Inspirational letters by Millie

A Valentine Post

2012-02-14T10:25:00.000-05:00

LOVE

...a universal word that unites us together as one.

Love is kind

love is peace

love is mercy

love is respect

love is happiness

love is special

love is life

love is irreplaceable

love is compassionate

love is divine

love knows no negativity.

True unconditional love comes in many forms.

Love for animals.

Love towards one another.

Love for books.

Love to teach.

No matter what you love..true love comes from inside.

Have a very nice Valentine's day.

Why Mormons Encourage Their Children Education

2012-02-12T17:53:00.000-05:00

I received an email the other day asking me why Mormons always seek to obtain the best education they can?

Receiving this email from a reader made me decide to address this question on my blog.

First...let me say that as Latter Day Saints we have many goals we want to achieve in life.

One goal we try to achieve in life is to make sure our children strive to get the best education or skill they can get to make them good outstanding contributing people in society. We encourage them to make goals in life, education and of course spiritual goals. Education is on our top ten list of priorities in life and we encourage this goal very seriously.

Let me address why education is so important.

A good education can open many doors for anyone in life. It enables the individual to seek greater levels of status in society, it promotes higher job levels in the workplace, it allows the person to obtain a better salary, it enables the individual to enjoy a better way to live, it allows the person to have good medical care, it is a great way to educate their future generation and it gives them the desire to reach goals in life that cannot be reached without having a good education. With that being said lets see why we "MORMONS" promote education to our children.

As Latter Day Saints we believe first of all in being self reliant at all times. We rely and depend on a good education to provide our families with a better way of life while providing a more comfortable way to live from a good education.

We seek for a better security nest to sustain us financially through our golden years, but what makes us seek good education is knowing that the knowledge we obtain spiritually and the educative knowledge is all we will take with us when we die.

No matter how much money we may have and how well we live "KNOWLEDGE"
is the most important thing we seek for to take with us when we depart this world.

Education allows us to live more at ease knowing our families have what they need to provide, protect and sustain them while they are being raised and with a good education they can educate their future generation.

Education encourages children to depend on themselves and not on others. We as Latter Day Saints strive to avoid debt and we do not try to depend on government help if we can avoid it.

Education enables us to live a little more comfortable while doing it in a modest and thankful way.

By obtaining a good education, it has taught us the value of work, the value of earning an honest living and an overwhelming amount of respect towards those who work hard in trying to succeed in life.

The joy of our education comes from seeking within the best books we can ever find...the Scriptures.

The Teacher and The Student

2012-02-09T13:05:00.000-05:00

Children come into our lives without manuals or teaching instructions on how to raise them. We as parents have a duty, an obligation to teach, rear and guide our children towards righteous directions in life. Teaching them how to choose the right things in life and how to return to Heavenly Father's arms is up to us the parents. By teaching them proper values of who we want them to become, can only be taught by the example we portray before them. Their sweet innocent spirits then begins to absorb who we are, forming inside them a foundation in which they will someday build their own testimony, character and the knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

When they grow older sometimes they choose a different path from what we taught them, but no matter what choices they make in their own lives, the teachings you taught them are buried deep inside their hearts. That's the true goal of a great teacher. To teach the student something they will always remember and never forget.

Teach children the principles that define and molds their future. Teach by example and by the spirit of the Lord. Who we are and what type of life we live molds that child to become an adult and a man of honor and integrity.

A Precious Creation

2012-02-04T20:52:00.000-05:00

The Peacock...an exquisite beautiful bird, filled with splendid color and class. This exotic creature is one of God's most beautiful creations. This bird walks with an assurance knowing he is beautiful in every way. Assured that he is loved by everyone and that he can live happily knowing who he is. This is an example to us of who we really are...A beautiful child of God.

When we know who we are in life we walk up brightly, we walk with an assurance in knowing who we are, where we are going after death and what our purpose in life is. When we know this we then strive to reach higher goals in life, we rise to every occasion and we glow with a light that beams from within us.

Here is an albino peacock that is so beautiful it needs no introduction. This colorless bird also walks proudly showing off its beauty. He is proud of the garments he carries upon his back, he shows them off with much pride as his clean attire glows before others. What an example of how our life and our hearts should be as we strive to emulate Christ.

Such beauty can dwell within us when we follow the Commandments of God.

Decorating Spaces That Makes You Happy

2012-01-29T23:12:00.000-05:00

A woman's bedroom says a lot about the space in which she dwells in.

Small touches of feminine decorative items makes the lady of the house quite happy.

The picture above is a photo of a corner of my dresser in my bedroom. I love creams and whites together. Its dainty, feminine and quite lovely.

My collection of hats from the 40's makes a lovely headboard for my bed.

No matter how you decorate your space, always remember to decorate it with things that make you happy.

Crazy Weather

2012-01-26T10:18:00.000-05:00

Two year ago at this time my cousins who are in this picture were building an igloo with the snow we had the night before. But to our surprise the weather out here in Cleveland has changed and some of us are wearing shorts and have opened our windows to allow the warm weather in. That is crazy. I have been wearing shorts because our temperatures have been rising up to 60 degrees with sunshine or rain...no snow.

I personally love the Winter season, it is usually a time of rest, a time to recollect of the events of the past year in our journals, a time to prepare for the rest of the new year and a time to physically improve our looks. But it seems that we are spending more time outside than inside, making our preparation time for the following Summer take a backseat on our to do list. What is happening here?

As we enjoy this wonderful weather, we must also prepare for the next 2 months that can sneak in a few snow storms to keep us buried in the house for a long time.

So if this time of the year is good for you as it is for me, then seriously you may want to think about cleaning out and stocking up your food storage. Enjoy the weather shopping and replenishing your storage with all your food, medical and water needs. Tomorrow may be to late.

Have a good day.

My New Bed

2012-01-23T19:56:00.000-05:00

Well...my new bed is in and it is beautiful and very comfortable.

My new custom made platform bed is made of solid Oak wood, stained beautifully the way I wanted it, it has a sliding door on both sides for extra storage underneath, it weighs a ton, and my custom made mattress is beautifully upholstered in a very nice cream, rose and gold fabric.

I must say I have been sleeping like a baby on my super firm mattress, my bones don't hurt and I think about it twice every morning whether I should stay in bed or get out of it. I love my new bed.

A New Year Full of Good Things

2012-01-19T11:36:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone,

It sure is a snowy day here in Cleveland today, but I am grateful it is a good healthy day. I have been a busy lady here at home lately. The beginning of the year has always been a busy one organizing, cleaning and purging many things at home This is a time to purge out of my life the past, to clean and organize the house well, clean out all of my church files, shred old documents, do some home changes and do a little decorating. It is a busy time for me until April but it is worth it.

One important thing I also do every year is to set some small goals and fire up my heart and soul to do much spiritual searching and doing. This year I have set a goal to give out 25 books of Mormon. I have made this decision low in numbers because I will be searching carefully for people who are really looking for the Lord, who are lost in this world and are eager to learn about the true gospel of Jesus Christ. I want to also teach and share the gospel with some of my family members who need to focus on the good things in life and not on the life they have chosen to live. Sharing the gospel is not easy but it is uplifting and so gratifying to both the giver as well as the taker.

A good thing has come this year and that this some changes have been made in my home. I got to purchased a very nice lift chair. I wanted one of these since my diagnoses with RA and I am happy to have one now. I am always looking forward towards tomorrow because I don't know I may need one someday, plus its also a great recliner...I like it.

I also had a new bed made for me. I had a custom solid oak platform bed made with drawers underneath for extra storage and a new custom extra firm mattress made for my new bed. I am happy to say it arrives today. This is my bed being made.

I have been sleeping on the floor for 4 months now and I am eager to try this new bed tonight. I am going to miss the floor because it is so loving to my bones. RA patients need firm cushions and hard surfaces to sit and sleep on for their bones to rest well with no pain; and since I have been sleeping on the floor my bones have not hurt at all. It was lovely.

So as life continues, I had a great desire to give myself a new look for this year. So I colored one shade darker and I cut it a lot shorter. I did a good job on it but I still need to have my girlfriend highlight it for me. That is a difficult task for me to do on myself so I do pay to get that done. I hope you all have a good day and may it be a happy and healthy one.

A Radiant Promise

2012-01-14T18:57:00.029-05:00

Rainbows have been in existence since God promised Noah He would never flood the earth again. Its been a long time since that promise was made and yes God has kept and will keep His promise.

We as God's children have been given the privilege of living on earth for a time. We made that decision a long time ago, but our promises to follow Him and to keep our honest word solid sometimes dwindles between heaven and earth giving us the option of justification. Sometimes it is hard for us to keep promises we have made and yet we make them knowing we may not be able to keep them.

