Fullness of Joy.

Pure Joy is how I describe it, that is really the short answer to"How did you enjoy Ed week?"

I truly felt Joy in the process of attending Mon-Fri classes. they started at 8:3o am and finished at 9:30 pm. With only an average break of 45 minutes per day it is amazing that I could even keep up the pace. Often heading to bed after midnight.

What is it like to be drenched in the spirit? Hour after hour, and feel it even walking around and crescendo-ing from time to time in class, and at times quiet whisperings calling me to greater works in my life and with those I love.

I am moved with appreciation to God and for appreciation to my husband that has 'supported' me in going and often encouraging me. He needs the rest from me as well. My attendance has inspired me over many years, going the first time in 1984, pregnant with Joel. Valerie L. and I stayed with her sister-in -law Judy and I tried to make it a firm committment to myself ever since. That's 26 years about. Before that we attended local ones in Blackfoot and Ammon Idaho.

Meaning in all things?

I do not know the meaning of all things. I guess that is one more gratitude to add to my list of wonders.

'How is it done Lord' remains in my heart daily as I see the hand of God in things that I wonder about, and all The wonderful things as well.

Small and simple things need to have our notice; for in these things exist Joy and Gladness, not to mention Wonder.

One may wonder at my reference to Wonder here. But it is in those small things that miracles happen, are born, and can with proper attention flourish.

Meeting someone, making a phone call, following a prompting, seeing meaning in our thoughts, circumstances, and events can help produce miracles, as we bow our heads before God and confess HIS Hand in all things. After all He calls himself the "Author and Finisher of our Faith". Hello.

Fall into it, and float but with Gusto. Pay attention, & see the Arm of the Lord revealed.

Lastly give thanks, and Thanks and Praise, to Him from whom all blessings flow.

Wonder of wonders, miracle of Miracles, it is all going according to plan.

Let's just not be 'too busy' for noticing it all, and may we find "our meanings" and be so glad to see His Hand in our 'small and simple things'.

Summer Wonder

At least that's what we used to call it, calling early to get the kids up and read from the scriptures and make goals, written down, for each day, to complete.

Nowadays we are using less formality and Chris and I are 'cooking up' projects each day to conquer the house and yard which is immense for our style of accomplishing. We aren't good for each other.

During breaks I read and keep coming up with new projects, he disappears back to his room. Like today I was reading a 'get organized blog' and it had listed; "Clean Garage Doors". Boy I added that quick to my master list for Chris, things like that aren't even on my radar 'blips'.

Then it had itemized other projects like; West Garage Wall. Dang. I have one of those too. It said to put large objects there. I haven't room for anything else to go there! And someone already spilled about 20 lbs. of the Duck Feed there, all over the ground, and I really don't want to move all those boxes and containers to clean it up, but.. I guess that's why I have Chris.

Now, how, can I reach and touch his Motivational DNA to want to do that? ( I'm not paying him!) The reason I'm 'project-ing' him to death is so he will want to get a Real Job that will pay!!

Summer it is a Wonder; fleeting away filled with happy memories of hopefully more that heat and work projects.

The Savior Was Never Rude

I have been examining my life lately. Seeing my weakness has been a goal for over a year.
I haven't taken it seriously enough though, and have just started to think about where my life needs to improve. Several things have come to light even today as I have pondered and asked for help from above.

In our fast-paced world we tend to leave it all on the floor and get all we can out of a day. We are each tired and pushed to our limits. We are ill or just don't feel well. We're hungry, have headaches, feel disappointment and hurt. It happens. It's really life. Very, very, few days go as we plan. Frustration mounts. Then we reach "a breaking point", end of 'our rope', "wits end", or whatever we choose to call it! I've heard some people actually see the color red. We hurt someone, slight them; showing disrespect and rudeness.

I've been asking myself about those times, Times when I've been challenged by my circumstance and said wrong things. Sadly, at my age you'd think I'd get a grip on my tongue Especially when I'm unable to keep my emotions in check. Words fly and we are unable to call them back. And so it goes. Damage. Damnage.

I 'profess' to be" trying to be like Jesus and following in His Way".. in all that I do and say. AND I fall short, and excuse myself with one or several of the aforementioned excuses. I don't like excuses. They bug me. So today in taking it to The Top I have realized, 'the Son of Man hath descended below all these'.

