Faith of Our Fathers

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to write the presidency message for our local women's organization.  I composed this in remembrance of the early Latter-Day Saints who entered the Salt Lake Valley in 1847.  I believe that we can learn from the experiences of our fathers through their examples of faith, endurance, and obedience.  Even though our physical or spiritual experiences may not be the same, the testimony of their faith resonates through the ages.  For my friends reading this who may not be of the LDS faith, allow me to provide a brief introduction to our women's organization.  A Relief Society organization is comprised of a president, two counselors, a secretary, teachers, board members, and the sisters of the ward.  Each ward has a Relief Society presidency.  A group of wards are organized into stakes; a stake Relief Society presidency has stewardship over the ward presidencies.  The ward and stake presidencies work together under the direction of a general Relief Society presidency.  Relief Society presidencies are always comprised of women.  Ward Relief Society presidents and their counselors strive to meet the individual needs of sisters in their local area, regardless of religious affiliation.  Worldwide, the purpose of the Relief Society organization is to increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen home and family, and serve those in need.  By providing service to our sisters, we believe we strengthen our own talents and abilities while building the kingdom of God. The Relief Society motto is "Charity never faileth" (1 Corinthians 13:8).

August 2012 Presidency Message:

With the recent celebration of the early Saints and their legacy of faith and courage, we have opportunity to pause and reflect on the strength of our heritage.  We may not be descendants of latter-day pioneers, yet we all share the faith of those who paved the way for religious freedom.  As we study the lives and examples of the early Saints, we are blessed by their stories of obedience and endurance.  In turn, we can apply the examples from the early Saints to our own lives, heeding the call to gather Zion.  We may not be forced to leave our family and friends and pull carts across the wilderness, but we can further the work of the Lord through “perseverance, faith, and sacrifice” (Monson, May 1997).

“Today most members are not asked to make the same physical sacrifices as the pioneers, but Saints in every nation can be ‘pioneers all,’ President Thomas S. Monson has said, as they meet suffering with courage, inspire faith in others, and do hard things that are necessary to gain eternal salvation and build the kingdom of God on earth” (“Pioneers All,” Ensign, May 1997, 93).

Building the kingdom of God is one of our greatest responsibilities and privileges.  In a conference address entitled Modern Pioneers,  Elder Dallin H. Oaks wisely offers counsel on how members of the Church may “follow in the footsteps of the pioneers” and “accomplish the essential work of the kingdom, both the important and the routine” (Oaks, Oct. 1989).

As Latter-Day Saints give of their time and talents, they faithfully serve in Church callings.  Their service to families, neighbors, and the community brings light and knowledge to all of God’s children.  Yet there are some members of the Church who quietly give of their time, talents, and energy in less noticeable ways.  Aside from their standard of service in the Church, some individuals are called to serve family members with health or physical ailments.  And many times in life, there are sisters called to carry burdens resulting from the choices of others.  For those who carry these spiritual burdens, Elder Oaks has said, “Burdens carried in the heart can be just as heavy as those pulled in a handcart.  And just as some early pioneers struggled for the benefit of others, so some modern pioneers carry burdens imposed by the transgressions or thoughtlessness of others” (Oct. 1989).

As we contemplate life lessons learned from the early Saints, we may think their experiences do not apply to our own today.  Although our journeys lead us upon varied paths, our trials are “no less difficult” and present hardships which require “sacrifice, perseverance, and faith.”  As we face our hardships with humility and sincerity, let us remember that we do not walk these paths alone.  The grace of the Lord is sufficient for all, and with His guidance, the trials that burden us can become the trials that spiritually strengthen us.

As a final note in Elder Oaks’ address, he reminds us that regardless of our circumstances, pioneers of every age can gain strength to endure.  The Lord reveals His promise to us in Doctrine and Covenants 98:1–3:

“Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks;

“Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament—the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted.

“Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name’s glory, saith the Lord.”

It is my prayer that we will look to the Lord for guidance through our Earthly tests and trials.  As we move forward in faith, may we remember the legacy of the pioneers and the extolling virtues which echo in their footsteps.  May the Lord bless, strengthen, and uplift you as you rise to meet your challenges and remain focused on the journey ahead.

Passport to Success

It appears there is a theme swirling in the headlines of my posts this month.  Perhaps if I developed more themes in my writing, I would be motivated to accomplish more than one post a month.  At least one can dream, right?

It seems like we need a passport to accomplish anything these days.  We are asked for our credentials to travel abroad, visit the pediatrician's office (wait for it...), and even cross that scary place known to Utahns as "The Point of the Mountain."  Yes, friends, if you want to make the jump from Happy Valley to the Salt Lake Valley, you must stop at a check-in point at 123rd South.  It's nothing to worry about, though; the officers simply check to see if you are a card-carrying Cougar or a rebel Indian who dons fiery red apparel and runs with the local Ute tribe.

This past Wednesday, I took Xavier to obtain his passport credentials for Kindergarten.  Little did I know my kids would be receiving a lesson in diplomacy, in addition to a front row seat at the early show.  Although I am a proponent of acquainting my children with the real world through observation and experience, I didn't plan on them watching their fed-up, socially conservative mother tell the receptionist a thing or two about the value of self-reliance.  In case you are confused, don't be too alarmed.  I'm sure that cute little receptionist was confused when I read her the riot act.  After my polite yet firm rant about my history with the doctor's office and my current cash pay status, I bet she will think twice about asking a client to present multiple check stubs when she is a CASH PAY customer.  I am not sure if she thought I stole my money from the Girl Scouts, but I assured her I have no problem paying in full for services rendered.  I would imagine that some offices appreciate payment in cash; nevertheless, that poor girl got an earful about my frustrations with the office policy.  After intense negotiations, she agreed to let me have the cash pay discount even though I did not bring my check stubs in for show 'n' tell.  I felt badly about letting my emotions get the better of me, yet sometimes, we fiesty brunettes have to spell things out for our friends.

