionized  the photo to blog process making it faster and easier.  Eliminating steps in my workflow just gave me the boost I needed to blog more frequently.  HOORAY.  

conference weekend

It happened again. 

General Conference.

Every six months we gather as a church around the world in our homes, where possible, and church buildings to listen to some of the leaders of our church testify of Christ. They chasten, warn, and plead with us change those parts of our lives that need correction.  They provide instruction, encouragement, and hope.   I look forward to each conference because questions that I need answers to either get answered immediately or the way to find the answers is shown.  I anticipate the profound spirit of peace that comes as I listen to their inspired messages.

 

We always spend time with family and the children love to be with their cousins. 

Sometimes the children do the sweetest things.  Tank and Brick just rocked and rocked for the longest time, quietly listening.  Of course, they quickly started to torture Andrew while he was taking his nap.  

The conference folders were helpful again. However, Loaf has learned how to work the system and gets her brothers or dad to help her more than is necessary.  Still, she played quietly for most of the sessions.  

Rock was sick so he stayed home during Priesthood session.  John took Tank and watched with his father.  It's their tradition.  I love traditions.  I had the pleasure of watching with Rock.  I tried to get him to let me snuggle (that sounds creepy, but it was in a motherly sort of way), but he assured me he was too old for that and didn't need me hovering.  

(big sigh)

He is growing into a man.

The tradition with the girls is to always go to Women's conference together and after we go out and get dinner and talk.  It's a wonderful evening.  We had Thai food from our favorite place and ran into my cousin Jessica. I love her!  We were able to attend at the conference center this year and it was lovely, but there are far too many people for our introverted personalities.  

One thing I always love in such gatherings is when the prophet walks into the room.  As you can imagine thousands of people, if only whispering, together create a great deal of noise, but the second the prophet walks into the room a hushed reverence happens.  It's lovely to behold.

President Monson is moving more slowly as his body is aging, but that did not diminish the profound spirit and testimony I felt seeing him.  He is truly a man of God.

Everyone, well the girls at least works on a project during conference. I had my applique; Samantha is making a blanket for Loaf.  The yarn so soft and Loaf is excited.  Brick loved helping wind the large ball of extra thick yarn.  My sweet mother in law is making a loom hat.  Fred finished knitting her scarf with darling fringe.  

Fred and Gus were trying to get Samantha to go grocery shopping with them, and she was torturing them.  They loved it, and it was fun to watch them sit and play and laugh.  Laughter is something I am appreciating more and more.  It is a balm.

With cousins in town, Fred and Gus had a glorious weekend.  Fred was introducing A to sushi.  Fred loves sushi, and A was so patient and darling to try it all.  She's not a fan yet.

I thought they were both asleep, but the second I pulled out the camera, they both got little grins.  These two are such wonderful patient men.  

There was a terrible tank accident that resulted in a very sad young man.  He has finally put it back together, but it was touch and go for a little bit.  

There were so many talks that I loved, and I can't wait to read them and ponder them more closely.  I adore conference, but I can hardly take it all in and remember so much goodness. But one talk stands out as I'm writing because Tank was listening to the story.  

Elder Nattress began by talking about how he was a difficult child with an overabundance of energy.  He disliked listening in the mornings while his mother read the scriptures.  I think Tank felt an immediate kinship to Elder Nattress for he was describing all of our boys.  In fact when Elder Nattress said that is mother had one goal written, and it was 'Patience with Brett!' I knew his mother, and I would have been fast friends.  

As he continued recounting his story of finally telling his mother he was not listening to scripture study and why did she bother, her response is something that I have given countless times it seems.  She said, 'Son, I was at a meeting where President Marion G. Romney taught about the blessings of scripture reading. During this meeting, I received a promise that if I would read the Book of Mormon to my children every day, I would not lose them.'

Elder Nattress then said that she him in the eyes and, with determination, said, 'And I will not lose you!'  (K. Brett Nattress, "No Greater Joy Than to Know," General Conference, October 2016)

I have said those same words over and over again.  I will not lose you to drugs. I will not lose you pornography. I will not lose you to lies.  I am here to battle for you.  The boys always smirk, the girls are more patient, but I will do all that I can to keep my children safe. No that doesn't mean that I'm going to take away the consequences of wrong choices.  We have recently had some difficult consequences that resulted in some trying times.  But I held hands that needed to be held.  Cried and expressed my disappointment, but hugged and kissed and promised always to support and help where I could.  

