My dad talked to my brother on Christmas morning after he finished being on call as a pediatric resident. C.J. told my dad that he had an infant patient die. I began to quietly sob as I let this information sink in. As a fairly new mother, I can only imagine how the parents must have felt as they let their first child pass from this Earth on Christmas Eve. I talked to C.J. later that day after he had slept for awhile, and he said that the parents were given this poem. I found it on the internet at http://www.crossroad.to/Victory/poems/Christmas-3.htm and thought I would post it.
Christmas in Heaven
by Wanda Bencke
I see the countless Christmas trees
Around the world below,
With tiny lights like heaven's stars
Reflecting in the snow.
The sight is so spectacular
please wipe away that tear
for I am spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs
that people hold so dear
but the sound of music can't compare
with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you
of the joy their voices bring
for it is beyond description
to hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me,
I see the pain inside your heart
for I am spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year.
I can't tell you of the splendor
or the peace here in this place
Can you just imagine Christmas
with our Savior face to face
I'll ask him to lift your spirit
as I tell him of your love
so then pray for one another
as you lift your eyes above.
Please let your hearts be joyful
and let your spirit sing
for I am spending Christmas in Heaven
and I’m walking with the King.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Families Can Be Together Forever
Last Monday, I saw on the local news about a fatal car accident in Provo Canyon. Two teenage boys were killed. One of the boys was from Mapleton and his name was Neal Harlan. I didn't know him but the last name, thought not common, was familiar to me and I immediately wondered if he was the son of Dave Harlan. Dave at one time was the Technology Specialist in the Nebo School District when I worked there. I remember going to a workshop taught by him, and I recall that he was a nice man. He is now an administrator at Spanish Fork Junior High School. I found this out today by doing some searching on the Nebo website.
I checked all week, and Neal's obituary came out on Christmas Day. I was very moved by the faith Neal's family expressed in his obituary. They bore their testimony of eternal life and eternal families, a testimony that I personally share. I only go to the obituary section of local news websites after someone I know has died, but this was the first obituary I have ever read that expressed so eloquently a faith filled testimony of eternal life. I thought I would share it. I hope his family will be comforted by the Holy Ghost during these days after his funeral and throughout the rest of their mortal lives.
Neal Douglas Harlan
September 23,1990 -December 22, 2008
Our beloved, tender-hearted son, brother, nephew, grandson, and friend passed away in a tragic car accident on December 22, 2008. He was traveling up Provo Canyon to Snowboard with his buddies. Neal was born September 23, 1990; the third child of David and Katrina Harlan and only boy surrounded by five girls. Neal recently earned his Eagle Scout award and was looking forward to graduating from SHS in 2009. Although Neal is no longer with us in this life, his family takes comfort in the knowledge that his spirit lives on and he is in a better place. Neal loved snowboarding, hunting, X-box, and being with his friends and family. Neal enjoyed traveling, abalone diving, water sports and his dog Gimli. Neal recently got his first buck and dropped his first engine with the help of his Grandpa. He loved to tease and scare his mom and sisters and was quite successful. He liked good food and was a hard worker. Neal liked to go golfing with his Dad and Douger and when he was young being read to every night. His sense of humor, and loving heart will be dearly missed. Neal is survived by his parents, five sisters; Briana, Camille, Hailey, Chloe, and Emma, Grandparents; Neal and Nita Thomsen and Doug Harlan, and many loving extended family members. His family mourns his absence but they are comforted by the knowledge of knowing they will see him again. Friends and family may call from 12-1:30 pm at the Mapleton Stake Center (970 N 400 E. Mapleton) on Friday December 26, 2008. Funeral services will be held at the same center at 2 pm. "Harlan's are a Forever Family!!!" We love you Nealster Buddy!
I checked all week, and Neal's obituary came out on Christmas Day. I was very moved by the faith Neal's family expressed in his obituary. They bore their testimony of eternal life and eternal families, a testimony that I personally share. I only go to the obituary section of local news websites after someone I know has died, but this was the first obituary I have ever read that expressed so eloquently a faith filled testimony of eternal life. I thought I would share it. I hope his family will be comforted by the Holy Ghost during these days after his funeral and throughout the rest of their mortal lives.