Background:  Every time I take my children to the pediatrician's office, I am asked to present my last two pay stubs along with my husband's current pay stubs.  I am also required to show my denial letter from Medicaid and every other governmental program under the umbrella that belong to our state and federal administrations.  Don't get me wrong, social programs serve their purposes for citizens who rely on the support of taxpayers, but since I am a hard-working, self-reliant individual, I prefer to pay my own way.  It's not that I esteem myself over another or think myself elite; I simply like the feeling of working for what I have because it makes me appreciate what I have.  I understand the reasons behind the government dole, and I even support the use of government funds to support the citizens of this great country.  However, I also believe these funds should be used cautiously, and I contend that able-bodied Americans who are capable of contributing to society should be giving back to their communities instead of constantly depleting the central supply.  I was embarrassed and humiliated that I was forced to apply for government assistance, yet I tossed my pride aside so I could retain excellent health care from my trusted pediatrician and his staff.  As a side note, if I can't obtain insurance through employment or a private agency, I do not believe I should be forced to apply for handouts from the government or accept handouts from the government.  And before you think I am upset that I have no insurance or way to obtain insurance, please know I do not blame our President.  The health care system in this country is full of woe, and thankfully, I have a very kind and compassionate pediatrician who allows me to pay cash for the services rendered at time of visit. 

Now that I have that weight off my chest, let's move on to the fun stuff.  As part of Xavier's five-year well visit, the nurse took his picture for their Kindergarten wall and gifted him a t-shirt in his favorite hue of blue.  The nurse also created a "passport" with all his vital information that we can pass along to the school.  I am pleased to report that X is holding steady in the 29 percentile for weight (37 pounds) where he is well-known and loved.  His height rocketed to 43 inches (50th percentile - whoa!), and his blood pressure is a solid 94/52.  I really have no idea what those numbers mean, but I am going to celebrate them anyway!  His vision is good, and his hemoglobin is 11.2.  Again, no idea about the numbers, but hurray for Xavier!  The lucky little guy received no immunizations (much to his pleasure - he informed me all morning that he was NOT getting any shots), and the doctor gave him a clean bill of health for Kindergarten.  I am so excited for my sweet little stinker and the amazing adventures that await him with his passport.  Horizons are expanding for this kid and the doors to a bright, new world are only a few feet away...(and I mean this literally because we live across the street from the school!)  I would like to thank Dr. P and his staff for this awesome experience and for encouraging X's enthusiasm for school.  With a green light and passport in hand, X is moving full-steam ahead! 

The Face of Kindergarten 2012

Celebrating Our Successes

It's fun to celebrate milestones in life.  It's also fun to indulge in vanilla bean frosted banana cake.

Last week while Angie and I were lazily floating in the kiddie pool at the Scera, I had this bright idea to throw the kids a "Back to School" party.  I think mixing pizza and treats is always a good idea, but when you combine it with decorations and school supply party bags, you have a real winner on your hands.  In case you are wondering where my inspiration comes from, I'm convinced the sun makes me smarter, and coupled with the soothing lull of clear blue waves, I am a force to be reckoned with.

Even though the kids are not returning to school until the 21st, I opted for this weekend to be our party-palooza blowout.  Ang and I are busy getting ready for our yard sale next Saturday and I'm too old for the excitement of consecutive late nights and early mornings.  By the way, let's hear it for cleaning out closets and scary basement places! First one to get bitten by a spider is "IT!"

This will be Xavier's first year in the elementary school (which is conveniently located across the street from our home).  He attended a local preschool program this past year and recently graduated from a Kindergarten prep program earlier this month.  I asked him if he was excited about going to school with the big kids.  He replied in that sweet yet reassuring voice of his, "Aw, mom, it's only high school."  I'm not sure if I missed a few grades, but let's hope high school isn't on his radar anytime soon.  I want to enjoy every moment of this grand new adventure.

It's never too early to consider colleges of higher learning.  Emerson is sporting love for his favorite Big Ten team, the Indiana Hoosiers.  Go, Big Red! 

Since learning is a life-long endeavor, it's always fun to celebrate education at every stage of our lives.  From the young to the young-at-heart, each day presents opportunities for growth.  Just yesterday, Grammy learned something new from watching Mickey Mouse.  If you caught my last post, you will understand why Disney is geared to teach children of all ages.

Laughter among friends is precious.  When those friends are your cousins, you appreciate the strength of familial bonds and building eternal relationships.

It's true...the corythosaurus is a duck-billed dinosaur! hahahaha

Without exception, Bubba is the life of the party.  I love his zest and unbridled enthusiasm for life.  I wonder where he gets his exuberance from?

Hint: She's the cute redhead who loves a good party and the Beatles!

It's always fun attempting to corral the kids for a picture.  You can never get them to smile on cue, but you can find four personalities that sparkle simultaneously.

Bubba's face says it all.  Time for a sugar boost!

Here are the other honorable mentions:

Any way you look at it, these kids are cute! And with their diverse personalities, they will rule the school! 

Three cheers for treat bags!

Look out for kids with candy and scissors! 

...and Batman pop rock candy!

Bubba, X, and snap, crackle, pop!

A party just isn't a party without some Wii time and a movie in the theatre room.  But first, Sammie gets right to work composing her thoughts while the boys jump to safety in Super Mario Bros. 

Sammie's Musings: I love skool.  I love lrneing.  I love math.  (And I love her! A girl who loves learning is a girl who enjoys blessings beyond measure.)

While the boys continue their game, Sammie joins Scooby and the gang to solve an important mystery.  It's always good to have an additional set of eyes and ears in the field...

Sammie, Velma, and Daphne = Girl power!

...but watch out for that water, girl!