I can't take away pain or make things better for my children all the time.  I can fight for them, love and teach them that the only person able to save them is their Savior, Jesus Christ.  He is the master healer and great advocate.  I can pray with them and for them, but ultimately they have to learn for themselves and rely on the Lord.   He is the master teacher.

*ten commandments XIII

Dear Allison,

And he gave unto them commandments, that they should worship the Lord their God, and should offer the firstlings of their flocks, for an offering unto the Lord.  And Adam was obedient unto the commandments of the Lord.

And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord?  And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me.

And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth.

Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore.  Moses 5:5-8

The centrality of the Son is emphasized in this directive to do all things, including calling upon God, in the name of the Son.  He is always to be the focal point due to His sinless nature, unparalleled and unconquerable strength and perfection of character, and unique role as First Born, Only Begotten, Creator, and Redeemer.  As recorded in John 14:6:

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

This charge to do all things in the name of the Son, exercising faith in Him, is continually countered by Satan, as he teaches I am also a son of God (Moses 5:13), and leads the people whenever possible not to believe in Jesus Christ, substituting himself directly or much more often, due to its ease, teaching men to set themselves or others up to receive that honor that only God should be given, as in the following pre-flood example:

There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.  Genesis 6:4

There are many interesting words and phrases in this verse:  The Hebrew word mistranslated as giants comes from the root verb to fall and can mean to fall, fall away, be fallen, or also to cause to fall or to act violently and overthrow.  Thus those characterized as giants are better understood in the context of men described in Moses 5:51-52 and 6:15:

For, from the days of Cain, there was a secret combination, and their works were in the dark, and they knew every man his brother.

Wherefore the Lord cursed Lamech, and his house, and all them that had covenanted with Satan; for they kept not the commandments of God, and it displeased God, and he ministered not unto them, and their works were abominations, and began to spread among all the sons of men.  And it was among the sons of men.

…

And the children of men were numerous upon all the face of the land.  And in those days Satan had great dominion among men, and raged in their hearts; and from thenceforth came wars and bloodshed; and a man’s hand was against his own brother, in administering death, because of secret works, seeking for power.

Another interesting point from Genesis 6:4 is the differentiation between the sons and daughters of men and the sons and daughters of God.   The distinction is that the sons and daughters of God are taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ and bound by Gospel and priesthood covenants.  The sons of God are holders of the priesthood, and as such, receive the responsibility to represent God, act in His name, and do His works.  They are to serve and to keep, to obey and to sacrifice; they are to hearken unto the Lord as recorded in Moses 8:13 which relates the reason that Noah and his sons are called the sons of God:

And Noah and his sons hearkened unto the Lord, and gave heed, and they were called the sons of God.

The sons of men, on the other hand, are described in Moses 8:15 as those who will not hearken to my voice.

When the sons of God see that the daughters of men are fair, and they take them to wife, they do not do so with the intention of preaching the Gospel to them first and establishing marriages based upon priesthood covenants.  Rather they abandon their inherited Gospel and priesthood foundation, and thereby ensure that their posterity is raised without those blessings.  It appears that it is primarily the men that take this path, abandoning their priesthood and family responsibility to serve and to keep--to rear children in Gospel and covenant centered homes.  They abandon the temple pattern of progression and return to God and choose to remain in the world. Moses 8:21 reads as follows regarding their degree of abandonment of God’s commandments, and their rebellious attitude as they choose with the sons of men no longer to hearken to God’s voice:

And also, after that they had heard him, they came up before him, saying: Behold, we are the sons of God; have we not taken unto ourselves the daughters of men?  And are we not eating and drinking, and marrying and giving in marriage?  And our wives bear unto us children, and the same are mighty men, which are like unto men of old, men of great renown.  And they hearkened not unto the words of Noah.

While the people before the flood live before the Ten Commandments are given to Moses, the commandments are eternal and universal, based upon principles taught from the beginning.  Those mischaracterized as giants reject God and seek gain after the manner of Cain and of Satan before him.  They fully disobey the first and second of the Ten Commandments in the form these commandments exist at the time.