Neal Douglas Harlan
September 23,1990 -December 22, 2008
Our beloved, tender-hearted son, brother, nephew, grandson, and friend passed away in a tragic car accident on December 22, 2008. He was traveling up Provo Canyon to Snowboard with his buddies. Neal was born September 23, 1990; the third child of David and Katrina Harlan and only boy surrounded by five girls. Neal recently earned his Eagle Scout award and was looking forward to graduating from SHS in 2009. Although Neal is no longer with us in this life, his family takes comfort in the knowledge that his spirit lives on and he is in a better place. Neal loved snowboarding, hunting, X-box, and being with his friends and family. Neal enjoyed traveling, abalone diving, water sports and his dog Gimli. Neal recently got his first buck and dropped his first engine with the help of his Grandpa. He loved to tease and scare his mom and sisters and was quite successful. He liked good food and was a hard worker. Neal liked to go golfing with his Dad and Douger and when he was young being read to every night. His sense of humor, and loving heart will be dearly missed. Neal is survived by his parents, five sisters; Briana, Camille, Hailey, Chloe, and Emma, Grandparents; Neal and Nita Thomsen and Doug Harlan, and many loving extended family members. His family mourns his absence but they are comforted by the knowledge of knowing they will see him again. Friends and family may call from 12-1:30 pm at the Mapleton Stake Center (970 N 400 E. Mapleton) on Friday December 26, 2008. Funeral services will be held at the same center at 2 pm. "Harlan's are a Forever Family!!!" We love you Nealster Buddy!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Letter from the President
I really loved the counsel in this Christmas letter from my mission president. It applies to all Latter-day Saints.
Christmas, 2008
Dear Elders & Sisters –
We know this is a rather impersonal way to wish you a wonderful Christmas and a delightful New Year, but perhaps it’s better than not doing it at all. Sister Hill and I talk about you a lot and miss the wonderful days we spent with you in the sunny (snowy!) climes of Las Vegas. Those were challenging times for all of us, and yet as we have watched you in the ensuing years, we are aware that the Lord does keep His great promise that if you are obedient to the commandments, He will prosper you in the land. As we receive pictures and notes of your engagements, marriages and growing families, we thrill that we were a small part of your lives. Even as Helaman of old, we delight in calling you our sons and daughters!
Sister Hill and I are doing wonderfully well in all respects. The Lord, in His infinite goodness, has blessed us with good health and strength, both in body and mind. We are living in the cabin on Placid Lake and thoroughly enjoying the glorious handiwork of the Lord. I am still doing research (vicariously) at the University of Montana, where my lab now consists of four, soon to be five, people. We are having lots of fun pursuing the mysteries of the ribosome. Sister Hill is very involved in crafts of all kinds, knitting, crocheting hats and afghans, candy making projects and teaching craft classes at JoAnn’s. She is still working with the Primary in our little branch (twig) here in Seeley Lake. I am still wandering around the region training wards and stakes in welfare services. By the way, all of you should take the time to take a short course found in the Provident Living site on the Church Web Site entitled “Peace in Your Hearts.” It can be found at http://providentliving.org/media/training/peaceheart/main.html. It will help all of us to use our resources wisely!
We hope and pray that all of you are doing well. We are made aware, from time to time. of some of the difficulties and challenges that you are facing. There is little doubt that all of us must pass through such trials to refine us, for that is the purpose of this life. Our only counsel is to be steadfast and obedient to the commandments of God. Follow the counsel of our leaders and pursue the course of eternal life. This includes daily prayers, both as individuals and as families, daily study of the scriptures, faithful attendance at your meetings, magnifying the callings to which you are called, and being Temple worthy at all times. Fast and pray often, for your own needs (including your flocks and herds), and for the needs of others. Be conscious of the poor and the needy and do all you can to lift their burdens, especially during this hallowed season.
We love you and are grateful for all that you are. Please write from time to time, and keep us posted of your situations. And do come and visit us if it is ever possible. We love to have guests here at the lake. Our reunion will be October 2nd, 2009 in Provo.
May the Lord bless and keep you. Have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
Love
President & Sister Hill
Christmas, 2008
Dear Elders & Sisters –
We know this is a rather impersonal way to wish you a wonderful Christmas and a delightful New Year, but perhaps it’s better than not doing it at all. Sister Hill and I talk about you a lot and miss the wonderful days we spent with you in the sunny (snowy!) climes of Las Vegas. Those were challenging times for all of us, and yet as we have watched you in the ensuing years, we are aware that the Lord does keep His great promise that if you are obedient to the commandments, He will prosper you in the land. As we receive pictures and notes of your engagements, marriages and growing families, we thrill that we were a small part of your lives. Even as Helaman of old, we delight in calling you our sons and daughters!
Sister Hill and I are doing wonderfully well in all respects. The Lord, in His infinite goodness, has blessed us with good health and strength, both in body and mind. We are living in the cabin on Placid Lake and thoroughly enjoying the glorious handiwork of the Lord. I am still doing research (vicariously) at the University of Montana, where my lab now consists of four, soon to be five, people. We are having lots of fun pursuing the mysteries of the ribosome. Sister Hill is very involved in crafts of all kinds, knitting, crocheting hats and afghans, candy making projects and teaching craft classes at JoAnn’s. She is still working with the Primary in our little branch (twig) here in Seeley Lake. I am still wandering around the region training wards and stakes in welfare services. By the way, all of you should take the time to take a short course found in the Provident Living site on the Church Web Site entitled “Peace in Your Hearts.” It can be found at http://providentliving.org/media/training/peaceheart/main.html. It will help all of us to use our resources wisely!
