The Blessings of Family Life

How To Reform Congress

2012-02-14T19:45:00.001-08:00

With the start of the new year, we are reminded very quickly of what lies ahead. We must make our choice for the presidential race. There are other elections as well and we must carefully consider who would do the best job in leading our country forward. I was impressed by what Mitt Romney said last week: “We are not just electing a president of the United States we are saving the soul of our country.” I firmly believe we need to find a way, as citizens, to get back to our constitutional roots and trash those unconstitutional laws which take our freedoms away.

In a message from a group of concerned citizens, we read what could be a great way to get our Congress back on track in working towards saving the soul of our country. It’s called The Congressional Reform Act of 2011 and although it was not taken seriously by our Congress last year, we should seriously consider these six points for 2012.

1. No Tenure / No Pension. A Congressman/woman collects a salary while in office and would receive no pay when they're out of office. A term of service should not be paid after the job is done. This would help cut our national budget for the future.

2. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security. All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the
American people. It may not be used for any other purpose.

3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do. There should be no special treatment for those who work as legislators as this is a great honor and should not be compensated after they have gone home.

4. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3% just as the rest of us are given. It is ridiculous to think that anyone who works for the people of the United States should reward themselves with their own pay raise.

5. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people. Again, this would be a great help to our sagging budget.

6. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people. As American citizens, we are required to abide by the law. No one is above the law no matter what his or her position. This is how we discipline ourselves to be a society.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, who serve their term(s), then go home and back to work. As Thomas Jefferson said: “The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” These political reforms are the will of the people.

My Last Editorial for the Gulf Coast Newspaper

2012-02-14T18:51:00.000-08:00

Moral Issues of Country Under Fire

Through out our country’s history, we were known to be a people of prayer, religious conviction and those who promote life. We prayed before meals, before school started, before Congress, and before sport games. George Washington prayed during Valley Forge as well as many other military leaders and men in combat. So why has the media jumped all over Tim Tebow when he drops to a knee to thank his Heavenly Father for his blessings?

Religious convictions, especially Christianity, have come under fire in many areas including entertainment, sports, education and government. Respect for the divine in our country is on a downward slope. The standard of what used to be acceptable in religion is slowly being undermined. In 2006 a public school teacher was forced by a federal judge to remove Christian-themed posters from his bulletin board. One of them was the picture of George Washington kneeling in prayer at Valley Forge. We remember the Ten Commandment fiasco when a monument showing the Ten Commandments had to be removed from our own state courthouse. There is a lack of regard for what we used to call respect for God’s authority. It is slowly taking over all those who are opposed to those who choose to keep this reverence.

As I researched this phenomenon, there was another issue which arose. In the wake of the 39^th March for Life in Washington D.C., where hundreds of thousands will walk to support the birth of unborn babies this week, the issue of pro-life is under attack.

Apparently Tim Tebow’s mother Pam had courageously chose to carry Tim to full term despite doctors’ recommendations that she abort him. An abortion never was even considered as Pam knew she was carrying a person within her. The attacks of their family from certain women’s groups who were opposed to a Focus on the Family TV ad that ran during the 2010 Super Bowl game explaining their pro-life life style was under attack. Pam made her choice but apparently was not the choice others thought she should do.

We all have choices to make in our own life without others judging us and these choices are based on our experience and knowledge. If the media reports that it’s okay for young mothers to abort their babies, those without the conviction that it is killing an innocent person, will follow the crowd. But if the true message of what an abortion is all about is revealed, then this knowledge will help women embrace moral understanding; which is why there will be an anti-abortion commercial during the Super Bowl next weekend.

It makes sense to me: praying, religious convictions and choosing pro-life are moral issues which made our country great. In the words of one great American, Ronald Reagan, he said this: "I've noticed that everyone who is pro-abortion has already been born." These standards need to be kept at the forefront of our society and taught to our children at home.

Do You Think You Know What Mormons Are?

2012-01-13T05:18:00.000-08:00

mormonshare.com

Do you think you know what Mormons are? Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints have been called Mormons for over 180 years but do you know what they represent or how they feel about their religion? Since I’m a Mormon myself, I find this next bit of information very interesting.

The Pew Research Center, a forum on religion and public life, recently released a new survey called “Mormons in America: Certain in Their Beliefs, Uncertain in Their Place in Society .” This non-Mormon research center questioned over 1,000 Mormons around the United States on different aspects of their religion and life and their findings were very intriguing.

The first series of questions focused on what is essential for being a good Mormon as was reported by the Deseret News on Thursday, January 12th. Some answers were surprising. Thirty-two percent said not watching “R” rated movies, forty-nine percent said not drinking coffee or tea, (referring to the Word of Wisdom—a health code written by inspiration from Joseph Smith) fifty-one percent said having regular family home evening, (a weekly family gathering for parents to teach their children) and eighty percent said believing Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ, (referring to "The First Vision" which happened when Joseph Smith was fourteen in a grove of trees in up state New York.)

As a member myself, I feel that all four of those aspects are part of what makes me a member in good standing. It's part of our core belief system and it is important to live the standards we believe God has provided for us.

"In God Is Our Trust"-- Volume 5 of the Free Men and Dreamers series--

2012-01-03T08:21:00.000-08:00

A wonderful new book has hit the scene by an author friend of mine--L.C. Lewis (aka. Laurie Lewis). Lewis, who has been working on this American historical series Free Men and Dreamers since 2003 now finished her last book called "In God Is Our Trust".

L.C. Lewis writes: After five years of research and rewrites, the result is the historical fiction series called
Free Men and Dreamers-- DARK SKY AT DAWN, (2007);
TWILIGHT'S LAST GLEAMING, (2008);
DAWN'S EARLY LIGHT, (2009);
OH, SAY CAN YOU SEE? (2010);
IN GOD IS OUR TRUST, (2011).

