Just a thought as I was reading something earlier (and I want to remember):
Take a deep breath and step forward. Repeat as necessary.
Even if those steps are baby steps. :)
I do have to do this on occasion ..., several occasions actually, but what really helps is the prayer in my heart ... at all times ... and especially just before I step forward - or even as I am stepping forward.
Showing posts with label Everyday Insights. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Everyday Insights. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Life is like a Bicycle
Life is like a bicycle; to keep your balance you must keep on moving.
I like this quote from Albert Einstein - apparently he wrote it in a letter to his son.
Photo and quote was found at edu.blogs.com
It is important to keep on moving, but even more important to keep on moving in the right direction.
Henry B. Eyring said this;
"You make choices every day and almost every hour that keep you walking in the light or moving away toward darkness."
There is a great story about Smoke Jumpers that helps us learn the importance of Einstein's counsel to keep on moving, and also knowing what direction to move. It's a great read - Start Moving by Von G. Keetch.
"Relaxing on the ridge may seem a safe way to avoid making mistakes, but it’s also a way to avoid making progress."
His closing testimony is this:
"I testify that the best and clearest direction comes in our lives not when we are just waiting for our Heavenly Father to send help and guidance but when we are anxiously engaged with our back bent to the task. To those of you who are waiting upon the Lord for guidance in your lives—who need help with a major decision or question—I give you this challenge: Prayerfully and carefully use your own intelligence and your own resources to choose a path that seems right to you. Then become anxiously engaged in walking that path (see D&C 58:26–28). When the time for course correction comes, He will be there to help you and to guide you.
The best and clearest direction comes in our lives not when we are just waiting for our Heavenly Father to send help and guidance but when we are anxiously engaged with our back bent to the task."
(But don't read just this closing testimony, the story HERE is a great read.)
So ...
MARCH FORTH on this MARCH FOURTH!
I like this quote from Albert Einstein - apparently he wrote it in a letter to his son.
Photo and quote was found at edu.blogs.com
It is important to keep on moving, but even more important to keep on moving in the right direction.
Henry B. Eyring said this;
"You make choices every day and almost every hour that keep you walking in the light or moving away toward darkness."
There is a great story about Smoke Jumpers that helps us learn the importance of Einstein's counsel to keep on moving, and also knowing what direction to move. It's a great read - Start Moving by Von G. Keetch.
"Relaxing on the ridge may seem a safe way to avoid making mistakes, but it’s also a way to avoid making progress."
His closing testimony is this:
"I testify that the best and clearest direction comes in our lives not when we are just waiting for our Heavenly Father to send help and guidance but when we are anxiously engaged with our back bent to the task. To those of you who are waiting upon the Lord for guidance in your lives—who need help with a major decision or question—I give you this challenge: Prayerfully and carefully use your own intelligence and your own resources to choose a path that seems right to you. Then become anxiously engaged in walking that path (see D&C 58:26–28). When the time for course correction comes, He will be there to help you and to guide you.
The best and clearest direction comes in our lives not when we are just waiting for our Heavenly Father to send help and guidance but when we are anxiously engaged with our back bent to the task."
(But don't read just this closing testimony, the story HERE is a great read.)
So ...
MARCH FORTH on this MARCH FOURTH!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
A Grateful Heart Post
We are more in love now than we were 32 years ago. I am so grateful for my wonderful husband and the many years of joy we've shared. I look forward to many more.
(Barn Image from The Country Chic Cottage)
Happy Anniversary!
"A man courts a woman for a short while to win her for time, but he must court her for a lifetime to win her for eternity."
- S Michael Wilcox
(Daughters of God, p52)
"Happy marriages begin when we marry the ones we love, and they blossom when we love the ones we marry."
- Tom Mullen
(Barn Image from The Country Chic Cottage)
Happy Anniversary!
"A man courts a woman for a short while to win her for time, but he must court her for a lifetime to win her for eternity."
- S Michael Wilcox
(Daughters of God, p52)
"Happy marriages begin when we marry the ones we love, and they blossom when we love the ones we marry."
- Tom Mullen
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
We Will Miss Her!
Today was a bitter-sweet day ...
Our beloved mother, Idris Egbert Hebdon, left this mortal world and joined other loved ones above.