The sons of God also disobey these first two commandments, and as well they disobey the third commandment to the extent and as long as they continue to call themselves the sons of God while at the same time rebelling against him.  This third of the Ten Commandments reads as follows:

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.  Exodus 20:7

The full meaning of this commandment involves much more than profaning God in language, which is sometimes the common understanding.  It is to do just what these sons of God do—to take the name of the Lord in terms of appearance and for whatever authority, power, honor, and wealth can be derived from its use, not hearkening to His voice, rebelling and working counter to His will and purposes.  It is to do what Satan himself does, again as he declares that he is also a son of God in order to achieve influence while rebelling against God and seeking his own self-interest.  The language of this third of the Ten Commandments in Hebrew is fascinating and supports this broader interpretation, and I will explore it in coming weeks.

In the end, both the giants and the sons of God together with those of their posterity who grow up without repentance inherit the same destruction, but the influence of the second group, the sons of God, is more insidious and destructive as I will also attempt to explore in the coming weeks.  For now, I will conclude with the last group mentioned in Genesis 6:4-- mighty men that were of old, the men of renown. 

These men are born the offspring of the sons of God and the daughters of men.  The Hebrew word for mighty men means just that, strong, brave, and mighty men, but it comes from a root verb that carries additional meaning including to prevail, be strong, powerful, mighty, and great, and in addition can mean to show oneself mighty and to act proudly, particularly toward God.  Thus the strength here is that of man separate from and in opposition to God, working for power and honor and the things of the world.  This sense of who these men are is furthered by their description as men of renown, which both restates their supposed strength as well as indicating the baselessness of that strength.  The Hebrew word for man used here comes from a root that means to be weak, sick, frail, and to be incurable in that state.  It indicates a desperate and incurable weakness that inevitably exists without God’s salvation.  In addition, these men as men of renown, are in the Hebrew literally men of name, which places them in complete opposition to the vital charge quoted previously:

Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore. Moses 5:6

The true man of strength finds his strength in God and not in himself and does all he does in the name of the Son, ascribing all honor to the Son, confessing his sinful nature and weakness and his dependence upon the grace of God for his strength, without which he is truly nothing, but with which he can do all things.  The idolatrous, false man puts forth the illusion and image of strength but does this from a foundation of a fallen and unrepentant nature.

This message of God and man’s relative positions is taught from the beginning, is important through all history, and is important in the end times.  As Isaiah prophesies:

And it shall come to pass that the lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.

For the day of the Lord of Hosts soon cometh upon all nations, yea, upon every one; yea, upon the proud and lofty, and upon every one who is lifted up, and he shall be brought low. 2 Nephi 12:11-12

A correct understanding of man’s position relative to God in terms of honor as well as of the things of this world and power and influence is also at the foundation of priesthood power as taught in Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-37:

Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen.  And why are they not chosen?

Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—

That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.

That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.

The ways of God and the blessings that come from discipleship exist in a completely different sphere of reality from what natural man desires, pursues, and bases his culture upon.  The positive charge to do all things in the name of the Son, repenting, calling upon Him, and pursuing a path to follow and glorify Him alone is one in its full meaning with the negative charge not to take His name in vain, and it is only to the extent that professed believers progress in following the positive charge that they can turn away from transgressing the third commandment.

Love, John

 

(Editor's note: photo by Jonathan Canlas)

miracles and healing

Three weeks ago I had surgery to remove the hardware from my left ankle.  I broke my ankle back in late October of 2005 and had to have the hardware installed.  If you want you can read about it here: more drama and here: my new hardware.  The photo of the hardware installed is pretty awesome, and I am so thankful that I wrote all this down and have it documented.  I need to make sure that everything is backed up and secure somewhere so that I don't loose ten years worth of memories and stories, but back to the surgery. I know I already wrote about it here: scooter loving so I won't go into all the details, but it's hard to believe that after ten years they are out, and that's part of the miracle.  Surgery went as expected. This was my 20th surgery, although it might be the 22, I'm a little fuzzy on how many times my knees have been operated on.  I always warn the doctors that the anesthesia makes me sick, and I have problems keeping my blood pressure stabilized during surgery, along with a few other allergies and issues that don't need to be recorded here.    As far as I know they were able to regulate my blood pressure without any complications, but nausea and vomiting were unavoidable, even after they gave me medicine before, during, and three doses (and different medication) after to help.  Thankfully I was so groggy from all the medication that it doesn't seem all that bad now.  