The Founding Fathers' vision of "One Nation Under God" was not left to chance.

But what if yours was the generation tasked with forging that nation?

And forced to defend her once again. .

Just before the heavens were about to open. . .

And a new dispensation was about to begin?

These were the challenges facing a choice generation.

They were. . . FREE MEN AND DREAMERS

I have already read Oh, Say Can You See and Dark Sky At Dawn, which is a little backwards but the stories are all great and I have learned so much about American history that I never knew--it is amazing.

Click here to order and read more about FREE MEN & DREAMERS

Here is an interview with Laurie:
What made you decide to write a historical novel set in a war period?
Two of our sons were at EFY (Especially For Youth church youth conference) in Willamsburg, Virginia in 1997 and I became so intrigued and awed by the richness of our colonial heritage that I began reading about the life and lifestyles of early America. Originally, I set the manuscript forward from where it now is because the scope of events in the early nineteenth century was overwhelming to me, and when I was asked to expand the manuscript, I didn't know if I was up to the task. After 9/11, I began to better understand the inter-relationship between God and liberty, and I revisted the project. A US Park Service employee led me to a book about the War of 1812's impact on Maryland. I couldn't resist the temptation to illustrate the history in my own backyard and to further research these amazing Americans who had captivated my interest for over a decade and who set the stage for the Restoration.

Which historical figure stands out to you?
Oh, without question it would be George Washington. He always looked so stern to me in those classroom prints growing up, but after reading about his personal life and his struggle to serve his country despite his intense desire for a private life, I have come to really respect and love him, and more importantly, I am so grateful to him. He was so revered that he could easily have set himself up as a king figure, but he was such a spiritual man that he understood that there was a divine plan for this nation.

How has your research changed you?
In so many ways. First, I relate everything to history now and my family gets pretty tired of that, I can tell you! But I hope I've learned one important lesson that crosses all time periods and situations, and it is that we must judge or evaluate a person's life based on the times in which they lived. If we try to measure them using hindsight and the values of another period, we may fail to see that they were a giant in their own time.

Which character in Dark Sky at Dawn most reflects you?
I don't know how it is for all authors, but when I write, each character reflects a little piece of me, or a sliver of my life experience at one time or another, albeit even as an observer. In this way I feel personally engaged in the conversations and thoughts, and hopefully, I can create a more vivid character and story for the reader.

Are you saying that Hannah's spiritual struggles are a reflection of your personal experiences?
Yes, in some ways. Our family went through a very trying period when we were living on prayer and faith. There were lots of days when life seemed so hard and heavy. We carried on with our lives, but often, as soon as the house emptied, I fell beside my bed and pled out loud with the Lord. Many tender, spiritual experiences came from those moments, but had I listened more carefully, I would have felt His arms of love around me even before I began my pleading. I wanted Hannah to reflect that struggle to learn to listen, to trust and to surrender ourselves to His will.
I also invited Laurie to be a guest blogger:

Hi! Thanks for inviting me to guest blog about my FREE MEN and DREAMERS books.

I’m from Maryland, but about 14 years ago, I fell in love with historic Williamsburg. There is a sacred spirit there, one felt also in other places that welcomed the great patriots—Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Franklin, Key, and others—cities like Philadelphia, Washington, and Georgetown; and places like Fort McHenry, Hampton, Craney Island, Fort Monroe, and dozens more.

I believe it’s because God’s hand was over the events that happened in these places, moving people where they needed to be in order to accomplish His purposes for this land.

The past eight years of my research and writing have focused on an incredibly fascinating, and rather forgotten, generation of Americans. Most of us know a bit about the Revolution, and we have some basic understanding of the issues that drove us into the Civil War, but far fewer know anything concrete about the War of 1812, and yet historians will tell you that it was this period and these events that finally forged us into The United States of America.

The idea for a historic novel began back in 1998 after my first visit to Williamsburg, but I set it aside and moved on to another project. After 9/11, my heart, like most Americans', turned more tenderly to America and her history. By 2004 I submitted the first draft.

The original manuscript was set in the late 1840’s, but after much soul searching, many hours buried in American history, and a small mention in Lucy Mack Smith’s “Biography of Joseph Smith,” I knew I needed to back the books up a generation.

It was Lucy’s reference to her brother Stephen Mack’s service during the War of 1812 that was the deal-breaker. I had never before made the connection between the Smiths and the War of 1812, but there it was! Joseph Smith grew up during that war. He and his generation were affected and shaped by the critical historic events of the tragic burning of Washington, the critical Battle of Baltimore, Key’s rallying of a broken nation with his writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The generation that would take on Britain’s war machine in the War of 1812 was already unique in that they were the children of the Founding Fathers’ generation. They were the heirs of the great patriots’ vision, those charged to build a nation founded on the lofty principles of liberty and freedom, and now they would experience the great religious reformation and the Restoration led by Joseph Smith.

After eight years of research and rewrites, it is this generation’s story that I tell in my FREE MEN and DREAMERS books where we wind six fictional families—three American, two British, one slave—through carefully researched American history to illustrate the courage, sacrifice, and vision of this extraordinary group.

I’d like to share an excerpt from my recently released volume 5, IN GOD IS OUR TRUST. Our protagonist in the series is Jed Pearson, a moral but logical man who has aligned his course upon the strength and stability of government. But new, illogical, religious concepts threaten his tidy world, and despite his efforts to dismiss them, he cannot, setting the stage for a spiritual awakening that will test his faith in both God and the Constitution.

Excerpt from In God Is Our Trust:

From chapter 29:

The Pearsons arrived in Washington City in July, well before Jed

was scheduled to be seated in the Senate, but not too early to receive

his first assignment from his friend, Senator Timothy Shepard, who

had been asked to assist Washington’s Mayor Weightman’s Jubilee

of Independence Committee, marking the fiftieth anniversary of the

signing of the Declaration of Independence. Timothy quickly secured

Jed’s help.

