'FIREPROOF'

Tonight George and I watched the movie 'Fireproof'. What a powerful movie! It is refreshing to know that a good decent movie that speaks to real issues can still be made and come out of Hollywood. I can rarely sit through a movie any more because most movies have things in them that either turn my stomach or I find insulting. This movie addresses problems of a couple who have lost their way and what it means to truly love and commit yourself to your partner and marriage. This is one movie that I feel can actually help people and I can reccommend for all to view.

Freedom to do what is right

Okay....some food for thought......

I keep a little book in which I write down favorite sayings. Every now and then I pick it up and one of the saying will hit me as being timely.

(I do not know who said it originally)

'There are two freedoms-
The false, where a man is free to do what he likes; the true, where a man is free to do what he ought.'

Kaitlyn's 4th Birthday!!!

All lit up!

Kaitlyn was beaming as she shared her special day with many members of her family.

Sister Ally enjoying her cupcake

Mommy reading a card for Kaitlyn

Present opening

Fun for all

Giddy up!

Cuddling with Mom

Ally being silly with grandma

Thoughts on Becoming a Peacemaker

Today I was preparing for a presidency meeting in which it was my turn to give an inspirational thought. I decided to check out some conference talks. I have been over many of them and know several of them quite well, but wanted to find something I had overlooked and needed to take the time to ponder and learn from. I found a talk by Pres. Eyring that hit home. I think we all can relate to it. The title of his talk is 'Our Hearts Knit as One'. The general message is that when we unite ourselves together in good purpose, we can accomplish anything.
Whether it be as couples, families, church members, work or school invironments, neighborhoods, community, country or the world.....there is a need for coming together of minds and purpose. This is not possible when pride rears it's ugly head. I think we all have experienced a time when we have disagreed with someone which started out as a mere discussion but ended up a contest about who was right. Elder Eyring described it this way...."Voices become gradually louder, faces become a little more flushed. Instead of talking about the issue...the talking becomes about themselves, giving evidence why their view, given great ability and background, was more likely to be right."
As he stated, "We have seen the life-destroying effects of such tragic conflict."
Unity is something that cannot be achieved singularly...it is not a solitary thing. It is something that has to be worked on with others. This isn't possible unless we are willing to humble ourselves. Pride is the force that works against unity.
Pres. Eyring talks about the importance of becoming a peacemaker. A peacemaker is a restorer of unity. He states, "The greatest peacemaker, the restorer of unity, is the one who finds a way to help people see the truth they share. That truth they share is always greater and more important to them than their differences." It is also worth noting that often differences can be seen as opportunities....not a source of irritation but as a contribution. Sometimes the differences can fill a hole in what you may lack.
Another thing Pres. Eyring shares is that speaking well of others is a principle of unity.
It takes you back to what your parents always tried to teach....'If you can't say something good about someone, don't say anything at all."
As I ponder this subject, I can't help but think what a different world this would be if we all would strive to find common ground for good and build our relationships on the principle of unity. To show respect for each others differences rather than find them as a threat to our personal integrity would move everyone forward in their pursuit of happiness.

March 13th...A Day of Rememberance

Today George and I celebrate two occasions. The first is the anniversary of our engagement in 1971. On that day, George and I had strolled through the Rhododendron Garden in Portland and became engaged. .....As most couples, we have had our ups and downs along the way. Unlike many, we have managed to come through so much and continue to be commited to our marriage. We have been blessed with our 4 children and 8 grandchildren and many great memories with hopes of many more to come.
The other occasion is our baptism and confirmation as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1979. This was a huge step for us that we have never regreted and have been blessed for. I can't image my life without the gospel. It guides me daily.

Overnight at Grandma and Grandpa's

Ally and Kaitlyn were suppose to spend Tuesday-Friday with us this past week while their mom and dad were enjoying themselves on vacation in Cozumel. Due to the unexpected eye surgery George had, they were with their Grandma Kanooth a couple extra days. We are so very grateful for her and how she stepped in to help us. We finally were able to have the girls with us on Thursday and Friday until their parents arrived home. We had a good time and kept busy.

The top picture is of Kaitlyn with her backpack on... the second picture is of Ally eating a drumstick for her afternoon snack... the third is of the girls sitting with grandpa watching 'The Addams Family' on his laptop. Grandpa can't look up to watch the Plasma.... everything has to be watched looking down. The girls were wonderful in keeping grandpa company.

'Blind-Sighted'

One never seems to know what is around the corner. Today George had surgery to repair a torn and detached retina.

We are so grateful he got in to see the doctor in time before it was too late to save his sight. Things are looking favorable. He will have to keep his head at a 30 degree angle leaning forward for 50 minutes out of each hour for the next 10 days or lay on his right side...a small price to pay for his vision but will be a challenge.