Vancouver Sisters

Vancouver Sisters

Friday, March 31, 2006

Susan C. (MC ward) in the hospital

Please send prayers and service Susan's way... she was admitted earlier this week for a leg infection. She visited the doctor with a swollen, painful leg, and he told her to head to the emergency room. After some hours there she was admitted. Tests have so far been inconclusive as to the cause of the infection, but she is receiving antibiotics and pain medication. Susan's parents are visiting for the next week or so and will be staying with her in the hospital, while Cary cares for the boys. Meals, etc. would be appreciated. Please leave an update in comments if you hear anything new or different.

Posted by Millie :: 1:07 PM :: 3 comments

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Thursday, March 30, 2006

Attention All Scrapbookers

I have been cleaning out my craft room, preparing to turn it into a nursery (yay!) and I have a HUGE pile of scrapbooking magazines that need a new home!

I've got 45 in all! Most are Creating Keepsakes, but there are a couple others. They date back to Summer 2002 and go all the way up to now, with only a couple of issues missing.

However, the catch is that most of them are missing my favorite articles (on account that I've spent that last couple of days going through each magazine and tearing out my very favorite articles and tips to keep in one organized binder). But, there are still hundreds of ideas in each issue. Literally, hundreds of layouts, tons of tips, techniques, etc. If you like scrapbooking, I guarantee you'll love these magazines! (Even if they are slightly butchered. lol)

There is one issue untouched. Not that I didn't love it, I actually had duplicates that month for some reason. So I tore what I wanted out of the one and will just pass on the other, untouched issue. (That way you can see my very FAV article and you'll know why I tore all the other months' out! :b lol)

So, the first person to ask for them, gets them. And if I don't hear from anyone within a week, they are going to get put out with the recycling. So act fast!

Posted by White Shores :: 6:33 PM :: 0 comments

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Monday, March 27, 2006

Take a stand against HBO's "Big Love"

We're often told by church leaders that we can no longer be passive and simply "avoid" the dark influences of the world - we are now called to actively "stand for truth and righteousness". Well, here's another opportunity to do just that.

I'm asking for your help--for about 3 minutes of your time.
HBO's new series, "Big Love", is about a polygamous family and is set in a Salt Lake City suburb. About the likely impact of this sexually driven show, the New York Times said, "We may never look at Utah and think white bread again."

Parodies of beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints occur- belief in priesthood by a man blessing his hunting rifle, belief in personal revelation from the Holy Ghost by dramatic visions that the polygamous leader discusses casually with a friend. Talk of "celestial kingdom", "free agency", and the "Choose the Right" slogan are included. There is a brief disclaimer stating that the polygamists don't have an active connection with the LDS Church. But if the writers don't intend for viewers to make the connection, one wonders why they set the show in Salt Lake City, the Church's world headquarters, and why they included distortions of LDS beliefs.

NBC recently cancelled a show about a dysfunctional Episcopal priest who saw a "Jesus", after almost 700,000 people emailed and complained. Couldn't we do the same for this show? If you agree, will you:

- copy and forward this in email to at least 8 people
- email a polite protest to HBO:

Go to <http://www.hbo.com/> , scroll to bottom of page, click Contact Us, click on The Sopranos (unless Big Love is listed when you do so), scroll to the light blue box near page bottom, on the line just under Submit an Email, click on Contact Us. Then enter your information, specify it's about Big Love, and leave a message asking them to cancel this offensive show.

One or two sentences is all it takes. Or feel free to copy or edit this message:

I am offended that you would produce the series Big Love. It demeans and distorts sacred beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. By setting the show in Salt Lake City, it blurs the line between the Church and the long renounced practice of polygamy. Please cancel the show immediately.

For "extra mile" effort and effect, call HBO's operator at 212-512-1208 from 9am to 5pm Mon-Fri EST and ask to leave a message asking them to cancel Big Love.

Thanks!

Let's take an active role in protecting our faith and our missionary efforts!