“First things first,” Timothy began. “Congress commissioned four

paintings by John Trumball which will be hung in the Rotunda for the

celebration. The capstone of the celebration is his grand mural titled

The Declaration of Independence, depicting the five writers of the

declaration presenting the draft to their colleagues. Here’s a sketch.”

Jed studied the five images in the center of the sketch. The first

three were easily recognizable—Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, John

Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania—but

the last two required greater thought. “I’m embarrassed to say I can’t

remember these two members of the drafting committee, nor some

of the other signers.”

“Roger Sherman of Connecticut, and Robert Livingston of New

York, but I can’t name some of the signers anymore. I wonder if

future generations will learn their names and know the risk they

took when they mutually pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their

sacred honor.”

Jed grew wistful at the thought. “So few of them are yet alive.”

“Charles Carroll is well, but Presidents Jefferson and Adams are

in failing health.”

“It’s remarkable to consider what that generation achieved in

fifty years, and yet the cost has been high. Two hundred and fifty

years ago the Indians roamed free in virgin forests and welcomed the

settlers. Now we are at war with them in many corners.”

“We fear them and they don’t trust us, often with good cause,”

Timothy said.

“If only we could share the land and live in peace, but we each

have very different visions for America. It’s rumored Andrew Jackson

will relocate the Indians west if elected president. As much as I love

what we’re building here, I can’t feel good about that.”

“It was a primitive new world when the first settlers arrived, as

if God hid it in His hand for millennia for a special purpose. I think

His hand has ever been and still is over this land.”

“And what do you think His purpose is? Even the Founders

couldn’t agree on religion.”

“They differed on the details, but they all believed in Christ.

Religion was and is still evolving here since the break with Europe.

Perhaps they purposely kept the language vague in order to

accommodate what might yet be.”

“Like a visit from God?”

Timothy scowled at Jed. “What?”

Flushing red, Jed wished he could retract the comment. “Don’t

mind me.”

“No, tell me. Who claims to have been visited by God?”

“A young man named Joseph Smith. Hannah is quite taken with

him.”

“But you doubt him?”

Jed leaned back slightly. “Do you believe God would condescend

to come to earth and visit a young man today in response to a

prayer?”

Timothy pondered the question a moment. Jed watched his face

soften as he thought. “I don’t know, but if God wanted to do such

a thing, I think this is where He would choose to do it. Religion

needs freedom to flourish, Jed, and I believe God helped us establish

and preserve ours. Now He’s blessed us with a decade of relative

prosperity and peace. If He wanted to open the heavens and speak, I

think He would do it here, and this might be the time.”

So check out that link above and read some of the most amazing stories......

Now on Kindle too!!!!!
The Founding Fathers' dream of
"One Nation Under God" was not left to chance.
FREE MEN and DREAMERS is now on Kindle! http://tinyurl.com/7wlpwfk

Happy New Year

2011-12-30T07:00:00.000-08:00

jscreationzs'

The start of a new year and the chance to good in the world!!! I woke up with thoughts for a better year. We'll start this year with a bang as we plan the benefit for The Old Loxley Hotel. Jim and I are doing great things to remodel that building and it will be a great asset to the community.
The rest of my family is doing great things as well--
Sarah and Drew are moving into a house with 2 acres which includes a horse stable. Sarah is very excited to have chickens, goats and horses.
Naomi and Jon are looking for a new house to move into permanently as they prepare for the birth of their second child.
Isaac and Rebekah will be starting new jobs in a new undisclosed location. More on that later.....
Tasha and Matt are working away at their jobs with Arthur and Sadie in tow. Tasha should be graduating this coming up year with a bachelor's degree.
Caleb will be finishing his associate degree here in Baldwin County and going off to the military.
Eliot will continue doing great things in Albania and possibly other places as well.
Lydia will be graduating in May and then going off to school in Art Education.
Moses will be on the down side of working towards his Eagle Scout award and decide on a project.
Last but not least---Henry.....he will be working on school and doing what he does best--play board games.
You all have great things to contribute to the world!!!! Have a great year!!!

Early Memories: A Run In with a Snow Sled and a Dog named Snoopy

2011-12-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

I grew up in New Jersey during the 60's and 70's. I loved New Jersey's farms and rural areas--but it hasn't stayed that way for long. New York City has been thrust upon New Jersey as it is just across the river and many people moved to get away from the city (including my parents) to make a better life for themselves. Now in present times, New Jersey is so corrupt, I could never go back to live there. From Brooklyn we moved to what was a small town at the time by the name of Clark.

I came from a family of large noses. So it wasn't much of a surprise to know that one of my earliest memories in Clark was a run in with a snow sled. It wasn't my fault. My older sister and I were exploring in the garage when we discovered a rope hanging down from a shelf. She pulled on it and I was standing right underneath it so I was the one who got smacked on the bridge of my nose with the front blade of the snow sled. I was only 3.

My mother had to take me to the doctor right away and they made her stand outside the door while they sewed me up. It was not pretty. You can still see a slight scar. I suppose that first experience might be an indicator of what was to come in life. Although I am not accident prone, funny things just happen to me.

I don't really feel so bad now about the whole sled thing. My father would take us sledding at a park down the street that had a fantastic hill next to a river. Every year we would take our sled there and take off down that hill with him steering. One year, it was one of the earlier sledding experiences; my sister decided she wanted to go down by herself. She sat head first with gloved hands on the steering mechanism. As she descended the hill, she realized it was a bit too much for her and closed her eyes. I don't know what she was thinking, because those sleds don't steer by themselves. She then ran smack into a tree towards the bottom and fell off the sled. She was lucky not to break her nose in the process but all was well after we realized she was okay.