We are grateful that she was able to stay in her home as she wished, right up to her last day. We are grateful for her caregivers and for all who loved and blessed her life. We are grateful that her pain and suffering is over, and that peace and happiness are hers to enjoy.
A viewing will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Royal Camp, on Friday from 5pm to 7pm.
A second viewing will be held on Saturday at 10:00am, with the funeral at 11:00am, also at the church.
We bid Adieu to a wonderful lady. We are grateful for the plan of salvation, a plan of happiness, provided for us all, and we hope to be worthy to meet up with our loved ones again. We will miss her. We will love her forever and always!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I want to share this poem from Idris' collection.
A little road was straying,
Across a little hill.
I asked, "May I go with you, Road?"
It answered, "If you will."
T'was travel stained and shabby
And dust was on its face,
Said I, "How fine to wander free
To every lovely place!
Oh if you're off to mountains,
Or if you're off to sea,
Or if you're bound across the world,
It's all the same to me."
We loitered in the sunlight
We journeyed on together
The sky was like a bluebird's wing
The wind was like a feather.
We passed a ruddy robin
Who called, "how do you do?"
And daisies shook their bonnets back
And begged, "Oh, take us too."
A squirrel briefly joined us,
A brook came hurrying down,
We wandered through a meadow gay
And by a village town.
When dusky twilight met us,
No feet so slow as mine,
"Why, there's a little house," I said,
"With windows all a-shine."
"Perhaps, since night is nearing
I'd rather rest than roam,
"I knew you would," said the little road,
"That's why I brought you home."
(Author is unknown)
Our beloved mother, Idris Egbert Hebdon, left this mortal world and joined other loved ones above.
We are grateful that she was able to stay in her home as she wished, right up to her last day. We are grateful for her caregivers and for all who loved and blessed her life. We are grateful that her pain and suffering is over, and that peace and happiness are hers to enjoy.
A viewing will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Royal Camp, on Friday from 5pm to 7pm.
A second viewing will be held on Saturday at 10:00am, with the funeral at 11:00am, also at the church.
We bid Adieu to a wonderful lady. We are grateful for the plan of salvation, a plan of happiness, provided for us all, and we hope to be worthy to meet up with our loved ones again. We will miss her. We will love her forever and always!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I want to share this poem from Idris' collection.
A little road was straying,
Across a little hill.
I asked, "May I go with you, Road?"
It answered, "If you will."
T'was travel stained and shabby
And dust was on its face,
Said I, "How fine to wander free
To every lovely place!
Oh if you're off to mountains,
Or if you're off to sea,
Or if you're bound across the world,
It's all the same to me."
We loitered in the sunlight
We journeyed on together
The sky was like a bluebird's wing
The wind was like a feather.
We passed a ruddy robin
Who called, "how do you do?"
And daisies shook their bonnets back
And begged, "Oh, take us too."
A squirrel briefly joined us,
A brook came hurrying down,
We wandered through a meadow gay
And by a village town.
When dusky twilight met us,
No feet so slow as mine,
"Why, there's a little house," I said,
"With windows all a-shine."
"Perhaps, since night is nearing
I'd rather rest than roam,
"I knew you would," said the little road,
"That's why I brought you home."
(Author is unknown)
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Don't Feed The Bad Wolf!
An elderly Cherokee Native American was teaching his grandchildren about life… He said to them, “A fight is going on inside me, it is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One wolf is evil—he is fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, competition, superiority, and ego. The other is good—he is joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith. This same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other person, too.” They thought about it for a minute, and then one child asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win, Grandfather?” The Elder simply replied, “The one you feed.”
A Great Thought I found on Pinterest
A Great Thought I found on Pinterest
Friday, October 28, 2011
Sights and Sounds of Seattle!
There are many sirens throughout the day and night that come from police and emergency responders. One night as we heard the quick on and off of the police siren Terry mentioned something like "There's the Seattle coyotes again!". Fun memory to bring home, but we are happily leaving the yelping sirens here.
Being able to see the city lights at night has been a beautiful sight, especially since our view in the Pete Gross House was the outside wall of the next buildings with a small view of the lake (which I do miss). We are on the 5th floor here at the SCCA House and can see a wide view of the city South of us. (I know that is the correct direction, because I asked Terry, but I am still all turned around over here.) The several tall buildings all lit up at night is an amazing sight we don't see at home and a great view to keep in our memory, but we look forward to seeing the stars lit up at night when we get home.
