Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Mom's last message of the year
Dear children,
I hope that each one of you has had a good Christmas remembering the birth of our Savior. When we receive many gifts it is sometimes hard to focus on what we should really center our thought on that special day.
On Christmas day, as I had told you, we went to the Mission President’s home. We sang Christmas hymns, some bore their testimony and Pt. talked about the birth of Christ. After, we had a light lunch and the missionaries went to do some caroling. It was cold and we did not go out.
We had a wonderful and very spiritual Zone Conference whose subject was on the Redeeming sacrifice of our Savior. You can only imagine the Spirit we felt.
Last night, we were invited to a farewell dinner at the chapel. The young women and young men had prepared a delicious 4-course meal for the Ward leaders. We had the kind of food that the Algerian would prepare. Everything was delicious and we enjoyed the company.
The weather is now very cold and dry. The chapel was also very cold this morning. Dad wore his long thermal underwear and I wore several layers of clothing and we were still cold because the heating system was not working properly. Dad was officially released from his calling in the Bishopric as the whole Bishopric was release and a new one sustained. Next week, we will have our new Bishop and some of the International ward members added to our ward. I know that this came through revelation and will work well as it has for many years in Luxembourg. It will take a little time to get accustomed to hear two languages spoken in a meeting but with love and a positive attitude all can be overcome.
Dad has been caching up on his sleep and I am glad that he did. He works really hard and some weeks are tough on him. He does not complain, he just says that he feels like he is almost 76 years old. Elders say that they want to be like him when they get to his age. The other day, he was taking a fridge to a couple’s apartment. The Elder was not able to help him so he did it all by himself. You know how heavy a washing machine is. Dad has a way to take one up the stairs: he folds a 20 feet long rope in two making a big loop, tie one overhand knot about 6 feet from the fold of the rope, then about 2 feet further up of the rope ties an other overhand knot. Then, he puts his head between the 2 knots. He hooks the bottom end of the loop under the feet of the washing machine that way he can lift with his legs and back straight the weight of the machine. He then climbs the stairs backwards. He only needs an Elder at the bottom of the machine to balance the weight and guide. You cannot believe how many washing machine he has had to replace!
This week will be a normal week in the Mission. No day off on January 1st but we will take that afternoon to go to a family gathering at my sister Josiane. Our Mission President told us that we could take off when we wanted and it is what we will do.
I wish you a very happy New Year 2009. May the Lord pour his richest blessings upon each of you.
With much love,
Mom
I hope that each one of you has had a good Christmas remembering the birth of our Savior. When we receive many gifts it is sometimes hard to focus on what we should really center our thought on that special day.
On Christmas day, as I had told you, we went to the Mission President’s home. We sang Christmas hymns, some bore their testimony and Pt. talked about the birth of Christ. After, we had a light lunch and the missionaries went to do some caroling. It was cold and we did not go out.
We had a wonderful and very spiritual Zone Conference whose subject was on the Redeeming sacrifice of our Savior. You can only imagine the Spirit we felt.
Last night, we were invited to a farewell dinner at the chapel. The young women and young men had prepared a delicious 4-course meal for the Ward leaders. We had the kind of food that the Algerian would prepare. Everything was delicious and we enjoyed the company.
The weather is now very cold and dry. The chapel was also very cold this morning. Dad wore his long thermal underwear and I wore several layers of clothing and we were still cold because the heating system was not working properly. Dad was officially released from his calling in the Bishopric as the whole Bishopric was release and a new one sustained. Next week, we will have our new Bishop and some of the International ward members added to our ward. I know that this came through revelation and will work well as it has for many years in Luxembourg. It will take a little time to get accustomed to hear two languages spoken in a meeting but with love and a positive attitude all can be overcome.
Dad has been caching up on his sleep and I am glad that he did. He works really hard and some weeks are tough on him. He does not complain, he just says that he feels like he is almost 76 years old. Elders say that they want to be like him when they get to his age. The other day, he was taking a fridge to a couple’s apartment. The Elder was not able to help him so he did it all by himself. You know how heavy a washing machine is. Dad has a way to take one up the stairs: he folds a 20 feet long rope in two making a big loop, tie one overhand knot about 6 feet from the fold of the rope, then about 2 feet further up of the rope ties an other overhand knot. Then, he puts his head between the 2 knots. He hooks the bottom end of the loop under the feet of the washing machine that way he can lift with his legs and back straight the weight of the machine. He then climbs the stairs backwards. He only needs an Elder at the bottom of the machine to balance the weight and guide. You cannot believe how many washing machine he has had to replace!
This week will be a normal week in the Mission. No day off on January 1st but we will take that afternoon to go to a family gathering at my sister Josiane. Our Mission President told us that we could take off when we wanted and it is what we will do.
I wish you a very happy New Year 2009. May the Lord pour his richest blessings upon each of you.
With much love,
Mom
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Merry Christmas from Germany
Merry Christmas! Our family spent the week in Garmisch Germany, and enjoyed a wonderful stay in a cozy Edelwiess lodge nestled in the Bavarian Alps. We got to tour Munich Germany and also spent a day visiting Neunschwanstien castle, the same castle that the Disney castle is disgned after. The history was very fascinating as well. I have many more photos of the area, and will let you know when I have them on shutterfly for viewing, if you are interested. May you all enjoy a Happy and successful New Year of 2009! Teresa
Munich City Hall and a Christmas market going on below. 
Beautiful view from our hotel balcony of the one of the many peaks of the Bavarian Alps.
Neunschwanstien castle-- The misty day made it look very mysterious. There are some incredible arial views of it on postcards that I wish I could show you! Look it up on the internet, you'll find it facinating!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Christmas story to remember
I was so touch by this story that a Sister of my Ward sent me that I wanted to share it with all of you.
CHRISTMAS STORY TO REMEMBER
It was Christmas Eve 1881. I was fifteen years old and feeling like the world had caved in on me because there just hadn't been enough money to buy me the rifle that I'd wanted for Christmas.
We did the chores early that night for some reason. I just figured Pa wanted a little extra time so we could read in the Bible. After supper was over I took my boots off and stretched out in front of the fireplace and waited for Pa to get down the old Bible.
I was still feeling sorry for myself and, to be honest, I wasn't in much of a mood to read Scriptures. But Pa didn't get the Bible instead he bundled up again and went outside. I couldn't figure it out because we had already done all the chores. I didn't worry about it long though I was too busy wallowing in self-pity.
Soon Pa came back in. It was a cold clear night out and there was ice in his beard. "Come on, Matt," he said. "Bundle up good, it's cold out tonight." I was really upset then. Not only wasn't I getting the rifle for Christmas, now Pa was dragging me out in the cold, and for no earthly reason that I could see.
We'd already done all the chores, and I couldn't think of anything else that needed doing, especially not on a night like this. But I knew Pa was not very patient at one dragging one's feet when he'd told them to do something, so I got up and put my boots back on and got my cap, coat, and mittens. Ma gave me a mysterious smile as I opened the door to leave the house. Something was up, but I didn't know what..
Outside, I became even more dismayed. There in front of the house was the work team, already hitched to the big sled. Whatever it was we were going to do wasn't going to be a short, quick, little job. I could tell. We never hitched up this sled unless we were going to haul a big load. Pa was already up on the seat, reins in hand. I reluctantly climbed up beside him. The cold was already biting at me. I wasn't happy. When I was on, Pa pulled the sled around the house and stopped in front of the woodshed. He got off and I followed.
"I think we'll put on the high sideboards," he said. "Here, help me." The high sideboards! It had been a bigger job than I wanted to do with just the low sideboards on, but whatever it was we were going to do would be a lot bigger with the high side boards on.
After we had exchanged the sideboards, Pa went into the woodshed and came out with an armload of wood - the wood I'd spent all summer hauling down from the mountain, and then all Fall sawing into blocks and splitting.
What was he doing? Finally I said something. "Pa," I asked, "what are you doing?" You been by the Widow Jensen's lately?" he asked. The Widow Jensen lived about two miles down the road. Her husband had died a year or so before and left her with three children, the oldest being eight. Sure, I'd been by, but so what?
Yeah," I said, "Why?"
"I rode by just today," Pa said. "Little Jakey was out digging around in the woodpile trying to find a few chips. They're out of wood, Matt." That was all he said and then he turned and went back into the woodshed for another armload of wood. I followed him. We loaded the sled so high that I began to wonder if the horses would be able to pull it. Finally, Pa called a halt to our loading then we went to the smoke house and Pa took down a big ham and a side of bacon. He handed them to me and told me to put them in the sled and wait.
When he returned he was carrying a sack of flour over his right shoulder and a smaller sack of something in his left hand.
"What's in the little sack?" I asked. Shoes, they're out of shoes. Little Jakey just had gunny sacks wrapped around his feet when he was out in the woodpile this morning. I got the children a little candy too. It just wouldn't be Christmas without a little candy."
We rode the two miles to Widow Jensen's pretty much in silence. I tried to think through what Pa was doing.
We didn't have much by worldly standards. Of course, we did have a big woodpile, though most of what was left now was still in the form of logs that I would have to saw into blocks and split before we could use it.
We also had meat and flour, so we could spare that, but I knew we didn't have any money, so why was Pa buying them shoes and candy? Really, why was he doing any of this? Widow Jensen had closer neighbors than us; it shouldn't have been our concern.
We came in from the blind side of the Jensen house and unloaded the wood as quietly as possible then we took the meat and flour and shoes to the door. We knocked. The door opened a crack and a timid voice said, "Who is it?" "Lucas Miles, Ma'am, and my son, Matt, could we come in for a bit?"
Widow Jensen opened the door and let us in. She had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The children were wrapped in another and were sitting in front of the fireplace by a very small fire that hardly gave off any heat at all. Widow Jensen fumbled with a match and finally lit the lamp.
"We brought you a few things, Ma'am," Pa said and set down the sack of flour. I put the meat on the table.
Then Pa handed her the sack that had the shoes in it. She opened it hesitantly and took the shoes out one pair at a time. There was a pair for her and one for each of the children - sturdy shoes, the best, shoes that would last. I watched her carefully. She bit her lower lip to keep it from trembling and then tears filled her eyes and started running down her cheeks. She looked up at Pa like she wanted to say something, but it wouldn't come out.
"We brought a load of wood too, Ma'am," Pa said. He turned to me and said, "Matt, go bring in enough to last awhile. Let's get that fire up to size and heat this place up." I wasn't the same person when I went back out to bring in the wood. I had a big lump in my throat and as much as I hate to admit it, there were tears in my eyes too. In my mind I kept seeing those three kids huddled around the fireplace and their mother standing there with tears running down her cheeks with so much gratitude in her heart that she couldn't speak.
My heart swelled within me and a joy that I'd never known before filled my soul. I had given at Christmas many times before, but never when it had made so much difference. I could see we were literally saving the lives of these people.
I soon had the fire blazing and everyone's spirits soared. The kids started giggling when Pa handed them each a piece of candy and Widow Jensen looked on with a smile that probably hadn't crossed her face for a long time.
She finally turned to us. "God bless you," she said. "I know the Lord has sent you. The children and I have been praying that he would send one of his angels to spare us."