HE didn't allow Himself to dishonor His Father with a get-back thought. He didn't let anyone 'have it'. And He was tested way beyond our tests. He held true to his beliefs.

' He suffered' takes on even greater and new meaning today. He was so valiant and constant. He could have called down legions and struck down despots but he didn't. He yielded His will to His Father. He kept his tongue, and in His life he shows us how.

Maybe this is a good place in my weakness list to begin again. I marvel, and stand all amazed at ' The Grace Jesus offers me!'

I would do well to proffer that 'Grace' so fully to my associates and family. Did the Savior have occasions to lash out? Yes.

HE did NOT do it, except as he felt it dishonored His Father.

I have enough work to do as the Earth turns, and erew the Sun goes down.

Join me won't you? It doesn't have to be an impossible dream.

Tender Mercies/ How is it Done Lord?

From time to time I marvel at the Lord's ability to bless and sustain us when we need a 'little kiss' from above to remind us, no not remind, but reinforce His Presence, and "the helps" we are getting from the unseen world above.
How does He Do It? We are in awe at His mercies, and are only able to acknowledge His Hand and Give Him Gratitude.

Our Two Testifyers:

Cecily left the MTC for Spain, earlier than her 'leave date' suggested she would, 42 days earlier! No chance to email her or even tell her to ask if she could call from the Airport like they still did last year!

I hoped, we hung around here and manned the phones,... no call, did she really leave, was her email a joke? Did she leave?

The next day found us still wondering... the phone rang, it was my darling Draper cousin, Nance. (The one that is always good to be there, even popping in for Pete's and Bekah's Baby blessing, and barely invited, and NOT invited for Cecily's Farewell). She'd be "too busy I think, and it would put that added stress in her life on Sundays' that she doen't need with her calling." (Stake R.S.Pres.)

I greet her, and she recounts the story of her husband yesterday hearing his name called out in the S.L. Airport, "John, John, John." He ultimately sees and greets Cecily. And flies her to New York! Finds her after the flight, reminding her at their parting, "I got you this far Sister Ackerman, now it's up to the Lord to get you to Madrid."

My heart soared at this news, truly, this Mother's heart was comforted.
And now, 1 day later, the skies over Europe are darkened with volcanic ash and many airports are closed.

What a Blessing to KNOW she is there!!

Mercy two; is really number one, as these happened.

Sunday April 11th, we had the BEST DAY! Our Draper kids blessed their 1st child, a daughter, Adaliah Joy, who came especially here on Feb. 18th.

I was lucky and got to have and host the dinner here! For her lovely family of Armstrong's, and ours and some loved friends.

Earlier that week, as I had expected the Cache Valley arrivals, I picked up some extra things that turned out to be 'just right'.

When arriving at the church P&B discovered they had left the key inside their new apt. along with most of their family's food assignments!

Telling us their very humble confession after we arrived at home, suddenly, with not much trouble, Son's-in-law, daughter's, Son's, and Daughter's-in-law jumped to the tasks, and from the 'inspired' purchases, ALL was WELL.
A salad, drinks, and dessert appeared, and the cruse never failed, there was enough and to spare!

It was a Miracle!

Even the ensuing 'Sleep-over', made us think; this should be a traditional event! "The new couple stays over the night of the blessing"! Get's lots of down time to relax, share hearts, and hold baby, after everyone else has gone!

This unplanned circumstance topped off the day better for me than any event of record I remember. And confirmed to me was; 'these miracles were for them', not me, but I got to help-- and was it ever filled with Joy!

"She's Gone, Oh Yeh, I'll Pay the Devil...."

No, Noone can replace Our girl, the miracle gift from God for my Old Age! Yes she is gone but still manifesting herself in expected and unexpected ways.
I'll enumerate a few:
*Email from the MTC!
*Shame for not writing more...I've sent 2 packages and 2 emails and A postcard, but am being out-done by others.
*Lists of requests: much of which I take satisfaction in. (I will not say the dreaded I.T.Y.S).

The house is quieter, more empty than ever, her reminders abound. We never got enough done in a day to please me. And now she's getting so much done in her day I'm jealous.