Can you tell that I am truly a country girl?
The sounds of the tractors in the field next to us or the cows or dogs or coyotes seem to bring a more peaceful feeling than the constant whine of the commuters on the roads here.
I just feel all the more grateful for the beautiful land that we call home.
It was intriguing to see the stain left on the sidewalks from the fallen leaves. It is a simple pleasure to view as we walk back and forth from the SCCA, but we leave it behind now as we have completed our lab and clinic for the morning and talked them into letting us go home.
They had us scheduled for an appointment tomorrow, thinking that Terry's neutrophil counts would require a neupogen shot and we don't have access to that on a Saturday, at home. Terry asked if he could just get the shot today and head out. They agreed!!! So, we are packed and will begin loading the car as soon as I'm done here and we get checked out at the front desk.
Dennis and MaryAnn have talked their way home too! They were to have an appointment tomorrow for a lab draw and clinic visit just to make sure Dennis was okay before sending him home. There is never a problem, so it seemed silly to stay another day, and they are free to leave after they have their clinic visit...that should be soon too.
As we've said before, we are so grateful for their willingness to serve in this way and love them very much.
We think we'll be home before the kids get home from school. Happy Day! (Of course that depends on the traffic which has been known to back up over here!)
Being able to see the city lights at night has been a beautiful sight, especially since our view in the Pete Gross House was the outside wall of the next buildings with a small view of the lake (which I do miss). We are on the 5th floor here at the SCCA House and can see a wide view of the city South of us. (I know that is the correct direction, because I asked Terry, but I am still all turned around over here.) The several tall buildings all lit up at night is an amazing sight we don't see at home and a great view to keep in our memory, but we look forward to seeing the stars lit up at night when we get home.
Can you tell that I am truly a country girl?
The sounds of the tractors in the field next to us or the cows or dogs or coyotes seem to bring a more peaceful feeling than the constant whine of the commuters on the roads here.
I just feel all the more grateful for the beautiful land that we call home.
It was intriguing to see the stain left on the sidewalks from the fallen leaves. It is a simple pleasure to view as we walk back and forth from the SCCA, but we leave it behind now as we have completed our lab and clinic for the morning and talked them into letting us go home.
They had us scheduled for an appointment tomorrow, thinking that Terry's neutrophil counts would require a neupogen shot and we don't have access to that on a Saturday, at home. Terry asked if he could just get the shot today and head out. They agreed!!! So, we are packed and will begin loading the car as soon as I'm done here and we get checked out at the front desk.
Dennis and MaryAnn have talked their way home too! They were to have an appointment tomorrow for a lab draw and clinic visit just to make sure Dennis was okay before sending him home. There is never a problem, so it seemed silly to stay another day, and they are free to leave after they have their clinic visit...that should be soon too.
As we've said before, we are so grateful for their willingness to serve in this way and love them very much.
We think we'll be home before the kids get home from school. Happy Day! (Of course that depends on the traffic which has been known to back up over here!)
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
QUOTES
"Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that great generation." - Nelson Mandela
"Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind." -Eric Hoffer
ANCIENT PROVERBS:
"Fall seven times; stand up eight."
"He who asks a question is a fool for a minute; he who does not remains a fool forever."
"Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind." -Eric Hoffer
ANCIENT PROVERBS:
"Fall seven times; stand up eight."
"He who asks a question is a fool for a minute; he who does not remains a fool forever."
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Insight
"A wise man adapts himself to circumstances, as water shapes itself to the vessel that holds it."
"The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials."
- Chinese Proverbs
"The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials."
- Chinese Proverbs
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
A Capsule Sermon!
"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage and faith."
(This was from a letter/email from Kory Hebdon, serving a mission in the Ecuador Guayaquil South Mission.)
(This was from a letter/email from Kory Hebdon, serving a mission in the Ecuador Guayaquil South Mission.)
Monday, March 21, 2011
Most Likely Cotton
Shawna asked Terry to write a poem for her about a hanky..., for her to use at their Stake RS event last Thursday. Here is the poem he came up with, and the photo is the poem tucked inside a hanky - as it was given to each woman in attendance.