In spite of myself, the lump returned to my throat and the tears welled up in my eyes again. I'd never thought of Pa in those exact terms before, but after Widow Jensen mentioned it I could see that it was probably true.
I was sure that a better man than Pa had never walked the earth. I started remembering all the times he had gone out of his way for Ma and me, and many others. The list seemed endless as I thought on it.
Pa insisted that everyone try on the shoes before we left. I was amazed when they all fit and I wondered how he had known what sizes to get. Then I guessed that if he was on an errand for the Lord that the Lord would make sure he got the right sizes.
Tears were running down Widow Jensen's face again when we stood up to leave. Pa took each of the kids in his big arms and gave them a hug. They clung to him and didn't want us to go. I could see that they missed their Pa and I was glad that I still had mine.
At the door Pa turned to Widow Jensen and said, "The Mrs. wanted me to invite you and the children over for Christmas dinner tomorrow. The turkey will be more than the three of us can eat, and a man can get cantankerous if he has to eat turkey for too many meals. We'll be by to get you about eleven. It'll be nice to have some little ones around again. Matt, here, hasn't been little for quite a spell." I was the youngest. My two brothers and two sisters had all married and had moved away.
Widow Jensen nodded and said, "Thank you, Brother Miles. I don't have to say, May the Lord bless you, I know for certain that He will."
Out on the sled I felt a warmth that came from deep within and I didn't even notice the cold. When we had gone a ways, Pa turned to me and said, "Matt, I want you to know something. Your ma and me have been tucking a little money away here and there all year so we could buy that rifle for you, but we didn't have quite enough.
Then yesterday a man who owed me a little money from years back came by to make things square. Your ma and me were real excited, thinking that now we could get you that rifle, and I started into town this morning to do just that, but on the way I saw little Jakey out scratching in the woodpile with his feet wrapped in those gunny sacks and I knew what I had to do. Son, I spent the money for shoes and a little candy for those children.
I hope you understand."
I understood, and my eyes became wet with tears again. I understood very well, and I was so glad Pa had done it.
Now the rifle seemed very low on my list of priorities. Pa had given me a lot more. He had given me the look on Widow Jensen's face and the radiant smiles of her three children. For the rest of my life, Whenever I saw any of the Jensens, or split a block of wood, I remembered, and remembering brought back that same joy I felt riding home beside Pa that night. Pa had given me much more than a rifle that night, he had given me the best Christmas of my life.
CHRISTMAS STORY TO REMEMBER
It was Christmas Eve 1881. I was fifteen years old and feeling like the world had caved in on me because there just hadn't been enough money to buy me the rifle that I'd wanted for Christmas.
We did the chores early that night for some reason. I just figured Pa wanted a little extra time so we could read in the Bible. After supper was over I took my boots off and stretched out in front of the fireplace and waited for Pa to get down the old Bible.
I was still feeling sorry for myself and, to be honest, I wasn't in much of a mood to read Scriptures. But Pa didn't get the Bible instead he bundled up again and went outside. I couldn't figure it out because we had already done all the chores. I didn't worry about it long though I was too busy wallowing in self-pity.
Soon Pa came back in. It was a cold clear night out and there was ice in his beard. "Come on, Matt," he said. "Bundle up good, it's cold out tonight." I was really upset then. Not only wasn't I getting the rifle for Christmas, now Pa was dragging me out in the cold, and for no earthly reason that I could see.
We'd already done all the chores, and I couldn't think of anything else that needed doing, especially not on a night like this. But I knew Pa was not very patient at one dragging one's feet when he'd told them to do something, so I got up and put my boots back on and got my cap, coat, and mittens. Ma gave me a mysterious smile as I opened the door to leave the house. Something was up, but I didn't know what..
Outside, I became even more dismayed. There in front of the house was the work team, already hitched to the big sled. Whatever it was we were going to do wasn't going to be a short, quick, little job. I could tell. We never hitched up this sled unless we were going to haul a big load. Pa was already up on the seat, reins in hand. I reluctantly climbed up beside him. The cold was already biting at me. I wasn't happy. When I was on, Pa pulled the sled around the house and stopped in front of the woodshed. He got off and I followed.
"I think we'll put on the high sideboards," he said. "Here, help me." The high sideboards! It had been a bigger job than I wanted to do with just the low sideboards on, but whatever it was we were going to do would be a lot bigger with the high side boards on.
After we had exchanged the sideboards, Pa went into the woodshed and came out with an armload of wood - the wood I'd spent all summer hauling down from the mountain, and then all Fall sawing into blocks and splitting.
What was he doing? Finally I said something. "Pa," I asked, "what are you doing?" You been by the Widow Jensen's lately?" he asked. The Widow Jensen lived about two miles down the road. Her husband had died a year or so before and left her with three children, the oldest being eight. Sure, I'd been by, but so what?
Yeah," I said, "Why?"
"I rode by just today," Pa said. "Little Jakey was out digging around in the woodpile trying to find a few chips. They're out of wood, Matt." That was all he said and then he turned and went back into the woodshed for another armload of wood. I followed him. We loaded the sled so high that I began to wonder if the horses would be able to pull it. Finally, Pa called a halt to our loading then we went to the smoke house and Pa took down a big ham and a side of bacon. He handed them to me and told me to put them in the sled and wait.
When he returned he was carrying a sack of flour over his right shoulder and a smaller sack of something in his left hand.
"What's in the little sack?" I asked. Shoes, they're out of shoes. Little Jakey just had gunny sacks wrapped around his feet when he was out in the woodpile this morning. I got the children a little candy too. It just wouldn't be Christmas without a little candy."
We rode the two miles to Widow Jensen's pretty much in silence. I tried to think through what Pa was doing.
We didn't have much by worldly standards. Of course, we did have a big woodpile, though most of what was left now was still in the form of logs that I would have to saw into blocks and split before we could use it.
We also had meat and flour, so we could spare that, but I knew we didn't have any money, so why was Pa buying them shoes and candy? Really, why was he doing any of this? Widow Jensen had closer neighbors than us; it shouldn't have been our concern.
We came in from the blind side of the Jensen house and unloaded the wood as quietly as possible then we took the meat and flour and shoes to the door. We knocked. The door opened a crack and a timid voice said, "Who is it?" "Lucas Miles, Ma'am, and my son, Matt, could we come in for a bit?"
Widow Jensen opened the door and let us in. She had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The children were wrapped in another and were sitting in front of the fireplace by a very small fire that hardly gave off any heat at all. Widow Jensen fumbled with a match and finally lit the lamp.
"We brought you a few things, Ma'am," Pa said and set down the sack of flour. I put the meat on the table.
Then Pa handed her the sack that had the shoes in it. She opened it hesitantly and took the shoes out one pair at a time. There was a pair for her and one for each of the children - sturdy shoes, the best, shoes that would last. I watched her carefully. She bit her lower lip to keep it from trembling and then tears filled her eyes and started running down her cheeks. She looked up at Pa like she wanted to say something, but it wouldn't come out.
"We brought a load of wood too, Ma'am," Pa said. He turned to me and said, "Matt, go bring in enough to last awhile. Let's get that fire up to size and heat this place up." I wasn't the same person when I went back out to bring in the wood. I had a big lump in my throat and as much as I hate to admit it, there were tears in my eyes too. In my mind I kept seeing those three kids huddled around the fireplace and their mother standing there with tears running down her cheeks with so much gratitude in her heart that she couldn't speak.
My heart swelled within me and a joy that I'd never known before filled my soul. I had given at Christmas many times before, but never when it had made so much difference. I could see we were literally saving the lives of these people.
I soon had the fire blazing and everyone's spirits soared. The kids started giggling when Pa handed them each a piece of candy and Widow Jensen looked on with a smile that probably hadn't crossed her face for a long time.
She finally turned to us. "God bless you," she said. "I know the Lord has sent you. The children and I have been praying that he would send one of his angels to spare us."
In spite of myself, the lump returned to my throat and the tears welled up in my eyes again. I'd never thought of Pa in those exact terms before, but after Widow Jensen mentioned it I could see that it was probably true.
I was sure that a better man than Pa had never walked the earth. I started remembering all the times he had gone out of his way for Ma and me, and many others. The list seemed endless as I thought on it.
Pa insisted that everyone try on the shoes before we left. I was amazed when they all fit and I wondered how he had known what sizes to get. Then I guessed that if he was on an errand for the Lord that the Lord would make sure he got the right sizes.
Tears were running down Widow Jensen's face again when we stood up to leave. Pa took each of the kids in his big arms and gave them a hug. They clung to him and didn't want us to go. I could see that they missed their Pa and I was glad that I still had mine.
At the door Pa turned to Widow Jensen and said, "The Mrs. wanted me to invite you and the children over for Christmas dinner tomorrow. The turkey will be more than the three of us can eat, and a man can get cantankerous if he has to eat turkey for too many meals. We'll be by to get you about eleven. It'll be nice to have some little ones around again. Matt, here, hasn't been little for quite a spell." I was the youngest. My two brothers and two sisters had all married and had moved away.
Widow Jensen nodded and said, "Thank you, Brother Miles. I don't have to say, May the Lord bless you, I know for certain that He will."
Out on the sled I felt a warmth that came from deep within and I didn't even notice the cold. When we had gone a ways, Pa turned to me and said, "Matt, I want you to know something. Your ma and me have been tucking a little money away here and there all year so we could buy that rifle for you, but we didn't have quite enough.
Then yesterday a man who owed me a little money from years back came by to make things square. Your ma and me were real excited, thinking that now we could get you that rifle, and I started into town this morning to do just that, but on the way I saw little Jakey out scratching in the woodpile with his feet wrapped in those gunny sacks and I knew what I had to do. Son, I spent the money for shoes and a little candy for those children.
I hope you understand."
I understood, and my eyes became wet with tears again. I understood very well, and I was so glad Pa had done it.
Now the rifle seemed very low on my list of priorities. Pa had given me a lot more. He had given me the look on Widow Jensen's face and the radiant smiles of her three children. For the rest of my life, Whenever I saw any of the Jensens, or split a block of wood, I remembered, and remembering brought back that same joy I felt riding home beside Pa that night. Pa had given me much more than a rifle that night, he had given me the best Christmas of my life.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Christmas almost here
Dear Children,
In a few more days Christmas 2008 will be here. I have had my normal work except for the many packages the office has received for the missionaries. Some receive and others do not but they always share what they receive.
Dad has been super-busy once again. Monday, he went to Amsterdam to find a missionary apartment but after visiting 3 of them had to come back without leasing one. Thursday, he drove to Boulogne-Sur-Mer, France to close the apartment we had for missionaries. Soon the number of missionaries being sent to the mission will decrease and Boulogne will no longer be open. Friday, he went back to Amsterdam and found a nice apartment. The contract will be emailed to us. He did an excellent work but he feels really bushed today. Elders are always amazed to see a 75 years old man moving washing machines and loading them in the van by himself. They often say that they want to be like him when they are older. President Woodland is very pleased of the work we do, and says that we are irreplaceable. We do not believe it but President Hamilton had said the same thing. (That must be a President’s thing) We must admit that we are a good team.
