Why am I doing this?

Why? 

The age-old question. 

Why can't I have my own phone?

Why can't I drink a Dr. Pepper?

Why do I have to go to bed?

Why do I have to answer why all the time?

Why am I writing this blog???

I've been a little anti lately. The desire to write has not been there, and it feels as if there's not much to share or record. In fact, it's as if I've just been holding on, going through the motions...going from this activity to that chaos to that meltdown to that moment of joy. Most mornings I do try to sit down to write something, but doubtful thoughts creep in...Is this really important? Haven't I written about this before? Is this appropriate to discuss? I don't have any pictures to go along. This is interesting to me but will it be to someone else? I can't think of a way to begin. Why am I doing this? And so on...

As I was tidying the living room this evening, the basket of books I keep by the couch was a giant blob of unorganized reading material mixed with crumpled paper, broken crayons, dirty socks, random toys, and puzzle pieces. I decided to tackle it right then. It only took a few minutes to sort through it and create a nice basket of books with good stories to read to the children and beautiful picture books to look through. I decided to put my blog books in the basket. 

Background: A few months ago, I printed this blog to hard-backed books using the print service www.blog2print.com. The first book is for 2009-2010 because I didn't write that often. The second volume is for the year 2011. 2012 is going to be big! I may need to split it into two volumes. 

Why create these blog books if they are not in a place to be read? Before placing them in the basket, I opened one of them, perusing some of the past entries. A few of my children saw me sitting; they gathered 'round to see what I was doing. They were hooked! They spent the next 30+ minutes looking through the books - laughing, reading, remembering. Seeing this sight was an eye-opener for me. This blog - my words to them - really is important, and meaningful, and enjoyable to THEM. After all, I'm writing this for my children. I witnessed in this beautiful moment the impact that my time and efforts are having...NOW. Hopefully as they have their own children in the future, it will be even greater.

Quickly grabbing the camera, I recorded some precious moments...

 

So buckle up and enjoy the ride. Why, it's not going to end any time soon. 

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

"Pearles" of Wisdom - Part 5

PEARL (noun) something precious or choice; the finest example of  

anything: pearls of wisdom.  (www.dictionary.com)

 

Part 5 of Grandma Pearle's Wisdom:

 

41. God has included you in His plans; Have you included Him in yours?

This is a WOW quote. It really makes you think about letting God in and allowing him to lead your life. 

 

42. With all they getting, get going!

Use your blessings to help others along the way.

43. When you make a mistake, God doesn't say, "Go to your room."

He says, "Come unto me."

This is another beautiful quote that makes me think about the way I treat my children. I recall the blog post I wrote back in January, This Phase Shall Pass.  Also, my husband's philosophy, Belt Loop.

 

44. We pay tithing not because we have money, but because we have faith.

Yes, and that faith gets stronger as the blessings pour in from paying tithing!

What is tithing?

 

45. The smallest package in the world is a person wrapped up in himself.

We can't give of ourselves if we're all wrapped up in the ME factor.

 

46. The ten commandments are not multiple choice.

We don't choose which commandments to keep. We try our very best to obey them all!

47. Plan your work and work your plan.

I've always wanted to start my day with a list of things to accomplish and then work the list. I usually have a mental list but writing things down has power. However, sometimes the list makes us non-flexible and not willing to be guided by inspiration.

48. You can accomplish a lot of good if you don't mind who gets the credit.

I agree, Grandma. Serve without worrying about getting credit for it. "Let thine alms be in secret". 

49. Happiness adds and multiplies as we divide it with others.

Little children are such an example of this principle...whether it be joy or service or sharing or kindness.

50. Life is fragile; handle with prayer.

Life is too precious not to!

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

 

 

"Pearles" of Wisdom - Part 4

PEARL (noun) something precious or choice; the finest example of  

anything: pearls of wisdom.  (www.dictionary.com)

Part 4 of Grandma Pearle's Wisdom:

31. An exercise you can do with ease - Put your foot in your mouth, without bending your knees.

Be oh, so careful of what we say!

32. Most footprints in the sands of time were made by work boots.

Go to work and teach your children to do the same!

33. A little learning is a dangerous thing - but it sure beats total ignorance.

"The world of opportunity lies ahead of you, and education is the key that will unlock that door." ~ Gordon B. Hinckley

34. Two men looked out of the self-same bars. One saw the mud, the other the stars.

Perspective! How do we teach proper perspective to our children? Do they realize all their blessings or do they see the things they don't have?