Most Likely Cotton
The sisters of yore and yesteryear
Were proper in all they did.
They always carried a handkerchief
Whether in sight or hid.
This hanky was a special tool
Always held at the ready -
To wipe a nose, or wipe a brow,
Or place in a hand unsteady.
Sometimes it was pulled from an apron,
Other times from a purse.
It could be used as a band aid -
For someone in need of a nurse.
It's not the cloth that's special.
It's the great women they grew to be,
As they followed the Savior
In starting the Relief Society.
Sometimes a hanky could be dropped -
Rather conspicuously.
And, if a young man should pick it up,
Closer the two would be!
Other times, these special hankies
Were crumpled, wet, and warm -
When anxious mothers of missionaries
Were praying there would be no harm.
Perhaps at a temple in the future,
You may participate in the "Hosanna Shout"
And this would be the handkerchief
The Lord would have you pull out!
So receive this hanky with gladness,
And as a tool for you too,
And use it to bless others
In everything that you do.
- Terry Hebdon 2011
Isn't it wonderful! Talents are a wonderful thing and Terry certainly has a talent for writing poetry. He is a great guy and I am so thankful for him.
Most Likely Cotton
The sisters of yore and yesteryear
Were proper in all they did.
They always carried a handkerchief
Whether in sight or hid.
This hanky was a special tool
Always held at the ready -
To wipe a nose, or wipe a brow,
Or place in a hand unsteady.
Sometimes it was pulled from an apron,
Other times from a purse.
It could be used as a band aid -
For someone in need of a nurse.
It's not the cloth that's special.
It's the great women they grew to be,
As they followed the Savior
In starting the Relief Society.
Sometimes a hanky could be dropped -
Rather conspicuously.
And, if a young man should pick it up,
Closer the two would be!
Other times, these special hankies
Were crumpled, wet, and warm -
When anxious mothers of missionaries
Were praying there would be no harm.
Perhaps at a temple in the future,
You may participate in the "Hosanna Shout"
And this would be the handkerchief
The Lord would have you pull out!
So receive this hanky with gladness,
And as a tool for you too,
And use it to bless others
In everything that you do.
- Terry Hebdon 2011
Isn't it wonderful! Talents are a wonderful thing and Terry certainly has a talent for writing poetry. He is a great guy and I am so thankful for him.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
A Thought For The Day!
"I believe we have all been created for greater things than we can comprehend. But such accomplishments are not achieved by fierce competitiveness, calculated one-up-manship, or cold indifference to others. True greatness will always be predicated upon love, respect, compassion, dignity, prayer, hard work, God."
- Jeffrey R. Holland
- Jeffrey R. Holland
Monday, February 14, 2011
Happy Valentines Day!
"Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love."
"Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing."
"If you want a love message to be heard, it has got to be sent out."
- Mother Teresa
"Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing."
"If you want a love message to be heard, it has got to be sent out."
- Mother Teresa
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
The Four Candles
The four candles burned slowly.
Their ambiance was so soft you could hear them speak...
The first candle said, "I Am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to keep me lit." Then Peace's flame slowly diminished and went out completely.
The second candle said, "I Am Faith, but these days, I am no longer indispensable." Then Faith's flame slowly diminished and went out completely.
Sadly the third candle spoke, "I Am Love and I haven't the strength to stay lit any longer." "People put me aside and don't understand my importance. They even forget to love those who are nearest to them." And waiting no longer, Love went out completely.
Suddenly...
A child entered the room and saw the three candles no longer burning. The child began to cry, "Why are you not burning? You are supposed to stay lit until the end."
Then the fourth candle spoke gently to the little boy,
"Don't be afraid, for I Am Hope, and while I still burn,
we can re-light the other candles." With shining eyes, the child took the candle of Hope and lit the other three candles.
Never let the Flame of Hope go out. With Hope in your life, no matter how bad things may be, Peace, Faith and Love may shine brightly once again.
Their ambiance was so soft you could hear them speak...
The first candle said, "I Am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to keep me lit." Then Peace's flame slowly diminished and went out completely.
The second candle said, "I Am Faith, but these days, I am no longer indispensable." Then Faith's flame slowly diminished and went out completely.