Another winter when I was about 8 or 9 years old, we owned a rather hyper dog. My sister and brother and I thought we could keep control of this rather obnoxious animal but that wasn't always the case. We named him Snoopy but he was not anything like his cartoon counter part. It was my turn to take Snoopy for a walk on a cold winter's afternoon and I wore a large furry hat with furry pom-poms on the end of the ties. These furry balls must have seem very attractive to Snoopy because as we walked along on the sidewalk, he kept jumping up to grab them. I would push him down and attempt to keep walking. He was persistent and finally caught them in his mouth.

If you have ever tried to take something away from a dog with an steel trap jaw--you know it is impossible to open. I was dragged by Snoopy all the way home by these pom-pom balls. He was uncontrollable and I was trying to stop him. I wasn't very strong so there was no contest. I finally made it into the house when Snoopy pulled harder and I was dragged on the wooden floor. My mother, hearing the commotion came running and tried to break open the jaws of an iron clad mouth of this wild animal or at least get the hat off my head but to no avail. I was dragged around by the neck gagging and my mother started to laugh. I know she didn't mean to, but I'm sure the picture of this dog pulling the pom-pom ties to my hat with my head stuck in the middle was a funny sight and she couldn't help it. I don't remember what happened after that but somehow I managed to break free and I never wore that hat again. (At least not with Snoopy around). I guess I should feel lucky that I didn't lose my nose in all of that struggle.

Eclectic Book Catalog For Christmas

2011-12-08T12:55:00.000-08:00

Looking for a gift for the person who has everything??? Look no farther. A catalog of 43 wonderful books including clean romances, inspirational non-fiction and more.
Check it out:

Find books for Christmas

Holiday Eating Tips

2011-12-08T12:05:00.000-08:00

Credit: cartinafinland.fi

A friend of mine sent me this to me a long time ago and it has always just tickled my funny bone..
A humorous look at our crazy Christmas traditions......

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table
knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave
immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare. You can't
find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an
eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me.
Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy.
Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or
whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car
with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your
eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other
people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's.
You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the
time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while
carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted
Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near
them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of
attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them
behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if
you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have
three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory
celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or
get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips;
start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Lovely Blog Award

2011-12-03T11:39:00.000-08:00

The lovely Joyce Smith of Zany G's (Grandma)

World blog http://zanygsworld.blogspot.com

has honored me with the lovely blog award and I am to write seven interesting facts about myself. Here they are:

I never liked to admit that I’m not good at finding the right direction. I don’t give up easily so it is not unusual that I would drive around some places for hours until I find it.
I’ve been lost in Pensacola, Florida, New York City, Chicago, New Orleans, and Houston.
Once I went with a group of YSA in New Jersey to a dance in Manhattan and we ended up driving through all five boroughs of New York City to get there.
When I was in 5^th grade I was chosen as one of three children to be a special escort in the ceremony for the laying of the flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington D.C. Unfortunately, since I got my directions mixed up—I went the wrong way during the ceremony. (In front of about 100 people)
I use to work as a greens keeper on a golf course in New Jersey three summers in a row.
I never liked playing golf.
I consider myself very patriotic.
I love to write.
When I was little—my parents would put my sister and I in front of all the family at reunions and had us sing songs. (I actually liked it)
When my children, husband and I lived in a farmhouse in Foley Alabama, we were visited by six teenaged pigs.
I once saw two mice dance together on their hind legs while I was watching TV in the house where we were visited by the teenage pigs. (No one ever believed me)
We once caught 23 mice in traps while living in the farmhouse in Foley that was visited by six teenaged pigs.
I once swam a race in an Olympic sized pool and came in third place. (There were only three people in the race)
I love living in Loxley though we have never been visited by pigs. Only mice.
One time when I was younger, my sister and I went trick or treating and a neighbor gave us dog poop instead of candy wrapped up in a napkin.
Most people can never guess my age.

I actually wrote a few more than seven as I have written this funny piece about myself a while ago and wanted to use it for this blog.

The other requirement is to pick 15 to 17 other blogs to receive the Lovely Blog Award. So here are they are:

1. Wendy Dewitt---http://everythingunderthesunblog.blogspot.com/
2. Shaunna Gonzales----http://shaunnagonzales.blogspot.com
3. Betsy Love: http://sweetbetsylove.blogspot.com

4. Tristi Pinkson: http://tristipinkston.blogspot.com

5. Stephanie Albany: http://stephaniereadthat.blogspot.com
6. Jennifer Wolf: http://wolftalez.blogspot.com
7. Anne Bradshaw: http://annebradshaw.blogspot.com
8. Liz Adair: http://sezlizadair.blogspot.com
9. Rachel Brooks: http://rachelbrookswrites.blogspot.com
10.Tanya Parker Mills: http://www.tanyaparkermills.com
11. Bonnie Harris: http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com
12. Theresa Sneed: http://theresatalks.blogspot.com
13. Karen Adair: http://karenadair.blogspot.com
14. Gabriela Lessa: http://aspiringwriterworld.blogspot.com
15. Dede Smith: http://designzbydede.blogspot.com

Now in order for all of you fifteen lovely blogs to accept this award please do the following:
copy, cut, & paste the above award and put in your pictures folder. Then paste in preferred design format of your blog. Answer the seven random facts about yourself and post 15-17 new blogs that you think are deserving of the award on your next blog... wallah, you're now a lovely blog recipient! Congratulations!!!

Food Storage Frenzy

2011-11-15T18:19:00.000-08:00

With news of what the world is experiencing I have found myself contemplating more and more of what we are lacking in emergency supplies. The last time the country went into “a food storage frenzy” was in 1999 right before the Y2K extravaganza. Everyone, regardless of culture, creed or religion was stashing emergency supplies anywhere they could. But after all the fuss calmed down, everyone forgot about the world coming to an end and the food storage thing went away. Life went back to a normal pace. My family ate down what we stored and tried to replace it as we ate but we didn’t. The frenzy of activity no longer existed and I couldn’t keep up. But now that feeling has returned and I feel what is placed on my heart is to start up the food storage frenzy again; only this time there will be no reprieve.