Family time is definitely the best time.  I have to thank my mother, Kathy, for teaching me to make the little things in life count.  She celebrated our successes along the way, and because of her I had glitter and puffy stickers for every holiday and milestone, both great and small.  I really miss sharing these experiences with her, but I think she would be proud that her legacy lives on.  She loved a good party and a pizza to boot, so the Name girls will continue to serve up a slice in her honor and make good use of those leftover bananas, just like she taught us.  ♥

Here's to a new school year and all the wonderful discoveries that await us!

Why Kids Aren't Cars: Moving Beyond the Factory Model of Education

Background:  Mr. T is studying constructivism and scientific thought in school, and our discussions have caused me to reflect on my own "Factory Model" experience.

When I was a kid, I wanted to be like a corvette.  I was fascinated by the car's super sleek design and aerodynamic appeal.  In my mind, corvettes were the mark of luxury and sophistication.  Plus, they were really fast and had those beautiful curves.  Just check out this photo from the 1980 model featured in Chevy's gallery.

Beautiful, isn't it?  I loved this car.  And I even got to ride in one once...on my way to a babysitting job.  What's more, my dear ol' dad, only wanting to please his eldest daughter, surprised me with my very own corvette the day I turned 16!  Too bad it was the Matchbox version used as a weight to hold my "Sweet 16" balloon.  (And yes, for those of you who know the Skipper, he laughed for hours at his own charming cleverness.) 

As I got older, corvette qualities which enamored me escaped my physical reality.  Sure, I developed plenty of curves and could run fast when chased through the cornfields at night, but sleek and aerodynamic were never meant to be a part of my repertoire.  And the problem with this thinking?  I am not a Chevy and was never meant to be a car.

Growing up in an industrial town in the heart of Indiana, kids were raised to do two things: shuck corn and build automobiles.  I attended a traditional high school which prepared the children of auto workers to follow in their parents' footsteps.  There was not a lot of opportunity beyond Chrysler and GM, and if you wanted to do something different, like become a research scientist to develop vaccines, you would have to leave the county and possibly even the state.  During the late '80s and early '90s when my friends were graduating from high school, there existed a factory attitude that was cultivated at school, at home, and among the adolescents.  Most kids were biding their time until they graduated and could exit the school's back door to the front door of the auto plant, making a grand $18 an hour working on some of the most revered assembly and production lines.  As I say this, I can see some of you cringing at my words.  There is nothing dishonorable or regrettable about being a factory worker and having pride in creating a trusted American product; America thrives on the success of its skilled laborers.  Even I am the product of a factory father and grandfather.  However, when my father left the factory after an injury in the early '70s, he turned to computer technology and information systems.  He has no idea how this small change in venue affected my thinking and reflection on education as a whole.  By having a father who embraced the "Knowledge Age" and a mother who worked in the medical field, I had opportunities that other kids didn't have.  Which, in turn, reinforces the thought that homes and schools should work in partnership in preparing their young people to succeed in a diversely changing world.

The curriculum at my high school consisted of seven class periods that taught the core subjects independently from one another.  The classes did not share subject material, and there were no accommodations for learning styles and aptitudes.  Behaviorism was the dominant learning theory of the day and most adults believed that people would do as they were conditioned to do, as long as you break the procedures down into manageable chunks or bits of information.  Kids needed to learn procedures, but they didn't need to learn the "why" or the "how" of the procedures.

Enter the 21st century.  As constructivism is adopted and embraced in America's schools, the way we think and approach instruction has, too.  Children are no longer being prepared for an industrial society;  we have moved on to the "Concept Age" and with this age brings challenges.  The first being, "How do we prepare our young people to succeed in a changing world so they can think, work, and function for themselves?"  As a mother of two young boys, this is a topic I feel passionately about.  Hence the reason you are reading about my theoretical ramblings as opposed to the fun things my boys are doing or my latest Pinterest failure.  One thing I have enjoyed about Mr. T's schooling is our conversational topics and the opportunity we have to discuss the connections between our parenting styles and our children's learning styles.  Together, we are striving to cultivate an environment that helps our boys move beyond basic-level thinking into a world of information that has the power to change our communities for the better.  Mr. T and I continue to revisit this topic as we discuss the skills, attitudes, and talents we want to encourage in our children.  We aren't trying to parent kids who follow exact orders. We want kids who can effectively communicate and creatively solve problems by using their resources to think outside of the box. 
 
Incidentally, I marvel at how advanced and sharp our young people are.  I am convinced they come to this world equipped to handle the challenges that are specific to their generation.  They are inquisitive, thoughtful, and perceptive.  My 18 month-old can perform technological functions that I never would have been able to do at his age.  And Xavier asks me questions that reflect a desire for deeper understanding.  At lunch the other day he asked me, "Mom, why would Jesus send us to live with our families on Earth if he lives in Heaven? When we are done here, do we get to go back and live with Him?  Where is Heaven exactly?  Is it inside the Earth or outside the Earth?"   This is the same little boy who two months ago was struggling to recognize all the letters of the alphabet and now he is reading beginner-level books without assistance!  He is a sharp boy, and I have to make sure I am in game form to create an environment that continues to foster and cultivate his success.  And in our house, that environment includes plenty of technological resources.

I have to tell you, I am very impressed by how some media companies have embraced new educational attitudes and changed they way they develop children's programming.  Disney's Mickey Mouse Club is nothing like I remember it from childhood.  I see that Mickey and pals have turned traditional television into an educational experience that is both engaging and interactive.  The cool thing about Mickey is he is teaching kids skills!  He moves through the inquiry process of learning by having the kids help him solve problems.  He presents a question or hypothesis, conducts an experiment, asks reflective questions to develop higher-order thinking, helps the kids make meaningful connections, and assists them in applying their learning to real-world situations.  The kids are learning because they are active participants in Mickey's adventures and are fully engaged in the learning process.  Mickey isn't lecturing to them or directing them, but guiding them through the process.  He facilitates their learning without dictating their learning.  I am telling you this mouse is a genius!  Perhaps we should hire him to write the curriculum for our local schools...