Teresa came to the office to rehearse with our ward missionary for the concert that we will have this Sunday 21st. She and her family are amazing in music and bring a lot to a Ward. Ganae danced beautifully on the Dance of the sugar Plum fairy’s music last Saturday. It is so nice to see them all.
We will have 11 missionaries for dinner Christmas Eve. We will have first a Belgian dish “Tuna in a half peach” (sounds strange but is really good) then ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans and pie for dessert. Some will bring their Christmas package and open it with us. That should be fun.
I hope that each of you will have a wonderful Christmas Day. The gifts are not what make you happy, it is the giving and the attitude.
We will try to call you to wish you a Merry Christmas.
We love you and are always very eager for news. Thank you to those who wrote to us.
With my love,
Mom
In a few more days Christmas 2008 will be here. I have had my normal work except for the many packages the office has received for the missionaries. Some receive and others do not but they always share what they receive.
Dad has been super-busy once again. Monday, he went to Amsterdam to find a missionary apartment but after visiting 3 of them had to come back without leasing one. Thursday, he drove to Boulogne-Sur-Mer, France to close the apartment we had for missionaries. Soon the number of missionaries being sent to the mission will decrease and Boulogne will no longer be open. Friday, he went back to Amsterdam and found a nice apartment. The contract will be emailed to us. He did an excellent work but he feels really bushed today. Elders are always amazed to see a 75 years old man moving washing machines and loading them in the van by himself. They often say that they want to be like him when they are older. President Woodland is very pleased of the work we do, and says that we are irreplaceable. We do not believe it but President Hamilton had said the same thing. (That must be a President’s thing) We must admit that we are a good team.
Teresa came to the office to rehearse with our ward missionary for the concert that we will have this Sunday 21st. She and her family are amazing in music and bring a lot to a Ward. Ganae danced beautifully on the Dance of the sugar Plum fairy’s music last Saturday. It is so nice to see them all.
We will have 11 missionaries for dinner Christmas Eve. We will have first a Belgian dish “Tuna in a half peach” (sounds strange but is really good) then ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans and pie for dessert. Some will bring their Christmas package and open it with us. That should be fun.
I hope that each of you will have a wonderful Christmas Day. The gifts are not what make you happy, it is the giving and the attitude.
We will try to call you to wish you a Merry Christmas.
We love you and are always very eager for news. Thank you to those who wrote to us.
With my love,
Mom
Friday, December 19, 2008
College Bowl Pick'em Competition
For those of you participating in the college bowl pick'em competition, the first college bowl is tomorrow at 12:30 pm MST (2:30 pm EST). Please have your picks ready by tomorrow at noon MST. Actually you can makes changes to any pick up to five minutes before the scheduled start of the game, so you are not particularly locked into all the choices you make by tomorrow at noon.
If you wish to join in, let me know and I will send you an invitation. If you know of someone who does not visit this page but you think would like to participate, let me know. Participation on our website is not required for participation in the competition.
If you wish to join in, let me know and I will send you an invitation. If you know of someone who does not visit this page but you think would like to participate, let me know. Participation on our website is not required for participation in the competition.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Christine and Bryce
Here is one of the first pictures we got from the photographer who took wedding pictures. Christine and Bryce's wedding was absolutely perfect and fabulous.
Happy Birthday Brian
We hope that you will have a great day even if you have to fly. We will be thinking of you. This picture of you was taken many moons ago.....
We love you. M
Have you heard?
Schools were closed in the St.George area because of....snow and the Las Vegas streets were a mess because they do not have any snow removal? It is unreal!!!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Merry Christmas from Deric n' Debbie
We just want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and hope that you all have a very wonderful New Year! Go Cougs, Utes, and Broncos (BSU)...and let's hope the Gators roll over Oklahoma! Missin' you all!
The earth obstinately refuses to warm up
From an article:
Global temperatures are doing their best to tell us that CO2 isn’t very important after all.
- Global thermometers stubbornly refused to rise after 1998, and have plummeted in the past two years by more than 0.5 degree C. The world is now colder than in 1940, when the Post-WWOII Industrial Revolution started spewing lots of man-made CO 2 in the first place.
- On October 29, the U.S. beat or tied 115 low-temperature records for the date. Alaska, which was unusually warm last year, recorded 25 degrees below zero Fahrenheit that night—beating the previous low by 4 degrees F.
- London had snow in October for the first time in more than 70 years.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
It's time again
Dear Children,
By now, Christine is married to Bryce and Lawrence is back from his mission in Thailand. Those are 2 big achievements. Once more, I congratulate both of them.
The 5 missionaries that were waiting for their visas arrived on a snowy day. The snow did not last but the cold is still with us and is going to last a few months. We go to work and come back in the dark as the daylight is very short. Streets have their Christmas lights, stores are full of customers. The grocery stores have too many good and fattening foods to buy. (I have resisted so far).
We will be having 9 missionaries on Christmas Eve. President Woodland has invited all the missionaries working in Brussels to his home on Christmas day from noon until 3PM. Some of the time will be on the Grand Place caroling and giving the “Joy to the World” DVD.
We went to the Base and Dad bought me some warm slippers for my Christmas. I wanted to find a cardigan but did not see any in that store.
Tonight, we are invited by Teresa to attend their Ward Christmas Dinner and their show. Ganae will be dancing on the music of the Nutcrackers and we don’t want to miss to see her.
Tomorrow, we should know who has been called in the new bishopric. I am curious.
Monday, Dad will go to Amsterdam to find a new apartment for the 4 Elders there. He has an appointment to visit 2 places. I hope it works. He really likes to be on the road, so it should be a fun day for him.
With my osteoarthritis, I need to try to use my right thumb as little as possible….Try to not use it; it is almost impossible. It is what I should do to not be in constant pain. I hope that none of you will have this problem when you will be older. (I hate to ask for help).
I don’t remember telling you that we are sending a little Christmas present (made in Belgium) to each of you. Dad did not want me to send you chocolate, so I chose something else.
You are not very good at writing to us. We know that you are busy but please leave us a sentence or two. Francoise wrote to us and we just received a message from Deric. Thank you, Francoise and Deric, you made our day.
Have a very good week.
Know that you are always in our prayers and that we love you very much.
With my love,
Mom
By now, Christine is married to Bryce and Lawrence is back from his mission in Thailand. Those are 2 big achievements. Once more, I congratulate both of them.
The 5 missionaries that were waiting for their visas arrived on a snowy day. The snow did not last but the cold is still with us and is going to last a few months. We go to work and come back in the dark as the daylight is very short. Streets have their Christmas lights, stores are full of customers. The grocery stores have too many good and fattening foods to buy. (I have resisted so far).
We will be having 9 missionaries on Christmas Eve. President Woodland has invited all the missionaries working in Brussels to his home on Christmas day from noon until 3PM. Some of the time will be on the Grand Place caroling and giving the “Joy to the World” DVD.
We went to the Base and Dad bought me some warm slippers for my Christmas. I wanted to find a cardigan but did not see any in that store.
Tonight, we are invited by Teresa to attend their Ward Christmas Dinner and their show. Ganae will be dancing on the music of the Nutcrackers and we don’t want to miss to see her.
Tomorrow, we should know who has been called in the new bishopric. I am curious.
Monday, Dad will go to Amsterdam to find a new apartment for the 4 Elders there. He has an appointment to visit 2 places. I hope it works. He really likes to be on the road, so it should be a fun day for him.
With my osteoarthritis, I need to try to use my right thumb as little as possible….Try to not use it; it is almost impossible. It is what I should do to not be in constant pain. I hope that none of you will have this problem when you will be older. (I hate to ask for help).
I don’t remember telling you that we are sending a little Christmas present (made in Belgium) to each of you. Dad did not want me to send you chocolate, so I chose something else.
You are not very good at writing to us. We know that you are busy but please leave us a sentence or two. Francoise wrote to us and we just received a message from Deric. Thank you, Francoise and Deric, you made our day.
Have a very good week.
Know that you are always in our prayers and that we love you very much.
With my love,
Mom
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Brian's Family Talent Christmas Gift
I know I sent an email with this but thought it worthy of a posting. Merry Christmas! Click on the title or link to view.
Kim's Retirement - Kind of...
After 28 years of service to our nation, I'm going to be officially retired out of the Army effective 31 May 2009. I mention this now just in the remote case that any of you might like to attend the ceremony in May. The exact date is yet to be determined. I do know that my retirement ceremony will be held at Fort Myer, next to Arlington National Cemetary in Washington D.C. Dad was the one that Commissioned me and it would be cool to have him there at the finish line. When I said in the title Kim's retirement - "kind of" I said that because it appears as if once I retire, I am going to be picked up on the Retiree Recall list to serve more Active Duty time here at Fort Belvoir due to the need for officeres with my skill set. Sounds crazy, I know but such is the life of a Soldier...
Monday, December 8, 2008
Aachen Germany Christmas Market
I went shopping in Aachen Germany Christmas market this past week.
Cathedral of Aachen and the City Hall, the oldest part of which, the Granus Tower, is said to date from the days of Charlemagne. This is the Cathedral where Charlamagne is burried. He is a native of Germany and Aachen was the capital home base for him. He was born in the 742.
Cathedral of Aachen and the City Hall, the oldest part of which, the Granus Tower, is said to date from the days of Charlemagne. This is the Cathedral where Charlamagne is burried. He is a native of Germany and Aachen was the capital home base for him. He was born in the 742.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
College Bowl Pick'em
The first annual Wortham College Bowl pick'em competition!
I have set up a "Wortham Bowl Picks" group (Group ID#23060) on Yahoo.
We will compete to see who can have the best record for picking winners of all 27 bowls!
It is a private group, so let me know if you want to participate and I will send you an invitation that will contain the link and password.
The bowl schedule is not fully ready yet, but as soon as it is you can make your picks.
I have set up a "Wortham Bowl Picks" group (Group ID#23060) on Yahoo.
We will compete to see who can have the best record for picking winners of all 27 bowls!
It is a private group, so let me know if you want to participate and I will send you an invitation that will contain the link and password.
The bowl schedule is not fully ready yet, but as soon as it is you can make your picks.
Phillip won an AVA Award!
Great News! It was just announced that Phillip won an AVA award. AVA Awards are an international award given to professionals in the Audio Visual industry. Very prestigious and highly respected in the Motion Picture industry and in Hollywood. His award comes from a video documentary on Sexually Transmitted Deseases to be used in Hospitals around the country. Phillip currently works for Denver Health.
Sunday Post
Dear children,
Sometimes we wonder if time goes by as fast for everyone else. Here it seems that it really sped up for us. We get up and 4 hours later, so it seems, it is time to prepare to go to bed. We don’t have enough time in a day to do all that we want to do. It may take us a little longer to accomplish some tasks as age is creeping on us but we think that we are effective in the work we are called to do.
Our granddaughter, Christine, is getting married in the LDS Sacramento Temple this coming Friday. Also, the same day our grandson, Lawrence, is coming home from his mission in Thailand. Our mind will certainly be with them.
We were happy to meet the new couples last Tuesday. Only half of the young missionaries arrived as the rest waited for their Visas. They will arrive this coming Tuesday.
Our Ward had a baptism last Friday and today the young man was given the Gift of the Holy Ghost and ordained a priest in the Aaronic priesthood. He is 19 and has the desire to serve a mission. He had invited his friends to his baptism and 13 of them came. That was great!