With the study of world events, ancient and modern scripture revelation, commentaries of trusted religious leaders and pondering, I and my family have come to the conclusion that this is it. All those years of hearing about what will be happening in the “last days before Christ comes again” and now we are finally here. It’s almost unbelievable. It’s surprising and even shocking. Most people wouldn't believe it.

We (my family and I) have come to realize the time is close at hand to a total world collapse of food, energy and government. Not a lot of people are paying attention as life seems to be moving forward without discussion of what will happen if our government falls or if the teamsters can’t deliver food or marshal law is implemented or an epidemic is released. We all need to be prepared without panicking. We all need to have some kind of food and water supply so when “the crap hits the fan” as they say, we can all help each other in our small communities without danger to ourselves.

The following links are websites which specialize in emergency preparedness. The first is a link to a website which shares a lot of information on all emergencies and how to prepare. The other one is a 222 page book you can download for free which covers every aspect of emergency preparedness including food storage and safety.

Link to Emergency Survival

Link to Emergency Survival book-free download

We need to start the food storage frenzy again and really get prepared for what the future brings. This is not a panic attack but a call for all to prepare themselves for what could happen. We need to inform our neighbors as they will become our closest community in keeping our neighborhoods safe from looters and crazy people.

This next part is a list of the top 101 things to have on hand that will be in great demand to barter. Yes, the barter system will come back when money is scarce so why not get a jump on this list and stash things away for a rainy day.

Top 101 Barter Items

by M.D. CREEKMORE on MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2009

1.Coffee

2.Sugar

3.Salt
4.Pepper
5.Hard candy
6.Paperback Bibles
7.Kitchen Matches
8.Needles and sewing items
9.Nylon cord
10.Duct tape
11.Cigarettes
12.Pencils, paper, note pads
13.Toilet paper
14.Tooth paste
15.Soap
16.Rubbing alcohol
17.Peroxide
18.Aspirin
19.Baking soda
20.tooth brushes
21.Reading glasses
22.Liquor
23.Socks
24.Tarps
25.Tools for gardening
26.Condoms
27.Wooden matches
28.Skills
29.Hand Tools
30.Boyscout Manual
31.22.LR ammunition
32.12-gauge shot shells
33.Water Filters
34.Firewood
35.Coleman Fuel
36.Knives
37.Manual Can Openers
38.Vegetable Oil (for cooking)
39.Lighter Fluid
40.Charcoal
41.Diapers
42.Washboard
43.Vitamins
44.Tampons
45.Thermal Underwear
46.Aluminum Foil
47.Garbage Bags
48.Paper Towels
49.Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid)
50.Clothes Pins
51.Fishing Line
52.Fish Hooks
53.First Aid Kits
54.Batteries
55.Spices
56.Solar Calculators
57.Belts
58.Flashlights
59.Lightsticks
60.Garbage Cans
61.Toothbrushes
62.Toothpaste
63.Nail Clippers
64.Mosquito Repellent
65.Duct Tape
66.Rope
67.Candles
68.Sewing Supplies
69.Non Scented Bleach
70.Canning Jars and Lids
71.Knives
72.Sharpening Stones
73.Bicycle Tire Tubes
74.Bicycle Chains
75.Air Pump (don’t trade the pump trade the air)
78.Board Games
79.Playing Cards
80.Mousetraps
81.Baby Wipes
82.Razors
83.Tang
84.Gloves
85.Underwear
86.Glue
89.Broad Brim Hats
90.Files
91.Pad-Locks
92.Laundry Detergent
93.Kerosene
94.Tea
95.Axes
96.Slingshots
97.Binoculars
98.Disposable Lighters
99.Magnesium fire starters
100.Plastic sheeting
101.Over The Counter Medications

Miss anything? Feel free to add your thoughts in the comments below.

Hope this helps anyone who has felt the same as I. With a little bit of planning we can help each other as a community, town, state and country withstand the trials of what lies ahead.

The Star Prophesy: A Great Chistmas Gift......

2011-11-02T18:35:00.000-07:00

If you are LDS or just familiar with the stories of the Book of Mormon, Joan Sowards captures the essence of those times in a wonderfully woven story about the coming of Christ which includes a story about a boy named Enoch called The Star Prophecy.

This story grabs your attention as you read of Enoch's attempts to take the journey of his life. Sword fighting, romance, sailing across the sea are all a part of the adventure and I could not stop reading until the end. A wonderful treat for any age, this story will be a family favorite in no time. I even read it to my family at night.

A great Christmas gift for any family, you can order it on Amazon.com

Link to buy book.......

Happenings.......

2011-10-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

This past week I arranged to see both Isaac and Rebekah graduate at Brigham Young University in Idaho. Their graduation will be December 16th which is the day before Rebekah's birthday. They will both have their bachelor's degree and go off to an internship somewhere. They are still working on that one. But I am arranging to fly to Salt Lake City on the 14th of December and stay with my brother. Then the next day I will drive my father's car with him up to Rexburg, Idaho which is only about three hours. I'm pretty excited as this is my Alma Mater back in 1979. There has been a lot of changes since I was there and the school is now a four year university so I'm excited to see all that has been done. I have been looking online at some of the buildings and familiarizing myself with the campus so I won't be completely unaware.

This cute little boy is Peter Holifield. He is one of my grandsons who is 18 months old. Such a cutie. He lives with his Mom and Dad in Warner Robins, Georgia. Naomi and Jon Holifield.