In other media news, Xavier and I have discovered Dinosaur Train thanks to Netflix. Our cable company decided they need an exorbitant amount of money to deliver us wireless programming, so we opted for the stylings of $8 "cable" delivered through our Wii console.  I have fallen in love with Dinosaur Train as much as Xavier.  It's like Saturday nights with The Muppet Show but even better!  The concept behind this program is that it infuses scientific thought with other subjects, such as visual arts, music, life science, and natural history.  And the concepts that are taught on the show can be explored further on the PBS website.  Dr. Scott, the show's paleontologist, helps children make connections between the past and present by comparing dinosaur traits to common animals found today.  The other aspect of this show I love is its appreciation for diversity.  All dinosaurs, regardless of their differences, are part of the same family.  The theme song introduces this thought before each episode begins.  I completely love it and how they teach kids the process for asking and answering questions.  They begin with a question, make predictions, create a hypothesis, investigate possible explanations through exploration, draw conclusions, and share their findings with each other.  I cannot tell you how happy this makes me!  If everyone could learn to apply the inquiry process on a daily basis, we would have a lot less idiots running around. Three cheers for the Dinosaur Train! Teaching America how to solve their problems one dinosaur at a time!

Hey, is anyone still reading this?  Do you need a drink of water or a snack?  I tend to be long-winded, so I apologize if this editorial has taken up half your day.  I am sure you can see how excited I get about teaching our young people because they have such important work ahead of them.  I really believe we are so blessed to be parents in this day and age; we get to see these remarkable kids find great purpose in their learning.  If you would like to share ideas how you employ active learning in your home, be sure to drop me a line.  I feel like I am always playing catch-up, but I love discovering new learning approaches to help our children develop confidence and find success in their adventures.  We all want the best for our kids, and together we can model the best practices for success!



 

Summertime is the Best Time to Engage and Inspire Young Minds

With summer fast approaching, parents may wonder how they can encourage their children to explore new ideas, hobbies, or interests while emphasizing the importance of personal competence in reading and writing. I would like to share with you a few ideas that may get your children excited about reading (even the reluctant readers!) and will entice the entire family to join in on the summer fun.

1. Explore your child’s interests. 
 • Summer is the perfect time to pursue a new interest or enjoy a favorite pastime. What does your child enjoy doing? Does he or she have a favorite hobby? A favorite sport? A favorite travel destination? Consider subscribing to a specialty magazine especially written for creative young minds. Hobby, sports, and travel magazines are available in subjects ranging from A to Z.
• Enjoy cooking and baking with your pint-size chef? For kids who appreciate a good beignet, purchase a cookbook together, find a new or interesting recipe, read aloud the instructions, make a plan for cooking, and complete the project together. You may even sneak in a lesson or two about ratios, equivalents, and measurements.
 • Have a child who is a movie buff? Find a book written about his or her favorite movie and make a date to read and watch it together. After you finish, discuss similarities and differences between the two.
• For young artists and aspiring builders, find a craft or construction book and choose a project that the family can complete together.

2. Vary the types and genres of reading materials.
• You don’t always have to read the classics; encourage children to read material outside of their favorite genre.
 • Summer presents a fabulous opportunity to learn of our nation’s history and beloved national treasures. If you aren’t able to take a trip this summer, visit Plymouth Plantation, the Grand Canyon, or Mount Rushmore through picture books or historical fiction novels.
• Explore the world of moral themes in Aesop’s fables, dive into a world of enchantment with modern fairytales, or reflect upon the values of culture in time-honored folk tales.
 • For parents of older children, consider reading popular dystopian novels and discuss how the powers of government may influence individual freedoms and compel societies to return to traditional values.

3. Create a favorite space for reading and writing. 
 • Explore the nooks and crannies of your home. Is there a space that can be transformed into a reading corner? Fill it with colorful pillows, blankets, lighting, stuffed animals, and favorite family books.
 • Depending upon your family’s schedule, set aside a time every day to visit the spot and read both independently and as a family. Mark the time on a calendar and adjust the schedule as needed to accommodate family activities, trips, and sporting events.

4. Write a family book.
• Set aside a few minutes to compose a family story. The story may be fiction or nonfiction, fantasy or folklore, poetry or verse.
• Have each child contribute to the story by writing a sentence or two each day or a couple times per week. At the end of the summer, compile all the sentences into one piece, make copies for each person, and read together as a family. You may be surprised at the creative and eclectic story lines that develop!

5. Make a family reading tree. 
• Similar to creating a genealogy tree, construct a tree trunk and branches from craft or construction paper. Display the tree in a visible spot – playroom wall, office, library, reading nook, etc. Each time the family reads a book together, write the title on a paper leaf and place it on the tree. Challenge your children to help the tree “bloom” all summer long!

6. Be sensitive to your child’s individual learning style.
• Adapt reading and writing activities to include a wide variety of interactive and hands-on experiences. Since all children do not learn and comprehend information in the same way, identify if your child is an auditory, visual, or kinesthetic learner. (www.school.familyeducation.com)
• Take the time to discuss the reading material; highlight new vocabulary words and use them in different contexts. If your child struggles with reading aloud or sounding out words, take the time to employ phonics or phonemic awareness activities. (www.readingrockets.org)
• Include visual aids and allow children the opportunity to manipulate objects related to the reading material. • Remember to focus on the basics of literacy, make small, attainable goals, and work towards fluency and comprehension.
• For readers and writers of all ages, literacy is a team effort; parents, children, and siblings each have important roles. By varying the types of reading and writing activities throughout the summer, we can effectively help our children become successful readers and writers.

7. Be a reading role model!
• Don’t just tell your kids to read. Let them see you reading, too! Read individually, in pairs, and as family. Discuss what you are reading. Share your discoveries, insights, and questions for further study.
• Keep a journal. Write about your reading experiences and adventures.
• Create a map highlighting the people, places, or things of interest detailed in the stories. Show your children that reading can be both educational and fun!

