While I was trying to catch some cute pictures of Ezra (and not having any luck), daddy came home from work. Enter daddy, hello smiles! We love you daddy!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
Year 2012, Day 44
- Ezra had two pooped diaper/outfit blow-outs and he peed on me BEFORE 9 a.m. The good news? He has a good working system and (thankfully) we were still at home.
- Baby and I got cleaned up and went to run four errands at four different stores. Errand # 1: didn't have the color I needed. Errand #2: didn't have the size or quantity I needed. Errand # 3: didn't have the item at all; they were completely sold out (this is at a grocery store, mind you). Errand # 4: I needed to return something and even though I double-checked before leaving that I had the receipt, when I got to the store, it had somehow vanished (sigh.) The good news? I am developing some serious arm muscles with all of this baby-in-the-car, baby-out-of-the-car and Ezra was either asleep or content in his car seat for the entire escapade. And, I remembered to wear the pedometer today and my steps are racking up!
- The public library is having a children's book sale today--25 cents each or five books for $1.00. The good news? I went to the sale and found an armful of goodies, including one of my favorites, The Gardener by Sarah Stewart.
- And did I mention that the weather is gorgeous? Sunny, clear, a balmy 42 degrees. All things considered, it has been a good day.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Compelling Reason
A number of years ago, one of my co-workers discovered I was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had heard a little about the Mormons from his Baptist preacher and asked what we believed. I was a little unsure of his level of genuine interest after that kind of introduction, so I began with some basic things. I told him that we pay 10% of our income annually as tithing to the church. I explained that we abstain from coffee, tea, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. I told him about the law of chastity, our Sabbath day observance, and our humanitarian and missionary efforts around the world.
When I finished, he replied matter-of-factly, "Oh, so you are just good people."
And, by that brief definition, he was exactly right. Unfortunately, he and I never finished our conversation. He was called away to another work assignment, and shortly thereafter left the company. The fact is, a great majority of people across the globe are "good people", by that definition. I have had friends of other faiths who--for religious or personal reasons--paid tithes, abstained from harmful, addictive substances, lived the law of chastity, worshiped on the Sabbath, and were charitable and compassionate to their neighbors.
I have been bothered by that conversation all these years because, in my view, it was an unfinished conversation. If given the opportunity again, I would have started with The Book of Mormon. As "another testament of Jesus Christ" and a companion book of scripture to the Bible, it is the compelling reason we are unique among all other religions. The Book of Mormon is a record of holy scripture that chronicles the dealings of God with the people in the Americas over a period of roughly 1000 years. It clarifies the doctrine of Christ, the plan of salvation, and our purpose in mortality. It is additional evidence that God continues to speak to his children. The Book of Mormon is filled with references to Jesus Christ as received through his ordained prophets on the earth.
"Good people" is certainly nothing to be ashamed of, in fact, I am grateful to be seen in that light. But, there is more to the story. Along with being good people, we are also covenant-keeping people. The Book of Mormon contains, in clear terms, the nature of the covenants we make. Faith in Jesus Christ, who is so plainly revealed in The Book of Mormon, is the reason we desire to make and keep our covenants. My personal testimony of the truthfulness of The Book of Mormon reinforces my efforts to honor my covenants.
When I finished, he replied matter-of-factly, "Oh, so you are just good people."
And, by that brief definition, he was exactly right. Unfortunately, he and I never finished our conversation. He was called away to another work assignment, and shortly thereafter left the company. The fact is, a great majority of people across the globe are "good people", by that definition. I have had friends of other faiths who--for religious or personal reasons--paid tithes, abstained from harmful, addictive substances, lived the law of chastity, worshiped on the Sabbath, and were charitable and compassionate to their neighbors.
I have been bothered by that conversation all these years because, in my view, it was an unfinished conversation. If given the opportunity again, I would have started with The Book of Mormon. As "another testament of Jesus Christ" and a companion book of scripture to the Bible, it is the compelling reason we are unique among all other religions. The Book of Mormon is a record of holy scripture that chronicles the dealings of God with the people in the Americas over a period of roughly 1000 years. It clarifies the doctrine of Christ, the plan of salvation, and our purpose in mortality. It is additional evidence that God continues to speak to his children. The Book of Mormon is filled with references to Jesus Christ as received through his ordained prophets on the earth.
"Good people" is certainly nothing to be ashamed of, in fact, I am grateful to be seen in that light. But, there is more to the story. Along with being good people, we are also covenant-keeping people. The Book of Mormon contains, in clear terms, the nature of the covenants we make. Faith in Jesus Christ, who is so plainly revealed in The Book of Mormon, is the reason we desire to make and keep our covenants. My personal testimony of the truthfulness of The Book of Mormon reinforces my efforts to honor my covenants.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
The Taste of Lebanon
I just stumbled across this food blog http://arabic-food.blogspot.com/with recipes from all over the Arabic world. If you like the tastes of these foods (or LOVE them, like me), this is definitely an amazing collection. We tried something simple tonight: a Lebanese-style lentil soup and chicken marinade. The flavor combinations were wonderful!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Grandpa Green
I recently discovered a new (2011) children's book called Grandpa Green, written and illustrated by Lane Smith. The concept is genius; he pairs horticulture and family history. I wish I had thought of that!The story is told through the eyes of one of Grandpa Green's great-grandsons. We are given a living tour of Grandpa's defining life experiences as recorded in his topiary garden. The illustrations are simple: black-and-white pencil drawn caricatures and the green topiary creations. Clever details are sprinkled in that give this book a fun character. A great find!
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