Yesterday, we had the pleasure to decorate the mission home’s Christmas tree with the other office Elders and the Assistants to the President. Sister Woodland had prepared a lovely lunch for the 7 of us. We had a really relaxing time with President Woodland too. Then, later we went to Charleroi to see the opera “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” written by the composer Rossini. (We both enjoy the beautiful music and voices.) When we arrived, Dad realized that he did not have our house and apartment keys……Ooops! He called the Assistants, who live by the mission office, asking them to go get the spare keys that we have in the office and place them over the mailboxes situated at the office building’s entry. It is where we found them and also found the set of keys left on our apartment door when we came back. Dad always tells the missionaries to each have a set of keys with them when they leave……We should do what we preach.
We have had rainy weather and some snowing days too. In fact, last Tuesday, we had snow and strong wind while Dad was driving. It was not cold enough for the snow to stick on the ground during the day.
As it is always cold in the chapel because the heat is not working, this morning I wore thermals, sweater, heavy coat and scarf to be ready for it. When we arrived at the chapel, we found out that the heater was fixed and the chapel was warm. Every body was happy with it and I was very warm.
Today, we had the widower of the sister that just passed away for dinner. We had a good visit and now it is time for me to post my message.
Why don’t you leave us a note? We would love it. We love you and care.
Love, Mom
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Finally, photos from Jonathan
We don't quite understand his need to make funny faces in all his photos! But it's kind of his trademark. Jonathan just isn't Jonathan, if he isn't making a distorted face!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Eagle Project
David who is now 17 years and 10 1/2 months old, is doing his eagle project tomorrow. In case you don't know, the project needs to be completed before you turn 18... He has put together a really cool landscaping project at our Roseville city cemetary. He will be doing landscaping both inside and outside of the cemetary. The timing of this isn't great, being less than a week from Christine's wedding, but this makes this month all the more exciting! (Notice I didn't use the word "stresssssssssssed out....)
Christmas cards went out, but whoops!
We just sent our Christmas cards out but in the letter, I incorrectly listed Finnigan's birthday as 7 October. He was really born on the 7th of NOVEMBER. My bad! Kim
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Boinc
No. It is not the sound of getting bonked on the head.
It stands for Berkeley Open Infrastructure for Network Computing.
Currently there are 560,000+ computers being run by 300,000+ volunteers who contribute their spare computer on time to researching science projects.
Current computers are vastly more powerful than even early supercomputers, but the computing time goes wasted with very lightweight programs such as word processing, internet surfing, blogging, listening to music, etc. The CPU (central processing unit) is basically lounging around doing nothing. I currently participate in three projects, but there is a plethora of projects to participate in.
My computer is currently doing calculations for the following projects.
Rosetta: A project designed to determine the 3-dimensional shapes of proteins in research that may ultimately lead to finding cures for some major human diseases.
Einstein: A project designed to search for spinning neutron stars (also called pulsars).
SETI: A project designed to Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI).
I encourage everyone with a desktop computer to participate. The program runs in the background on low priority, so you will not notice any change in your computer's performance. These projects also have cool screen savers that run when your computer is idle. Laptops can also be used, but if you run it on a battery often, it will significantly reduce your battery charge.
You can also join groups of like-minded people. I am a member of a BYU team.
You can create your own team as well.
I just occurred to me that we could create "Wortham Computing Group" and contribute to projects collectively. I'll look into that.
Here is the link to download the software: http://boinc.berkeley.edu/
Here is a link to a list of good projects: http://boinc.berkeley.edu/wiki/Project_list
Here is a screen shot of the Rosetta screen saver.
It stands for Berkeley Open Infrastructure for Network Computing.
Currently there are 560,000+ computers being run by 300,000+ volunteers who contribute their spare computer on time to researching science projects.
Current computers are vastly more powerful than even early supercomputers, but the computing time goes wasted with very lightweight programs such as word processing, internet surfing, blogging, listening to music, etc. The CPU (central processing unit) is basically lounging around doing nothing. I currently participate in three projects, but there is a plethora of projects to participate in.
My computer is currently doing calculations for the following projects.
Rosetta: A project designed to determine the 3-dimensional shapes of proteins in research that may ultimately lead to finding cures for some major human diseases.
Einstein: A project designed to search for spinning neutron stars (also called pulsars).
SETI: A project designed to Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI).
I encourage everyone with a desktop computer to participate. The program runs in the background on low priority, so you will not notice any change in your computer's performance. These projects also have cool screen savers that run when your computer is idle. Laptops can also be used, but if you run it on a battery often, it will significantly reduce your battery charge.
You can also join groups of like-minded people. I am a member of a BYU team.
You can create your own team as well.
I just occurred to me that we could create "Wortham Computing Group" and contribute to projects collectively. I'll look into that.
Here is the link to download the software: http://boinc.berkeley.edu/
Here is a link to a list of good projects: http://boinc.berkeley.edu/wiki/Project_list
Here is a screen shot of the Rosetta screen saver.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Go Broncos!
It looks like Boise State is going to be off to the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego to play TCU. I was hoping for Las Vegas vs BYU...Photo of the last game that was a great finish to a 12-0 season!
We won't smell the tourists anymore
Now I officially don't care for this man and his politics......and yes, I know he is a member of our church.
"The Capitol Visitors Center, which opened this morning, may have tripled its original budget and fallen years behind schedule, but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid found a silver lining for members of Congress: tourists won't offend them with their B.O. anymore."My staff tells me not to say this, but I'm going to say it anyway," said Reid in his remarks. "In the summer because of the heat and high humidity, you could literally smell the tourists coming into the Capitol. It may be descriptive but it's true."But it's no longer going to be true, noted Reid, thanks to the air conditioned, indoor space.And that's not all. "We have many bathrooms here, as you can see," Reid continued. "Souvenirs are available." $621 million well spent."
"The Capitol Visitors Center, which opened this morning, may have tripled its original budget and fallen years behind schedule, but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid found a silver lining for members of Congress: tourists won't offend them with their B.O. anymore."My staff tells me not to say this, but I'm going to say it anyway," said Reid in his remarks. "In the summer because of the heat and high humidity, you could literally smell the tourists coming into the Capitol. It may be descriptive but it's true."But it's no longer going to be true, noted Reid, thanks to the air conditioned, indoor space.And that's not all. "We have many bathrooms here, as you can see," Reid continued. "Souvenirs are available." $621 million well spent."
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Lawrence returns home
Lawrence will be returning home next week (Dec. 12th)from his mission. If you want to e-mail him a welcome home, congratulations, or whatnot his e-mail is: "Lawrence Wortham" He will be spending two weeks with Carmen and then flying out here to live with me and attend one semester at Dixie State College. By the way, Dixie State is in negociations with the University fo Utah to become part of them...something like University of Utah-South Campus. He then plans to transfer up to SLC and attend school at the U.
Happy Birthday to Fabienne
Sorry! I am one day late....I didn't forget, I just couldn't get to the computer. I hope you had a wonderful day! Also "happy birthday" to Elise whose birthdate she shares with Fabienne and also to Jeshua whose birthday is today!
I might remember my syblings birthdays and my children's birthdays, but I guarentee that I won't remember any one else...so ya'll will have to post when someone in your family has a birthday, so the rest of us can send them a greeting.
Teresa
I might remember my syblings birthdays and my children's birthdays, but I guarentee that I won't remember any one else...so ya'll will have to post when someone in your family has a birthday, so the rest of us can send them a greeting.
Teresa
Monday, December 1, 2008
Teotihuacan Trip for Brian's Family
Dallan and Shawn in front of Sun Pyramid and the family on the Moon Pyramid. See my blog page for a few more photos.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
From cold Brussels
Dear children,
We started last week under the snow. It was pretty to see but the roads were also very slippery. Dad had to take the sister missionaries to the apartment and had a hard time coming back home because the car was on a little incline and the wheels were spinning. It took him to try twice before he could continue on his way. The next day, they had salt on the streets and all was well.
Yes, it feels like winter in Brussels, and in the Ardennes people have been skiing.
We had missionaries arriving from the MTC. Two of them were a couple assigned to Den Helder. The next day, they drove there without problems because they had a GPS. But after arriving in town, they could not find there house. It took them two hours to find it. They finally asked for the Police’s help.
We were hoping to have all ready in Moucron for the Arhets couple but it is as much we could have done to this point. We will have to buy them new blinds. I washed some of the towels left for them but the brand new dryer did not work. So, the towels will be hard to the feel and Dad has to call someone to solve the dryer’s problem a.s.a.p.
We learned that the two couples waiting for their Visas got them and will arrive on Wednesday the 3rd.
That was great news.
Yesterday, it was a real pleasure to have Teresa and her family for Thanksgiving dinner. I loved it.
Today, there was a big change in our ward. In Brussels, we now have Brussels 1 and International wards meeting in the same chapel. There is Louise Ward in the center of town. Starting January 1st, the International ward, that Teresa and her family attend, will no longer exist. Part of it will go to Brussels 1 and the other to Brussels Louise and the latter will be called Brussels 2. So, we will have 2 languages in each ward. The Bishop for Brussels 1 will be the one that is now Bishop in the International Ward. He is an American with a Belgian wife and truly bi-lingual.
Dad has a meeting Wednesday evening at the chapel and should learn more about what’s coming up.
It is cold here in Brussels. I miss the warmth of St. George but it will come in its due time.
I love to read what you put on the blog.
I love you and am waiting for some of your news.
Love, Mom
PS: We were freezing at the chapel this morning as the heat did not work. Brrrrr
We started last week under the snow. It was pretty to see but the roads were also very slippery. Dad had to take the sister missionaries to the apartment and had a hard time coming back home because the car was on a little incline and the wheels were spinning. It took him to try twice before he could continue on his way. The next day, they had salt on the streets and all was well.
Yes, it feels like winter in Brussels, and in the Ardennes people have been skiing.
We had missionaries arriving from the MTC. Two of them were a couple assigned to Den Helder. The next day, they drove there without problems because they had a GPS. But after arriving in town, they could not find there house. It took them two hours to find it. They finally asked for the Police’s help.
We were hoping to have all ready in Moucron for the Arhets couple but it is as much we could have done to this point. We will have to buy them new blinds. I washed some of the towels left for them but the brand new dryer did not work. So, the towels will be hard to the feel and Dad has to call someone to solve the dryer’s problem a.s.a.p.
We learned that the two couples waiting for their Visas got them and will arrive on Wednesday the 3rd.
That was great news.
Yesterday, it was a real pleasure to have Teresa and her family for Thanksgiving dinner. I loved it.
Today, there was a big change in our ward. In Brussels, we now have Brussels 1 and International wards meeting in the same chapel. There is Louise Ward in the center of town. Starting January 1st, the International ward, that Teresa and her family attend, will no longer exist. Part of it will go to Brussels 1 and the other to Brussels Louise and the latter will be called Brussels 2. So, we will have 2 languages in each ward. The Bishop for Brussels 1 will be the one that is now Bishop in the International Ward. He is an American with a Belgian wife and truly bi-lingual.