Friends, as we model good reading habits, create opportunities for growth and reflection, and pay careful attention to the individual literacy needs of our children, I believe they will take their skills in reading and writing and effectively use them to build relationships in all aspects of their lives. When children connect and weave ideas between essential temporal and gospel principles, they see that knowledge is interrelated, and discoveries made in one subject area may shed light on principles in another subject area. Children’s literacy experiences inside the home, in addition to their experiences socially and in formal classrooms outside of the home, will testify how personal growth is multiplied as we seek out the best books of wisdom, and strive to learn by study and faith. As we make connections between the spiritual and the temporal, we will realize that life is a tapestry of experience and education, and our educational pursuits are in the service of God. It is a privilege and a blessing to be filled with treasures of knowledge, and those with a solid foundation in literacy will be better prepared to increase in knowledge and wisdom and bless the lives of those around them.

D&C 88:118, 119-20: “Seek ye diligently,” the Lord said, “and teach one another words of wisdom; organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God; That your incomings may be in the name of the Lord; that your outgoings may be in the name of the Lord; that all your salutations may be in the name of the Lord, with uplifted hands unto the Most High.”

People Can Change. Laws Can Change. The Truth is Incapable of Change.

My heart is pounding a little faster than it normally does. As my eyes brim with the sting of salty tears, I realize that the burn deep within my chest is more of a call to action than the consequence of eating too much red sauce with dinner. As I sit here and ponder what I should write to calm my skittish nerves, I know my only hope for release is that the Spirit will guide me on what I should say. Each morning, as I make the sunlit drive down 300 South to my place of business, I say a prayer that my Father in Heaven will make good use of me this day, that I will be able to help a person in need, and that I will be receptive to things of the Spirit. I ask Him to use me as an instrument of good will and a vessel for sharing the gospel. I also ask that He will not only use me as an instrument in writing, but impress upon me the things I should write. Incidentally, I have not written a solitary note in the past two months; perhaps my inactivity is due more to fear than lack of prompting. Sometimes, I need to write about principles that are difficult to articulate and may unintentionally cause offense to others. I imagine that if I had the faith of Paul, my letters to friends and family would focus less on my insecurities and more on the messages that we need to hear, even if they are not always the messages that are easy to hear.

It is evident to each one of us that we live in a changing world. Change is often perceived as motion in a forward direction, right? As we shed layers of our old selves, refining and purifying our hearts, we gain a hope and vision which leads us on the path to maturity. We become more like the ideal we are striving to become, as we use life's lessons and past mistakes to strengthen and fortify us, making us resolute in our quest for perfection. However, as much as we often enjoy change, I wholeheartedly believe that some things in life are not meant to change. Truth is one of those things. As I experience culture, community, and diversity throughout my life, I have come to recognize three very important truths. Those are: (1) that God is unchanging. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. If He ever did change, He would cease to be God; (2) that inspiration for change comes only from two sources. If we do not recognize and discern between the two sources, we may easily be led down a path of physical and moral destruction; and (3) if we choose to play with fire, we accept the fact that we may get burned.                          

You all know how much I love and honor this great nation. From coast to coast, I revere America's landscape, her people, her values, and her diversity. I believe in her strength, her purpose, and her foundation. Yes, her foundation...

I could speak for hours about the origin of America's creation; however, I would only distract myself and become lost in orations of virtue and triumph. My purpose here today, if nothing else, is to testify to myself of the importance of families and fulfilling the measure of our divine creation.

When Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden, he was given a companion and helpmeet. Her name is Eve. Together, they faced the trials and turbulences of a lonely world to fulfill God's commandments and rear children in faith. They were the first parents of this world, and they set a precedence that has been followed for thousands of years. We have been taught that Adam and Eve are the first example of marriage, and "marriage is necessary for the accomplishment of God’s plan, to provide the approved setting for mortal birth, and to prepare family members for eternal life" (D. Oaks, 1993).

"Marriage is ordained of God unto man," the Lord said, "that the earth might answer the end of its creation; and that it might be filled with the measure of man, according to his creation before the world was made" (D&C 49:15–17). What we know about marriage comes from heavenly instruction. God has revealed truth to us, as he revealed truth to Adam and Eve, about the nature and principle of marriage. He has explained, through his prophets and apostles on the earth, what constitutes marriage and why it is of eternal importance. The Apostle Paul taught, "Neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 11:11). As I understand this scripture, marriage between a man and a woman is the only way to meet God. God has set the example and has established the path to meet Him, showing the children of men that the path is straight and the gate is narrow. By understanding this principle or eternal truth, I ponder the following questions: If God defined marriage before Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden, then why do we as a society deem it necessary to redefine what He has already prescribed? Why should sociology be the guiding principle of truth when society itself is subject to the whims and flights of fancy? How do we hold firm to a foundation that shifts direction with the wind and rotates position with the passing of each new day?

I recognize that these words may seem harsh and intolerant of differences. I have thought much about the second commandment and how loving our neighbor reconciles with the principle of marriage. In my life, I have friends and family members who are gay, lesbian, and bisexual. I love them and respect them for their individual differences. I know the Lord loves them, too, and only wants the best for them. He would never want to deny them any blessing, yet I cannot bring myself to believe that the sacred nature of families would be altered to satisfy the demands of a changing society. As I mentioned earlier, God is unchanging. If He in His infinite wisdom is not capable of change, then perhaps we as His children should change to become more like Him. Although I believe that all men are created equal and are deserving of equal rights, we are not treated equally during our mortal probation. We must each pass through unique tests and trials, and we must each be strengthened in the Lord to meet our difficulties. My heart aches for those who feel they are victims of discrimination and are unfairly held accountable for the moral codes of the conservative right; they see their only recourse to equality in becoming legal partners in a same-sex institution. I freely admit that I do not know what the civil or government response should be, but I do know that redefining marriage is not the solution. I also know that we can find no happiness in trying to serve two masters and I must freely serve the Lord without fear of offending my fellow man. Scripture testifies that "truth abideth forever and ever" (D&C 1:39). Although my personal understanding of truth may come in bits and pieces as I prepare myself to receive it, the truth itself does not change. The eternal truth and principle of marriage does not change. Marriage is sacred. It is eternal. It is for the purpose of rearing families. And it can only be ordained between a man and a woman.