Today we participated in an Eagle Scout project in Robertsdale, Alabama. Tyler Evans chose to clean out the Emergency Preparedness warehouse to reorganize and inventory all the equipment and supplies they have there. It was really a great project and there were about 30 of us there. We were done around noon and all were able to go home. We made 60 dollars on our yard sale items from last week and Jim started working for the Baldwin County Schools in subbing for teachers. He got himself on all the high school lists, middle school lists and some elementary school lists. We have been told by several different people that once they get to know you, you are always busy. It's very exciting. The only draw back is that we are paid once a month. So I guess we will have to get used to that and schedule our bills around my paychecks and his.
Tomorrow I fly out to see Sarah, Drew and their children. They will be going on a trip and I will be staying with Bella and Lael. I am excited to visit with them and see Rex. I also get to trick or treat with them. Very fun.

Hope for the Future.....

2011-10-23T17:38:00.000-07:00

I found an even more colorful picture of the fall leaves of the north on Facebook and wanted to post it here. After our difficult week last week--we have more hope for the future. We are going to start again this week to find more work and get somewhere on the hotel plan. We have to get going to see that hotel remodeled to be a museum and gift shop and also a place for parties. I'm sure we can make it work. We will rent our house and live in the back of the museum which will be very exciting.
Something that was said over the weekend really touched me: "You can count the number of seeds in an apple but you cannot count the number of apples from each seed." Mary Fairchild
You never know when you will help someone or touch a life with the example of how you live you life. So enough of me philosophizing and tomorrow is a new day to try again.

Self Confidence

2011-10-17T15:46:00.000-07:00

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net
images/view_photog.php?photogid=73

I've been having a rough couple of days over the last week. Actually, over the last few months. I had some great highs and some terrible lows..... As a couple, we are going through such trials financially without a permanent job anywhere--it is so stressful. I feel bad about myself --I'm sure Jim feels this way as well. In between these lows, I have become more successful with my writing. I had seven pieces published through Deseret Connect in print and online in Deseret News, MormonTimes.com and KSL.com. I was really excited about that. Then I was asked by More Good Foundation to write my own column which was unbelievably fantastic. It is online officially as Bonds that Tie the Family. All my children are doing well and we are pretty healthy (knock on wood) so there are many highs but the lows are so awful. We don't have enough money for just the basic needs. We keep scraping along trying to improve the situation. Trying to write under those conditions is difficult too. I guess we should be happy we are not on the street--homeless somewhere--which does happen to so many good people in this country.
I just have to keep plugging along and break through this trial. On top of that---my hotel plans just keep getting knocked down...... but every time I think---I can't do this-- something comes along and gives me some hope. I dont' think it's false hope---but a hope that I can ask someone else for the financing or another person appears who wants to work on it. If only we had the money to start--we would have that thing looking great in no time.

I suppose that is enough moaning about the difficulties of life...... I'm sure this would make a great tragedy/comedy movie somewhere down the road...... Speaking of roads: the picture shown is that road not taken.....somewhere in Pennsylvania there is this road that is traveled but I have not traveled it yet so I have to trudge through. Or rather I should take a good look around while I am trudging through and enjoy the scenery.
One more thing......Lydia showed me this psychological test from Facebook----I don't know if it has any validity but you look at a large square of mixed up letters--as it's shown on a word find page--- and the directions say that the first three words you find in this square will describe you........ I found beautiful, love and funny......Am I beautiful? Never thought of myself that way. I suppose Heavenly Father thinks so.... I know I love intensely and I like to be funny. Maybe it does describes me which does help me to feel better about myself.

See For Yourself----

Memorial for Steve Jobs

2011-10-15T07:35:00.000-07:00

Steve Jobs

I remember reading about Steve Jobs back in 1980 and what he had started to accomplish along with Bill Gates. They were fierce competitors and it seemed as if Bill Gates had taken the lead for a while. But as time went on Steve Jobs caught up and was just as successful as Bill Gates but not so open about it. He was a very private person and I appreciate that. He was driven to make life better for everyone through electronics.

Pancreatic Cancer is brutal --but he managed to stick around a lot longer than most people do when they fight pancreatic cancer (6 years). My mother didn't even make a year.

This post is in honor of Steve Jobs and all that work he has done for mankind. A writer friend of mine coined it perfectly in her poem below and I copied it here. It is amazing to me how people can be so successful in the face of so much adversity. It is amazing to me what people do with their lives when the odds are against them. Here is the essence of Steve Jobs:

"iRemember"

by Tanya Parker Mills

Given up at birth

By an educated Syrian father

And an equally learned mother

Into the arms of loving,

Less lettered parents,

He whiled his way through school,

Perhaps surprising no one

When he left its rule to

Follow his own.

Racing time,

He molded masterful manipulatives,

Each designed elegantly to bring the world

To our fingertips

In easy, intuitive ways.

iMac,

A solid friend,

Dependable, accessible, with a

Mouse that makes the Lion roar.

iTunes,

Bringing music to the masses,

A revolution in song sharing

Between artist and listener.

iPod,

Our first fisted friend,

There on errands, walks, and runs,

Fusing melody with life.

iPhone,

The iMac in our hands,

And an "app"licable library

For the future.

iPad,

The iMac and iPod combined,

Simplified and squeezed

To a minimum, yet somehow more.

i's galore,

iBook, iPhoto, iMovie, iLife, iWork,

But this "i" always,

iRemember.

Steve Jobs set a president for us all!!! Let us all take a lesson from this genius, driven mind.......

Patrick Henry's Speech

2011-10-04T08:04:00.000-07:00

From Google Images

In my searches for writing my weekly column,I came across this great quote from Patrick Henry's Speech!!! His words can light a fire under us in our war to protect our citizens from our federal government. Read on:

"No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope that it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen, if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve.

This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty towards the majesty of heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.

Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren, till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation?