Dad has a meeting Wednesday evening at the chapel and should learn more about what’s coming up.
It is cold here in Brussels. I miss the warmth of St. George but it will come in its due time.
I love to read what you put on the blog.
I love you and am waiting for some of your news.
Love, Mom
PS: We were freezing at the chapel this morning as the heat did not work. Brrrrr
Friday, November 28, 2008
Things I am Thankful for.
Here is my list of things that I am very grateful for.
Life, family, a job to provide food & shelter, good health, indoor plumbing. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
Life, family, a job to provide food & shelter, good health, indoor plumbing. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Thanksgiving
What is everyone doing for Thanksgiving this year?
We are keeping it low-key. Just the 6 of us. Emily will stay in Southern California since she is coming home in a couple of weeks for the wedding, then again for Christmas. Doug will fix the turkey like he does each year, and we'll enjoy the yummy traditional dinner.
We are keeping it low-key. Just the 6 of us. Emily will stay in Southern California since she is coming home in a couple of weeks for the wedding, then again for Christmas. Doug will fix the turkey like he does each year, and we'll enjoy the yummy traditional dinner.
"I Cain't Say No"
Elise Osorio in the musical "Oklahoma". She played the comedic flirt "Ado Annie". She did an incredible job. She sang a solo, duet and of course the cast songs. I tried to upload a video of one of her songs that I took with me digital camera, and the blog won't take it. I don't know why, maybe Alan, you can clue me in. I was also responsible for all the costuming in the play. It was a great success!
Talking Left, Governing Right (of left)
Obama talk hard left leading up to the primaries and during the primaries, but I am beginning to think he is a leftest only because he associated with leftests. He seems to be easily influence and persuaded about things he is told, true or not. In that sense, I am encouraged. He seems to be choosing people for his administration who know how the world works (not that I agree with the direction the want to go). He has assembled a good team of economists who understand the market economy. If he can stay away from all the leftest chatter he has listened to all his life and instead listen to these new people he is choosing, I will feel much better about our economic chances as a nation. Although Bush has done good work in terms of national security, he has been horrifically bad on the economy. Hank Paulson is horribly misguided and I can't wait until he is kicked out on January 15. Obama's economic team will have an easy time doing better than him.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Just imagine
As Thanksgiving approaches & we think about "the good ole Pilgrim Days" & all the things we should be thankful for...maybe we should be glad we've come such a long way from the origins of the things below!
The next time you are washing your hands and complain because the water temperature isn't just how you like it, think about how things used to be.
Here are some interesting facts about the 1500s:
Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May, and still smelled pretty good by June. However,they were starting to smell, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor. Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married.
Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water.
The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children. Last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it. Hence the saying, "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water".
Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof. Hence the saying, "It's raining cats and dogs".
There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could mess up your nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection. That's how canopy beds came into existence.
The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt. Hence the saying, Dirt poor.
The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet,
so they spread thresh (straw) on floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they added more thresh until, when you opened the door, it would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entrance way. Hence the threshhold.
(Getting quite the education, aren't you?)
In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that always hung over the fire. Every day they lit the fire and added things to the pot. They ate mostly vegetables and did not get much meat. They would eat the stew for dinner, leaving leftovers in the pot to get cold overnight and then start over the next day. Sometimes stew had food in it that had been there for quite a while. Hence the rhyme, "Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old".
Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man could, bring home the bacon. They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and "chew the fat".
Those with money had plates made of pewter. Food with high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning death. This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous.
Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or the upper crust.
Lead cups were used to drink ale or whisky. The combination would sometimes knock a person out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial. They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up. Hence the custom of holding a wake.
England is old and small and the local folks started running out of places to bury people. So they would dig up coffins and take the bones to a bone-house, and reuse the grave. When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive. So they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the graveyard shift.) to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be saved by the bell or was considered a ...dead ringer.
...And that's the truth!
Now, whoever said History was boring ! ! !
The next time you are washing your hands and complain because the water temperature isn't just how you like it, think about how things used to be.
Here are some interesting facts about the 1500s:
Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May, and still smelled pretty good by June. However,they were starting to smell, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor. Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married.
Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water.
The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children. Last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it. Hence the saying, "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water".
Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof. Hence the saying, "It's raining cats and dogs".
There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could mess up your nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection. That's how canopy beds came into existence.
The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt. Hence the saying, Dirt poor.
The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet,
so they spread thresh (straw) on floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they added more thresh until, when you opened the door, it would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entrance way. Hence the threshhold.
(Getting quite the education, aren't you?)
In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that always hung over the fire. Every day they lit the fire and added things to the pot. They ate mostly vegetables and did not get much meat. They would eat the stew for dinner, leaving leftovers in the pot to get cold overnight and then start over the next day. Sometimes stew had food in it that had been there for quite a while. Hence the rhyme, "Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old".
Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man could, bring home the bacon. They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and "chew the fat".
Those with money had plates made of pewter. Food with high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning death. This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous.
Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or the upper crust.
Lead cups were used to drink ale or whisky. The combination would sometimes knock a person out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial. They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up. Hence the custom of holding a wake.
England is old and small and the local folks started running out of places to bury people. So they would dig up coffins and take the bones to a bone-house, and reuse the grave. When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive. So they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the graveyard shift.) to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be saved by the bell or was considered a ...dead ringer.
...And that's the truth!
Now, whoever said History was boring ! ! !
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Voting Reform
Our nation as a whole is in serious need of voting reform. I have been closely following the recount in Minnesota between Norm Coleman (R) and Al Franken (D) in the Senate race. Norm Coleman holds a 180-vote lead with mainly Minneapolis precincts left to finish their recount. I would not be surprised to see enough new votes found in Minneapolis to give the election to Franken. It is indeed a problem that votes can be manufactured out of thin air as it happened in Washington (state) four years ago in the governors race where more people voted in Seattle than were actually registered. However, the real problem is the absence of a system to verify voter eligibility. In Minnesota, no ID is required to vote and it is in fact illegal to do ask for it. It has been reported that in Hennepin county (where I lived as a grad student) 25% of all votes were same day registrations. This allows no time to validate any of these registrations. No one can know how many illegals voted, how many students from Wisconsin cross over to vote (yes, it has happened), or how many extra votes were slipped into the voting machines when no one was looking.
I think it is not too much to ask voters to register at least a week in advance and to show a valid ID at the polls. The moment such a proposal is made, conservatives are accused of trying to suppress the vote. All conservatives are asking for is a fair vote. This stealing of elections must stop and it would be easy to do so, but it does not serve the interests of the Democrat party because it is the primary beneficiary of voter fraud.
I think it is not too much to ask voters to register at least a week in advance and to show a valid ID at the polls. The moment such a proposal is made, conservatives are accused of trying to suppress the vote. All conservatives are asking for is a fair vote. This stealing of elections must stop and it would be easy to do so, but it does not serve the interests of the Democrat party because it is the primary beneficiary of voter fraud.
From snowy Brussels
22 Nov 2008
Dear children,
This week Dad went twice to Den Helder, Netherlands (4 hour drive). Yesterday, he was on the road at 3:45AM so he could return and still be able to attend the show “Oklahoma” at Elise and Ganae’s school. Elise played the part of Annie Ado and was adorable, funny and in one word ‘wonderful’. She is a very good actress with a very good singing voice. I think that people clapped the most for her at the end of the play. It is so nice to be able to do things like this while we are where Teresa and her family live.
Monday, we went to Mouscron again and the apartment is almost ready. We also went shopping for furnishings and other needs for two apartments that will be occupied by couples and spent over 2,000 Euros. It was necessary to upgrade two apartments that had been preciously occupied by Elders. When Dad went to Den Helder on Tuesday, he found the place totally trashed, dirty dishes were left in the sink and mold growing on the food in the fridge (the place had been unoccupied for 6 weeks). He brought 3 service missionaries to clean and paint and took them back home Friday. He said that they did a very good job.
Thursday, we attended the funeral of the sister I used to visit teach.
Again, I am waiting for a shipment from the Distribution Center in Frankfurt that should have arrived a week ago. I hope that I will get it Monday but Monday I would like to go back with Dad to Mouscron one last time to have everything ready except for a few details that they will be able to do themselves.
We are waiting for more family pictures especially from our grandchildren. They change so fast!
Today has been cold, and we have had snow, rain, sleet, and sunshine! It would be snowing big flakes and then ten minutes later we would have sunshine, and then another cloud would go by and it would dump more moisture in some form on us. It is freezing outside right now. We should have more snow and wind tomorrow.
We love you and care.
PLEASE DROP US A NOTE.
Mom
Dear children,
This week Dad went twice to Den Helder, Netherlands (4 hour drive). Yesterday, he was on the road at 3:45AM so he could return and still be able to attend the show “Oklahoma” at Elise and Ganae’s school. Elise played the part of Annie Ado and was adorable, funny and in one word ‘wonderful’. She is a very good actress with a very good singing voice. I think that people clapped the most for her at the end of the play. It is so nice to be able to do things like this while we are where Teresa and her family live.
Monday, we went to Mouscron again and the apartment is almost ready. We also went shopping for furnishings and other needs for two apartments that will be occupied by couples and spent over 2,000 Euros. It was necessary to upgrade two apartments that had been preciously occupied by Elders. When Dad went to Den Helder on Tuesday, he found the place totally trashed, dirty dishes were left in the sink and mold growing on the food in the fridge (the place had been unoccupied for 6 weeks). He brought 3 service missionaries to clean and paint and took them back home Friday. He said that they did a very good job.
Thursday, we attended the funeral of the sister I used to visit teach.
Again, I am waiting for a shipment from the Distribution Center in Frankfurt that should have arrived a week ago. I hope that I will get it Monday but Monday I would like to go back with Dad to Mouscron one last time to have everything ready except for a few details that they will be able to do themselves.
We are waiting for more family pictures especially from our grandchildren. They change so fast!
Today has been cold, and we have had snow, rain, sleet, and sunshine! It would be snowing big flakes and then ten minutes later we would have sunshine, and then another cloud would go by and it would dump more moisture in some form on us. It is freezing outside right now. We should have more snow and wind tomorrow.
We love you and care.
PLEASE DROP US A NOTE.
Mom
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Happy Birthday to Yumi!
Happy Birthday to Yumi! Today, November 19th. It is easy to remember her birthday, because it is the same as mine!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
A Few Responses
I thank Brian, Alan, Deric, and Teresa for their kind comments. I am not confusing kindness or empathy with approval. Naturally, I would like approval. But Dad has been repeating your sentiments for years. He often reminds me that he loves me unconditionally and that he does not approve, I have no reason to doubt either statement.
Alan posed the question of whether marriage ought to be considered a limited or an unlimited right. I think that the answer is limited. Undeniably, society must set those limits and those limits logically ought to benefit society and individuals as much as possible. However, the boundaries of those limits are subject to change. Two obvious examples in this country: there was a time when blacks as slaves were not allowed to marry between themselves in this country. The limit was expanded. There was a time when interracial marriage was not allowed. The limit was expanded. As well, consider that the limits regarding marriage are relative to culture establishing the notion that absolutes regarding marriage are not a given. In Muslim countries, a man may choose up to four wives as established by Islamic law. In many countries gay marriage is legal. Given that marriage is not an absolute immutable right, it is reasonable to assume expansion of limits might occur. The reasons for denying or accepting a change has been debated in the past and is being debated again. New social realities require new debate. Just as in the past, a new social reality is demanding this debate. I only maintain that in a secular society, religious reasons for disallowing change in limits of marriage rights ought to carry little weight, otherwise the religious reasons wield too much power over those who are not religious or who hold different religious convictions. It does become an imposition of religious beliefs on others.