Sadly the third candle spoke, "I Am Love and I haven't the strength to stay lit any longer." "People put me aside and don't understand my importance. They even forget to love those who are nearest to them." And waiting no longer, Love went out completely.
Suddenly...
A child entered the room and saw the three candles no longer burning. The child began to cry, "Why are you not burning? You are supposed to stay lit until the end."
Then the fourth candle spoke gently to the little boy,
"Don't be afraid, for I Am Hope, and while I still burn,
we can re-light the other candles." With shining eyes, the child took the candle of Hope and lit the other three candles.
Never let the Flame of Hope go out. With Hope in your life, no matter how bad things may be, Peace, Faith and Love may shine brightly once again.
Friday, October 22, 2010
"What makes us special is the signature of God in our lives" - Max Lucado
"We are shaped and fashioned by what we love"
- Goethe
"Since 'God is love' the closer we approach Him, the more profoundly we experience love."
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf
- Goethe
"Since 'God is love' the closer we approach Him, the more profoundly we experience love."
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Happy Saturday!
The kids and I spent a few hours pulling nightshade out of the bean field yesterday. It was a bit tricky because we are a little late at getting it done and they are drying out, which makes them not as easy to see or pull out of the rows.
When we got done we went to Wenatchee for dinner and shopping. It was a fun few hours there too. We had a car full of products from Costco and the kids helped bring them into the house and put them all away before going to bed. It was good to have it all in it's proper place.
My body was sore by the time I went to bed, but my spirits were high. I really felt good.
Everyone was cheerful and the day was really a good one, even with difficulties and hardships. Thinking back on what made this day so good made me realize that I have had very few like it the last several months. I haven't spent so much time with the kids for a long time and most everything I did was a service the whole day long.
I love being in situations where we can talk together and enjoy each others company. During our weeding we talked about (among other things) the "stupid cow" story Mervyn B. Arnold shared during conference. We could really relate to it and we loved it's message. The fence was there to protect the cow and keep her away from dangers, but she kept reaching over until she had foolishly broken thru the fence and was on the other side. She kept eating the wheat until she bloated and died. Like this cow, we too have a fence set up for our own good. We have commandments and rules to protect us and keep us from dangers. They are protective, not restrictive. Contrary to popular demand, the grass is never greener on the other side of the fence!
All of the talks during conference were great. Many talked of making wise decisions and many talked of seeking the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Certainly these things can save us from the dangers around us and the evils that tempt us so that we can be safe and protected. We don't want to be like the stupid cow!
Speaking of rules - (Elder Arnold did refer to his parents rules)- Larry R Lawrence spoke of courageous parenting. He said, "What the world really needs is courageous parenting from mothers and fathers who are not afraid to speak up and take a stand." He also said, "There are no perfect parents and no easy answers, but there are principles of truth that we can rely on."
Both of these talks were inspiring. But there were many others that were just as inspiring. I just thought of these because of our experience yesterday, talking about the stupid cow. I look forward to other such experiences with my children and hope to be a good parent, even though I am far from being a perfect parent. I am grateful for the principles of truth that are here for us.
I just wanted to say hello today, and look what it turned into!
When we got done we went to Wenatchee for dinner and shopping. It was a fun few hours there too. We had a car full of products from Costco and the kids helped bring them into the house and put them all away before going to bed. It was good to have it all in it's proper place.
My body was sore by the time I went to bed, but my spirits were high. I really felt good.
Everyone was cheerful and the day was really a good one, even with difficulties and hardships. Thinking back on what made this day so good made me realize that I have had very few like it the last several months. I haven't spent so much time with the kids for a long time and most everything I did was a service the whole day long.
I love being in situations where we can talk together and enjoy each others company. During our weeding we talked about (among other things) the "stupid cow" story Mervyn B. Arnold shared during conference. We could really relate to it and we loved it's message. The fence was there to protect the cow and keep her away from dangers, but she kept reaching over until she had foolishly broken thru the fence and was on the other side. She kept eating the wheat until she bloated and died. Like this cow, we too have a fence set up for our own good. We have commandments and rules to protect us and keep us from dangers. They are protective, not restrictive. Contrary to popular demand, the grass is never greener on the other side of the fence!