We hope and pray that all of you are doing well. We are made aware, from time to time. of some of the difficulties and challenges that you are facing. There is little doubt that all of us must pass through such trials to refine us, for that is the purpose of this life. Our only counsel is to be steadfast and obedient to the commandments of God. Follow the counsel of our leaders and pursue the course of eternal life. This includes daily prayers, both as individuals and as families, daily study of the scriptures, faithful attendance at your meetings, magnifying the callings to which you are called, and being Temple worthy at all times. Fast and pray often, for your own needs (including your flocks and herds), and for the needs of others. Be conscious of the poor and the needy and do all you can to lift their burdens, especially during this hallowed season.
We love you and are grateful for all that you are. Please write from time to time, and keep us posted of your situations. And do come and visit us if it is ever possible. We love to have guests here at the lake. Our reunion will be October 2nd, 2009 in Provo.
May the Lord bless and keep you. Have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
Love
President & Sister Hill
Sunday, December 21, 2008
The 7 Ups
My cousin sent this to me awhile back, and I really like it. The Bible verses have been paraphrased (I am not used to reading them that way) but I thought the whole thing gave 7 great messages.
1. Wake Up!! Decide to have a good day. "This is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24
2. Dress Up!! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7
3. Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3
4. Stand Up!! . . . for what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10
5. Look Up!! . . . to the Lord. "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
6. Reach Up!! . . . for something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6
7. Lift Up!! . . . your Prayers. "Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." Philippians 4:6
A POSITIVE THOUGHT
If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring, and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen.
Monday, December 1, 2008
We Pray for Children
I came across this a long time ago. Probably before college. Although I might have gotten it in one of my education classes. Lines of it started going through my head yesterday when I realized that even though it is tough and so much work to keep up with a toddler (keep the house somewhat in order and keep some level of sanity for myself) IT IS SO WORTH IT! And I am given the blessing of raising my daughter in some of the best of times and circumstances. We are so spoiled and sometimes I forget that not every parent is so fortunate.
We Pray for Children
by Ina J. Hughs
We pray for children
who sneak popsicles before supper,
who erase holes in math workbooks,
who can never find their shoes.
And we pray, for those
who stare at photographers from behind barbed wire,
who can't bound down the street in a new pair of sneakers,
who never "counted potatoes,"
who are born in places where we wouldn't be caught dead,
who never go to the circus,
who live in an X-rated world.
We pray for children
who bring us sticky kisses and fistfuls of dandelions,
who hug us in a hurry and forget their lunch money.
And we pray for those
who never get dessert,
who have no safe blanket to drag behind them,
who watch their parents watch them die,
who can't find any bread to steal,
who don't have any rooms to clean up,
whose pictures aren't on anybody's dresser,
whose monsters are real.
We pray for children
who spend all their allowance before Tuesday,
who throw tantrums in the grocery store and pick at their food,
who like ghost stories,
who shove dirty clothes under the bed,
and never rinse out the tub,
who get visits from the tooth fairy,
who don't like to be kissed in front of the carpool,
who squirm in church or temple and scream in the phone,
whose tears we sometimes laugh at
and whose smiles can make us cry.
And we pray for those
whose nightmares come in the daytime,
who will eat anything,
who have never seen a dentist,
who aren't spoiled by anybody,
who go to bed hungry and cry themselves to sleep,
who live and move, but have no being.
We pray for children
who want to be carried and for those who must,
for those we never give up on
and for those who don't get a second chance.
For those we smother . . .
and for those who will grab the hand of anybody
kind enough to offer it.
We Pray for Children
by Ina J. Hughs
We pray for children
who sneak popsicles before supper,
who erase holes in math workbooks,
who can never find their shoes.
And we pray, for those
who stare at photographers from behind barbed wire,
who can't bound down the street in a new pair of sneakers,
who never "counted potatoes,"
who are born in places where we wouldn't be caught dead,
who never go to the circus,
who live in an X-rated world.
We pray for children
who bring us sticky kisses and fistfuls of dandelions,
who hug us in a hurry and forget their lunch money.
And we pray for those
who never get dessert,
who have no safe blanket to drag behind them,
who watch their parents watch them die,
who can't find any bread to steal,
who don't have any rooms to clean up,
whose pictures aren't on anybody's dresser,
whose monsters are real.
We pray for children
who spend all their allowance before Tuesday,
who throw tantrums in the grocery store and pick at their food,
who like ghost stories,
who shove dirty clothes under the bed,
and never rinse out the tub,
who get visits from the tooth fairy,
who don't like to be kissed in front of the carpool,
who squirm in church or temple and scream in the phone,
whose tears we sometimes laugh at
and whose smiles can make us cry.
And we pray for those
whose nightmares come in the daytime,
who will eat anything,
who have never seen a dentist,
who aren't spoiled by anybody,
who go to bed hungry and cry themselves to sleep,
who live and move, but have no being.
We pray for children
who want to be carried and for those who must,
for those we never give up on
and for those who don't get a second chance.
For those we smother . . .
and for those who will grab the hand of anybody
kind enough to offer it.
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