Just A Year and a Half........
It will be Spiritual. Tearful. And full of growing experiences for us both. We, Jim and I, are now attached to email like an invisible ambilical cord still exists. She holds our hearts in a strange and not so healthy way, or so several boy's told her.

Are all our eggs in her basket? Most definitely NOT. We have done this casting forth before. But we are feeling rather like expectant parents, hanging on every pain, sigh, complaint, or elation, and doing our share of reading between the lines.

We wait, and take joy in this process we have come to know. It has a pattern of wonder that evolves in God's good time, and teaches us to 'wait upon the Lord' and do our best to do Our part. And check our mailboxes.

Are We A Quart Low?

It's Sunday and we have had an Incredible Sabbath so far. The Holy Ghost has touched us and Testified. I have returned home rejoicing about God's mysterious ways, AND the wonders He performs. But lest I get off track let me just share a few of the lessons from the week. These, recorded, may serve to condemn me but as we were taught today they bare posting.

Our experiences with the Spirit are what I will refer to in this post today.... The missionary homecoming referenced these:
* Listen listen, to the still small voice,
* opportunities missed or taken will likely have long term results as well,
* you will not be asked by the Spirit to do anything that isn't important!
Getting this all down will allow me to refer, remember, repent again, and" follow, follow follow, follow", as the song goes.

My Example: Why do we as young Mom's not do as we are directed? WHY? Well we say, WE have EXCUSES and they are GOOD One's!!
R.S. : Explain to another sister what not using the Spirit has cost you and tell about the results.
With a tender heart we shared what we had learned. I was tearful explaining, my continued ignoring the promptings to get out of bed and visit my children's bedsides to tell them how much they meant to me and how much I loved them. Thinking Jim's nightly ritual of sweet dreams took so long and seemed adequate considering how tired I was and sometimes I had just had enough day already. Choosing to tell them less, rather than more in my exhaustion. Also didn't it seem rather redundant, hadn't they just been told? We had prayers, FHE, read scriptures and it would further remind me of what we hadn't done, were missing doing, and of the weaknesses we possessed seeing them in those cluttered rooms...etc.

More Joy

Who could guess that we could get so lucky to get another grandaughter!

Adaliah Joy is the Ninth grandchild but the Seventh GRANDAUGHTER! That's as many girls as I had boys.

Someone up there is doing good work on our behalf, and trust me, intelligence is involved here from the other side. My lucky number was always seven, and it's well-loved in our family. But joy of Joys, Adaliah came just in time and seems to have just enough of her dad in her to recognize the genetic connections.

Congratulations to everyone that will know this special girl. Who recognized us immediately as I introduced her to us and welcomed her into the world and our family. Can't wait for the times ahead with her and her cute parents!

A Look Back: At Special Valentine's

Weeks ahead I warned and alerted. Valentine's Day is coming. After spending close to six fairly uncelebrated years, at last I recognized and slyly proclaimed my disappointment." I want something, don't care what it is, don't even spend any money, just don't forget".

I'd planned a gathering for our family on that Sunday, but when Cecily protested she would yet miss another family event, I switched weekends. I had purchased some small treats for everyone and they could still be given on that Sunday.

Preceding 'The Day' I did favor my boyfriend with several happy early "valentines" of all varieties reminding him of my love and care for him. He did not disappoint. He had Jake procure and deliver Tulips, and as I woke up that Sunday there they were on my nightstand! Beautiful red and white wonders, the most gorgeous flowers I'd ever been given. With our budget I'm sure he overspent, I think the cost can be amortized for past years. I had no guilt, but immense gratitude for a husband that didn't forget.

On Being An In-Law

Adaliah meets Grams- Beverly Armstrong


Yesterday was one of the best days I've had in forever! It was a day worth recording and learning from. And the greatest knowledge comes often with a price. Because of that the lessons are extra special and memorable etch our characters.

Our dear Father, Clifford celebrated the anniversary of his earthly birth yesterday, Feb. 18 th. He is the rightful Patriarch of my family of Ackerman's and has been a busy fellow, I submit arranging things in the spirit world to go just so for his celebration. I want to publish my commendation of his talent, albeit with the great forces that exist in Heaven to help as well, for conducting a Birthday Bash worth recognizing.

