“GET A NOTEBOOK…write in it your goings and comings, your deepest thoughts, your achievements and your failures, your associations and your triumphs, your impressions and your testimonies.” ~Spencer W Kimball
Carson said to me the other day, "I love Christmas" and I asked him, "why?" and he said, "I don't know. . . it just feels good."
I believe the Holy Spirit truly rests on us during special occasions and the celebration of our Savior's birth is one of those occasions. I'm so grateful for Him and I'm glad that a ten year old boy could "feel" the holiness of this time of year and remind me of what Christmas is all about.
During a church meeting, once I was asked to share some Christmas traditions that our family does every year. I really had a hard time coming up with some heartwarming ideas. We do the regular putting up the Christmas tree every year and the reading from the Bible in Luke and we've tried things from year to year but nothing on a consistent basis. Then it came to me--something so simple that I hadn't really thought about but something that we always do.
We lost a baby son, "Steven David" in February of 1987 and he was only about a month old when he passed away, so we never celebrated Christmas with him but every year we have always put up a stocking for him at Christmas. Its been our tradition so that we will always remember him and keep alive the knowledge that he will always be a part of our family even in death. In some way, I know he is there with us, especially on this most sacred and loving time of year.
". . . little children are alive in Christ,
even from the foundations of the world. . ."
Moroni 8:12
A good friend, Rebecca N. gave me this quote she heard on television:
I never thought I'd ever say it but I truly miss hearing the drums. I'm sure I miss the person that plays them more but as I remember hearing the practices and performances for so long, and then not hearing them, I have to say that we'll be looking forward to having Jake & Angie coming this Christmas for lots of reasons but especially for the. . .
8 ounces spagetti, broken in pieces and cooked 5 T. butter
6 T. flour 3 c. chicken or turkey broth 1 cup light cream 1 t. salt & pepper 1 cup fresh or canned mushrooms, including juice 5 T. minced green peppers 3 c. cooked turkey, cubed 1/2 c. grated parmesan cheese 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
Melt butter in skillet, blend in flour. Stir broth into flour mixture. Add cream. Cook until mixture thickens and bubbles. Add salt and pepper, drained spagetti, mushrooms, green peppers, and cooked turkey. Turn into individual baking dishes or a 2-3 quart baking dish. Sprinkle with cheeses. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned.
We had pack meeting last night. Carson got his "Outdoorsman" pin. We had a fun night with jokes, skits & gift exchange where each cub had to make the gift. Carson made ornaments. Carson's joke at pack meeting:
"Why is December so cold?
Because its Decem-brrrrr!"
Webelo Scout for him and a Cub Scout to give away.
Sam R. and Carson during a skit.
Cub Scouts, Cub Scouts, we salute you! Full of friendships; full of joy. Laughing, learning, playing, joining; Something new for every boy. Growing stronger; growing reverent, Always try to Do Our Best! Strive to do a good turn daily; Facing life with hope and zest! --Clare Mansfield
I have a little "crowd anxiety". So, I've only been out on Black Friday once and that was to a store I knew wouldn't be everybody's first choice to shop. But this year I've put off my Christmas shopping and I still have a little guy at home that I would like to see get the only thing he's asked for, for Christmas. My biggest fear was that this item wouldn't be available after Black Friday, so I decided to get up at 4:30 in the morning and see if I could get lucky. So, I went to the mall, and what a nightmare. The parking lot was filling up quickly and there were people everywhere. I fully expecting not to get what I wanted but to my surprise--I was successful. Mainly because this present wasn't on sale at this particular store. That was okay, though.
As I waited in line, I spent the rest of the time observing the crowd. A lot were angry because they weren't able to get what they wanted, others were upset because they weren't sure which line they were supposed to be in and a lot of store clerks were frustrated just trying to accommodate everyone. Wow, I started thinking, this should be the "most wonderful time of the year" but most people didn't look very happy. So, I decided to chat with different people in line and "be cheerful" like Elder Marvin J. Ashton would say. I don't know if anyone else got anything out of it but it made the moment better for me. As I purchased my item, I ended my experience with a bold, loud, "You Have a Merry Christmas" to the store clerk. I don't think he had heard those words yet that day. His countenance changed and he looked into my eyes and said, "you too" and then quickly went back to his duties. No crowd anxiety this time. I guess I've come a long way.
"What a joy it is to see someone of good cheer,
who, when others because of an unpleasant happening
or development live in angry silence or vocal disgust,
meets the situation with cheerful endurance & good spirits."