All of the talks during conference were great. Many talked of making wise decisions and many talked of seeking the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Certainly these things can save us from the dangers around us and the evils that tempt us so that we can be safe and protected. We don't want to be like the stupid cow!
Speaking of rules - (Elder Arnold did refer to his parents rules)- Larry R Lawrence spoke of courageous parenting. He said, "What the world really needs is courageous parenting from mothers and fathers who are not afraid to speak up and take a stand." He also said, "There are no perfect parents and no easy answers, but there are principles of truth that we can rely on."
Both of these talks were inspiring. But there were many others that were just as inspiring. I just thought of these because of our experience yesterday, talking about the stupid cow. I look forward to other such experiences with my children and hope to be a good parent, even though I am far from being a perfect parent. I am grateful for the principles of truth that are here for us.
I just wanted to say hello today, and look what it turned into!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Pondering!
I re-read this saying as I was cleaning up and thought I'd share it on the blog.
Sometimes, the only sense you can make out of life is a sense of humor.
Sometimes, the only sense you can make out of life is a sense of humor.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Daily Gems!
I get an email titled "Daily Gems" that had a great message for our circumstances. Just thought I'd share it since it relates to my post yesterday. Here it is:
Sent to Earth to Endure
Posted: 19 Aug 2010 12:00 AM PDT
“Do not expect to be free entirely from trouble and disappointment and pain and discouragement, for these are the things that we were sent to earth to endure. “The scriptures promise, ‘There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it’ (1 Corinthians 10:13). “The Savior said, ‘Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me’ (D&C 88:63).”
Boyd K. Packer, “Prayer and Promptings,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 46
Sent to Earth to Endure
Posted: 19 Aug 2010 12:00 AM PDT
“Do not expect to be free entirely from trouble and disappointment and pain and discouragement, for these are the things that we were sent to earth to endure. “The scriptures promise, ‘There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it’ (1 Corinthians 10:13). “The Savior said, ‘Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me’ (D&C 88:63).”
Boyd K. Packer, “Prayer and Promptings,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 46
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
We're doing fine here in our home away from home!
Still playing the waiting game!
Blood draw today, and we have not received a call for any changes, so we keep on keepin' on.
We did receive a package in the mail today, filled with some fun things to eat, do, and use to help us with that keepin' on. Thanks so much for the kindness. So many have been so generous - Thank you! We feel your love for us and send it right back - hoping you feel it too!
Terry was reading in The Progressive Farmer magazine and found some quotes we'll share. They seemed quite fitting for the life we are presently living - here in Seattle, happy to be here to take care of Terry's health needs, but our thoughts are definitely drawn toward home.
"Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to." John Ed Pearce
"A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it." George Moore
"My home is in heaven. I'm just traveling through this world." Billy Graham
"The most important work you will ever do will be within the walls of our own homes." Harold B. Lee
"The more one does and sees and feels, the more one is able to do, and the more genuine may be one's appreciation of fundamental things like home, and love, and understanding companionship." Amelia Earhart
"A child on the farm sees a plane fly overhead and dreams of a faraway place... A traveler on the plane sees the farmhouse and thinks of home." Unknown
"I'd rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world." George Washington
"I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself." Maya Angelou
Blood draw today, and we have not received a call for any changes, so we keep on keepin' on.
We did receive a package in the mail today, filled with some fun things to eat, do, and use to help us with that keepin' on. Thanks so much for the kindness. So many have been so generous - Thank you! We feel your love for us and send it right back - hoping you feel it too!
Terry was reading in The Progressive Farmer magazine and found some quotes we'll share. They seemed quite fitting for the life we are presently living - here in Seattle, happy to be here to take care of Terry's health needs, but our thoughts are definitely drawn toward home.
"Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to." John Ed Pearce
"A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it." George Moore
"My home is in heaven. I'm just traveling through this world." Billy Graham
"The most important work you will ever do will be within the walls of our own homes." Harold B. Lee
"The more one does and sees and feels, the more one is able to do, and the more genuine may be one's appreciation of fundamental things like home, and love, and understanding companionship." Amelia Earhart
"A child on the farm sees a plane fly overhead and dreams of a faraway place... A traveler on the plane sees the farmhouse and thinks of home." Unknown
"I'd rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world." George Washington
"I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself." Maya Angelou
Monday, March 8, 2010
What next?