Sometimes promises are made with loved ones. If these promises are broken they may tend to eventually hurt the ones we love the most.

Some promises are small and they do not require much effort on our part to keep them, but sometimes we make promises that we know we cannot eventually keep, requiring an extreme amount of effort on our part to keep them afloat.

Lets look at 5 key points in mind before making promises:

1. Ponder carefully the promise you are about to make...remember our word is our loyalty and our lips end up sealing that promise with our integrity on the line.

2. If I do not keep my promise will it hurt anyone in the long run?

3. Could I meet the requirements and the seal of approval on my part to keep that promise? Can I financially handle this monthly payment?

4. Am I prepared to withstand any turmoils that may come before me from not keeping my promise?

5. Should I or shouldn't I make that promise?

If after carefully pondering and praying about that promise makes you feel uneasy and worried, then don't make promises you cannot keep. The Lord answers prayers and that uneasy feeling maybe your answer.

We are human and we do make mistakes, but our word shows others what our character is made of. Let thy character shine before others, let our eyes beam praiseworthy light not darkness, let our lips speak words of integrity and let our promises be bright and radiant as a rainbow that shines amidst the clouds...full of delightful colors, a radiance beyond compare, a promise sealed with an honest handshake made by you.

The Worth of a Hug

2012-01-11T20:15:00.000-05:00

A warm embrace can make anyone feel loved.

Every hug I give and every hug I get warms my heart deeply with a special love from above.

A hug can heal any child's boo-boo. It can heal a sad and depressed heart, it can mend two people together, it can erase the past and prevent it from reappearing again, it can create a wonderful future full of happiness and it can unite several hearts that were once pulled apart. A warm embrace can fill any heart with joy, prosperity, growth, enthusiasm, achievement, goals and love.

A hug can change night to day and it can give a soul rebirth.

Take a moment to hug someone and tell them you love them.

It could always be the last embrace you may ever receive.

Family, A Loving Institution

2012-01-08T18:25:00.001-05:00

My son Billy and I at Natalia's Birthday Party

The holidays were very nice to us. It was quiet and very funny, especially Christmas morning. Being with my family "my son & his family", is all I need to make me happy and its all I have for Christmas. His love and those pearly whites I see every time he smiles is all I need to fill my soul with love and joy.

His lovely family and their 3 kitties adds so much to that great day.

Billy and his wife Jennifer

Jennifer & Natalia

Paloma, Jennifer and Natalia

If you had only one person to spend the holidays with, that's all you needed to unite the both of you in the Spirit of Christmas.

My true love in life is my son and his precious family. I am grateful to have him.

A New Year with Good Food and Organization

2012-01-05T06:37:00.000-05:00

Changing our way of life

Its a new year, a new day and life goes on as always. But are you frustrated with your weight...I am. I have tried everything but nothing seems to work for me. Eating good food like fresh fruits and vegetables is essential and very nutricious. But exercise is a key essential in loosing weight. Unfortunately I am limited to my exercise program. All the titanium rods that are holding together my spinal frame does not allow me to exercise like I would love to. Walking is also limited since my steel braces makes it difficult for me to walk for long periods of time.

Though my exercises are limited, weight lifting, light cardio and yoga is best for me. I also walk every day on the treadmill where I live and I walk around our huge parking lot which is a half a mile long.

I do my best and that's my limit, but I do exercise. Good food and exercise helps in keeping me motivated, it keeps my stress levels low and it makes me feel great.

Great Sale

Yesterday I was out grocery shopping for 9 hours. Shocking right!!!!

I am an extreme couponer and when you coupon grocery shopping takes longer.

Now that Christmas is over you tend to come across some great sales. Well, at my favorite grocery store "Giant Eagle" they had tons of Christmas paper for .25 cents a roll. That was such a great sale that I bought 26 rolls. Enough wrapping paper for me to use for the next 5 years. For a couponer this is a steal we cannot resist.

Cleaning & Organizing

Every January I take this month to clean & organize my home. As usual the office takes me about 2 weeks of this tedious job. Cleanings out & organizing papers, shredding, organizing my desk, cleaning out files and rearranging it can be a long but rewarding task at the end.

Then the closets, the drawers, every kitchen cabinet and the library cases get cleaned out and organized. I have at this moment the trunk of my car filled to the max ready to take to Goodwill.

A new year , a new day...I am getting ready to start fresh so I can enjoy every day God gives me.

How are you managing your new year?

4 Steps to Overcoming Some Cross Roads in Life

2012-01-01T21:23:00.000-05:00

Every New Year we reflect on the past year with joy or sadness. Some of you may have had a very difficult 2011 with family, illnesses, finances and your spiritual feelings about heaven and earth...which ever the cross road may have been for you never forget Christ is always carrying you.

Each cross road that comes before us seems to be stronger than the previous one, but The SAVIOR can make those heavy logs feel like a lifeless.

One thing I learned with all the trials I have gone through, is that I needed to constantly be filling my lamp with oil in order to overcome these hard felt moments.

Here are just a few points to keep in mind and to consider when keeping your lamps full of oil for light in moments of need.

1. Pray at least 2 or 3 times a day.

Keeping in tune with the Holy Spirit, this helps us stay focus on the right path. by doing this we then tend to see what is right and what is wrong more clearer than we did before.

2. Read the scriptures every morning before breakfast.

This will keep your minds clear, alert and in tuned with the Spirit of the Lord throughout the entire day.

3. Give thanks for everything that comes your way. Gratitude enables us to be more accepting and understanding of these irritating crossroads.

4. Stay committed to your covenants.

Staying clean by keeping the Word of Wisdom and being Chaste purifies our bodies, mind and spirit enabling us to succeed in our goal towards exaltation.

Though these 4 steps allows us to keep our lamps full of oil for light in moments of need, for many these 4 steps may seem very difficult to commit to.

Rambling Thoughts

2011-12-29T08:34:00.000-05:00

A new day and hopefully the start of a new year.

I have too many projects in the works for 2012 and the list keeps getting longer everyday. I plan to accomplish most of them but I know it won't get done unless I give it 100% of myself to make them come true.

I already started my exercise regimen for 2012 and I hope it will help me loose some weight. I eliminated flour from my diet which tends to make you gain weight. I am a flour addict and that is one of the main gain weight no no's I must eliminate...good luck to me. PRAYERS ARE NEEDED PLEASE!

This next Saturday all the Christmas decorations will be put away and the house will get a big clean up and a new furniture rearrangement. I love when this happens because my decorating skills come to play and I get enthusiastic about it. Then I light scented candles and I sit and look at my home with a nice fresh cup of mint herbal tea. That is a joy to me.

Today my grand-daughter Natalia is 10 years old and we are celebrating her birthday tonight.

Happy Birthday Natalia.

So what are your goals for 2012?

Tell me all about them.

Until next week have a great

Happy New Year.

2011 Christmas at the Torres'

2011-12-26T09:25:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful day with your lovely family. As always I spent this Christmas with my son and his beautiful family. I got to cook this Christmas, serving my family a traditional Spanish Christmas dinner. We had a great time and I must say its so nice to know this holiday comes only once a year. So here is a few photos of what the girls and I made and some pictures of my grand-daughters and I.

On Friday the girls and I made some snowman cupcakes and some marshmallows candy cane treats. Both of these inspiring creations came from http://designdazzle.blogspot.com/ . Check this blog out, she has an incredible select of crafts and baked goods.

Ending with a goofy photo.

The Nativity...A Song of Praise

2011-12-21T12:02:00.000-05:00

Jesus is the reason for the season....amen!

20 Days of Holiday Decorating and More, Post #20..."Amazing Outside Decorating"

2011-12-19T20:51:00.000-05:00

Thank you everyone for stopping by throughout these 20 days of Christmas decorating. I hope you have all obtained some good ideas to incorporate into your home. This post has extra beautiful homes that are decorated for your pleasure...enjoy.

20 Days of Holiday Decorating and More, Post #19..."Decorating the Kitchen"

2011-12-18T22:08:00.001-05:00

20 Days of Holiday Decorating and More, Post #18..."Christmas Cookies...Part 1"

2011-12-17T21:48:00.000-05:00

HO-HO-HO

20 Days of Holiday Decorating and More, Post #17..."Christmas Party Decorations"

2011-12-16T23:22:00.000-05:00

Having a party? Incorporate some of these decorating ideas in your Christmas party.

20 Days of Holiday Decorating and More, Post #16..."Gingerbread Houses Part 2"

2011-12-15T18:58:00.000-05:00

The White House

A Victorian Home

20 Days of Holiday Decorating and More, Post #15..."Gingerbread Houses Part 1"

2011-12-14T19:42:00.000-05:00

20 Days of Holiday Decorating and More, Post #14..."Decorating your Windows"

2011-12-13T21:26:00.000-05:00

Beauty from the outside says so much on what's on the inside. Here are some beautiful ideas you can use to decorate your windows.