35. Some of us need a "faith" lift.

I truly did a Lough Out Loud when I read this one. Yes, MOST of us need a "faith" lift.

36. Procrastination is a silly thing, it only bring me sorrow;

But I can change at any time. I think I will - tomorrow.

I used to be the ultimate procrastinator. The busier my life gets, the less I seem to procrastinate. Prioritizing becomes a must-do!

37. Young people sow wild oats, but old people grow sage.

I want to grow sage but I don't want to fall into the old people category just yet!!

38. Vice is a monster of such hideous mien, that to be hated needs but to be seen;

But seen too oft, familiar with its face, we first endure, then pity, then embrace. ~ Alexander Pope

Stay away from temptation! Do not first endure or you may just yet embrace.

39. Bad habits are like comfortable beds...Easy to get into, but hard to get out of.

This is so true - from little kids sucking their thumb, to spending too much time on the Internet. Lesson - be mindful of the habits you're leaning toward and get out of them before you're too comfortable.

40. The gospel is beautifully simple, and simply beautiful.
AMEN! Click HERE to learn more!

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

"Pearles" of Wisdom - Part 3

PEARL (noun) something precious or choice; the finest example of  

anything: pearls of wisdom.  (www.dictionary.com)

Part 3 of Grandma Pearle's Wisdom...

21. If you put your nose to the grindstone rough, and keep it down there long enough,

In time you'll feel there's no such thing, as brooks that babble and birds that sing.

These three will all our world compose...Just you, the stone, and your darned old nose.

Moral of the story...Don't work so hard or that's all you'll have. Take time to enjoy the pleasant things in life!

22. If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.

This can be applied to everything! Prepare, prepare, prepare and you'll be ready for whatever comes.

23. All the evil in the world, the blackest kind of sin...

Could never hurt you one least bit, unless you let it in.

A few days ago, one of our children left and my three year old immediately ran over and locked the door. She said, "We have to lock the door so the bad guys don't come in." Not being mindful of what media is coming into our home is like leaving our door unlocked for the bad guys. This quote teaches the importance of what you let in your mind and in your home!

24. A smile is a curved line that makes everything straight.

Yes, a smile can straighten out anyone's bad day. Smile that frown away!

25. With thoughtless and impatient hands we tangle up the plans the Lord has wrought.

And when we cry in pain, he saith, "Be quiet, man, while I untie the knot."

What a beautiful reminder of the Atonement of Jesus Christ!

26. Even the profane sinner in the foul sacrilege of his oath proclaims the divine supremacy Of Him whose name he desecrates.

Do not take the Lord's name in vain. Even those who do are proclaiming His divine supremacy. How Great Thou Art!

27. He thought he was a better man than I was and he was until he had that thought.

Wow - so true. Do not think yourself higher than another.

28. All the water in the world, however hard it tried;

Could never sink the smallest ship, unless it got inside.

This reminds me of number 23 - letting negative influences into our home. It also relates to negative thoughts and actions. If we stay away from those things that will bring us down, our ship will never sink.

29. Don't talk about your troubles and recount them o'er and o'er,

Or the Lord will think you love them, and he'll give you more and more.

Oh, I wish all the people who constantly whine and complain could read this one. I LOVE this!!

30. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall never be bent out of shape.

Being a mother = being flexible. However, at times I definitely get bent out of shape. Maybe I'm not as flexible as I think I am.

More "Pearles" of Wisdom to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

"Pearles" of Wisdom - Part 2

PEARL (noun) something precious or choice; the finest example of  

anything: pearls of wisdom.  (www.dictionary.com)

Back in January, I posted the first part of "Pearles" of Wisdom. Life happened and I never finished this series of posts. I can't let these amazing bits of wisdom escape so I'm moving forward with part 2...

11. Sin will keep a man from prayer. Prayer will keep a man from sin.  

Amen! 

12.  Even on the right track, you will be run over if you just sit there.

Teach those children to be engaged in a good cause, moving forward, progressing, and hard working!

13. I make a list of things to do, and when at last my list is through, I check the items and review them, whereon I'm far too tired to do them. ~ Richard Armour

I'm definitely a list maker, but alas, my list is never through!!

14. Don't ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you're not willing to move your feet.

I LOVE this. Be willing to do what the Lord guides you to do.