Have you seen The Truman Show? This story, as I remember it, is about a man who grew up in a controlled environment, an artificial world where others told him what to do, directed his every move, and did all they could to keep the outside or real world from him. Through the years his life was televised for the real world to see, and he was unaware of this big "set" he lived in. Eventually he learned that there could be more to the world than where he was, and at the end of the movie he finds and opens a door to the real world. I was so happy that he finally knew what was going on and that he had the common sense and courage to escape this awful scene. Yet at that moment I wondered, "What next? How will he survive in an unfamiliar way of life? Where will he go and who will help him? This really was the only way of life he knew and he needed someone to help him. Would his friend find him in time?"
This movie shocked me, and it quickly became one of my least favorite movies as it left me with such an awful feeling. I let these feelings consume me for days, and I'm sure I had nightmares many nights after watching it. Eventually I let go of my dislike and forgot the movie.
But, it has resurfaced. Just yesterday I woke up with this movie on my mind and that feeling of being trapped in a world with little control of what happens to you each day. I wondered what brought that to mind again after letting go of it for so long.
I wonder if it was the fear or anxiety of what was taking place in my life. As I thought about it I realized that there are some similarities. We are going to be in a world, so to speak, where our every move will be directed by others and we will not be allowed to leave it for a time. There are a lot of unknowns, and a lot of limitations. Our lives will not really be our own because of the strictly written rules we will have to follow and even the scenes will be created in the different acts while we are there. Our environment will be very controlled, and not much will seem familiar. We will be keeping a portion of our lives available for all to see. Not televised, but online blogging can be quite open to the public. Then one day, the directors will tell us we can step out of that world and enter back into the real world. What then? We hope it is better than we left it, but we are aware of the complications that can arise.
There are some big differences between the Truman Show and our show. We are aware of the two worlds and we are volunteering for the chance to live in this different world for a time, even though we know there will be some strange and difficult times within it.
I remember how my older kids that watched this movie with us, thought I was silly for letting it affect me so, but it was just so wrong and even evil. Even with these feelings resurfacing, I know that this opportunity for us is not wrong. It is more right than ever before. We are anxious to step into this new world and then one day step back out of it, hopefully feeling better than when we left it. At some point and time it will turn out better than we think.
Let me be clear on one thing before I end - I do not recommend The Truman Show for anyone to see. I do, however, invite those who are interested to stay tuned to our show or blog, for future scenes of our world as we live it. It may not be the best entertainment, but it will be informative.
This movie shocked me, and it quickly became one of my least favorite movies as it left me with such an awful feeling. I let these feelings consume me for days, and I'm sure I had nightmares many nights after watching it. Eventually I let go of my dislike and forgot the movie.
But, it has resurfaced. Just yesterday I woke up with this movie on my mind and that feeling of being trapped in a world with little control of what happens to you each day. I wondered what brought that to mind again after letting go of it for so long.
I wonder if it was the fear or anxiety of what was taking place in my life. As I thought about it I realized that there are some similarities. We are going to be in a world, so to speak, where our every move will be directed by others and we will not be allowed to leave it for a time. There are a lot of unknowns, and a lot of limitations. Our lives will not really be our own because of the strictly written rules we will have to follow and even the scenes will be created in the different acts while we are there. Our environment will be very controlled, and not much will seem familiar. We will be keeping a portion of our lives available for all to see. Not televised, but online blogging can be quite open to the public. Then one day, the directors will tell us we can step out of that world and enter back into the real world. What then? We hope it is better than we left it, but we are aware of the complications that can arise.
There are some big differences between the Truman Show and our show. We are aware of the two worlds and we are volunteering for the chance to live in this different world for a time, even though we know there will be some strange and difficult times within it.
I remember how my older kids that watched this movie with us, thought I was silly for letting it affect me so, but it was just so wrong and even evil. Even with these feelings resurfacing, I know that this opportunity for us is not wrong. It is more right than ever before. We are anxious to step into this new world and then one day step back out of it, hopefully feeling better than when we left it. At some point and time it will turn out better than we think.