Likewise, marriage and purposes for marrying are no longer necessarily the same as they have been in the past. The world is more complicated and marriage is indeed used by the government (regardless of the original purposes of marriage) in decision making regarding taxes, joint medical benefits, whatever. The procreation of children and of creating a family is no longer the only reason for marriage. Obviously a great many people who have no intention of having children, who are too old to have children, who cannot have children are allowed to marry. They are allowed to marry simply for love, to signal that love to the community, and perhaps, to gain access to civil benefits. Basically why would you say no to them? It follows then that the same question can be applied to gay people who what to marry for the same reasons, why say no to them? Sometimes, tradition is just tradition and is no barometer of what is fair or unfair. It is also interesting to note that having children without a partner or marriage is very common.
All of the beauties of marriage and procreation will continue to be with us. Broadening the limits of marriage has historical and cultural precedent in this country and in others, and in no way will detract from the institution of marriage as it currently exists.
Super Busy
Dear children,
We did not have a busy week but a super-busy week. We ran from one thing to the other. We went twice to Mouscron to prepare the apartment for the new couple. After my first time, I made a list of items to buy, get or do. We have done much but there are still things to be done. We have 2 couples just waiting to receive their Visas. In a way I am glad they are because their apartments need some more work. Wednesday was really crazy: Dad had an appointment at the bank that did not want to miss at 2PM. That morning, we went to buy some furniture for couple apartments, they had long lines at the cash registers and Dad was afraid to miss his appointment. He was there at 2PM, only to be told that he was supposed to be there at 11AM and not 2PM. He came to pick me up at the office to go to the hospital visit a sister who is dying from cancer to which I am the Visiting Teacher. We were blessed to find her asleep and left her a note. Dad had forgotten that I had and appointment for my therapy treatment but since we left right away, we arrived on time. We got home at 7:30 PM really tired.
Friday noon, we grabbed a sandwich to eat in the van while driving to Mouscron. After working there until 6:30PM, we drove back and stopped at a restaurant for dinner. When we arrived home, I realized that I had left my scarf there. I went on the Internet to find the restaurant’s phone number and called. They are waiting for us to get it, it is not lost.
Yesterday, we had a good Zone Conference. There were about 80 missionaries attending. Our President always gives good advice. One of them was to write down the answers to our prayers that also come as impressions that we receive. He also talked about the parabola of the 10 virgins and how we need to be prepared spiritually to meet Christ.
We also were invited by my sister Monique for dinner. We had a good and enjoyable visit.
We are both tired but we are OK.
This week, Dad will go twice to Den Helder. If you look on a map it is at the northern tip of the western peninsula in the Netherlands. Those are long trips with lots of traffic. I am always glad when he is back in the Brussels area because that means that he is safe.
Last week the Assistants drove the mission van. They hit the median and went airborne. They were very blessed that the van did not roll. They called Dad saying that they had a flat tire but it was more than that because the tire and the cap were torn. There is still some damage to be repaired on the van but we have a new tire, rim and a new cap.
Dad is not “trunky” but he is becoming tired of all the responsibilities. We are looking forward to next Sunday when we will have Stake Conference.
That is all for the week and we are still waiting for your news. I may have to go on strike until I hear from you.
We love you.
Mom
We did not have a busy week but a super-busy week. We ran from one thing to the other. We went twice to Mouscron to prepare the apartment for the new couple. After my first time, I made a list of items to buy, get or do. We have done much but there are still things to be done. We have 2 couples just waiting to receive their Visas. In a way I am glad they are because their apartments need some more work. Wednesday was really crazy: Dad had an appointment at the bank that did not want to miss at 2PM. That morning, we went to buy some furniture for couple apartments, they had long lines at the cash registers and Dad was afraid to miss his appointment. He was there at 2PM, only to be told that he was supposed to be there at 11AM and not 2PM. He came to pick me up at the office to go to the hospital visit a sister who is dying from cancer to which I am the Visiting Teacher. We were blessed to find her asleep and left her a note. Dad had forgotten that I had and appointment for my therapy treatment but since we left right away, we arrived on time. We got home at 7:30 PM really tired.
Friday noon, we grabbed a sandwich to eat in the van while driving to Mouscron. After working there until 6:30PM, we drove back and stopped at a restaurant for dinner. When we arrived home, I realized that I had left my scarf there. I went on the Internet to find the restaurant’s phone number and called. They are waiting for us to get it, it is not lost.
Yesterday, we had a good Zone Conference. There were about 80 missionaries attending. Our President always gives good advice. One of them was to write down the answers to our prayers that also come as impressions that we receive. He also talked about the parabola of the 10 virgins and how we need to be prepared spiritually to meet Christ.
We also were invited by my sister Monique for dinner. We had a good and enjoyable visit.
We are both tired but we are OK.
This week, Dad will go twice to Den Helder. If you look on a map it is at the northern tip of the western peninsula in the Netherlands. Those are long trips with lots of traffic. I am always glad when he is back in the Brussels area because that means that he is safe.
Last week the Assistants drove the mission van. They hit the median and went airborne. They were very blessed that the van did not roll. They called Dad saying that they had a flat tire but it was more than that because the tire and the cap were torn. There is still some damage to be repaired on the van but we have a new tire, rim and a new cap.
Dad is not “trunky” but he is becoming tired of all the responsibilities. We are looking forward to next Sunday when we will have Stake Conference.
That is all for the week and we are still waiting for your news. I may have to go on strike until I hear from you.
We love you.
Mom
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
The line for Federal Revenue Easement Estimate and Monetary Relief (aka FREE MONEY) is getting longer
Currently lined up for Federal largess at taxpayer expense are:
Mortgage and Bank companies.
AIG (insurance)
The Hartord (insurance) ($3 billion in profits last year! $2.6 billion in losses this year.)
GM and other auto manufacturers
American Express (hoping to become a bank, for obvious reasons)
The City of Philadelphia
The City of Phoenix
The State of New York
The State of California
I expect the line to get longer. Socialism is just around the corner.
Mortgage and Bank companies.
AIG (insurance)
The Hartord (insurance) ($3 billion in profits last year! $2.6 billion in losses this year.)
GM and other auto manufacturers
American Express (hoping to become a bank, for obvious reasons)
The City of Philadelphia
The City of Phoenix
The State of New York
The State of California
I expect the line to get longer. Socialism is just around the corner.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Finnigan
Everyone is asking about Finnigan Paul Wortham. Phill and Arianne had their baby on the 7th of November....That's right 7-11. Finnigan is now at home and is happy and very healthy. He is going to be the valadictorian and student body president in high school. He will then go on a mission and then attend college either at Harvard or Yale. He will be drafted in the first round to some NFL team where he will earn money to support his grandparents. He will marry a super model. He will become a movie star and a rock star. He will then run for and become the President of the United States. Following that he will become an astronaut and be the first man (and former President) to set foot on Mars. He will buy up land faster than Donald Trump or Ted Turner. Basically a normal run of the mill life. At age 6 days....not a bad resumé. Now you all know a little more about my grandson Finnigan. Kim
Shawn and Dallan Karaoke
If you go to the link provided you will be able to see Shawn, Dallan, John King and Preston Burkhart doing Karaoke. This is the website of the Karaoke company and they have posted it. Shawn and Dallan are the ones singing if you can't tell. We go every Tuesday night and have a good time. I usually just sing a song by George Straight called "Love without end, Amen".
Sunday, November 9, 2008
On being gay and LDS
After reading several times over the comments made regarding gay marriage, it has occurred to me that any discussion is made more difficult when there exists a lack of shared understandings. We may not even be able to agree upon our understandings. But I feel that some background of my position is very necessary if I have any hope of communicating it clearly.
First of all, there are a great many LDS families with gay members: sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, uncles, aunts etc. Our family is not at all unique. The literally hundreds of LDS gay people I have met come from LDS families. When any number of us are together, it is almost inevitable that the subject of our relation to the church will surface. It is endlessly interesting to us and equally uninteresting to our many non-LDS friends who have to deal with the subject in our gathering. Most of us have left the church, but the church remains with us: our families, our society (in Utah mostly), our youth/upbringing will assure that it is always present.
LDS families deal with the gay issue in a variety of ways: some cast out the gay person and remain forever estranged from one another, some refuse to talk about it and don't, some talk about it very judgmentally, some supportively, some are very accepting, and some are so upset with the church's stance on gay issues that the family eventually leaves the Church. I have seen all of these scenarios.
Our family resembles most, I figure. Loving, supporting of what good they see, and yet very disapproving. I don't expect to change that.
However, judgments are rooted in what we know or what we believe to know. This is very natural. It occurs to me that our family doesn't know a lot about me, my being LDS (well having been LDS) and my being gay. Some families don't want to know much because it is difficult, not spiritually uplifting, embarrassing, or very uncomfortable. Other families follow the travails associated with sexual identity decisions very carefully, some supportively, some not so very supportively.
You can of course elect not to read on. I will not know the difference.
So, all that said, I grew up like everyone else. Around the age of 11 or 12, like most of you, I began to be curious about attraction and intimacy. For whatever reason, I never was curious about the opposite gender. I knew that I was supposed to be curious about the opposite gender so I did my best to be interested and acted as if I were. But that acting didn't change anything.
I was certainly alarmed when I realized the interest was centered on my same gender. That of course wasn't easy but I figured that if I just did all that the Lord and the Church required of me that the same gender attraction both sexual and affectional would go away. It didn't. Dating very regularly after my mission and while living in Ogden brought no new insights. I dated wonderful young women, but there just was not any spark. I just wasn't interested and was always in a hurry to get the date over with so that I could do something, anything that interested me.
It occurred to me to get married anyway. I had dated very consistently (not all at the same time) three women all of whom were interested in me to be very sure. I was close to asking the question several times, but just couldn't. I had crazy panic dreams when I would wake up totally panicked that I was trapped, dreadfully trapped. The dreams usually had to do with a marriage day that I couldn't back out of. I would wake up so relieved, I felt like I had just escaped something really horrible. It wasn't that these women were not the 'right one', I had zero sexual interest and only felt a friend-like affection for them as with all women. I had just not set eyes on any woman and said to myself, "Wow! desire, desire, desire!" Meanwhile, my attraction to the same sex was steady and my frustration growing. I resolved to wait it out.
And so I did. But I felt myself stunting. I was feeling insufficient in social situations, I wasn't myself, I was always hiding something, talking around a subject, and sometimes just plain lying.