For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth — to know the worst and to provide for it. I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years, to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House?

Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with these warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation — the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motives for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies?

No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us; they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer on the subject? Nothing.

We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves longer.

Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament.

Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne. In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope.

If we wish to be free — if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending — if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained, we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left us!

They tell us, sir, that we are weak — unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?

Sir, we are not weak, if we make a proper use of the means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. Three millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us.

The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable — and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come!

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, “Peace! Peace!” — but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!"

Patrick Henry – March 23, 1775

The Provo Tabernacle to be Made Into A New Temple

2011-10-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

Provo Tabernacle from Wikipedia

I am so excited. President Monson just announced the next temples to be built. What is so exciting is that the Provo Tabernacle, which was gutted by a fire recently, will be remodeled into a temple in Provo.
I had been so sad to read the news of the this fire a few months ago. It was such a beautiful building inside and I have personal experience meeting in this magnificent building.

Back in 1982 to 1985, we lived in the area of Provo which used that building for stake conference. I loved sitting inside the Tabernacle for church. There was so much detail in the work inside and and I would just look around as I listened to the talks. It was almost distracting but you felt such a spirit in that building when you entered. When I heard the fire gutted the building, I was physically ill. What a terrible shame to lose such a wonderful place. But now, our Priesthood leaders have decided to restore this building as it once was and use it as a Temple of God. It makes so much sense. The Provo Temple is the busiest temple in the world and what better way to supplement temple attendance than to have another temple right in the city of Provo. It makes my heart sing!!!!! What a great idea!

Our Winner of the Blog Giveaway----

2011-10-01T10:09:00.000-07:00

Today, I am pleased to announce our winner of the My Memories Suite package. My good friend Glenna Grant was the one picked out of a small box. Congratulations, Glenna!!!!! I'm sure you will enjoy it. She lives in Loxley with three of her children left at home. There are two older daughters married and moved away. Glenna has been staying in Miami for the past few months taking care of her father. What a gem.....

Thanks to everyone who participated!!! Sorry I couldn't give everyone a copy of the scrap booking program.

'My Memories' Blog Giveaway

2011-09-20T15:58:00.000-07:00

"My Memories"
Blog Giveaway!!!!
September 20th to September 30th

Since the birth of my first child almost 30 years ago, I have made scrapbooks. I was a woman ahead of my time as there were no “scrapbooking” materials available. I just made up my own. I knew what I wanted and I created baby books for my children in 8 ½ by 11 inch binders. Nine children later I have finished nine baby books, stopping at age 12, and 4 teen scrap books.

There is a new age of scrapbooking now and I have found the best of the next generation. It is called “My Memories” digital software. Originally supported by Polaroid and now on its own, “My Memories” is a wonderful digital scrapbooking software for any computer.

Design your own pages with pictures, embellishments and borders. Print your own pages and add your own embellishments. Send off albums of pictures to be professionally bound or place them on CDs. The sky is the limit. You can organize your photos in any way you like.

The best part is if you don’t like the page, start over and you haven’t discarded any paper or materials. I was a bit skeptical myself until I tried it and in an hour I was able to create three pages for an album with my children’s pictures already placed. It was amazing.

There are many different choices of creating your own pages, adding embellishments, shapes, borders and photo layout all in a menu driven computer program. It didn't take long to get the hang of it, plus there are training videos on YouTube to watch for examples of the beautiful keepsakes you can create.

I was so impressed by this scrapbook software program; I have set up a blog giveaway to one lucky person who will win a free copy of this wonderful scrapbooking opportunity. Not only that, anyone that would like to purchase from the My Memories website will be given a $10 discount coupon for the My Memories Suite software and a $10.00 coupon for any online purchase from the My Memories store.

So here is what you have to do:

Just go to the website: http://www.mymemories.com/# and find your favorite scrapbooking kit. Post a comment here which kit is your favorite and your email address so I can contact you for the win of My Memories Suite program and you are in!!!! It would be fun also to tell me a great scrapbooking story if you have one. If you don't ---that's okay too!!!

If you just want to buy the My Memories Suite program here is the website and code to get your $10.00 off coupon.

(http://www.mymemories.com/ digital_scrapbooking_software)

Code for Coupon: STMMMS56780

So take advantage of this wonderful opportunity and check out "My Memories" website and post your favorite kit and your email address.

Good Luck!!!!

Book Review: "A Road To Somewhere"

2011-09-19T08:15:00.000-07:00

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705391001/Book-review-Road-to-Somewhere-takes-negative-turn.html

Here is my review of a book that The Deseret News wanted reviewing. I thought it would be a great book only to find out that it wasn't what I expected.....

'No Angel' Has Special Meaning

2011-09-15T20:50:00.000-07:00

Reviewing books from writer friends is a special privilege. Reviewing fictional stories that catch my attention is even better. Theresa Sneed's debut novel "No Angel" is a special story about a guardian angel who didn't want to be a guardian angel. Jonathan Stewart had issues. He was assigned to watch over a special girl on earth but he was counting the days when he would be released from his "calling". From the affects of his mysterious past, Jonathan was grumpy and all business.

With a great imagination and some experience with the spirit realm, Theresa Sneed writes an intriguing story which takes many twists and turns. An unexpected adventure into the underworld captivates the reader until the very satisfying end.
As I read this story, it reminded me of my deceased husband so this story has a special meaning for me. Many others apparently have felt the same way as readers are saying it has given them comfort to read about what may happen in the Spirit World.

It's a great read and I'd recommend it to anyone.

Buy "No Angel" at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/No-Angel-Theresa-Sneed/dp/1935217968/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_i

Eliot is doing well.....