To our earthly registering of events, Adaliah Joy came, special delivery no doubt. Nine days early yet right on schedule to begin the festivities. She was the perfect weight 7 lbs. 9 ozs. 20 and 1/2 inches long. Announcing her own entry with bluster and fists waving. Arriving at 1:24 a.m. We were notified of the arrival and told to get a good night's sleep. The party had began.

Our meeting time was assigned, and with cheerful hearts we waited to greet our special new family member at noon. I was worried. With Jim preoccupied with a busy day would we be late and miss our time? Yes, almost, but I got to work to busy my hands, sewing and snipping away the hours as gracious other in-laws have taught me. Finally even after meeting her Aunts, an Uncle, and her Maternal grandparents, Adaliah greeted us warmly and with a sparkle in her eyes. She was Our Gift from above, sent to satisfy our longing and envy that we could not attend the Party we'd be missing!

Meanwhile in Bradenton Florida our dear ailing brother and uncle Kip, who had a day or so earlier had returned home from the hospital finally after disappointingly small progress, arrived completely unresponsive to those all around him saying only to his caregiver and sweet wife Shari, "oh I'm home". Quietly he'd began his plan to join the Event, the Bash on the other side. He got his wish and joined them as soon as he could... to the arm's of his Mother Barbara, Father (the birthday boy), and brother David. This along with all the other Grandmother's and Pop's, and a special uncle John whom he loved and introduced him to all the other John's and Jasper's worth knowing. Not to mention the Arthur's, Henrietta's, Edna's and et al.

As I said, the lesson's were and continue to be tremendous for this humble in-law, who is reminded by still unfolding events to get in line and wait for my assignments and do my best to figure out my role and not offend by too much, or too little. Like Goldilocks of old, my quest is for "just right" and trying to not let my zeal, or whatever you choose to call it, get in the way of waiting. One thing aging has taught me, is not only does no one care what you think, you better not say much or you'll be in trouble, somehow.

So to this blogspot I go, thanking my inner child-self, for loving learning and still being teachable at my age. And knowing after all the parties I've given and events we've sponsored here, wiser wonders than I can imagine are being carried out and will come off without a snag with or without me.

Happy New Year

Well the following is a short list of what it is I want to accomplish in the new year, whoops you don't deserve to see this list. It's rather personal.... what's on your list??

Kip and Brotherhood

We love Kip. You'd never know it by our actions.

He is my husband's 49 year old brother that lives in Florida that we never see and seldom speak with but nevertheless love and pray for.

What good is that? We have not sent letters or packages and even he does that. He has a wonderful wife whom he loves, as do we, but since their marriage, which is that last time I saw him and met her we have hardly kept in touch with her, let alone formed any kind of relationship.

We are sorry, and have found ourselves extremely so since he has developed a hard to treat cancer and it appears to be taking him over.

Our lack of participating isn't new, we've all watched this happen before. Perhaps we didn't learn the lessons and we are repeating them from Dad and Mom.

So sending Jim to Florida seems very little... though we've never been apart this long since our marriage 35 years this March. I believe it's high time to enjoy and know his brother and Shari every minute he can, we here all just wish there were more time for knowing and we wish we could all magically appear there and Know Now all we missed through the years that have passed.

May all of us take stock of what it is we are here for and spend our time on the Eternal matters of consequence. Call someone you love today and everyday. Do better, be better.

December Dreams

December started out rough, not enough me to go around and few and futile helpers to do a gargantuan task of presenting parties, performances, and events- to please people and percolate pride.

I decided to confess. My heart and health were waning and panic and exhaustion had set in earlier than planned. I found myself in an ever crescendo-ing malaise, (translated: a Funk that wouldn't quit) and ultimately after a small tantrum/walkout I confessed it to my 2 fellow party people and pleasers. Joel and Dave.

I felt support, darkness lifted and with one small and important date with my boyfriend Christmas came. It had it's joy and glee, and for me... it truly was a Christmas Miracle.

I want to thank my Heavenly Father for knowing me. And my children and hubby for loving me. I hope I remember.We had good sports all around, laughter like crazy and helpers all. We loved the Spirit of it and the lessons learned, but those are for another day/post.