Huck'n Lucky

  There is never a dull moment early in the morning with my guests. We are trying to memorize, find, and understand 25 great Old Testament scriptures. Last Thursday I decided to play Huck'n Lucky one more time since we had an almost complete class. So, here is how it plays out. There is some hucking, into a trash can, by one student.

                     There is some skill involved since the beanbag must be hucked some distance.

         From the living room into the kitchen, the beanbag must make it into the can to get a point.

  The hucker may keep tossing until everyone else has found the scripture. I could tell we did not really know where the first 10 scriptures were because there was a lot of huffing and puffing by the hucker who had to keep running to get the beanbag out of the can. Hurray, H. for getting the best score!!!

Colors I Love

While in Phoenix I reacquainted myself with the music of Kira Willey. The Pandora station which Emmaline listens to often plays her music. 

    I love her colors song and listening to it made me think of the colors I love best. My top three right now are spring green, Robin's egg blue, and beige. It boggles my mind to think that color only exists as light rays. I don't really understand it but I am grateful for the rainbow of colors around me all the time.
  Here are some photos my I-Phone captured which are special to me because of light and color.

  This is my Hydrangea bush right outside my door. I love these blues and purples together.

  These trees are down my road. What a spectacular sight these oranges and reds make together.

  This was a small lily pond in the butterfly house at the Phoenix Botanical gardens. There is a butterfly right by the pink flower.

  My granddaughter in her tutu and leg warmers in the light. I am so appreciative of my eyes and the ability to see the glorious world around me.

Book of Mormon Sunday II- 1 Nephi 8-14

     Again, I am reading the Book of Mormon this time around with the intent of looking for evidence of the strengthening power of the Atonement  in the lives of the people.
 1 Nephi 10:19 "For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round."

  The strengthening power of the Holy Ghost has been available to those who seek the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout time. Whether it is the Gift of the Holy Ghost or the power of the Holy Ghost, this power is possible through the mercy of the Atonement.

   I Nephi 11:30 "And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me again, saying: Look! And I looked, and I beheld the heavens open again, and I saw angels descending upon the children of men; and they did minister unto them." 
  This passage was spoken by the angel who tutored Nephi as he was given his father's dream. Nephi saw the Savior's time on earth and he sees heavenly beings, like himself, sent to men on earth to strengthen and support them in their path back to God. 

    I Nephi 13:18 "And I beheld that the power of God was with them, and also that the wrath of God was upon all those that were gathered together against them to battle. 

  Here is power given to Gentiles to set in motion the promised gift of restoration. His strength brings to pass the prophecies made ages ago.

   I Nephi 13:34.."I will be merciful unto the Gentiles in that day, insomuch that I will bring forth unto them, in mine own power, much of my gospel, which shall be plain and precious, saith the Lamb."

   What a blessing to all people, the setting in motion to bring forth the Book of Mormon is a momentous miracle. The root of which is Nephi.

  I Nephi 14:1 And it shall come to pass, that if the Gentiles shall hearken unto the Lamb of God in that day that he shall manifest himself unto them in word, and also in power, in very deed, unto the taking away of their stumbling blocks --

  

  What a precious fruit, this love of God, shed upon the the inhabitants of the earth. I wish we could all taste of it and as Lehi, offer it to all who we love.

    I Nephi 14:14 "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory."

  

  

Happy Birthday Big A

   My Big A is five years old and the weekend slipped away without me documenting this event. This was a special birthday for us because I told him he could have piano lessons when he turned five. Imagine his frustration as his brothers and sister went to group lessons, got special prizes and stickers, and had that weekly lesson and he was left out, not any more.

                                                          Twinkle, twinkle star let's go.
   Alvin is an energetic boy. He loves legos, Star Wars, puzzles, and bread. He always has good ideas to share when I visit. He also gives very good hugs.

       He has always had the greatest smile. It crinkles up his eyes and makes his cheeks glow.

                                      Thanks for being such a sweet boy to your old Grandma.

Book of Mormon Sunday II- Nephi 1-7

This week I started reading from the beginning again. My focus will be the strengthening power of the atonement. I will read the book of Mormon to find verses which explain that power.

  Right off the bat in the first chapter, Nephi explains the visions God gave to his father, Lehi. These visions would not have been possible without the strengthening power of the atonement. 

  Nephi 1:20 "But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance."

   Nephi did not have to just believe his father, he was also granted spiritual insight of his own.

  1 Nephi 2: "also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father;"

   Nephi's spiritual strength is put to the test as he accepts the command to retrieve the plates. It takes spiritual power to intercede between he and his brothers.

  1 Nephi 1:29 "And it came to pass as they smote us with a rod, behold, an angel of the Lord came and stood before them, and he spake unto them, saying: Why do ye smite your younger brother with a rod? Know ye not that the Lord hath chosen him to be a ruler over you, and this because of your iniquities? Behold ye shall go up to Jerusalem again, and the Lord will deliver Laban into your hands."

   Throughout the story of obtaining the brass plated Nephi gives credit to the Lord for providing insight, direction, and strength to accomplish the mission.

  1 Nephi 4:31 "And now I, Nephi, being a man large in stature, and also having received much strength of the Lord, therefore I did seize upon the servant of Laban, and held him, that he should not flee."

   When they return with the plates Nephi's parents are overjoyed. They had begun to doubt that they would see their sons again. Sarah is strenghtened and testifies that she now knows that the Lord is behind all these endeavors.

   1 Nephi 5:8 "And she spake, saying: Now I know of a surety that the Lord hath commanded my husband to flee into the wilderness; yea, and I also know of a surety that the Lord hath protected my sons, and delivered them out of the hands of Laban, and given them power whereby they could accomplish the thing which the Lord hath commanded them. And after this manner of language did she speak."

  Truly in these opening chapters there are many testimonies that the Lord provides power and strength to us, as his children, to accomplish the things he commands.

   1 Nephi 7:12 "Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him."
   Here are some sketches I made from this scripture block. 

Cozy Winter Home

   So, I was on a hammock down south when everything came into focus.

   I need a winter house in the sun. (Warning; all statements following may be a bunch of baloney) I have been looking at real estate options. A cozy little house near my darling grand-daughter would be just right. I found one last spring, and it is still in the running, but, oh, this one is sweet.

   Not a desert style at all, so I could be about anywhere and feel at home. 

   My reasons for feeling attracted to this house is the gardening. Wait, I don't really like gardening. Is that a problem? I'll need a gardener. As it stands now, it is a toss up between this house above or this one below. 

What do you think?

The Butterfly House

    Many zoos have butterfly houses which they heat to tropical temperatures and then infuse with humidity. These are wondrous creatures who are so delicate and mobile. No touching is the instruction given as we enter the house but it is so tempting, especially if you are a toddler.

 

 The contrast of monarch butterfly on a green plant is pure eye candy.

These winged delights opened and closed their flappers expectantly. They were once caterpillars, earthbound, but equally beautiful, if you like fuzzy bugs. Then through a process they are required to fashion a protective home which they will emerge from as an entirely different creature, one that is heaven-bound and free. This is such a beautiful story of change and evolution. 

My eyes were on contrast. I had some rich rewards.

                                          I really enjoyed the sun, the colors and the perfect company.