15. Six days a week the devil works, works overtime on Sunday;

And then he's ready once again to go to work on Monday;

So if all evil you would shun and keep your conscience level;

You must begin at early dawn and work just like the devil.

Yes, begin with prayer and scripture study to combat the buffetings and to handle the crazy day that always comes.

16. When you get to heaven, you will likely view many folks whose presence there will be a shock to you;

But keep it very quiet, do not even stare. Doubtless there'll be many folks surprised to see you there.

Judge not...plain and simple

17. Success comes in cans, not can'ts.

More to come on this one. My son's recent trip to DC comes to mind. So much to write about!!

18. A sabbath well spent brings a week of content and strength for the work of tomorrow;

But a Sabbath profane, whatever the gain, is a certain forerunner of sorrow.

Keep the Sabbath Day Holy. Lots of ideas for this one, too!

19. Your life's before you like a field of snow; Tread carefully, for every step will show.

I thought of Good, Better, Best when I read this quote. I want the best to show!

20. I eat my peas with honey; I've done it all my life.

It makes the peas taste funny, but it keeps them on my knife.

I don't like honey, but I do like peas. I'll eat my peas with butter, salt and pepper, thank you.

More "Pearles" of Wisdom to come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

"Pearles" of Wisdom - Part 1

pearl (noun) something precious or choice; the finest example of anything: pearls of wisdom. (www.dictionary.com)

 My husband's grandmother was named Mildred Pearle, but she was known as Pearle. 

Sam and Grandma Slaugh - 100th Birthday Celebration, 2002

Born in 1902, she saw much and learned a lot. Living to be 101 years old, she left a legacy of faith and strength to her posterity. That legacy included "Pearles" of Wisdom - quotes and sayings to abide and live by. For her 100th birthday in 2002, a family member compiled 100 "Pearles" of Wisdom, a little booklet for her posterity to remember her by. As I was looking through paper work the other day, I ran across this memento. In reading through it, I was touched by her wisdom and her depth. She had a keen ability to see a greater perspective and encouraged all around her to live by truth. I felt impressed to share these "Pearles" in a series of posts. May you and my posterity benefit from these treasures. May they help us all Stick-to-it!

My five oldest children in 2002 for Grandma's 100th birthday.

1. Don't count the days - make the days count.

I love this! What a great reminder to make each day matter. In working on my fitness goals, this really pertains. Don't waste time counting how many days I've been to the gym; rather, get there and make it count. Don't wish your children to be out of a certain stage; rather, enjoy every minute of it.

2. Rules don't lock you in - they lock Satan out.

This is a fabulous way to explain to your children that rules and commandments don't chain us down, but they protect us from evil.

3. Attend your meetings - Don't wait for six strong men to carry you to church.

Maybe I'm slow, but I didn't get this one so I had to call my mother-in-law to ask her. When would six strong men carry you to church? When you've passed on and they're carrying you to church in your casket for your funeral.

4. Life is a grindstone. Whether it grinds you down or polishes you up depends on what you are made of.
It depends on your choices and your attitude, too. What will you make out of your life?

5. The difference between a steppingstone and a stumbling block is in the way we use them.
Will we let it the stone enable us or the block stop us?


6. None of us is entirely useless. Even the worst of us can serve as horrible examples.

This just makes me laugh! I'm sure we've all been one of these horrible examples at one time or another.

7. Opportunities are often missed because we are broadcasting when we should have been tuned in.
As my husband says often, you have two ears and one mouth. Use them accordingly. Listening - a virtue that is golden.

8. Pray as though everything depended on the Lord, and then work as though everything depended on you.
Amen!

9. What on earth are you doing for Heaven's sake?
Read this one carefully. If you just read it quickly, it sounds like something one would say when they're perpelxed by somebody's actions. However, look at it again. What are you doing on Earth for Heaven's sake? What am I spending my time on? Where is my allegiance? How am I furthering God's purposes?

10. Give God what is right, not what is left.
Definitely a pearl!

My favorites? I love them all but I especially like #4 and #5. They compliment each other. Yes, life is a grindstone but are you going to let it grind you down or polish you up? Are you going to allow the stepping stone to carry you forward or will the stumbling block stop your progress. I also like #9. It is a thought-provoking question, hidden in day to day language. When you change your perspective, you can see a new view. So many times our earthly view is clouded by worldly distractions, but when we look at life differently, Heavenly things tend to matter much more.

Grandma Pearle, you are truly a gem! How we miss you! More "Pearles" to follow...

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!