When I moved to Salt Lake City and away from Aunt Marcene (who was nothing but wonderful to me for four years), I was finally completely on my own and I knew no one except for a good friend from Brigham City who often visited a mission buddy in our Ogden ward. We both moved to SLC at the same time and decided to share an apartment. Although we were never involved in anyway with each other and broke no laws of chastity, we did discover that we were both fighting same gender attraction. We had long conversations, continued to go to the same ward, and advised each other to be careful in our decisions. But we both agreed that it was time to figure things out without the same pressures. I will spare you details, but I allowed myself my feelings and to my surprise I had never felt more alive, more vibrant, and more interested in life. It was a great weight lifted from my soul. I remember expecting dark clouds to hang over me, to no longer receive the promptings of the spirit, to see life go downhill. None of that was true, quite the contrary, and then came my first musings that things I had been taught were somehow very erroneous.
There is one thing of which I can assure you: for a vast majority of gays and lesbians, same gender affection is not a choice. For me there was no choice. I weighed the pros and cons of living a life that would be doomed to dishonesty even if chaste whether married or not. Indeed I did chose for a long time to not respond to my natural attractions. But that was debilitating.
I could feel myself warping. There was no relief forthcoming from the church or prayer. I did talk to bishops and even a guy at the church office building. Very short on empathy and long on admonitions. Admonitions I did not need. There were only two solutions proposed: get married or stay celibate. Imagine being told that you must marry someone to whom you are not attracted or remain celibate your whole life until you are attracted! That already was not working at all.
The only choice I had was to act or not. I followed my instincts which I conclude were entirely superior to the existing advice.
Before discussing gay marriage or full gay access to the civil arena, I wanted to clear up a few things so that you know what I mean when I make statements. You may believe me or not.
Deric mentioned the words 'norms', 'choice' and Teresa evoked 'protection of children' . Alan brought up the notion that rights and privileges need to be discussed in this context.
Gays don't choose to be gay, they do choose to do something about it or to ignore it (if that is possible!) It is not a choice for the vast majority.
Being gay is a normal human sexual and affectional state as most every psychological and medical association claims. Societal norms are changing fast, generation by generation, and being gay is no longer shocking, interesting, or abnormal in western culture.
Gays are no more a predatory threat to children than are straight people.
Being gay and living one's life accordingly is not inferior or superior to being straight and living that lifestyle.
I fully grant that religions have the right to teach what they want and religious strictures may mandate certain beliefs that are not very adaptable to open discussions: "The Lord said it, I believe it, that settles it."
I believe that marrying is part of our right to the pursuit of happiness and not a mere privilege to be granted.
I will make further posts regarding various topics falling within this general subject matter.
Gay marriage, a civil right beneficial to all.
Proposition 8 in California has brought back discussion of gays and their access to civil institutions, civil rights, and civil benefits. The subject at hand is that of civil marriage.
Please note that I just repeated the word 'civil' four times. I must underscore that gays are not
petitioning our government to enact or enforce any laws that would infringe upon religion. We respect the right of religions to function as they see fit. Because we sometimes forget that American governmental agencies accept religious marriage as official for government purposes, we often confuse civil and religious marriage. In many countries, the state does not recognize religious marriages for its purposes, rather any marriage to be recognized by the state must be performed by a state official in a non-religious setting. Hence, marriages are often celebrated twice: once and first civilly and then again religiously in the religious locality of choice.
With his in mind, I would like to begin the discussion of how marriage for gays would be productive for society as a whole and harmless to religion as a whole. I also recognize that one may be against allowing gays to marry for religious reasons.
Given that gays and lesbians are now open or at least can be open about their lives in more and more settings, and given that all the while they continue to be productive members of society, it is appropriate that they petition their government(s) for recognition and equal access to rights that have been hitherto denied them. The right to marry and to have access to the governmental benefits of marriage is a great facilitator of the American dream. To marry and spend one's life with one's chosen one is a key component of happiness. Our Declaration of Independence says that all men are entitled to pursue happiness according to the dictates of their conscience. Our efforts to have access to marriage is nothing more than our pursuit of happiness. I cannot see why that should be resisted.
Religious convictions may hold firmly that marriages among gays must not be sanctioned.
However, I can think of no non-religious reasons that can withstand simple reasoning.
Society is only as strong as the strength of its individual components. If poverty ravages any community within our midst, we all suffer the results somehow. If a subset of society suffers a disease, we all pay the price in some way. If any group faces hardships , we all feel the repercussions in some way. Gays have been criticized for being immoral, promiscuous, unbridled and irresponsible. Societies since the evolution of modern man have realized the value of creating institutions, structure and order so that stability of the group can be achieved.
It is not fair to gays to criticize them for being irresponsible while simultaneously denying them the very institutions and structure in life that are designed to avoid the irresponsibility they are so reproached for! Marriage in our gay community would help bring stability to our lives just as it does for our straight brothers and sisters. If the gay community is more stable, so will be the greater society of which we are all a part. Marriage creates boundaries, trust, structure, and interweaves the couple with the rest of the two families involved. It would undeniably be good for gays themselves to be able to marry, it would therefore make for a more homogeneous stable society and stronger families.
Religions would not be required to marry anyone that they would not like to marry. A more stable, coherent society is better for the propagation and maintenance of religion than a chaotic divided one. The integration of gays would be beneficial to the solidity of religion. Many churches and religions have begun to realize this and accept gays with open arms allowing them the same participation and growth. Many of these churches are growing.
In essence, it is a matter of fairness. If there be no harm done to others (excluding religious beliefs that it is sinful and therefore harmful to one's soul) and if it fulfills a couple's mutual pursuit of happiness, I can see no reason to withhold it. If on the contrary it is withheld because of religious strictures, it can certainly be argued that religion is imposing its influence on others who do not share the religion and pushing their beliefs on others. At that point religion is no longer just fundamental within its own domain, it becomes integrationist seeking to integrate its fundamental beliefs and dogma into government. This is precisely what our founding fathers warned against.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Kim's grandchild
Kim called and said his son and daughter-in-law had their baby yesterday. It was a 7 pounder and all is well. Both mother and daughter are resting comfortably. He said he couldn't post but would do so with details when he has access to a computer.
A memory restored
When I was a very young boy, I remember hearing the words "Stop! In the name of love" on the radio, as well as the song "Downtown." For some reason I have always remembered these two songs. I couldn't remember who sang them, but with the wonder of the Internet I found out. The first was sung by Diana Ross and the Supremes and the second was sung by Petula Clark. YouTube seems to have everything. Here is Diana Ross without all the fancy dancing that singers do nowadays.
From Mom
Dear Children,
Friday morning, while I was alone in the office, I received a phone call from a man asking an Elder’s phone number. I asked him who he was and he gave me his full name, named also his wife and his 3 children and said that he had 2 questions:
1-What do I have to do to be baptized?
2-Could I pay tithing before I am a member of the Church?
I could barely believe my ears as it was too good. He then explained that Elder Leavitt and his companion had been teaching him and that he and his wife and had decided to be baptized. I gave him the phone number for him to call the missionary. I later called Elder Leavitt who said that it was a miracle because even though they attended church meetings several times, they did not seem to progress. They will be baptized next week. Isn’t this wonderful?
I have a splint on each wrist because of tendonitis. I will be fine since I am taking anti-inflammatory medicine and will start therapy next week. I have had that problem for 3 weeks but should get better soon. I must admit that it is frustrating to not be able to do all I want to do but it is not a big problem.
There are often demonstrations downtown and this last week there was a political demonstration against the Belgian government and Dad was stuck in traffic for 2 hours. It usually takes him 20 to 25 minutes for the same distance. He was very frustrated. For those who know our mission field, Dad went also to Bruges and St. Omer.
We will have Zone Conference this coming Saturday which is usually our Preparation Day. Those conferences are always very inspiring.
Don’t forget that it is Teresa’s birthday very soon.
We think of you and love you.
Mom
PS: PLEASE let us know how YOU are doing.
Friday morning, while I was alone in the office, I received a phone call from a man asking an Elder’s phone number. I asked him who he was and he gave me his full name, named also his wife and his 3 children and said that he had 2 questions:
1-What do I have to do to be baptized?
2-Could I pay tithing before I am a member of the Church?
I could barely believe my ears as it was too good. He then explained that Elder Leavitt and his companion had been teaching him and that he and his wife and had decided to be baptized. I gave him the phone number for him to call the missionary. I later called Elder Leavitt who said that it was a miracle because even though they attended church meetings several times, they did not seem to progress. They will be baptized next week. Isn’t this wonderful?
I have a splint on each wrist because of tendonitis. I will be fine since I am taking anti-inflammatory medicine and will start therapy next week. I have had that problem for 3 weeks but should get better soon. I must admit that it is frustrating to not be able to do all I want to do but it is not a big problem.
There are often demonstrations downtown and this last week there was a political demonstration against the Belgian government and Dad was stuck in traffic for 2 hours. It usually takes him 20 to 25 minutes for the same distance. He was very frustrated. For those who know our mission field, Dad went also to Bruges and St. Omer.
We will have Zone Conference this coming Saturday which is usually our Preparation Day. Those conferences are always very inspiring.
Don’t forget that it is Teresa’s birthday very soon.
We think of you and love you.
Mom
PS: PLEASE let us know how YOU are doing.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Discussion on Gay Rights vs. Privileges
If you do not wish to discuss this topic...pass over it. But, I just thought I would start a discussion and hopefully we can be open-minded...especially since it involves some of our family members.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Tone down Hope
With the elections over I accept the results. I just heard this from an Obama campaign manager on the radio. I do not recall who it was so you will just have to take my word for it but I assure you this is as near a quote as I can get.
"We won on Hope! We won on the message of Hope! Now we are tasked with the need to control the hope and expectations."
Less than twelve hours after the victory and the back peddling has started.
"We won on Hope! We won on the message of Hope! Now we are tasked with the need to control the hope and expectations."
Less than twelve hours after the victory and the back peddling has started.
The Sun still burns!
The Osorios and the parents can attest to this since they live further east than I, but since I live the furthest east in the US than anyone, I just wanted to let all you west of me know even though Obama won, the Sun still rose this morning. I still have to take the boys to school, and I still have to submit my December schedule bid.
Let's hope the sun still burns in 77 days now. (jk)
Let's hope the sun still burns in 77 days now. (jk)
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
The 10,000-year question
Congratulations to Obama and his supporters. Half of the nation is happy and the other half is disappointed. The pendulum has swung to its apogee, and it will eventually swing back. I don't have high hopes for the Obama and Dem control, but I do hope for the best. I find great relief that the campaign season has ended (but the next one has already started). In anticipation of tonight's result, I wrote the following, which describes how I handle disappointments in life. It is the 10,000 year question.
---
Often when I am working on a particular project, I wonder if what I am doing is important at all. Since I translate patents from Japanese into English, I see many interesting ideas. Many of these patents are not ever put into practical application, and even if they are made into useful products, the technology often becomes obsolete within a few years.
At other times, I will watch a football game and the team I am rooting for does not win. After the game, I feel as if I wasted my time because I did not enjoy the result. Was the football game important to me at all even if "my team" had won?
At yet other times, social or political events will occur that cause me great disappointment. Such events often make me wonder, "Is this really important?" In some ways it would seem so, but in other ways it seems as silly as the football example.
The only way to really know if something is important is to apply the time test. If you experience a disappointment, or wonder about the value of what you are doing, ask yourself the following question.
"Will it matter to me personally in 10,000 years?"
