Monday, March 15, 2010

Sunday, March 14, 2010

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.

Big Note to Self: The relationships we develop here we keep!
Work at them! play at them!
Cherish this work, for it is being handed down!
Warning: Whatever you are you teach!
These precious years cannot be returned!
The lessons from today help me realize we have been foolishly too human; thinking ourselves unequal to the tasks, thinking we're able to stall, do it later, offer alternatives, and even negotiate, with The Spirit??? HELLO! WHAT WAS I THINKING?

What a Blessed Breakthrough day, it begs detailed recording in my journal.

Additionally as I thought this through.... similarly the Prophet's and Brethren's counsel we receive are a lot like "prompting's"; ...so easily put aside for a better or more convenient time.(sic).. Or ignored.
I'm thinking specifically "Preparedness/Provident Living' here.

Recently our ward had a chance to use our 72 hour kits/go boxes to make an evening meal. Participation was wholly
optional, still coming as a Stake request, we had under 12% 'do'-ing it. There were no deductions, the gtrading scale was only participate: yes/no, "Do /Not Do", And we even counted try as Yes.

With the Ten Virgins, 50% had oil in their lamps, 50% did not. I was not pleased with my preparations. I have had my personal warnings. And foolishly I still struggled, lacked, shrank, and was disappointed in myself. I found my self a quart low even with all the warnings and 'prompts' I've received." If it had been more than a test...", I'd have been shut out of 'the wedding'!

RESOLVE: I am going to learn to obey and to act! Be obedient to the Holy Ghost. Listen Now- to the still small voice, and follow, follow follow, follow follow!

Thursday, February 25, 2010

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!

Friday, February 19, 2010

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.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

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??