20 Days of Holiday Decorating, Post #13..."Christmas Table Setting"

2011-12-12T22:00:00.000-05:00

20 Days of Holiday Decorating--Post 12..."Decorating with Candles"

2011-12-11T20:11:00.000-05:00

Candles are so beautiful in any decor. Here are some ideas on how to decorate some beautiful Christmas nooks throughout the house with candles and some great unusual ideas on how to display them. ENJOY!

Decorating the front steps.

20 Days of Holiday Decorating--Post 10

2011-12-10T18:49:00.000-05:00

Decorating with wreaths, greenery, flowers, berries and bows.

20 Days of Holiday Decorating--Post 9..."Decorating Ideas"

2011-12-09T21:22:00.000-05:00

20 Days of Holiday Decorating--Post 8 "Decorating the table"

2011-12-08T21:28:00.000-05:00

20 Days of Holiday Decorating--Post 7 "Decorating the Dining Room"

2011-12-07T23:27:00.001-05:00

20 Days of Holiday Decorating--Post 11, "Decorating the Living Room"

2011-12-06T21:39:00.002-05:00

20 Days of Holiday Decorating--Post 6 "Decorating the Stairway"

2011-12-05T22:06:00.001-05:00

20 Days of Holiday Decorating, Post #5...Vintage Christmas Trees & Ornaments

2011-12-04T18:48:00.001-05:00

If you are in your 40's and over many of these beautiful vintage ornaments may bring back many memories of Christmas past. Some of these ornaments may still be in your possessions, passed down to you by your ancestors. Whether your a lover of antique ornaments or not, these ornaments are the prettiest ones around. They can be found in any Thrift store...but be careful they may be expensive. So if you have a few of these ornaments, hold on to them they are worth some bucks.

20 Days of Holiday Decorating, Post #4...Decorating the Christmas Tree

2011-12-03T21:27:00.003-05:00

The Christmas tree above is my tree at home.

20 Days of Holiday Home Decorating, Post #3...Decorating the Fireplace

2011-12-02T22:28:00.000-05:00

20 Days of Holiday Decorating,...Post #2..."Decorating the Foyer"

2011-12-01T20:47:00.002-05:00

The beauty of decorating for the holidays is the joy of bringing into the foyer the same beauty that is displayed on the front entrance way. Each decorating detail that is used throughout the house and the colors scheme selected should always match the colors used to decorate the inside and the outside of your home. Avoid clashing your decor with your Christmas decor. Let the colors flow freely throughout the house.

20 Days of Holiday Decorating--Post 1 "Decorating Ideas for your Front Door"

2011-11-30T22:36:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my 20 days of Home Holiday Decorating & Crafts.

Every day a new post will be featured displaying ideas you can incorporate to your home. My first post starts at the front door...ENJOY.

Gone But Never Forgotten

2011-11-27T17:17:00.000-05:00

Since the early 19 hundreds hats were a ladies adornment. Women looked stunning, classy, elegant and very beautiful with a hat that matched their gloves, purse and outfit. Hats came in many forms and colors then. Hats were adorned with broaches, feathers, flowers, lace and jewelery. Today those classy hats of yester-year are no longer worn but my love for them go far beyond their time.

I have personally collected a few black gorgeous hats from the 40's, they were given to me by a client who said they used to belonged to her grandmother's collection. I love then and I wear them throughout the winter. I must admit I am constantly stopped by people because they love my hats, especially the youth. Those kids love those old vintage hats and so do I.

In honor of those hats that have gone away in time, I have posted a few photos of some hats from the 40's that I love so much and admire.

P.S. if any of you have any of these hats and you wish to get rid of them, please let me know. I will pay for the shipping and handling anytime. They will be lovingly cared for forever.

Family, A Loving Foundation

2011-11-24T14:12:00.001-05:00

Holidays, they come and go very quickly, but the unity a family creates around a dining room table exceeds and flourishes the bonds that unite them.

Having dinner together as a family instills fond memories that can be filled with laughter and love.

There is an old saying in the Catholic church, "that a family that prays together stays together." I agree with this saying and I also agree and know that a few minutes spent as a family together around a dining room table will create memories that will last a lifetime. These are memorable traditions that can be carried on throughout future generations.
I have always made it a point to have dinner everyday as a family. When the boys would arrive home from school my dinner was ready. We would set the table with nice dishes. Dinner was served everyday at 4:30 pm and on Thursdays & Fridays we had dinner at 6pm because my oldest son had football or wrestling practice. But no matter what we ate together every day as a family.

One day Sammy and I arrived home from his chemotherapy session earlier than usual, so I decided to make a nice dinner. I made a large pan of Lasagna, a large toss salad, and some freshly baked garlic bread. My oldest son's friend Danny had stopped by the house to see Sammy and since it was dinner time I invited him to join us. He was a very happy young man and anxious to eat my food. After serving the table it was Billy's turn to say the blessing on the food and as we bowed our heads in prayer, I could feel Danny's eyes staring at us as the prayer was being implored.

After the prayer was over we began to pass down the food and as we did laughter filled the room. Danny was taken back by the joy that was occurring before his eyes and as I could see his heart breaking his attitude changed from happy to sad. I then decided to break the ice by saying, "Come on boy, dig in. In this house we eat, laugh and enjoy this precious time together." Danny loosened up a bit and as the dining continued my youngest son then said, "Come on Danny, at Mom's house you can eat as much as you want. Eat some more" Danny's eyes seemed to get red and watery, so I asked him if he was okay? He answered very softly, "Millie I have never sat and had dinner with my family. We don't hardly talk or see each other much" My heart broke in two of the thought that this 15 year old boy was all alone in this world. I felt his pain so I hugged him. I also realized he was experiencing for the first time in his life what a family really is.

I explained to him the importance of why we unite as a family and as we slowly emerged into a gospel conversation in which I knew he was being loved. My son Billy and I kept Danny uplifted spiritually and away from the streets, we filled his heart with much love which he lacked so much of since birth. We fed him almost every day as he slowly became part of our family. Unfortunately after my son went on his mission, Danny stopped coming over the house and he became an alcoholic. Danny now is in his 30's but he looks like he is 60 years old because of his alcohol and drug addiction.

The outcome of our children's character has a lot to do with their upbringing. The family uniting every day to have supper together is crucial. Having this moment together doesn't mean that it will keep them from Satan's grasp, but there's a greater chance they won't fall into his hands.

Our youth today seldom remember the last time they had dinner with their family,
so have family dinners together, it may save your children's life.

A Thankfull Thanksgiving

2011-11-21T10:51:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving...A day in which many people from every culture, creed, race and color unite in a humble prayer to give God their out most gratitude. A day in which meals are prepared with much devotion, where families unite and children laugh in a day full of love.

Gratitude‍ is a divine principle. It nutures the heart and soul, uniting us to the Savior and His Spirit.

Gratitude‍ is a positive experience‍ that comes from recognizing gifts or blessings and feeling thankful. It is also an attitude,‍ a way of perceiving life, in which individuals are willing to receive and acknowledge the beneficial actions of others on their behalf. Those who consistently display such an attitude are said to have a grateful disposition. Gratitude‍ is also a habit‍ that can be cultivated, causing one to focus on the blessings of life. Finally, gratitude‍ can be defined as a coping response‍ to challenging or difficult circumstances....Vaugh E. Worthen

The Lord declared through a revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith:

“Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things. …And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things. In the Book of Mormon we are told to “live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which God doth bestow upon you. Regardless of our circumstances, each of us has much for which to be grateful if we will but pause and contemplate our blessings." The 2010 Address, "The Divine gift of Gratitude...Thomas S. Monson.

A constant expression of gratitude‍ should be included in all our prayers. Often prayers are given for specific blessings which we, in our incomplete understanding, believe we need. While the Lord does answer prayers according to His will, He certainly must be pleased when we offer humble prayers of gratitude....Elder Steven Snow

On this beautiful day, give thanks for everything God has blessed you with. These are some of the things I am grateful for: my family, my job, the gospel, the Atonement, my home, ice cream, chocolate, water, heat, AC, music, the power of writing and reading, the gift of life, my children, cookies, apple pie, for truth & knowledge, our Mormon pioneers, our early settlers for bringing us the first Thanksgiving.

Have a blessed day.

Personal Thoughts

2011-11-17T01:37:00.001-05:00

This last Sunday I called my mother as usual. As we exchanged our lovely Sunday talk with each other she informed me that her local Post Office was closing on November 15; and that in order for her to receive mail she would have to pick it up at their main office across town. For a non driver like my mom that would be a problem. I was stunned to hear this and as we spoke I said to her that from now on I would have to send her packages through UPS. She then said that their UPS office was also closing due to no business. I then realized how bad the U.S. Post Office was all because of the internet. My mother also expressed to me that her town had the highest unemployment ever and that many of their stores have closed down.