Source of info: <http://www.lds.org/> click on Newsroom for News Media

Posted by Zeearah :: 9:43 PM :: 1 comments

---------------oOo--------------- Another MC ward celebrity

Imagine my surprise today when, flipping through the latest issue of "Taste of Home" magazine (April/May 2006), I saw a very familiar face: that of Jan B. on page 63! She is one of the 1,000 field editors that contribute to this very fun (one of my favorites because it has FOOD in it) magazine. I did not know this about her. Along with her cute picture is a little blurb, which I quote:

JAN B.
Vancouver, Washington
Personal profile: Jan and her husband, Don, are retired.

"I love reading cookbooks and trying new recipes for family and friends. Don always perks up when I make something new. We love peaches and tomatoes, so we travel every year to eastern Washington to buy them fresh-picked.

"Don and I love to travel in the Pacific Northwest and to other parts of the world. We spent two enjoyable years in China, where we taught oral English to university students. Don has a degree in education, and mine is in business."

How much fun is that? Good for you, Jan!

Posted by Millie :: 5:46 PM :: 2 comments

---------------oOo--------------- Better than Heloise (if that's possible)

We recently had a discussion at Vancouver Sisters about how the Spirit speaks to us. Throughout my life as a member, I've loved hearing the stories of lives being saved, testimonies being strengthened, life-changing decisions being made, through the gift of the Holy Ghost. Wonderful, faith-promoting stories. Keep reading

Posted by Millie :: 9:26 AM :: 0 comments

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Saturday, March 25, 2006

YW in the news!

For those of you who missed Friday’s newspaper, Ashli-Marie Grant made front page news:

Teen Makes Her Point (The Columbian)

If you see her, make sure to congratulate her.
Way to go Ashli-Marie!!!!!

Posted by No Cool Story :: 1:36 PM :: 2 comments

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Friday, March 24, 2006

My Readers Demand It.

I'm back by popular demand (...that’s the two of you who read my posts):
Fun all around: the Firstenburg Community Center in Vancouver

Posted by No Cool Story :: 8:55 PM :: 1 comments

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Sunday, March 19, 2006

The Bishop's Birthday Present

The next time you find yourself in the Bishop's office (MC Ward), take a look at a very special picture he has in there. It is a picture taken of the youth and leaders with the Bishop in front of the SLC Temple (from the trip we took for Gen. Conf. last Oct).

In honor of our dear Bishop's birthday, the youth had that picture blown up and framed. They each signed their names on the mat within the framing. It is very handsomely done and is a wonderful reminder of the great experience we had, thanks in great part to our wonderful Bishop.

I know that our Bishop loves these youth! I don't know that he could love them more if they were his own children. And they know it! They love and respect him for it! They are so lucky to have such a wonderful Bishop to influence this important part of their lives. (As are we all!)

Posted by White Shores :: 3:17 PM :: 4 comments

---------------oOo--------------- Family History News

The Church's family history department has a new project going, nicknamed "Scanstone," in which all of the microfilms stored in the Granite Mountain Vault near Salt Lake are being scanned and digitized. What does this mean for you? This will make it possible for everyone with Internet access to look at every record stored there by just going online.

This is a big deal - microfilms and microfiche are currently viewed only by using viewing equipment located in your local family history center, and only after ordering them from Salt Lake City (small fee and a 2-week wait involved). Or you can take a quick jaunt to Salt Lake and spend hours at the Family History Library - my personal preference, but not exactly time- or money-efficient.

When I think of all the time my grandparents spent back in the 70s and 80s, driving 100 miles to the nearest family history center, writing letters, waiting for letters to arrive, calling on the phone, and traveling to courthouses in distant states - not the mention all the MONEY - just to get the records we'll have instant, free access to, I see what a miracle this is. How much easier does family history work have to get, before we'll finally sit down and do it?