Maybe we are living in an artificial world right now. That artificial world being the one where cancer lives too. Either way, we will be returning to the real world thru this re-birthing event called transplant.
Let me be clear on one thing before I end - I do not recommend The Truman Show for anyone to see. I do, however, invite those who are interested to stay tuned to our show or blog, for future scenes of our world as we live it. It may not be the best entertainment, but it will be informative.
The star of our show will be the Lord. He will also be the director. He is the writer and producer. He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life! He is the one we look to for peace. He will be here daily to guide us and comfort us, of that I am sure. We hope that you will see Him too.
Friday, March 5, 2010
I’m Fine, By Terry,
Having cancer is like the throwing of a rock into a peaceful pool. In many instances it can be very unsettling and disruptive. Many times the cherished peace no longer remains.
There are times though that the scene can be a thing of beauty. Perhaps the rocking of the gentle waves can set a floating leaf to dance, lively and delighted and made happy by the new found energy.
To the observer the ripples may extend clear to the ponds edge where they may seem to be an harassment to a slumbering frog, seeming to be a never ending teasing at which he wants to smile but never even blinks. Is he pleased by this? It’s hard to say. He stays.
In other ways this cancer rock penetrating the calm becomes a nuisance, as to the fish who lurked below just ready to dine on a mosquito now no longer visible nor available for his favorite lunch. If that rock had not entered the water things could be different.
For many the hope is that the rock will settle on the ponds floor, being seized upon by the mud and debris and for ever there remain. Probably for all who have cancer this is the wish. Out of sight but never out of mind we wish for it’s demise in obscurity.
In an odd way though, many of us as owners, are grateful for this rock. For though the disruptions and loss of calm, we become enlivened by the goodness of the constant ripple of kindness that seems to never end. We have loved ones and care givers and other good people whom we never expected to ever know who have brought hope and help and faith and prayer and a positive attitude. We have doctors and nurses who never blink, who keep their eyes fixed upon the goal of making us well. There are many through unseen efforts who are working to ensure that the rock remains submersed. If my rock should ever resurface I hope it won’t recognize me.
Sadly for many the splash is only the beginning and the rock is seemingly on a string, and those who know this fate awkwardly keep having it return to them. We all wish this not to be the case. But good can come from bad and happiness from sad strength from difficulty and experience from all. So we seem to need to just make the best of it and trust in God.
We know that He who created all nature is the cure. That He can fix our bodies. That He can fix our spirits. That He knows us. That He loves us and that we will be alright, and that it will turn out better than we think. I’m fine!
There are times though that the scene can be a thing of beauty. Perhaps the rocking of the gentle waves can set a floating leaf to dance, lively and delighted and made happy by the new found energy.
To the observer the ripples may extend clear to the ponds edge where they may seem to be an harassment to a slumbering frog, seeming to be a never ending teasing at which he wants to smile but never even blinks. Is he pleased by this? It’s hard to say. He stays.
In other ways this cancer rock penetrating the calm becomes a nuisance, as to the fish who lurked below just ready to dine on a mosquito now no longer visible nor available for his favorite lunch. If that rock had not entered the water things could be different.
For many the hope is that the rock will settle on the ponds floor, being seized upon by the mud and debris and for ever there remain. Probably for all who have cancer this is the wish. Out of sight but never out of mind we wish for it’s demise in obscurity.
In an odd way though, many of us as owners, are grateful for this rock. For though the disruptions and loss of calm, we become enlivened by the goodness of the constant ripple of kindness that seems to never end. We have loved ones and care givers and other good people whom we never expected to ever know who have brought hope and help and faith and prayer and a positive attitude. We have doctors and nurses who never blink, who keep their eyes fixed upon the goal of making us well. There are many through unseen efforts who are working to ensure that the rock remains submersed. If my rock should ever resurface I hope it won’t recognize me.
Sadly for many the splash is only the beginning and the rock is seemingly on a string, and those who know this fate awkwardly keep having it return to them. We all wish this not to be the case. But good can come from bad and happiness from sad strength from difficulty and experience from all. So we seem to need to just make the best of it and trust in God.
We know that He who created all nature is the cure. That He can fix our bodies. That He can fix our spirits. That He knows us. That He loves us and that we will be alright, and that it will turn out better than we think. I’m fine!
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