As we go forward discussing this matter in our private and public circles, I ask that we consider our personal motivation and inspiration for change. Are we giving more than we are receiving? Are we considering the consequences of our actions? Will our choices bring us closer to God or bring upon us the need for chastisement? Are we willing to accept a standard higher than our own, even if that standard makes us uncomfortable? In the spirit of humility, do we allow God to refine and purify our hearts or do we pass through the streets demanding He change to accept us while we sound our trumpets and smash our cymbals? Can we satisfy the requirements of a higher law while honoring the laws of our land? Can we establish a civil union that legally offers all citizens equal rights without demanding the sacrifice of sacred institutions?

I do not have all the answers, but I do know we must not trifle with sacred things. One of the greatest sins of our generation is that we are not living up to our potential, and we rationalize the outcomes. We want to change the rules to suit our individual purposes as we employ the philosophies of men to make our arguments enticing to others. We say that our God would never discriminate against us. He would never tell us that our choices are wrong. And parents always agree with their children. Friends, I speak boldly when I say that we are not playing a friendly game of chess; when the final buzzer rings, everyone will not receive a trophy and be given a gold star for effort. Whether we want to admit it or not, this battle on America's forefront is a continuation of a battle that began long before either you or I entered this world. We must choose this day whom we will serve. And may "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding," coupled with His infinite mercy and wisdom, show us clearly which side of the truth we should stand upon (Philip 4:7). My fellow brothers and sisters, are we choosing the better part?

Beat Cop on Patrol

Several years ago when I accepted the assignment of self-appointed morality police, I had no idea where my assignment would take me. I once thought that living in Happy Valley would make my job obsolete, due to the excellent instruction people receive at their ward and temple houses. However, now that I have been a resident of this lovely state for twenty years, I see there is a growing need for surveillance not only in my area, but in communities all across this blessed land. Although it will be a tough assignment to fill, I am here to report that I am at your service. It's the least I can do for my friends and acquaintances. No need to thank me. It's just what I do.

It has come to my attention that many individuals have accepted complacency and mediocrity as their guiding principles for daily living. I find this completely unacceptable, as it shreds the fabric of our society and unravels the republic that Benjamin Franklin and George Washington risked life and limb to secure. Since the Founding Fathers are not here to explain their philosophies in greater detail, I am prepared to share with you the appropriate course of action to remedy this situation, complete with examples to illustrate my finer points. I will begin by sharing a story about a proactive redhead who resides in the heart of Happy Valley.

My sister Angie is a nurturer. She cares about others, their feelings and their well-being. She genuinely desires to lighten others' burdens and will lose sleep at night at thinking up ways to serve her friends and family. She is full of cheer and good will, and spreads sunshine wherever she goes. I attribute her boundless generosity and modern-day discipleship to the endless hours spent in her youth watching the Brady Bunch, Mr. Roger's Neighborhood and Sesame Street. Angie has always been receptive to teenagers who dance and sing and puppets who work together to find common solutions to everyday problems. She is also a fan of make-believe and wearing fancy sweaters for all occasions, so life lessons on PBS were definitely not wasted on this girl. I, on the other hand, needed to be educated in the ways of protecting virtue and enforcing moral behavior, so I watched a lot of Wonder Woman. Between you and me, I think the truth lasso was the greatest invention of the 20th century. If I could have my own today, people would think twice about slighting their neighbor or waiting for someone else to heed the call to moral action. I realize the truth lasso's purpose was to invoke confession and compel obedience, but in my world, the truth lasso is capable of much, much more. Hence, you can see the differences between Angie and me and why we make such a great team when we unite together for the greater good. She gets people excited about service through her excellent example and merry disposition; I give people the stink eye and persuade them with my impassioned rhetoric and threat of permanent rope burn. No one has to know I don't really have a lasso, do they?

Angie has been a busy girl working tirelessly to organize a fundraiser for a local family who endured senseless tragedy this past Christmas season. Their experiences have altered my perception of human suffering, and have permanently changed the shape of my heart. I have learned from their trials, and believe more than ever that our mission in life is not to do the minimum to get by, but to strive to be better in all that we do, including loving and serving our neighbors.

I am touched by the overwhelming response of so many in our community who have expressed their desire to support Angie's friends through various donations, handcrafted creations and service projects in their own neighborhoods. Service can create a ripple effect among communities, and one life that touches another for good has the capacity to touch millions for good.

Yet as touched as I am by the support for this family, I am also disheartened by those who readily decline an opportunity to serve because they are busy, unaffected or indifferent. I see these dangers of complacency breeding among us, as many are too distracted to see that our complacency is like a tree that blooms in the spring. Each limb brings forth a new bud, and before we know it, our limbs of complacency have diverged into every area of our lives. Similarly, the tree of charity also comes forth in the spring, as a simple act of kindness has the power to decorate our lives with brightness, color and clarity.

I realize that we are all busy, busy people. No one knows better than I do how to juggle eighty tasks with the skill and precision of a chimpanzee. I am far from achieving perfection and far from balancing the scales in my life, but I find that if I focus on putting my best foot forward, the scales seem to tip in my favor. My point is that we are not expected to be everything to everybody, but we are expected to help those whom God's places in our path. Many of us (i.e., me) have checklists of the things we must accomplish and the tasks we must attend to, but are we mindful of the person sitting next to us as we write these all-encompassing lists? We may cross off every line and pat ourselves on the back for all the things we are doing correctly, yet our checklist means nothing if we are complacent in serving our neighbors.