If you're interested, you can read more about it on Renee Zamora's EXCELLENT genealogy blog by clicking this link: Unlocking the Vault - The Scanstone Project

In other news, Linda and Larry B., family history specialists of CH ward, have turned our formerly junky-looking family history classroom at the stake center into a room where we can actually LEARN! Linda works for a local school district and has access to all the old computer equipment they get rid of.

Linda and Larry installed a "new" overhead projector, connected to a hard drive, so that we can basically project a computer monitor onto the wall. This makes it really easy to watch someone demonstrate PAF and other genealogy programs, and the best part is it's there permanently. They continue to be instrumental in gathering new equipment and are working on getting a phone line installed, so we can demonstrate online research to students. What a blessing to have them in our building - my Sunday school class and I can reap the benefits of their hard work! Thanks Linda & Larry!

Posted by Millie :: 9:04 AM :: 2 comments

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Saturday, March 18, 2006

Sabbath Day Activity Ideas ... Chapter 2

A weekly series.

11. Have family scripture study. Younger children may want to draw representational pictures beside their favorite scriptures. This will enable them to find the same scripture and remember what it was about in the future.

12. Visit the temple grounds as a family or bring a non-member friend.

13. Give time to a nursing home or to others who may need help reading letters from loved ones or writing them.

14. Re-visit families on your Home and Visiting teaching routes who may need to be visited.

15. Utilize time together in the car or at dinner to discuss what each family member learned at Church that day.

16. Check out filmstrips from the library and view them.

17. Rest and reflect on what was taught in Church classes.

18. Listen to scripture tapes or view scripture videos.

19. Read material that is Church-oriented or uplifting.

20. Record broadcasts of BYU devotionals and play them back during the day and throughout the week.

Posted by Millie :: 9:19 AM :: 1 comments

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Friday, March 17, 2006

I'm (sniff) having the time (sob) of my life!

If you're looking at the title wondering "What in the heck?" then you obviously weren't at MC ward's Home, Family & Personal Enrichment Night last night. We had the kind of Enrichment Night I love - we felt the Spirit AND laughed our fool heads off.

As the sisters came in, they were asked to sit at their birthday table - we had a table for each month, and it was fun to see sisters who didn't know each other well sitting and chatting together. At 6:30 we had dinner, Hawaiian Haystacks, a Mormon classic (hot rice, chicken gravy, toppings) and rolls. We sang "Happy Birthday" to Relief Society, ate cake and ice cream, and played the penny game. Each table had a small jar of pennies, and the sisters played the game by taking out a penny, looking at the year, and telling the rest of the sisters at their table something that happened to them that year. It was a fun get-to-know-you game.

A panel of speakers followed (probably not in this order): Jan B., Diane W., Beth M., De Ann C., Janice G., Kailyn D., Sariah R., and me. Each sister related a Relief Society experience that was special to her, then bore her testimony. We learned some fun things about Relief Society's past, and also about the sisters themselves.

One more game rounded out the evening - Two Truths & a Lie. I drew slips of paper with the sisters' names from a basket, and as they were called, they came up and told us two true things and one lie about themselves and we had to guess which was the lie. Some made it easy - Teresa G.: "I'm 25", and some were trickier - Terina C.: "I'm 6" - her birthday's on Leap Day. Arleen F. divulged to us what a hottie Brother F. was when they first met - she was a P.E. major at USU, where he was on the wrestling team, and they happened to be in the same gym one day. His ribs had been cracked by another wrestler, causing the need for him to wear tape on his sides. She told her friends, "I call to be the one to tear his tape off." I personally had no idea she was such a big flirt. :)

If you missed our fun time last night, PLEASE don't miss the next one, to be held June 15. We plan on having another wonderful time together! Between now and then, we'll hold more Enrichment activities and hope you can join us for those as well. Everyone who came last night, THANK YOU for making the evening such a success - particularly those sisters who helped with dinner, decorations and cleanup. We couldn't have done it without you.