Receiving letters from loved ones or friends is a lost art in this modern world. I cannot recall when was the last time I opened my mailbox and found a letter in it.

Even though computers are a blessing in many ways, it has also cost many folks to loose their jobs. It is easier to click the mouse than to lick a stamp. I may be one of the few that refuses to add another soul to the unemployment line. I will always buy my monthly stamps and send those packages to my loved ones. If we all try to do the same then we can help this country restore many jobs and keep many families from loosing their homes.

Drowning in Debt

2011-11-13T19:53:00.000-05:00

Throughout these holidays charging gifts and throwing lavish parties doesn't seem so harmful, until the bills begin to arrive.

As soon as those bills begin to arrive common sense begins to emerge and what didn't seem harmless then becomes too much for some to handle. Coping with financial burdens just does not work for many resulting in bankruptcy or suicide.

Many people sometimes feel like they are drowning so much in debt that they are unable to stay afloat. Unfortunately they end up robbing Saint Peter to pay Saint Paul. This is a common way of life for some, but when the drowning begins and the stress of a lack of funds begin to depress the individual pushing them to the point of no return...suicide.

Unfortunately many people are aiming theselves towards that route and they are leaving behind their loved ones to live with the pain and the suffering of their actions.

Keeping ourselves humble enough to teach our children to be understanding of how to spend money wisely puts a stop on overspending, keeping our financial goals in more of an asset than an expense. This brings peace of mind and unison within the family.

When I was raising my boys I always told them there was a budget in our home in which Santa Claus needed to keep. I told them they were not allowed to exceed $40.00 dollars when choosing their gifts off the catalogs and that was our budget per child. They were always happy to go with my budget plans so they always chose less expensive gift so they could get more gifts with their $40.00 dollars. Then on Christmas morning the boys opened many gifts and they were always happy with my limit of expenses.

Keeping my expenses to a limit instilled in my family gratitude, understanding, patience and a life free of debt.

Now that my home has become an empty nest, the rules still applies towards the grand-daughters. My budget has gone up $20.00 extra dollars because presents have gone up in price...but every year I try to stay witin my budget.

This year I was very frugal and I got many gifts for free thanks to coupons and great department store sales.

True to the Faith, a Church publication, gives the following additional counsel regarding debt:

"Some forms of credit, such as credit cards, have particularly high interest rates. Once you are in debt, you find that interest has no mercy. It continues to accumulate, regardless of your situation—whether you are employed or jobless, healthy or sick. It never goes away until the debt is paid. Do not be deceived by credit offers, even if they make debt seem attractive by promising low interest rates or no interest for a certain period of time.

"Look to the condition of your finances. Discipline yourself in your purchases, avoiding debt to the extent you can. In most cases, you can avoid debt by managing your resources wisely. If you do incur debt, such as a reasonable amount in order to purchase a modest home or complete your education, work to repay it as quickly as possible and free yourself from bondage. When you have paid your debts and accumulated some savings, you will be prepared for financial storms that may come your way. You will have shelter for your family and peace in your heart" (49).

—See True to the Faith (2004), 48–49

Holiday Shopping

2011-11-09T20:25:00.000-05:00

The holidays are just around the corner and this time of the year can be an extreme expense for many who don't have the money for presents.

This year I have been really frugal with my expenses and since I became an extreme couponer, I decided I would never pay full price for anything as long as I live.

My Christmas shopping is halfway done and I have spent less than $40.00 dollars. With department store coupons and sales from JC Penny and Kmart I have gotten a lot of presents for hardly nothing.

Example:

Today I went to Kmart to get 2 Phillps Sonicare Electric Toothbrushes for Christmas gifts. They are regularly $49.99 each but this week they are on sale for $24.99. With (2) $25.00 dollar off coupons that I found in the newspaper dumpster on Monday, I got both of them for FREE. I saved $100.00 dollars on both of those toothbrushes and I will also get back $40.00 dollar in the mail with their rebates. I also got (3) $29.99 dollar Oral B Electric toothbrushes for $3.00 dollars each. I saved $81.00 on all three. Today's total savings $181.00 dollars.

Saving money has become a main priority to me and if I can get anything for free or for almost a 90% savings, I will.

I know this is a very hard time of the year for many, but make it easier on yourself, don't charge it, seek for less and take advantage of those coupons. At the end it will all pay off with a smile knowing you did well.

A Two Edged Sword

2011-11-05T19:50:00.000-04:00

What do words really mean?

I learned throughout the years that words can make or break a person. The tone and the volume in which they are spoken can kill a living heart in a wink of an eye or they can build a man's character with respect, honor and integrity.

When words are given an anger approach, they can destroy and belittle a person's self esteem. A person's lively spirit can be crushed instantly and they become withdrawn, sad and uncommunicative. Those words are like a two edged sword, slicing a person's self esteem in many pieces.

But when words are filled with unconditional love, those words then become the glue that holds the barriers against a cruel world.

For those of you that had the joy of watching General Conference this past October know that the words spoken there are words the Lord Himself would speak of. They are words of peace, of truth and unconditional love.

Unconditional love is the love a loving mother gives to her child. It is the love the Lord exudes at all times. It is the love we all want to receive and seldom given.

To learn how to obtain this love full of peace and truth requires a heart full of desire to reach its potential, to accept others how they are, how they live and the choices they make.

Degrading a child or an adult in any way is like degrading the Lord Himself. He feels the pain that child or adult feels and He withdraws His Spirit from us.

So whenever words are spoken, make sure they are loving words said in a soft and calm manner so you can receive in return that love ten times over. Love others how we wish to be loved...unconditionally.

One Man's Trash is Another Man's Treasure

2011-11-01T20:49:00.000-04:00

In August I bought this vanity/desk for $20.00 at Goodwill. Well take a peek of what I did with it.

This is the before.

This is the after.

This is the inside vanity.

This is the inside...after.

Now I have my makeup and my hair accessories inside my vanity. I love it.

Not bad for $20.00 dollars and a week of painting and varnishing..

Modesty

2011-10-26T21:57:00.000-04:00

Here we are in the last days of 2011 and as the world now looks forward towards a new year; the fashion industry is booming financially by making clothes more tighter, more shorter and more revealing.

The young people of today think that the more you show off the better. They feel this is modern, chic, fashionable, sexy, stunning, hip and beautiful. But for many of us who view modesty as a way of life feel this is degrading, cheap and immoral for any woman.

There is nothing more beautiful than an honest young man falling in love with a young lady that has kept her body sacred by keeping it clothed and pure for her honor and her future husband.

Being reserved in our outer appearance makes people wonder what is under their modest attire. A wonder no one will ever know other than her husband someday.

Our bodies are a sacred gift for that precious young man after marriage. Keeping her body clothed for her future husband is the reward that will bless their union with respect and love for all eternity. She will walk uprightly throughout her life knowing she was only his for the viewing and the taking. He will hold the honor of calling her my wife, the mother of my children, the queen of our home.

An honor to take her to the temple.

Current Church Statistics, History and Events (1961 to 2011

2011-10-23T15:25:00.001-04:00

Throughout the years, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has grown and has expanded its wings to every country around the world.

The church main objective:

"To proclaim the gospel to everyone on earth."

Worldwide Church Statistics

Membership 14,131,467

Missions 340

Missionaries 52,483

Missionary Training Centers 15

Temples (current 2011 number) 134

Congregations 28,660

Universities and Colleges 4

Seminary Students Enrollment 369,373

Institute Students Enrollment 348,111

Family History Centers 4,648

Countries with Family History Centers 127

Countries Receiving Humanitarian Aid Since 1985 178

Value of Humanitarian Assistance Since 1985 $1.3 Billions

Welfare Service Missionaries

(Including Humanitarian Service Missionaries) 8,583

Languages Church Materials Available 166

Chronology of Significant Events in Church History,
from 1961 to present

1961

Church leaders organize the first non-English-speaking stake of the Church at The Hague in the Netherlands (March 12). It is followed by the first Spanish-speaking stake in the Church in Mexico City on December 3.

1963

Church membership reaches 2 million milestone.

1964

A new program of home teaching, replacing ward teaching, is officially inaugurated throughout the Church after having been presented in stake conferences during the last half of 1963.

1965

Church publishes a formal family home evening manual, which is placed in every LDS home. Wards have a choice of which night in the week to hold home evenings.

1970

The first stake in Asia is organized in Tokyo, Japan.

1971

Church membership reaches 3 million milestone.

New Church magazines—the Ensign, New Era, and Friend—begin publication.

1975

President Kimball announces in general conference the organization of the First Quorum of the Seventy, an the first three members of the quorum are sustained.