John was with me and reported that my doctor was able to remove the plate and screws without damaging my ankle bone.  He wasn't sure how much bone he would have to remove to take the hardware out or how the screws would behave.  In fact in the operating room, as I was waiting to be administered the anesthesia, he was reviewing the table of instruments, which had at least 40, he asked the nurse where the tools were for broken screw removal.  She replied that all the screws looked to be intact, and he agreed, but comment that he wanted to be prepared because he wasn't sure what would happen.   

My doctor said that everything had gone so amazingly smoothly. My body had naturally wiggled the plate and screws from the surrounding bone, and the screws came out cleanly.  He said he had never seen my bones look this healthy.  He was so pleased with the outcome and told unconscious me, thankfully John was there to stay completely off my ankle for the next week for the holes where the screws had been needed to heal, not to mention the incision.  

 

Brick came by as I was taking the photo of my foot and the hardware.  He picked them up and asked why I had them. Upon realizing that these were in my ankle a few hours before he made this silly expression.  He was quite disgusted and had lots of questions about the why and how.  

The children were wonderful about showing me extra love and my extended family kept everyone beautifully fed and cared for.

Mom and dad called nearly every day.  It was fun to visit with them and hear about their adventures and experiences.  I know it's hard to them not being around to help, but the blessings we receive because of their service is priceless.

The children continued to take the scooter for "joy rides" and it was fun to watch everyone zip around the house.  The first five days of convalescence consisted of binge watching Netflix and appliqué, between the medicine that made me sleepy. I had sore muscles and joints from immobility, but it made me realize once again how much the hard, consistent exercise improved my arthritis.  Faster healing than I am anticipated. Sweet little people were rushing to my aid. Reminding Loaf to bring me back my scooter so I can go the bathroom.

I found that I was faster healing than I am anticipated or than anyone expected.  It was still a nuisance to have the scooter, but sweet little people were rushing to my aid, and I only had to remind Loaf occasionally to bring me back my scooter so I can go the bathroom.

At my one week appointment (sorry for the gross photo).  

The doctor gave me two options: 1. I could take the stitches out and be on the scooter for another week or 2. I could leave them in and have limited/light walking and mobility.  I, of course, chose the second option.  It was strange to hobble out of the 1st post op appointment, in fact, I was so excited to leave the I forgot that one of the nurses was going to replace my steri strips.  

He was so pleased with my progress and the surgery.  He said my bone and surround muscles, etc. had never looked this good and he has operated on my ankle (both sides) three times now.  He said my arthritis is still quite severe but with continued weight loss and a lifetime of exercise would dramatically help.  It was strange to have such positive things said after a major surgery, that is not the typical for me.  The report has always come back with complications and setbacks, so this was most unexpected.

Although I was able to get up and move, it was surprising to me how tired I was and how quickly my ankle would swell causing me to sit down.  I think much of week two was spent resting and recuperating.  The children came in and watched as many Olympic matches as I would let them and I would push myself a little more every day.  

Week three.  Still swollen, slight bruising and scar healing amazingly.  After my two-week post-op appointment, I was released from my doctor's care.  Again, this has never happened.  He was so pleased with my healing and progress that I was free. He also warned me of overworking and being wise but was confident in my ability to listen to my body that I would do splendidly.  

A view of the scar from the other side.  It's more noticeable, not in this photo as much, and people assume this is the side that was operated on.  This scar was hard and angry for a very long time, so friends are shocked at how the other side is healing.

I am not four weeks post op and feeling great.  I  worked out three times last week and progressively increased my intensity and mobility.  Yesterday I completed my first double workout day where I workout in the morning with the girls and then again in the afternoon with the boys.  I pushed 325-pound sled around the HIIT room floor and walked away feeling week, but no swelling or negative results.  I don't feel any pain like before, and there is only slight tenderness from where the muscles, ligaments, and tendons had to be manipulated to access the bone and the hardware.

I know that all the exercise and conditioning before had an enormous impact on my quick healing, but I also cannot fail to acknowledge the hand of God.  My recovery was a small miracle, not only for me but more importantly for my children.  Their lives have been filled with one surgery after another; that is all they have known, and I know it's been hard on them.  Words will never adequately express how much I love God and praise His name for this tender mercy in our lives.  

God is real, and He is a God of miracles.