Posted by Millie :: 6:35 AM :: 7 comments

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Wednesday, March 15, 2006

The Icing on the Cake (and the Kids)

Frosting flew fast and furious tonight at the HFPE cake decorating activity. Stuffed into a small classroom because it was Wednesday night, twelve sisters (with the help of three adorable toddlers and a sweet baby) endeavored to frost cakes for the Enrichment Night birthday dinner tomorrow evening. It was interesting to see how many tables, women, children, chairs, and cakes could be crammed into the tiny hallway classroom. Christi, Autumn and I were never so happy to walk out into the rain as we were tonight. Autumn taught the class and we tried our hardest to get these cakes done without getting crumbs in the frosting. The frosting did actually fly around the room at one point, when the mixer was turned on with the mixer blades out of the bowl, spattering Autumn and Rene's clothes. A whole team of experts cleaned the room, and looking at it now, no one could ever tell what happened. We did have a good time, laughing at our cake mishaps, stepping all over each other, and learning by experience (next time, we’ll have the cakes frosted before starting and have the activity at Autumn’s apartment – party at Autumn’s!).

Posted by Millie :: 10:07 PM :: 2 comments

---------------oOo--------------- THE COUNTER

Private eyes *clap* they're watching you *clap clap* they see your every move...

We installed a cutesy little hit counter to keep track of how many visitors our blog gets. It's down there at the bottom of the page. :) Thanks Statcounter.com (bok bok)!

Posted by Millie :: 10:45 AM :: 2 comments

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Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Painfully Obvious to Everyone but Me

Go ahead and laugh… I’m totally serious about this.

Tonight as I was coming home from the family history center, I turned on the car radio and switched around, trying to find a song I liked. Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven” began playing. The song is years old and when it became popular, you may remember, disc jockeys played it incessantly...the proverbial beating of a musical dead horse. Normally I would have bypassed it, but tonight – maybe because I was doing family history work, maybe because I have a four-year-old boy – I stopped and listened to it.

You might know that Eric Clapton wrote it after the accidental death of his four-year-old son. The lyrics are the words of a grieving father trying to grasp for any possible comfort: “Would you know my name, if I saw you in Heaven?” I was struck by the pain he must have gone through, losing this precious little boy, in his mind probably forever. I wanted to yell at the radio: “Yes! You will see him again!” which sounds completely silly, but at the time was heartfelt.

I know a little about Eric Clapton – not a lot. I know he’s English, I know he’s a singer/songwriter and I know some of his songs and the names of some of his bands. I know he’s a recovering alcoholic, and I know he’s very, very talented at playing the guitar. Before tonight I would have passed him off as any other ill-behaved rock musician, trying to corrupt the minds of innocents with his immoral lyrics, a tool of Satan, even. (I don’t think that about all of them – just some.) But hearing that song tonight, I realized I had wrongly judged him.

I came to see him as just another dad, searching for reasons why he had suffered this enormous loss. I thought of him as a kid in England, loving music and discovering that he had a great talent. I thought of him growing up, making all the mistakes that people make when they don’t have the gospel in their lives – or sometimes even when they do. I thought of him as an actual human being, wondering what life is about and not coming up with anything really solid. I thought of him as an artist who goes from painting silly, meaningless portraits to creating a great work, the kind that can only be inspired by suffering.

Before tonight, there was a division in my mind between Members and Non-Members, placed there not by gospel teachings, but by my own ignorance. The Non-Members were divided into regular people and Famous People. They have their own little spot, don’t they? They’re NEVER going to join the Church and they’re just out there causing havoc for those of us who are trying to live good lives and raise good children. It’s hard to think of them as anything other than godless rule-breakers… and yes, some of them are, but for others, there’s so much more beneath the surface.

It might sound goofy, and I’m stating the obvious – but tonight I realized that Heavenly Father loves His famous children, too. All the pain Eric Clapton goes through, all the struggles he’s had – Heavenly Father is aware of all of it, just as any father would be aware of his son, just as He’s aware of any of us. He loves Eric Clapton as much as He loves Gordon B. Hinckley or you or me. Shocking, isn’t it?