1978

Church membership reaches 4 million milestone.

The First Presidency announces the revelation that worthy men of all races would be eligible to receive the priesthood. The revelation becomes Official Declaration – 2 in the Doctrine and Covenants.

The Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, USA, previously the Language Training Mission constructed in 1976, begins training all missionaries.

1979

The Church publishes new editions of LDS scriptures with improved study helps.

1982

Church membership reaches 5 million milestone.

Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles announced that a subtitle was being added to the Book of Mormon: “Another Testament of Jesus Christ.”

1986

Church membership reaches 6 million milestone.

1988

The Church reaches the milestone of having completed 100 million endowments for the dead.

1989

Church membership reaches 7 million milestone.

President Howard W. Hunter of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicates the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies.

1990

A new Church software package called FamilySearch, designed to simplify the task of family history research, was released by the Church.

1991

Church membership reaches 8 million milestone.

1994

Church membership reaches 9 million milestone.

1995

At the annual General Relief Society Meeting, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve issue a Proclamation to the World on the Family, reaffirming that “the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.”

1997

Church membership reaches 10 million milestone.

The 100,000 member on the African continent is baptized, marking the almost doubling of Africa’s membership in just six years.

President Hinckley announces that the Church will construct temples in remote areas of the Church that have small LDS populations.

2000

Church membership reaches 11 million milestone.

The Book of Mormon is printed in its 100th language.

The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve issue their testimonies of the Savior in a document titled “The Living Christ.”

2004

Church membership reaches 12 million milestone.

Mexico becomes the first nation outside of the U.S. to reach one million members of the Church.

2007

Church membership reaches 13 million milestone.

President Hinckley announces that since 1830 an estimated one million missionaries have served throughout the world.

2010

Church membership reaches 14 million milestone.

The Lord Answers Prayers

2011-10-17T20:02:00.000-04:00

After a wonderful and spiritual Stake Conference last Sunday, I was asked by one of the Bishopric counselors if I would give a talk the following Sunday on any of the General Conference talks given this October. After saying yes to the request my mind began to think about some of the talks that were given that weekend that really touched me.

Two talks immediately came to my mind and after listening to both talks on the Internet that night I felt inclined towards one talk in particular; President Ucthdorf's talk "You Matter To Him" was the talk I needed to share in Sacrament. For the next two days I heard over and over his talk and by the end of the second day my talk was all put together.

I prepared myself with lots of prayer and by studying the scriptures. After reviewing my talk over and over again I began to feel an intense reassurance of the power of prayer.

This last Sunday I gave my 15 minute talk. It went well and since I had the audience full attention, I knew I was okay and they were being spiritually fed.

Unexpectedly I received a beautiful email letter from a sister in our ward who wrote that since last week she had been feeling very lonely and discouraged. She said that as soon as she sat in the church pew she began to pray silently for peace and some answers to her prayers.

She expressed how my talk answered her prayer and that she was grateful for calming her aching heart.

What she doesn't know is that in my prayers throughout the week I had asked God to allow someone in the congregation to be touched by my words and His Spirit. I was so moved to hear that the soul that needed it the most sat in our congregation on Sunday. I was deeply grateful.

I learned a long time ago to never decline the moment when you are asked to give a talk in church. God knew this sister needed a boost of encouragement, she needed to fill her empty bucket with love mixed with a large amount of strength to carry her.

We both agreed that the power of prayer is real and that our testimonies were both strengthened by it..

If you wish to hear this talk go directly to http://www.lds.org/ and click into October 2011 General Conference. Then click unto on "You Matter Yo Me" by President Ucthdorf.

Enjoy.

Thomas S. Monson...President & Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

2011-10-13T09:58:00.000-04:00

Thomas S. Monson

President
of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

In the office of President, Thomas S. Monson hangs a painting of the Savior, a portrayal of the Lord Jesus Christ by famed artist Heinrich Hofmann. President Monson has had the painting since he was a bishop in the 1950s. It represents an ideal example—the Master after whom Thomas Monson has modeled his life.

“I love that painting,” President Monson says as he gazes at it yet again. “I feel strength in having it near me. Look at the kindness in those eyes. Look at the warmth of expression. When facing difficult situations, I often look at it and ask myself, ‘What would He do?’ Then I have tried to respond accordingly.”

Thomas Spencer Monson was born on August 21, 1927, the first son and second child of G. Spencer and Gladys Condie Monson. He grew up on the west side of Salt Lake City. President Monson would be the first to admit that he was a typical boy. He relates this story about an experience in Primary:

“I remember that our deportment in Primary was not always as it should be. I had a lot of energy and found it difficult to sit patiently in a class. Melissa Georgell was our ward Primary president. One day she asked me if I would visit with her. We sat on the front row of the benches in the chapel, and she began to cry. She then told me that she was sad because the boys in particular did not behave during Primary opening exercises. Innocently, I asked, ‘May I help, Sister Georgell?’

“With a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye, she responded, ‘Would you?’

“I told her I would. The Primary’s disciplinary problems ceased that moment,” he laughs, explaining that he had been part of the challenge.

As a boy President Monson was fascinated by pigeons and began to raise them at home. Eventually he would raise prize-winning birds. When he was president of the teachers quorum in his ward, his adviser asked, “How would you like me to give you a pair of purebred Birmingham Roller pigeons?” The female of the pair was special, the adviser explained; she had only one eye, the other eye having been damaged by a cat. On his adviser’s instructions, he kept them in his own pigeon loft for about 10 days, then let them fly free to see if they would return.

The male came back, but the female flew away—back to the adviser’s home. When Tom went to retrieve her, the adviser talked with him about a boy in the quorum who was not active. Tom replied, “I’ll have him at quorum meeting this week.” He took the pigeon home, but the next time he released the pair, she flew once again to the adviser’s home. When Tom retrieved the pigeon this time, the adviser talked about another boy who had not been coming to quorum meetings. Each time the pigeon was released, she returned to the adviser’s home, and each time Tom went to retrieve her, there would be a conversation about another boy.

“I was a grown man,” President Monson recalls, “before I fully realized that, indeed, Harold, my adviser, had given me a special pigeon, the only bird in his loft he knew would return every time she was released. It was his inspired way of having an ideal personal priesthood interview with the teachers quorum president every two weeks. Because of those interviews and that old one-eyed pigeon, every boy in that teachers quorum became active.”

A young Thomas S. Monson (center) with Frances (right) and some other friends.

College, Courtship, Career, and CallingsTom graduated from high school and enrolled at the University of Utah. As he approached his 18th birthday, it seemed certain he would be drafted into military service, so he chose to enlist in the United States Navy Reserve. Thus he was able to return home and resume his college career—and also resume his courtship of Frances Beverly Johnson. He had met her during his first year at the university.

Thomas Monson and Frances Johnson were married on October 7, 1948, in the Salt Lake Temple, a few months after he graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in business management. He became an advertising executive for the Church-owned Deseret News, a daily paper, and would eventually hold several other related positions, including general manager of the newspaper company’s Deseret Press.

Thomas S. Monson learned many things through hard work, beginning when he was very young. Any man, for example, might have been intimidated by being called as a bishop at the age of 22, especially when the ward had 1,080 members, including 84 widows. But Bishop Monson wasted no time; he prayed and went to work. He served, he loved, he strengthened; it was his duty, but it was also the course his heart dictated. He was “on the Lord’s errand” (D&C 64:29). His concern and care for others, especially widows, continues to this day.

President Monson as general manager at the Deseret News Press, just prior to being called as an apostle in 1963.

At age 27, Thomas S. Monson was called as a counselor in the presidency of the Salt Lake City Temple View Stake. He was serving in that position when, at age 31, he was called as president of the Canadian Mission. After he returned from presiding over the mission, he was called to serve on the high council and on general Church committees. It would be little more than a year until he would, at age 36, receive a call as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ.

One of President Monson’s singular accomplishments was in obtaining permission for a temple to be built in the former German Democratic Republic—when it was still behind the Iron Curtain. He had similar success in getting that government to allow Latter-day Saint missionaries to move freely into and out of the country before the Berlin Wall came down.

Throughout his ministry, President Monson has emphasized service. He has also encouraged members to rescue those who are struggling.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, shares this experience: “Some years ago, President Monson came to a regional conference in Hamburg, Germany, and it was my honor to accompany him. President Monson has a remarkable memory, and we talked about many of the Saints in Germany—I was amazed that he remembered so many so well.

President Monson willingly accepted leadership roles at an early age. He was called as a bishop at age 22, a mission president at age 31, and as an apostle at 36.

President and Sister Monson with their three children, Thomas, Ann, and Clark, just before son Thomas’s mission to Italy.