If the answer is yes, then your question is probably related to a matter of human relationship (care for family, friends, and other fellow beings).
If the answer is no, then why should we be concerned?
As Mahatma Gandhi put it, "What you do is unimportant, but it is important that you do it." (Aren't chiasms wonderful?)
The hard thing about this life is that we must live in the here-and-now knowing that what we do is unimportant, yet somehow we don't always feel better knowing that it is important that we do it anyway.
---
Often when I am working on a particular project, I wonder if what I am doing is important at all. Since I translate patents from Japanese into English, I see many interesting ideas. Many of these patents are not ever put into practical application, and even if they are made into useful products, the technology often becomes obsolete within a few years.
At other times, I will watch a football game and the team I am rooting for does not win. After the game, I feel as if I wasted my time because I did not enjoy the result. Was the football game important to me at all even if "my team" had won?
At yet other times, social or political events will occur that cause me great disappointment. Such events often make me wonder, "Is this really important?" In some ways it would seem so, but in other ways it seems as silly as the football example.
The only way to really know if something is important is to apply the time test. If you experience a disappointment, or wonder about the value of what you are doing, ask yourself the following question.
"Will it matter to me personally in 10,000 years?"
If the answer is yes, then your question is probably related to a matter of human relationship (care for family, friends, and other fellow beings).
If the answer is no, then why should we be concerned?
As Mahatma Gandhi put it, "What you do is unimportant, but it is important that you do it." (Aren't chiasms wonderful?)
The hard thing about this life is that we must live in the here-and-now knowing that what we do is unimportant, yet somehow we don't always feel better knowing that it is important that we do it anyway.
The most offensive and revolting ad I have ever seen
No matter where your stand on Prop. 8 is, I would have a hard time with anyone thinking this ad to be suitable in a political discussion.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Milton Friedman on Greed
Milton Friedman won the Nobel Peace Prize in Economics in 1976.
Pay particular interest to the last question posed by Friedman.
Pay particular interest to the last question posed by Friedman.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Gay Marriage in California
Proposition Eight in California has become the second most expensive political campaign in the entire country, second only to the presidential campaigns. Both sides each have raised scores of millions of dollars. The LDS church has gone to unusually great lengths to encourage its members to get involved. Mormons have been core donors and a major source of volunteers for the Yes on Eight Campaign. But not all Mormons. Steve Young and his wife are ardently against the proposition, they wrote a $50,000 check to No on Eight.
It is the right of the church to get involved to the extent it does not break campaign laws in regards to charitable organizations. It is every person's right to decide for themselves.
However the church's passion for this arena really confounds me. The church does indeed make political statements. It is not unusual for the church to prepare a press release with its opinion clearly stated. It is the passion for this issue that is unusual.
I don't understand the logic behind some of the statements made by church officials.
One such statement is that made by L. Whitney Clayton of the Presidency of the Seventy.
He said, "Freedom of religion is at risk." I mention this because I have heard this before.
I can't at all understand what he means. There is no history of any church being forced to integrate persons into their congregations that they do not wish to accept, no history of any church being forced to baptize, bless, marry, or perform any ceremony for anyone or group of people that any church does not want. No restrictions or new obligations of these kinds have been proposed. What does Elder Clayton mean? What is the real concern represented by this comment? Can anyone explain this comment?
Latest from mission
Dear children,
Tonight we have a concert at the chapel organized by our Mission President. Teresa, Elise and Ganae are going to participate upon our President’s request. I can hardly wait to hear them. I am so proud of them.
Dad went to Lille, France to get an apartment ready. He went into a bakery shop to get some wonderful French bread and also discovered a delicious pastry called “beignet aux pommes”. It is kind of an apple fritter but it is softer and better. Today, an Elder serving here in Brussels told me that he was going to Lille tomorrow just for the day. I told him about Dad and the pastry and he is going to bring two to us if he can get to a pastry shop.
When a missionary receives a package, before I put it in my other room, I write his name and where he is serving on my white board. I am having less and less room to write because missionaries are writing little note to me like “Thank you for all you do sister Wortham”, “We love you” and so on. It is nice to feel appreciated for the work.
The mission has had a hard time to keep the missionaries legal where they serve because they receive letters to do their legality and they trash them. They did the same with electricity bills before and were surprise to find out that they no longer had power.
Last night towards 10PM, Dad received a phone call from the Antwerpen Zone Leaders saying that they needed him to come to get their set of keys that was stuck under the emergency brake handle. Dad told them to solve this problem themselves. Dad would have been back after midnight. It took them a half hour to get it. They have two sets of keys but they other set was in the apartment, so they were stuck for a while. Starting today, each companion will carry a set of key. They have learned a lesson.
We are very eager to hear from you and from our grandchildren.
We love you.
Mom
Tonight we have a concert at the chapel organized by our Mission President. Teresa, Elise and Ganae are going to participate upon our President’s request. I can hardly wait to hear them. I am so proud of them.
Dad went to Lille, France to get an apartment ready. He went into a bakery shop to get some wonderful French bread and also discovered a delicious pastry called “beignet aux pommes”. It is kind of an apple fritter but it is softer and better. Today, an Elder serving here in Brussels told me that he was going to Lille tomorrow just for the day. I told him about Dad and the pastry and he is going to bring two to us if he can get to a pastry shop.
When a missionary receives a package, before I put it in my other room, I write his name and where he is serving on my white board. I am having less and less room to write because missionaries are writing little note to me like “Thank you for all you do sister Wortham”, “We love you” and so on. It is nice to feel appreciated for the work.
The mission has had a hard time to keep the missionaries legal where they serve because they receive letters to do their legality and they trash them. They did the same with electricity bills before and were surprise to find out that they no longer had power.
Last night towards 10PM, Dad received a phone call from the Antwerpen Zone Leaders saying that they needed him to come to get their set of keys that was stuck under the emergency brake handle. Dad told them to solve this problem themselves. Dad would have been back after midnight. It took them a half hour to get it. They have two sets of keys but they other set was in the apartment, so they were stuck for a while. Starting today, each companion will carry a set of key. They have learned a lesson.
We are very eager to hear from you and from our grandchildren.
We love you.
Mom
Friday, October 31, 2008
Halloween at Alan's home
In our first year in our new home in 2004, hardly any kids came, but 2005 onward we go through two very large candy bags from Costco, and even then we usually run out. I did actually open the door and I didn't confiscate any candy. I looked outside tonight and there were cars lined up around the corner with kids trick or treating while their parents observed from their cars. I think the parents see a new housing development and think "Rich! Lots of candy!" (which, of course, is far from the truth). One kid came dressed as Obama (actually, he was an African American kid), so I gave him an extra piece of candy (I was sorely tempted to say "keep the change," but I bit my tongue). Many of the kids wouldn't say "trick or treat," but would instead say "Happy Halloween." Even Halloween is changing.
Update: I little girl with her family came to the door. She was eating her box of "Nerds." She said "I'm eating tiny little turds!"
Update: I little girl with her family came to the door. She was eating her box of "Nerds." She said "I'm eating tiny little turds!"
Can anyone prove or disprove this? I cannot.
I have been emailed the following several times but cannot find it when I try to research it. It may be just more bogus anit-Obama mail but if not it increases my fears.
The following is a narrative taken from Sunday Morning's televised 'Meet The Press' and the author is employed by none other than the Washington Post!! From Sunday's Televised 'Meet the Press' Senator Obama was asked about his stance on the American Flag. Obama Explains National Anthem Stance Sun, 07 Sept. 2008 11:48:04 EST, General Bill Ginn' USAF (ret.) asked Obama to explain why he doesn't follow protocol when the National Anthem is played. The General also stated to the Senator that according to the United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Sec. 171... During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform are expected to stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. At the very least, 'Stand and Face It'Senator Obama Live on Sunday stated: 'As I've said about the flag pin, I don't want to be perceived as taking sides, Obama said. 'There are a lot of people in the world to whom the American flag is a symbol of oppression. And the anthem itself conv eys a war-like message. You know, the bombs bursting in air and all. It should be swapped for something less parochial and less bellicose. I like the song 'I'd Like To Teach the World To Sing.' If that were our anthem, then I might salute it.'We should consider to reinvent our National Anthem as well as to redesign our Flag to better offer our enemies hope and love. It's my intention, if elected, to disarm America to the level of acceptance to our Middle East Brethren. If we as a Nation of warring people, should conduct ourselves as the nations of Islam, whereas peace prevails. Perhaps a state or period of mutual concord between our governments. When I become President, I will seek a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity, and a freedom from disquieting oppressive thoughts. We as a Nation have placed upon the nations of Islam an unfair injustice. My wife disrespects the Flag for many personal reasons. Together she and I have attended several flag burning ceremonies in the past, many years ago. She has her views and I have mine'. Of course now, I have found myself about to become the Pre sident of the United States and I have put aside my hatred. I will use my power to bring CHANGE to this Nation, and offer the people a new path of hope. My wife and I look forward to becoming our Country's First Family. Indeed, CHANGE is about to overwhelm the United States of America .' WHAAAAAAAT the H___l !!! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, you heard it right. This could possibly be our next President.I, for one, am speechless. Dale Lindsborg , Washington Post
Thanks,
Brian
The following is a narrative taken from Sunday Morning's televised 'Meet The Press' and the author is employed by none other than the Washington Post!! From Sunday's Televised 'Meet the Press' Senator Obama was asked about his stance on the American Flag. Obama Explains National Anthem Stance Sun, 07 Sept. 2008 11:48:04 EST, General Bill Ginn' USAF (ret.) asked Obama to explain why he doesn't follow protocol when the National Anthem is played. The General also stated to the Senator that according to the United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Sec. 171... During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform are expected to stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. At the very least, 'Stand and Face It'Senator Obama Live on Sunday stated: 'As I've said about the flag pin, I don't want to be perceived as taking sides, Obama said. 'There are a lot of people in the world to whom the American flag is a symbol of oppression. And the anthem itself conv eys a war-like message. You know, the bombs bursting in air and all. It should be swapped for something less parochial and less bellicose. I like the song 'I'd Like To Teach the World To Sing.' If that were our anthem, then I might salute it.'We should consider to reinvent our National Anthem as well as to redesign our Flag to better offer our enemies hope and love. It's my intention, if elected, to disarm America to the level of acceptance to our Middle East Brethren. If we as a Nation of warring people, should conduct ourselves as the nations of Islam, whereas peace prevails. Perhaps a state or period of mutual concord between our governments. When I become President, I will seek a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity, and a freedom from disquieting oppressive thoughts. We as a Nation have placed upon the nations of Islam an unfair injustice. My wife disrespects the Flag for many personal reasons. Together she and I have attended several flag burning ceremonies in the past, many years ago. She has her views and I have mine'. Of course now, I have found myself about to become the Pre sident of the United States and I have put aside my hatred. I will use my power to bring CHANGE to this Nation, and offer the people a new path of hope. My wife and I look forward to becoming our Country's First Family. Indeed, CHANGE is about to overwhelm the United States of America .' WHAAAAAAAT the H___l !!! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, you heard it right. This could possibly be our next President.I, for one, am speechless. Dale Lindsborg , Washington Post
Thanks,
Brian
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