Let’s hope not. Hopefully this all seems elementary to you - in theory, I believed it. But in reality, I didn’t. It was a very humbling revelation… and rather than suffer from this silly superiority complex any longer, I hope from now on to see everyone, no matter what their station in life, as a child of God.

Posted by Millie :: 11:42 PM :: 0 comments

---------------oOo--------------- Unused Credit Card Applications: an experiment

Sisters, what do you do with your unused credit card applications: do you rip or shred them?
Find out what happened when Rob returned a Torn-Up Credit Card Application to the Credit card company. A MUST read.
More

Posted by No Cool Story :: 6:24 PM :: 3 comments

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Monday, March 13, 2006

IT'S A...

I had an ultra sound today... (Yes, for anyone who has not heard yet... I'm pregnant! Due the end of July.) I assumed everyone knew by now because I don't think I'm hiding it well, lol.

I posted on my personal blog what it is and the ultra sound pictures (that really look more like an alien than anything else... but we'll take it!). The only thing I have to say is that I know of one sister in our ward who has made me promise not to tell her... she wants to be surprised. So, I don't mind sharing, but as you share the news with others make sure they want to hear it first! lol (I don't want to get in trouble with this Sister! lol)

Here's a direct link to the post with the info... It's a...

Posted by White Shores :: 5:13 PM :: 9 comments

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Sunday, March 12, 2006

What would you like to see on the site?

Sisters - in developing the site, some of us have been impressed with the need for ongoing and themed postings. Example: The Sabbath Day Activity Ideas. Some other thoughts have been for a discussion related to RS/Gospel Doctrine Lessons, humor, service challenges, and so forth. What are your thoughts on these suggestions? Do you feel that something is missing - what can we do to improve and mold this site into something that everyone would enjoy and gain from?

Posted by Zeearah :: 8:39 PM :: 3 comments

---------------oOo--------------- Sabbath Day Activity Ideas ... Chapter 1

This will be an ongoing feature. I realize that at almost 8 PM on Sunday, this list may come a little late in the day, but what the heck? You'll have more ideas for next week.

1. Read Church magazines from cover to cover.

2. Prepare any future talks or lessons.

3. Use crock pot recipes to cut down on extra cooking.

4. Prepare Family Home Evening lessons for the next day.

5. Visit those you know who are in the hospital.

6. Attend temple classes.

7. Invite someone who may be unable to cook for themselves such as an elderly person or shut-in, to share dinner with your family, or take dinner to them.

8. Make a list of members who may need a ride to sacrament meetings. Invite them to ride with you.

9. Surprise someone in need with a visit.

10. Find a unique way to fellowship less active families.

From 101+ Sabbath Day Activities at lds.about.com...

Posted by Millie :: 7:47 PM :: 6 comments

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Thursday, March 09, 2006

Disclaimer

To our dear sisters:

A very nice sister in Utah, Tigersue, has taken on the sizeable responsibility of keeping a current list of LDS women’s blogs. This list is accessed by clicking the “LDS women’s blogs” link. We chose to have our blog put on her list, and in exchange, have placed her link here. Many of the blogs on her list are high-quality, uplifting, and insightful. However, some are not; they contain posts that disparage General Authorities and Auxiliary Leaders, temple ordinances, and the Church itself, written by people who claim to be upstanding members of the Church.

We claim no responsibility for any of the negative content posted on any of these blogs.

Posted by Millie :: 4:35 PM :: 3 comments

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Monday, March 06, 2006

Help me find another church!