“President Monson asked about Brother Michael Panitsch, . . . who had been one of the stalwart pioneers of the Church in Germany. I told him that Brother Panitsch was seriously ill, that he was bedridden and unable to attend our meetings.

“President Monson asked if we could pay him a visit.

“I knew that shortly before his trip to Hamburg, President Monson had undergone foot surgery and that he could not walk without pain. I explained that Brother Panitsch lived on the fifth floor of a building with no elevators. We would have to climb the stairs to see him.

“But President Monson insisted. And so we went.

“I remember how difficult it was for President Monson to climb those stairs, . . . but President Monson cheerfully persevered until we arrived at the apartment of Brother Panitsch on the fifth floor.

“Once there, we had a wonderful visit. President Monson thanked him for his life of dedicated service and cheered him with a smile. Before we left, he gave him a wonderful priesthood blessing.

“No one but Brother Panitsch, the immediate family, and myself ever saw that act of courage and compassion. . . . President Monson came to Hamburg to teach and bless the people of a country, and that is what he did. But at the same time, he focused on the one, name by name. . . .

“When the Apostle Peter spoke of Jesus, who had been his friend and teacher, he offered this simple description: ‘[He] went about doing good.’

“I feel the same can be said of the man we sustain today as the prophet of God” (“Faith of Our Father,” Liahona, May 2008, 69–70).

In 1985, the year he was called to the First Presidency, President Monson gave to family members his personal memoirs. After expressing gratitude for his beloved Frances and their children and grandchildren, he closed, “May I always be found ‘on the Lord’s errand.’ ”

Today, as President Monson ministers throughout the world, that prayerful hope has become a reality.

Paloma Turns 12

2011-10-09T20:36:00.000-04:00

My oldest grand-daughter just turned 12. Now that she has reached this age, she will now be going into the Young Women's program in church. She is very happy about that.

She had a wonderful day with family and a couple of her close church friends who are also going into the YW program with her. Happy Birthday Paloma.

She even made her own birthday cakes. Nice job.

Here she is with her other 2 girlfriends.

Trash to Treasure #2

2011-10-04T20:50:00.002-04:00

Several years ago I bought this chair at a garage sale for $2.00. My aunt used it for her writing desk and after she moved in with her daughter, the chair was returned back to me. This chair was sad looking and I felt it needed some help.

Since I bought a new desk for my office in which I just finished painting it and my old desk is going to my grand-daughter's bedroom; so I decided this was the time to revamp this chair for her to use with the desk. The colors in the upholstery fabric match her bedspread and wall color.

This is the before:

This is the after:

I painted the leopard design on the backrest and painted the chair black.

I nailed some antique tacks in front of the chair to make it look nicer and

I also reupolstered the cushion.

It came out great.

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

2011-10-02T19:37:00.000-04:00

President Thomas S. Monson

President Thomas S. Monson, world leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was ordained and set apart as the 16th President of the Church on Feb. 2, 2008.

Intellectual Reserve, Inc.

President Thomas S. MonsonPresident Thomas S. Monson has been on the Lord's errand all his life, from serving as president of his ward's teachers quorum in his teens, to serving as bishop in his early 20s, to presiding over a mission in his early 30s, to becoming a member of the Quorum of the Twelve at age 36.

For the 22 years prior to being set apart as 16th President of the Church on Feb. 3, 2008, President Monson served as counselor to three presidents: second counselor to President Ezra Taft Benson and President Howard W. Hunter and, for nearly 13 years, first counselor to President Gordon B. Hinckley.

Five years after his call to the Twelve, he was given a special assignment for the work of the Church in Europe, requiring many visits with members behind the Iron Curtain in the German Democratic Republic, Czechoslovakia, Poland and Hungary. He had a key role in gaining permission from the East German government to build the Freiberg Germany Temple, which was dedicated in 1985, and in advancing the work of the Lord in other eastern European countries that were part of the communist bloc.

His life is associated with benevolence and compassion, serving others with a desire to nourish the weak and strengthen the weary. His role in the Church's welfare program has been characterized by one-on-one service.

He remembers how his father never spoke ill of another, and would leave the room when others spoke disrespectfully or negatively. He often speaks of his mother who taught him compassion by her acts of service to others, particularly those who were hungry or in need.

On one occasion, on a cold winter's night, a knock came at Bishop Monson's door. A German man living in Ogden began to weep as he told how his brother, a faithful member in Germany during World War II, and his family were moving from Germany to an apartment in Bishop Monson's ward. Then-Bishop Monson visited the apartment and found it woefully inadequate. The next morning during a ward welfare committee meeting, he described the challenge. Members offered their skills and services. When the family arrived three weeks later, they found new carpet and paint, adequate lighting and full cupboards. "The father . . . buried his head in my shoulder and repeated the words, 'Mein Bruder, mein Bruder, mein Bruder.' "

Family: Born Aug. 21, 1927, in Salt Lake City to G. Spencer and Gladys Condie Monson; two brothers and three sisters; married Frances Beverly Johnson in the Salt Lake Temple on Oct. 7, 1948; three children: two sons, Tom and Clark; one daughter, Ann Dibb; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Church service: Called at age 22 as bishop of the Sixth-Seventh Ward in Salt Lake City, with some 1,080 members, including about 84 widows; called as counselor in a stake presidency at age 27; called as president of the Canadian Mission at age 31; served on several Church committees, including the Adult Correlation Committee and helped pioneer the home teaching program of the Church; sustained on Oct. 4, 1963, at age 36 to Quorum of the Twelve.

As a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, he supervised the missions in western America, the South Pacific, Mexico, Central America and Europe. After a number of years and following the policy of rotation, the European missions were transferred to another member of the Twelve; however, Elder Monson retained responsibility for all countries behind the Iron Curtain. He was instrumental in the construction of the Freiberg Germany Temple, served as chairman of the Scriptures Publication Committee and supervised the process which resulted in new editions of the Standard Works of the Church. Called on Nov. 10, 1985, as second counselor to President Ezra Taft Benson; called in 1994 as second counselor to President Howard W. Hunter and in 1995 as first counselor to President Gordon B. Hinckley; ordained and set apart on Feb. 3, 2008, as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He graduated with honors from the University of Utah in 1948 with a degree in business; received an MBA from Brigham Young University, and received honorary Doctor of Laws degree from BYU, honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Salt Lake Community College, and honorary Doctor of Business from the University of Utah.

He began working for Deseret News in 1948 as assistant classified advertising manager; shortly thereafter he became classified advertising manager; he became an officer of Newspaper Agency Corporation in 1952, became sales manager of Deseret News Press in 1953, and later became assistant general manager; served as president of the Printing Industry of Utah and later served as a director of the Printing Industries of America; named general manager of Deseret Press upon returning home from serving as a mission president in Canada; chairman of the Deseret News Board of directors for 19 years.

Civic: Has served nearly four decades on the National Executive Board of Boy Scouts of America; received Scouting's Silver Beaver and Silver Buffalo awards and International Scouting's highest award, the Bronze Wolf. In December 1981 President Monson was appointed by U.S. President Ronald Reagan to serve on the President's Task Force for Private Sector Initiatives. He served in this capacity until December 1982, when the work of the task force was completed.

Military Service: In 1945-1946, served active duty in U.S. Naval Reserve.

Henry B. Eyring

President Henry B. Eyring was set apart Feb. 3, 2008, as first counselor in the First Presidency to President Thomas S. Monson, and sustained April 5, 2008, in the solemn assembly of general conference.

He was sustained Oct. 6, 2007, and set apart Oct. 11, 2007, as second counselor in the First Presidency to President Gordon B. Hinckley.

He was sustained to the Quorum of the Twelve April 1, 1995, and ordained an apostle April 6, 1995, at age 61.

He was sustained to the First Quorum of the Seventy Oct. 3, 1992, and as first counselor in the Presiding Bishopric April 6, 1985.

Before being called as a General Authority he served as a regional representative, member of the Sunday School general board, and bishop.

Born May 31, 1933, in Princeton, N.J., to Henry and Mildred Bennion Eyring.

He received a bachelor's degree in physics from the University of Utah, and master's and doctoral degrees from Harvard University in business administration. His passion was to teach; he became an assistant professor and associate professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Business in Palo Alto, Calif.

He served as the president of Ricks College, 1971-77, before being called as Deputy Commissioner, and then Commissioner, of Church Education.

He and his wife, Kathleen Johnson Eyring, are parents of six children and have 25 grandchildren.

President Eyring was reared by parents who valued education. His father was a chemistry professor at Princeton University and his mother had been a professor at the University of Utah and a doctoral candidate at the University of Wisconsin when she met and married her husband.