Sunday we had our annual "Young Women's in Excellence" program. The theme was "Going the Distance" and the girls did a dramatization of young women in past eras up to today that had struggles spiritually into making the choices of being valiant young women in keeping the commandments. It was very powerful and I enjoyed it a lot. What struck me though is the fact that my daughter, Jessica, is now a young woman and her young women's president is Ashley G., who I taught when I was young women's president. I guess "what goes around comes around."
"We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, Who loves us and we love him, We will stand as witnesses of God, at all times and in all things, and in all places, as we strive to live the Young Women's values. . ."
Mark & Jolinda with their whole family at Thorley Mountain
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
I read Elder Uchdorf's talk this week, from the priesthood session of general conference. "Lift Where You Stand." It was so great! I feel that my brother has been a "lift" to me all through the years. When I was young he teased me so much I could hardly appreciate him, but as we both matured, he became a great example to me. I especially remember the time when I was desirous to go on a mission. I knew it was what I wanted to do but I needed a little encouragement. Mark was the one that helped me see that I could do it and what a great blessing my mission was for me. So, Mark, have a Happy 53rd Birthday.
Because I went to BYU off and on '77 to '82, I've lived through the "no respect attitude" toward some of the western football teams. So, secretly, I've been pulling for the University of Utah to do well this season as well as other schools in the WAC and Mountain West Conferences. But, when it comes to the BYU vs University of Utah game, I have to "be true to my school."
A lot of my family and friends ask me for these recipes.
So, here they are. Enjoy!
SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE 3 cups sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed 3/4 cup sugar 2 eggs, beaten lightly 1 cup milk 1 tsp. vanilla 1/2 teaspoon of salt 1/3 cup butter, melted
TOPPING: 1/3 cup flour 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup flaked coconut, optional 1 cup chopped pecans 1/3 cup butter, melted
Preheat oven to 350. Mix sweet potatoes and sugar. Add salt and eggs; stir well. Add butter, milk and vanilla; stir well. Pour into greased baking dish and bake for 35 minutes. Remove from oven.
Melt butter for topping. Add sugar, flour, pecans and coconut. Mix well. Spread on top of sweet potatoes. Return to oven for 20 more minutes.
YUMMY ROLLS
1 package yeast, dissolved in 1/3 cup water 1/4 cup shortening 2 well beaten eggs 4 cups flour 1 cup milk, scalded and cooled 1/3 cup sugar 1 teaspoon salt
Mix well all ingredients, place in large bowl with tight cover. Store in refrigerator overnight. Two hours before serving, roll out on board. Cut with glass, make crease in circle half way, butter and fold over, not quite half. Let rise. Bake at 375 for 12 to 15 minutes.
PECAN PIE
2 eggs 1/2 cup white corn syrup 1 Tablespoon self-rising flour 1/2 cup sugar 1 Tablespoon milk 1/4 cup melted butter 1 teaspoon vanilla pinch of salt 1 cup chopped pecans 1 unbaked pie shell
Stir ingredients together then mix in pecans. Pour into pie crust. Bake AT 350 for 50-55 minutes or until center rises and cracks. I put foil around crust so it wont get too cooked.
Having lived in a military area for over twenty years, I've seen friends come and go and everytime one leaves its almost like a death. The seperation makes the relationship different. I've kept up with most of my friends through correspondence at Christmastime and on rare occasions I'll get to see them again which is always rewarding. This was the case on Wednesday.
My dear friend Wanda lived here in Fayetteville while her husband served at Ft. Bragg and now her son-in-law is going to Duke University and will be here for a few years with their daughter. My good friend Debbie and I got to drive up to Durham on Wednesday and reunite with her and see her daughter--Elisabeth, husband--Stu and son-in-law--Ben. We also meet up with another dear friend "Faith" who has moved to Benson, NC. It was great to see them and talk about old times again.
Living near Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, makes it easy to appreciate the service of our many men and women who put themselves in harms way for our freedom. Lately though, my thoughts are of my father. My dad served in the Navy for 6 years. He joined when he was in high school, returned and finished school and then re-enlisted after graduating. He didn't really talk about his military experience much but I do know that it was while he was in the service that he was introduced to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ by my mother. He read the Book of Mormon while at sea and was converted to its teachings. He is now 81 years old and sadly to say, he's been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. We don't get to visit as much as we'd like. He hasn't talked to me over the phone in years but when we visited last summer, he did recognize me and called out "Bethany" when he saw me which gave me great joy and comfort.
". . .And should they die
before their journey's through,
All is well, All is well. . ."
Jessica, "Coach" & Carson
Summer 2008
Visiting "Coach"
(Dad's endearing nickname)
My brothers called him "Coach" when
he was coaching them in little league baseball.