It doesn't take much to brighten the day of another...a smile, a kind word, an act of selfless kindness. We don't have to do big things every day, but we do have to try to do something every day.

I realize that not everyone shares my standards and the call to duty impressed upon me since childhood. I appreciate that many people are happy to cruise through the pathways of life without so much as a thought to how their actions affect the lives of others. There are those who think themselves immune to the powers of my golden lasso, and I can sympathize with those who think me arrogant, intolerant, self-righteous and overly-judgmental. I have heard these words vocalized in vibrant hosts of arrangement; however, I ask you to forget my exhortation and think of those who have led by example. Think of the individuals in your own life who have done a great service by transcending the barriers of mediocre performance. Think of the leaders of our nation who were not rooted in complacency, but rooted in a desire to do good. Think of Abraham Lincoln and where we would be if he had esteemed one man above another. Where would we be if the Founding Fathers cared more for their personal wealth and security than sacrificing all to create a government by the people, of the people and for the people? Where would I be if the Lord withheld His charity from me as I withhold my charity from another?

Friends, the call to be an influence for good is not a new one. We each have our talents and strengths to bless the lives of others. We won't be good at the same things and we won't excel in the same areas, but if we join our talents together, there is no limit to what we can accomplish; there will be no end to the effects of our influence. I wholeheartedly believe that now is the time to act. Don't wait for the day when are you less busy, less tired or less consumed. Remove yourself from the shadows of complacency and share your light with the world. I know you can do it and you know you can do it. My golden lasso knows you can do it, too, and it will be softly cracking in the background to prove it.

The Cotton Salsa, also known as The Pudding Pickle

Do you ever wonder what would happen if cotton collided with salsa? I have never given it much thought myself, but the Asylum found out firsthand this morning what transcends when Cotton, a.k.a. Grammy, spices up breakfast with the flavors of Mexico.

I was at work when my twelve-month old son, Emerson, wakened in his bed. My husband was still sleeping from a long night of work so Grammy came to the rescue. She greeted Emerson at his crib and brought him into the kitchen. She is a helper in every way and we are usually very grateful for her assistance. Emerson, on the other hand, might proclaim a different tale if only we could decipher his toddler English.

Grammy decided to feed Emerson pudding for breakfast. It's not the healthiest food item in our fridge, but I guess it works in a pinch. After attempting several times to coax Emer into consuming the yummy pudding, Grammy gave up and went for reinforcements.

She woke Mr. T and promptly informed him, "Your little son won't eat the pudding I gave him. He doesn't like the pudding on the right. He only likes the pudding on the left."

Confused and still a little groggy, Mr. T asked Grammy to show him the pudding she was attempting to feed Emerson. Grammy walked to the fridge, opened the door and removed a small container of "pudding." She then proceeded to drop it, spilling its contents all over the hardwood floor.

After Mr. T cleaned the sticky mess, he gently pointed out a little tidbit that may explain Emerson's aversion to the early morning treat. Grammy may have overlooked the obvious, yet Mr. T was kind to say, "Grammy, this isn't pudding. This is salsa!"

Grammy's response? "Oh, I thought it looked like pudding."

My poor, little baby! All I can think about is that first spoonful of hot, spicy mixed vegetable seething on his sensitive tongue. No wonder he freaked out and fought her every advance. I would have freaked out too if my vanilla pudding bit me back!

Friends, this is only one example of how adventure is always present in the Asylum. Grammy, who was once a popular dance instructor, has now invented the Cotton Salsa. You open the fridge door, take two steps to the left, one step to the right and then do-si-do a container of Cafe Rio salsa and a Hunt's vanilla snack pack. If you can tell them apart after a sashay through the kitchen, you may repeat steps one and four. However, we all know that new dance steps, as well as plastic food containers, can be tricky. You simply cannot trust your senses, or those diabolical little cups, for the exterior packaging, content coloring and flavorful aroma can be misleading. It takes practice and a keen eye, because as we have witnessed here today, even seasoned dance instructors can find themselves in a pickle from time to time.

And Then There Were Two...

I love Indianapolis at night. The lights, the energy, the magic that brews beneath the Midwestern sky. I love the people, the camaraderie, the sense of community. The people are what make the Hoosier state electric this time of year, with their zest for life and interesting perspectives on culture. And no matter what their differences may be, one thing you can count on is that Hoosiers love deeply and they love passionately. Football and parties are no exception. Enter Superbowl XLVI.

Although it is no secret that my beloved Colts had a rough season, a very rough season, their hopes for the playoffs sizzled into the evening sky as quickly as a certain blonde's halftime hopes of becoming cool again. I will always support my hometown team, and will wish them all the best when Fall rolls around again. However, this year Colts fans were presented with an interesting opportunity. Most of us adore Peyton Manning and if we aren't able to root for our favorite quarterback and crew, we choose to root for Peyton's little bro, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning.

In the spirit of full disclosure, you should probably know that I am no fan of the Patriots. It doesn't matter to me who is battling the irritatingly obnoxious AFC champs; I would have rooted for any opposing team with a fire that my husband calls "psycho." Psycho, passionate...it's all the same to me. The important thing to remember is that I care. I live 1700 miles away from Indy. Of course I have to scream loud enough so they can all hear me. Geesh...

As you might have guessed, Superbowl Sunday is treated like a national holiday in the Amonett house. Anything that is an American tradition is an AmErikan favorite in my book. I relish the opportunity to cook for family and friends, eat without guilt and visit that room in my basement that only gets used twice a year. But that's another story...