The Eyring home was a learning laboratory — filled with discussion about "deep, serious things" — where President Eyring learned to cherish religion and appreciate science and to respect others. Once President Eyring asked his father why he asked the gas station attendants questions. "Dad said, 'I never met a man I couldn't learn something from.' "

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf was set apart Feb. 3, 2008, as second counselor in the First Presidency to President Thomas S. Monson, and sustained April 5, 2008, in the solemn assembly in general conference.

He was sustained to the Quorum of the Twelve Oct. 2, 2004, and ordained an apostle Oct. 7, 2004, at age 63.

He was called to the Presidency of the Seventy Aug. 15, 2002, and sustained Oct. 5, 2002.

He was sustained to the First Quorum of the Seventy April 6, 1996.

He was sustained to the Second Quorum of the Seventy April 2, 1994.

Prior to being called as a General Authority, he was stake president and stake mission president.

He received his education in engineering, and later studied business administration and international management.

He is a former senior vice president for flight operations and chief pilot for Lufthansa German Airlines.

He was born Nov. 6, 1940, in Ostrava, the former Czechoslovakia, to Karl Albert and Hilde Else Opelt Uchtdorf, and grew up in Germany.

He married Harriet Reich Uchtdorf; they are parents of two children, and have six grandchildren.

His family joined the Church as a result of a missionary-minded, elderly woman who invited his grandmother to Church in East Germany. He was baptized two years after his family, when he turned 8 years old.

Reflecting on his life, he gives full credit to the teachings and the programs of the Church for what has happend to him.

In October 2006 general conference, he said: "Our motives and thoughts ultimately influence our actions. The testimony of the truthfulness of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is the most powerful motivating force in our lives. Jesus repeatedly emphasized the power of good thoughts and proper motives: 'Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.' "

A New Miniature Pony

2011-09-28T20:52:00.000-04:00

My grand-daughters are thrilled with their new miniature pony. He is beautiful.

Here is Natalia with one of the horses she cares for and showed at the Huron County Fair.

Both girls showed their horses and they won many ribbons. Good job girls.

Forget Me Not

2011-09-25T23:15:00.009-04:00

This past Sunday we were blessed with the General Relief Society Presidency addressing us in our Relief Society Meeting. For those of you who missed this inspiring broadcast you can listen to the entire broadcast at http://www.lds.org/ click onto Relief Society Meeting (Sept.24,2011)

On this sacred day President Uchtdof explained the story of the Forget me Not flower and how we as women are forgotten.

—President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Pres.Uchtdof speech touched me very deeply. It made me think how many times I myself have felt forgotten by others. How I had so selfishly thought of myself on why people do not accept me as a friend, even as a sister in Christ. I do not have the joy of calling anyone a friend nor a sister. I have always felt as an outsider and some people sometimes do push me away. I do not know why since my life has always been serving others and loving them on my way through life.

His talk made me realize that I am not forgotten. I am a loving daughter of our Heavenly Father and I know He loves me. His talk also opened my heart to see through the blindness that was covering my eyes for a long time. I am not forgotten,...I just was not serving as I should of.

I realized I needed to extend myself more towards others, serve more through compassion service and I needed to be more Charitable than before.

Charity never Faileth...that is our RS motto. Then why are "we" not putting this motto to practice the way we should.

I need to be more giving, more forgiving, more loving, more compassionate, more merciful and more humble. I cannot expect to be loved if I do not love first.

Forget me Not...just forget who I was before....(MILLIE)

Inspirational Trash and Treasures

2011-09-22T08:43:00.001-04:00

My bedroom has been a bit transformed. I decided to clean my office real good, shredded a lot of papers and I organized it very well. I also changed the decor. My bedroom is now black & white with some amber gold tones to highlight the room. Its slowly coming along. Photos are coming soon.

I purchased a plain tan bulletin board for $1.00 at a Goodwill thrift store. I painted the wooden border in black and then I covered the center with a black and white fabric to match my bedroom colors and then I decorated the border edges with small white pearls and white buttons.

Here is my new bulletin board.

This bulletin board looks great in my office.

Here is the iron plate rack I also purchased at Goodwill for $1.00. I put it up in my office to hold my General Conference Ensigns, Family Tree magazines and my Memory scrap booking magazines. I tied them with white ribbons and it looks fabulous.

I love decorating on a budget.

One man's trash is another man's treasure.

In Rememberance

2011-09-20T07:33:00.001-04:00

Remembering this special day my son on your Birthday...God bless you always.

Receiving Love in the Mail

2011-09-18T20:15:00.000-04:00

About a month ago I sent my good friend Jocelyn a book as a gift. In gratitude she sent me this beautiful card. It made my day and for the longest time I felt very loved and happy inside.

She had written a post on her blog http://beinglds.blogspot.com/ about a small children's book which spoke about filling your bucket with love and by giving love you get love in return. As a Real Love embracer I know very well about filling buckets...that's love buckets for us. In Real Love http://reallove.com/ To fill your bucket means to give love unconditionally without expecting anything in return from the recipient who receives that love from you.

I shared my thoughts on her book review and spoke to her about the Real Love books by Dr. Greg Baer. I felt inspired to order her a book and I had it sent to her through the mail. I can only imagine her heart being filled with love as she read this book. I got to fill her bucket a little bit but what she doesn't know is that she filled my bucket to the rim with her love, when I received her lovely card full of gratitude.

Receiving a letter or a card in the mail is a rare thing to do now a days, so finding this card in my mailbox brought many smiles and a happy moment I will always treasure. Thank you Jocelyn, enjoy and absorb the book. It is one of the best books I ever read.

Food Storage Tip

2011-09-14T20:58:00.010-04:00

It is definitely very hard to organize and accommodate your food storage when you live in a small space. But where there's a will, there's a way.

I have taken advantage of every space in my apartment to properly store away my food storage. One idea I came up with was the use of a shoe hanger to store away small items that would take much needed space for bigger items on my shelves. In my over the door shoe hanger I have dish soap, shampoos, Q-tips, Cotton balls, baking soda, fabric softener, vitamins and air fresheners.

So if you have a door that is bare on the inside of a closet, hang an over the door shoe hanger and put in it some of your little items in them. Take advantage of every space you have. Preparedness is the key and the best way to go in case of an emergency.

The Joy a Tire Swing Brings to a Child

2011-09-11T16:14:00.006-04:00

I never knew that an old car tire could bring so much joy to a child's life.

For the past 15 years I had a large thick yellow nylon rope inside my 72 hr. emergency kit. I know that I should of kept it there in case of an emergency, but my desire to put up a tire swing for my two grand-daughters was far more greater than keeping this rope in a bag.

Last week I went to my son's house to help him paint his downstairs bathroom and I really wanted to take this tire and my rope to put it up for them. To my surprise the day before going to my son's house, I spotted this tire waiting for me on the side of my apartment complex dumpster. I was tickled pink to see it there and thanks to my neighbor who was so nice enough to stick it in my trunk.

the girls and I scrubbed the tire down with soap and bleach and once it was dried my son and I put it up for the girls. They love this tire swing so much they can't get off of it.

To see them both laugh with so much joy is worth giving up my rope. In 2 weeks when I go over my son and I are going to put up a swing for them. Have fun girls!

I wish I was a kid again.

Family Reunion

2011-09-07T07:42:00.017-04:00

Its been a super busy Fall season here at home. My Fall cleaning is finally all done and a few trips to Goodwill emptied out some closet space. I am currently busy redecorating my bedroom (Black & White) and I am also changing my living room color scheme, curtains and wall decor. I love when I do this, my apartment looks so nice, clean and very chic with the new decor.

I am also working on a desk/vanity I bought at Goodwill for $20.00. This piece is so beautiful and I am giving this desk a new modern look. I am also working on some furniture that needed to be refinished and painted. So stay tune for before and after pictures that I will be posting soon.

Today I have photographs from our family reunion that took place on Saturday August 20. Reuniting with family is one of the best moments of my life. These moments together allows us to catch up on each others lives, events and of course some tragedies along the way. Being together for one whole day is worth every moment especially when they are embraced by hugs, kisses and smiles.

Here we are.

This is my Aunt Felicia with some of here grand children and great grand children. My Aunt had 13 children and when we all get together with their spouses, children and grand children we always need to rent a hall or a pavilion.

My Aunt Felicia and me.

The pond had these adorable ducks swimming with their babies

Old Lamps, New Look

2011-09-02T17:33:00.015-04:00

After...lamp #1

My lamps were plain and beige, they both needed a new look...so I got out my handy glue gun and some fabric from my fabric bin and I covered them. I think they look great.

Below is how both lamp shades looked before.

After...lamp #2

Wall Decor

2011-08-31T18:25:00.018-04:00

BEFORe
When I moved into my apartment 2 years ago, I put this mirror and both side pictures above my couch. I cannot paint as it is stated on my lease but I can give my old decor a pop of color by revamping my old decor and with the help of some garage sale mirrors I found for a couple of bucks a piece.