Submitted by Michelle B.:

In a local newspaper in Provo, Utah, there had been an ongoing series of articles written by individuals who wanted to persuade LDS Church Members to leave the church. In response to the highly critical and spirited remarks, a member wrote this rebuttal:

Dear Editor:
I have been thinking about quitting the Mormon Church. Yes, if I can, I am going to get even with that church. As soon as I can find another church that teaches about the Gathering of the House of Israel; the return of the Ten Tribes and their mission; the return of the Jews to Palestine; the building of temples and their purposes; and the mission of Elias, the prophet, as predicted by Malachi. Is there another church that teaches the method for the salvation of the people that died at the time of Noah and the flood; the origin of the American Indian; the complete explanation of why Jesus of Nazareth needed a mortal mother; the explanation of the three degrees of glory (three heavens) as mentioned by Paul? How about one that teaches about the need for the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that teaches that Joseph Smith was chosen before he ever came to earth to be the prophet to usher in that restoration? What about another church with the belief in eternal
marriage and the family, and the knowledge of where to be sealed so the family can be together for eternity? Where is another church that sells the best fire insurance policy on earth for the last days, for only a 10th of my income, and that teaches abstinence from all harmful drugs and foods?

Yes sir, as soon as I can find another church that teaches all that, or even half as much, I will say good-bye to this Mormon Church. The church that I am looking for must also be able to motivate 50,000 youth, and adults, for the first, second or third time to leave their homes for two years at their own expense and be sent to far-away missions to teach and preach without salary. It must be able to call 5 or 6 thousand members to go pick apples on a frosty day; and it must get the attention of more than 150,000 men and boys for two hours to listen to a prophet, not to mention women and girls taking the time to listen to their leaders. Could you help me find a church that teaches and shows why salvation is assured for children who die before eight years of age?

Mr. Editor, could you help me find a church that teaches all that and more and hundreds of other doctrines and principles, which I have no room to mention here, and which brings solace and comfort to the soul, peace, hope, and salvation to mankind, and above all, that answers the key questions that all the great philosophers have asked -- questions and answers that explain the meaning of life, the purpose of death, suffering and pain, the absolute need for a redeemer and the marvelous plan happiness conceived and executed by Jesus Christ the Savior?

Yes, as soon as I find another church that teaches that and also that has the organization and the priesthood power to make that teaching effective, I am going to quit the Mormon Church. Don't you think, Mr. Editor, that the Divine Church should also have prophets that don't get old and sick, and die and certainly that don't make a goof here and there? A Divine Church should be so divine that only perfect people should belong to it, and only perfect people should run it. As a matter of fact, the Church should be so perfect that it should not even be here on earth! So, I repeat, if any one of the kind readers of this imperfect letter knows about another church that teaches and does as much for mankind as the Mormon Church, please let me know. And please do it soon, because my turn to go to the cannery is coming up soon. Also, they want to send my fifth and last son to go on a mission and I'll have to pay for it all. And I also know that they expect me to go to the farm to prune trees before long. Boy, these Mormons don't leave you alone for a minute. And what do I get for all they ask me to do? Well, someone said, for one, you can look forward to a funeral service at no charge!

Do you think you can help me find another church?

Tom B. Clark

Posted by Millie :: 2:13 PM :: 2 comments

---------------oOo--------------- Discussion: Divine Direction vs. The Free Agent

So, we all know that we can receive "Divine Direction" and revelation for our families, right? But what about being the "Free Agent"?

We are given the opportunity to make choices in our lives . . . . and we are also given the gift of the Holy Ghost to inspire us to do the Lord's will.

Personal revelations are received in both the mind and in the heart. These impressions come to the mind as thoughts and to the heart as feelings. Elder Packer explained, “This guidance comes as thoughts, as feelings, through impressions and promptings.” 14 At times the Spirit will impress both the mind and the heart at the same time. Usually when your head and your heart are receiving the same impression, you know that you are receiving a personal revelation. The Savior instructed Hyrum Smith, “I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy” (D&C 11:13). Boyd K. Packer

So what do you do when you aren't feeling or sure of that inspiration?

“When He withholds an answer, it is to have us grow through faith in Him, obedience to His commandments, and a willingness to act on truth.” 13 Boyd K. Packer

So, How do you know when you're suppose to grow in faith or if he's just allowing you to make the decision on your own?