Our good friends Dan, Courtney and their little guy, Owen, came over for some steak and calorie-laden white carbs. After we filled up on chips, salsa and queso, we ate some scrumptious tri tip, seasoned baked potatoes, vanilla frosted banana cake and triple berry brownies. Add Mr. T's 80 ounces of "last day" Dr. Pepper to the mix and we had a rip-roarin', caffeine-induced game day celebration.

The kids were definitely feeling the energy streaming from the life-size projection screen. It was like standing on the 50 with all the running, tackling and kicking going on. I am happy to report that the at-home team made it through the game with minimal bumps and bruises, although the sideline crew did sustain a hit or two. Thank goodness the sofa and carpet medic was on hand to prevent any further injury.

I have to admit I didn't get to see many of the much-hyped commercials or play-by-play maneuvers, yet thanks to the power of DVR, we were able to begin the game about an hour and a half after the actual kick-off. Toddlers operate on their own time schedules and they really don't care about Ms. Clarkson's version of the national anthem.

The many moods of Emerson: let's play!, why aren't you giving me what I want?, I think I'll crash here.

In between all the starts, stops and rewinds, I remember an M&M commercial catching my eye and a lot of bare naked ladies trying to sell cars. I never really knew that men who drive KIAs also drive fashion models wild, but I also never really knew that some people take the "shirts" and "skins" terminology literally. Sometimes, educational opportunities grab us when we least expect it, don't they?

We didn't finish watching the game until nearly 11 p.m. The home team needed a lot of time outs for potty breaks and costume changes; we also needed time outs for dancing, pony rides, upside down planking and Little People train rides.

During one of our unscheduled breaks, Courtney cheated and looked up the final score. She taunted us with her newly discovered knowledge so we were forced to silence her with brownies and ice cream. We thought about rewinding the halftime show and making her watch it again, but even the Amonetts have their standards for torture.

By the end of the game, we were whooping and hollering, yet feeling a little sad inside that not enough people had been praying for Tom. As we were cheering for the great fourth quarter plays, (and predicting the late night comedians' jabs at Gisele), Emerson was performing his own sideline cheer, "Do the Dew!"

As with every event in the Amonett house, all good things must come to an end. Battling the bloat from our Superbowl super-sized portions, Mr. T and I reaffirmed our vow to begin our diets anew in the morning. He agreed to give up soda and unhealthy food; I agreed to give up soda and everything that tastes good. Although I am not sure how it will all play out, chances are he will move within 10 pounds of goal while I am sacked by the first good-looking cookie that comes my way. Even so, we will support each other on our weight loss journey and I will try not to distract him with my sugary wiles. I must say, though, I think it's really unfair that my genetics make me discriminate against food, especially when I have so much love to share. Leafy greens are great, but they are no substitute for my insulin-spiking happy pills. A little chocolate can go a long way and everyone knows I look good in brown, especially when it's smudged around my lips. Besides, I should be able to eat what I want, when I want, how much I want and be as skinny as I want! {stomps foot}

Now who's the irritatingly obnoxious one?

Red, White and Bull...Celebrating the Freedom to Ride

"Grandpa, I gotta tell you something. Today is National Freedom Day!"

Instituted in the 1940s as a tribute to Abraham Lincoln for ending the slave trade, this first day of February stands as a monument to a truth we hold dear. An individual's right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, regardless of race, creed or color, is as important today as it was two hundred years ago. Many will choose to honor this day by participating in activities that focus on freedom, but for the guy and gal who choose to celebrate by riding a wild bull, well, we'll stand up and cheer for that liberty too.

Abraham Lincoln once said, "Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm." I would go one step further and add, "...or hold on tight for at least eight seconds." Although Lincoln was most likely referring to moral character rather than doling out wild bull and horseback riding lessons, his words ring true in all arenas of life, even in the small country town in the southern part of Utah County.

Last July, during Spanish Fork's 2011 Fiesta Days rodeo, Mr. T and I gathered our family and friends for our annual sojourn to the Spanish Fork fair grounds.

We love the energy that comes from mixing wild bulls and testosterone, and our kids love the endless supply of sugar that Grandpa Skip so lovingly distributes in fifteen minute intervals. We have made the rodeo excursion a family tradition, and I have enjoyed bringing to life some of the pictures that have been laying unattended since the birth of baby Emerson.

Spanish Fork's youngest buckaroos were dressed and ready to wrangle up some Wild West adventure. It is customary in these parts to wear the appropriate color plaid shirt to accent one's eyes and bring out the sparkle in a young boy's smile.

Xavier, who wasted no time getting to know the ladies in the group (see pink booted cowgirl above), was kind enough to share his hat with Emerson and tip it to the side when a cute girl walked by.

One of my favorite activities during the opening ceremonies is when all the veterans are recognized for their service to our country. It warms my heart to see my dad stand and humbly wave to the crowd while a chorus of "thank you" echoes all around. This happens just prior to the presentation of the flag, and I will forever be impressed by the eclectic array of men and women who have courageously fought for our freedoms and continue to fight for them today.

During one of the breaks, this barrelman visited our section to high-five all the kids. Xavier was thrilled to meet a real cowboy, who only added to his sugar-induced euphoria of the night.

This cowgirl showed off her mad acrobatic skills in between wrastlin' steers and team ropin' calves. While she was tumbling, twirling and defying the laws of gravity, Xavier took aim at her team of horses.

X-Man, who will now be known as Cool Hand X-Man, successfully shot and fired with precision while little bro watched in amazement.

Emerson was wide-eyed and wide-mouthed through most of the evening. He particularly enjoyed the mutton busters and high octane specialty acts, but what man doesn't love an event that involves daredevils, trucks and flames?

It is a great privilege to live in a community that celebrates traditional values and the spirit of the individual. We have been given the opportunity to partake of the good culture that surrounds us and enjoy the talents of others. A new stadium is currently under construction, and I look forward to our visit again this summer, as the men and women of the rodeo will be sure to entertain and inspire a new generation of riders and ropers.