Taking inspiration from my large area rug that had cranberry, moss green, black, browns and gold tones I began my decorating ideas. Throughout the Summer I looked for large and medium size mirrors to make a mirrored wall above my moss green couch. There were too many of them so I had to minimize down to only a few.

I painted a couple of the mirrors in a taupe brown color, one in cranberry & and the others in black and cranberry tones.

This bland wall became my inspiration and I think it turned out great. Check it out.

AFtER

Learning By Example

2011-08-27T18:26:00.007-04:00

As adults we sometimes forget many gospel responsibilities we need to share with others. Sometimes our little LDS children reminds us of who we are, how we should be and what we should be doing as members of the church.

Here are two examples I learned from my youngest grand-daughter, who reminded me of who I am and what I should be doing.

Lesson #1...When I opened my hair blog I was looking for a fashionable background to fit the image of hair, beauty and fashion. I wanted something that was modern and classy displaying fashion in these modern times. I found a background for my blog that had a woman dressed in a little revealing dress...no sleeves, pretty short above the knees and very tight fitted around her body. I never though of what this background expressed to others, other than a fashionable cool girl dressed with modern clothes and a very modern haircut haircut.

Well...one day I was showing my grand-daughters my new hair blog and then I asked how do you like it? My oldest grand-daughter sad nothing but my youngest grand-daughter said..."Nana its nice but that girl is not dressed modestly".

This small but strong and powerful statement embarrassed me and made me see what my blind eyes did not see. I removed the background that night and put a nice simple background design. I learned a big lesson from that little LDS child...children learn from us and they absorb the gospel some times more than we do.

Lesson #2...Another time my youngest grand-daughter asked me if I had shared the gospel with anyone lately? I was quite embarrassed once again because frankly I had not. She said..."Nana, I shared the gospel today. I gave my friend a pass a long card and I told her about the Book of Mormon and how prophets lived here in America 2,000 years before Christ. I asked my friend to go to church with me on Sunday.

This young little lady taught me another lesson...I needed to get off my resting post and I needed to tell people more about the restored church.

We as Latter Day Saints sometimes rest too comfortably on others. We feel the missionaries will take care of sharing the gospel. What we sometimes forget is that we are ALL missionaries. And as such we need to share the gospel as much as we can, pass along more literature & video and we must try to reach as many people as we can, especially our own families.

I am glad to say I have given out 2 Books of Mormon this week and I am teaching a Jewish friend of mine the gospel.

I am a missionary and that is my responsibility.

When Adversity Stricks

2011-08-25T08:41:00.007-04:00

Sometimes our days are filled with much adversity. Strength is often derived from a higher source but sometimes our strength is weak due to a lack of spiritual fuel. These dreadful moments leave us in a state of confusion asking ourselves why me?

Unfortunately some people are given more adversity than they could handle, while others are able to accept each one of them with grace and love.

One thing I have discovered throughout each trial I have been given, is that every trial has a lesson to be learned from. Figuring out this lesson may take a lifetime for many but throughout that time we become more aware and beware of how fragile and precious life truly is.

Much prayer, living a clean life and serving our fellow man helps us to overcome many of these burdens. By doing so we tend forget our own trials while filling our lamps with oil. This oil is the fuel that gives us the strength and purpose to win another battle with adversity.

Sometimes it takes me a while to see why these stones have crowded my pathway through life, but eventually I see the lesson I needed to learn from the trials I was faced with.

Always remember you are a child of God and when times become rough...

He is carrying you and that is why there is only one set of footprints in the sand.

Church Cannery

2011-08-21T21:37:00.009-04:00

As Latter Day Saints we are encouraged to keep a year supply of food for those moments of need that often arise unexpectedly. This year supply becomes very beneficial when unemployment, illness, company strike or when unexpected bills may arise.

Inside the cannery there is a huge amount of food that can be canned and preserved to last with a shelf life up to 30 years.

By calling the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints you can be informed of why we have canneries and where the nearest cannery is to you. Tours are available by appointment only.

There is a small fee for every item that is canned there.

These are the foods that can be canned at the cannery:

hard red or white wheat

white rice

potato flakes

dehydrated carrots & onions

pinto beans

black beans

white beans

rolled oats

quick oats

fruit punch

white sugar

white flour

refried bean powder

These food items are canned into 10 lb. aluminum cans or 10 lb. aluminum pouches. These products can be ordered as freeze dried also. No matter which way you order or can them they are preserved to last up to 30 years.

Thank you Megan Arnosky for the cannery photos.

Decorating on a Budget...#3

2011-08-16T10:05:00.014-04:00

Pottery is one of the nicest items to use when decorating a home.

I personally love the raw finish of wooden pottery. I have some pottery pieces decorating my home giving it warm tones that enhances the decor in my house. Each one of them has a unique look and to me each one of them tell a story.

The urn pictured above was purchased many years ago in a garage sale. I paid very little money for it but the beautiful warm tones matched my living room decor very nicely. To me this urn seems to say I am Aztec and my design goes back to my ancestors.

This next urn was another garage sale find. I fell in love with the round shape it had and the colors displayed on the front of it. This urn reminded me of the Mayan pottery found throughout many of the ruins in Ancient America.

The flower vase below came from Mexico. It was a gift given to my mother from a Mexican friend of hers. When my mother downsized from a large apartment to a smaller one, I was fortunate to inherit this hand carved solid wood vase. This is one of my favorites pieces and one I will not depart from. Every time I look at this vase I imagine a poor peasant spending many countless hours creating this beautiful vase. In honor of the Mexican Culture and that humble peasant who made this vase to perfection...I say thank you and I'll display it very proudly in my home.

Always remember decorating doesn't have to cost much, it only needs a good eye to envision certain pieces that would look great in your home and the desire to decorate.

Decorating on a Budget...#2

2011-08-14T18:59:00.010-04:00

Sometimes when funds are low decorating can be quite a challenge. So here is a simple decorating tip that is cheap and very nice. Get an inexpensive round table at a discount store, put two or three layers of different fabrics that match the room decor, layer them on different lengths. Place an inexpensive round cut glass over it, place a lamp in the center and fill the table with family picture frames or pictures from a trip you took. The table looks great, its a genealogy conversation corner while decorating and adding warmth to the room.

I like the sand, cream and brown tones on my table and it looks very classy.

My Expenses:

Table $20.00...its solid wood and it came with the glass top...A garage sale find.

Long table topper $1.00...a garage sale find.

Short table topper sewn by me...zero dollars...fabric was given to me by my ex husband.

Picture frames...$2.00 for all at a garage sale.

Lamp $1.00 at a garage sale..painted by me...5 shades were used

Lamp shade (not seen...tan color)...$2.00 at T.J. Maxx on a clearance shelf

Total $26.00

for a beautiful side table

Oh, also found at a garage sale was my solid wood hand carved elephant for only $10.

Hello, Hello, Hello???

2011-08-10T15:02:00.000-04:00

Just as quiet as this telephone is right now, its the same way my phone is today.

Modern conveniences, updated technology and the use of a mouse has untied the love knots that we once shared between us.

Today we are informed about other people's lives by reading a blog, a website, by reading their facebook page, by sending an email or maybe once a year by seeing them at a family reunion or at a church service or gathering. Other than that we often see them through a live less photograph or an unspeakable television.

We don't sit and talk anymore like we used too, we don't send letters out to tell each other about our lives, our families and our goals. We don't hear your sweet voice anymore making me forget how your voice sounds, we don't shop together anymore nor do we ever have lunch like we used too.

Our lives have changed and our lack of a one to one interaction has gone down the tube. A square 17 inch monitor that governs, empowers and sucks us in like a vacuum...in order to communicate with one another. This small but powerful computerized modern technology has killed who we really are "humans filled with God's love".

Satan has us wrapped around his little finger and he's laughing so happily while we are apart.

The more we continue to allow him to govern and empower our lives like he is doing now, the more he laughs.

The lack of a close hearted interaction with one another is pulling us apart. Personal communication is dying and someday it will be an antique skill to master.

Cross Stitching

2011-08-07T19:14:00.001-04:00

Twice a week I have the joy of babysitting my two grand-daughters. Every time we are together I try to have some kind of craft for them to do.

A few weeks ago I decided to teach them how to cross stitch. My oldest grand-daughter Paloma crossed stitched some lambs and flowers and she was done the same day she started, but my youngest grand-daughter had chosen a more time consuming piece to do and I ended up finishing it. I did the flowers and the stems, she did the butterflies. Devoted to their cross stitch they both worked like little beavers on their new project for the 2 whole days they were here.

Her cross stitch is photographed on the top of the page and I think for a first timer she did well.

A little note...The gray stain you see on the side of the small butterfly is only a shadow created by the camera...it is not on the cross stitch cloth.