The name stuck and he's still called "Coach"
by all who know and love him.
VETERAN'S DAY MEMORIES 2008
(Jody P., Dave & Melissa G.)
Stake Youth Activity
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Placing Flags on Veterans' Graves
The Heavens Weep
"My Flag, My Flag, My Country's Flag, I Love to See You Wave"
(photo of my mom and her twin brother, Dorothy & Doyle)
A couple of weeks ago, we had our annual Primary Presentation. It's always a special moment for me because many of the most memorable times of my childhood are of singing in primary. My favorite Music Leader was Sister Keate. I can still picture her leading me to sing: "Popcorn Popping", "Lift up your Voice and Sing" and "Called to Serve" just to name a few.
Now I teach in Primary. So, I was able to relive some of those classic primary songs I learned when I was young plus some new ones ("If The Savior Stood Beside Me". . . Carson's favorite) As we sang in the presentation, the Spirit touched my heart, just as it first did when I was so very young. Ya know, a song truly is "a wonderful kind of thing."
We live in a great nation where everyone has the privilege to vote. I voted today down at our neighborhood fire station here in Gray's Creek, North Carolina. We live in a somewhat small and yet mostly "God-fearing" community. The lines were unexpectedly short. I felt great pride in the opportunity to vote and no matter if my candidates win or lose I take faith in what Elder Boyd K. Packer said in general conference:
"We live in those “perilous times”
which the Apostle Paul prophesied would come
in the last days.
If we are to be safe individually, as families,
and secure as a church,
it will be through obedience
to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel."
I also think what President Ezra Taft Benson once said is very significant:
"The world would take the people out of the slums.
I loved general conference this weekend. I always look forward to listening to the leaders of the church. One thing I like to do is pick my favorite talks out of all who spoke and its always so hard because I love them all. Anyway, here's my top three. First, I liked Elder Wirthlin because he was so funny. He talked about adversity. He told some funny personal stories and gave good advice from his mother. She always told him, "Come what may and love it." My favorite quote:
"Learn to laugh...
next time you're tempted to groan,
you might try to laugh instead.
It will extend your life
and make the lives of all those around you enjoyable."
Joseph B. Wirthlin
Second, I enjoyed Elder Ballard. He gave a history of the great and marvelous work of the restored gospel on the earth and the challenges of those people who brought forth the gospel in thses latter-days. He encouraged us to keep our faith and I especially was inspired by these words:
"The Lord isn't asking us
to load up a handcart;
He's asking us to foritify our faith.
He isn't asking us
to walk across a continent;
He's asking us to walk across the street
to visit our neighbors.
He isn't asking us
to give all our worldly possesions to build a temple;
He's asking us
to give of our means and our time
to continue to build temples and then
to attend regularly the temples already built.
He isn't asking us to die a martyr's death;
He's asking us to live a disciple's life. . .
We can't afford to be superficially righteous.
Our testimonies must run deep with spiritual roots."
M. Russell Ballard
Last but not least, I loved President Monson. He is always so upbeat and positive. Here were some of my favorite quotes:
"Don't let important things pass you by. . .
have joy in the journey. . .
There is no tomorrow to remember
if we don't do something today. . .
Rather than dwelling on the past,
we should make the most of today--
of the here and now,
doing all we can to provide pleasant memories for the future."
Dave's sister Kim was married on the 13th of September.
A beautiful wedding on a farm near historic Staunton, Virginia. Dave's dad, Walter, was there with his wife Fran. Also there was his brother Chris, sister Karen with her husband Scott & their three boys and Kim's son Corte. Uncle Earl and Aunt Joan were there along with other relatives from Barbara's side of the family. It was great fun and we loved being in Virginia.
For quite a little while now, I've been trying to start an online journal. But to be totally truthful, I've never been much for writing in a journal and I'm certainly not skilled on the computer. So, as I venture into uncharted territory, I feel much like Nephi of old when he wrote: "And I was led by the spirit, not knowing beforehand the things I should do." 1Nephi 4:6
So, here I attempt to get started in my simple, humble, insecure way. Boyd K. Packer once said in reference to getting started with family history:
Hi, my name is Beth and this is my "notebook"~ I'm originally from Southern California. I met and married my husband David about forty years ago and we moved to North Carolina. We've enjoyed raising our children here in the South. I love my faith, family & sports. My hobbies are doing family history, quilting & making sourdough bread.
Angie & Edward
Jake & Lauren
Jessica & Justin
Carson & McKenna
Our Angel ~ Steven
3 February 1987 ~ 25 February 1987
"Grandchildren fill a space in your heart that you never knew was empty"