“For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.
“Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
“For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.” (D&C 58:26–28; italics added.)

What are your thoughts? Please feel free to add scriptural references and quotes.

Posted by Zeearah :: 12:10 PM :: 3 comments

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Friday, March 03, 2006

Temple Trip!!

Brennan's going to the temple with the ward young men today, to do proxy baptisms for the dead. It's his first time and we're all excited about it - probably me more than him. Understandably he's a little nervous. He mostly worries about not being able to read the names without his glasses - the poor kid inherited my terrible eyesight. I assured him that one of his Young Men leaders would probably be doing the baptizing, and would be glad to help him out.

When I was young, temple trips really were "trips." I turned 12 in January 1982, and the Seattle temple was brand new. Before that year, the kids from our Brookings, Oregon ward went to the Oakland, California temple, at that time the closest temple to our little town. Brookings is the last town on the Oregon coast before hitting the California border. After Seattle came the Portland temple, which was still a major road trip. Now, the Brookings ward members need only go to Medford, about 1 1/2 hours away.

My first temple trip was the ward youth's first time going to Seattle. All the older kids told wonderful stories of going to Oakland and to Knott's Berry Farm amusement park the year before. They had so much fun, blah blah blah... and guess what's in Seattle? The ZOO. The SPACE NEEDLE. Wheeeee!!

However, I was still excited because I was going to the temple. As a child, it always held a special place in my heart. We didn't live near a temple, but I remembered going to Oakland when I was four to be sealed to my parents and younger brothers. Something about that experience must have stayed with me. After my grandparents joined the Church, they got right into their genealogy and spent time doing temple work for family members at faraway Utah temples. They set a good example for me.

On this first Seattle temple trip, we kids had a blast. The first night, we stayed at the Long House Inn in Bellevue. I remember buying a cup of extremely hot chicken soup from a vending machine at the motel and thinking motel life was pretty cool. Getting ready to go the next morning was an exciting, yet reverent time. Anticipating their baptisms and resulting wet heads, the girls French-braided each other's hair so they could still be "cute" after their baptisms. The temple itself was beautiful outside and inside, and very, very still. I loved the whole experience.

When Brennan goes today, he'll take some special cargo with him - twenty-two little blue cards, on which are printed the names of grandfathers, uncles and cousins. Brennan will be baptized for some of those men. The Ackley family in particular will have three generations of men receiving their baptisms. I've come to love this family as I've researched their lives and tried to imagine what earth life must have been like for them. Henry and Martha Ackley died within two years of each other while in their thirties, leaving four young children to be raised by friends and relatives. Their little family had such a short time to be together here on earth, and to think that we are helping to facilitate their being a forever family brings great joy to my heart.

I hope wonderful things for Brennan today. I look forward to his experiencing the beauty of the temple, the peaceful feelings, the newness of the experience, and an increased testimony of the holiness of our temples and the importance of work for the dead.

Posted by Millie :: 10:27 AM :: 5 comments

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Wednesday, March 01, 2006

Book Review

The book I’m currently reading, The Other Eminent Men of Wilford Woodruff, gives a list of all the past U.S. presidents, signers of the Declaration of Independence, and other historical figures, who appeared to Wilford Woodruff in 1877 in the St. George temple and asked him why no one had done their temple work yet. Wilford Woodruff wrote down their names and the names of the women and fifty other eminent men who came with them. He and Lucy Bigelow Young were baptized for all of them.

Along with the list, this book gives a small life sketch about each of the fifty men: Stonewall Jackson, Christopher Columbus, Sir Walter Scott, Amerigo Vespucci, Seward (the guy who bought Alaska for the U.S.), artists, scientists, writers, political figures – very educational and inspiring. There's also a list of the women and their places in history, and the author, Vicki Jo Anderson, hinted that there might be a book about the women forthcoming. Here’s a link to Deseret Book if you’re interested:

http://deseretbook.com/store/product?sku=4087754

Posted by Millie :: 8:36 AM :: 4 comments

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