2011-09-12T06:29:00.000-07:00

I heard from Eliot this morning and he is doing very well. He is in Prishtine, and with his companion are doing street meetings and discussions with the people of Kosovo. This is a picture of somewhere in Albania. They have been on their own most of the time and are motivated to keep doing their work. The country side is fascinating as it is an ancient area where the apostle Paul traveled. We have been studying this in Sunday School this year.
Yesterday was the 10th anniversary of the attack on 9-11. President Monson wrote a blog entry for The Washington Post.

Thomas S. Monson Blog Post on 9-11
His writing is very comforting and encouraging.

What a Week!!!!!

2011-09-09T15:08:00.000-07:00

The week started off with a bang as Tropical Storm Lee finished it's round on Monday and my children arranged to have a mud party and invited all their friends. About 20 teens showed up at 1pm and they had a ball skin boarding in the yard, playing volleyball and mud slinging around the yard and eating snacks.

Tuesday was my birthday and I had a great day. Lots of cards and well wishes from Facebook. It culminated a the end while we were watching "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and my daughter realized she left her phone at church. A likely story but my husband and children dragged me there only to find out it was a surprise party for me. I was dumbfounded. Those who came ate cake and we played the question game. So much fun. Then we finished the movie when we came home.

The rest of the week was school, work, writing and driving children to their various activities. I'm exhausted but it was fun!!!! Saturday we can rest.....

Identity-- A Great LDS Mystery Romance Novel

2011-09-03T17:27:00.000-07:00

Betsy Love is one of the lucky ones. Actually she is a great writer and found a publisher to publish her first written novel . I don't think it took 60 rejection notices like the author of "The Help", Katherine Stockett; but none the less Betsy did the time in writing and editing and now she is a best selling author from Deseret Book.
Here is the synopsis of Identity:

While vacationing in Mexico, two similar-looking young women find themselves caught in a chain reaction of mistaken identities. Amelia is a wealthy heiress and business owner, and Savannah is a sweet Mormon girl deciding whether or not to serve a mission. When they end up on the same flight to Phoenix, Savannah and Amelia unravel the sequence of events that wreaked havoc on their trips, and they make plans to resolve the subsequent misunderstandings. But their flight is cut short when the plane crashes, killing one of the young women and plunging the other into a world of intrigue and deceit where identity means everything.

Here is the link to order Betsy's book.

http://www.amazon.com/Identity-Betsy-Love/dp/193521795X/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1315095799&sr=1-6

From Teresa Small Sneed--another LDS author: Follow the story of two similar-looking young women whose mistaken identity mishaps while vacationing in Mexico cause a rift between one of the women, the wealthy heiress Amelia Vecchiarelli and her finance, Brent Delano. As fortune has it, Amelia takes an earlier flight back to Phoenix without Brent and runs into her look-a-like, Savannah, and they both begin to put the pieces together that caused their vacation to go haywire, until the plane crashes - leaving one of them dead, and the other with no memory of who she is.
Betsy has skillfully woven her novel, Identity together in a way that even the reader has no idea which young woman survived. If you love mystery, suspense, and a touch of romance, you will thoroughly enjoy reading, Identity!

Well, there you have it. A great book to get lost in on a rainy afternoon. It's clean, suspenseful and most readers can't put it down.

Bishopric Member Opens Pandora's Box

2011-08-31T10:34:00.000-07:00

September 5th....
I was just notified that the below member--Mitch Mayne was called to be the Executive Secretary in his ward. Some might consider this calling a part of the Bishopric but I do not. He is an Executive Secretary which is mostly administrative work in the office. Sorry for the misinformation. Here is the original post:

Over the last week, there has been a flurry of blogs, comments and discussion about a man who was called to be a counselor in the Bishopric for the Bay Ward, San Francisco, California Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Normally this would not be an issue or a big deal but this particular man has publicly announced that he is openly gay and has been called to this position of Priesthood leadership. Reading further on his statement, we find out that he was in a relationship with another man but had broken it off over a year ago because of other issues.

Yesterday I spent several hours reading the comments and discussion of what other members and former members of the Church wrote about his occasion and there seems to be a misunderstanding with some about this whole situation.

I felt very strongly to write about it on my own blog and post what I think is a fair assessment of what is happening. I am not a spokesman for the Church but I would like to support all Priesthood leaders in their inspired decisions and I feel that this is one of those decisions. I found the original writing of Mitch Mayne which I posted below so you can read what he has to say for himself along with a picture he includes on his website.

Re-post of Original Writing From Mitch Mayne:

"I am Mitch Mayne, and I am an openly gay Latter-day Saint.

On August 14, 2011, I was sustained as a member of the Bishopric in the Bay Ward of the San Francisco Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons).

I accepted this calling because of the opportunity it presents me to serve my Savior and my community. And, I accepted this calling as my authentic self: A gay man who loves his Savior, loves his Mormon family, loves his counterparts within the LGBTQ community, and recognizes himself to be completely whole as I am—just as my Father made me.

Up until a year ago, I was in a committed, monogamous relationship with my partner of several years. I wore a wedding band. I attended church and held callings within my ward. But, life is not without its own twists and turns, and I had to leave my partner for a variety of reasons, none of which had to do with pressure from the church. It was, without question, the most painful decision I’ve ever made.

As a result, my current circumstances provide me with a unique opportunity to serve in a Priesthood leadership role within my community. Will that always be the case? Perhaps not. I will likely not be single forever, but I am now by choice—given where I am in my own personal healing process.

I am open to a relationship if fate brings that my way. I am not committing to a lifetime of celibacy; I am committing to adhere to the same standard of behavior that we require of any heterosexual member in a Priesthood leadership position. And, I am committed to being completely forthcoming and transparent about my relationship status with my leadership.

I understand that for my gay Mormon brothers and sisters and those who support them both inside and outside our faith, there is special meaning here: For it demonstrates that not only do we as gay Mormons have a home within our faith if we so choose, but that we also have a path.

It is a humbling honor to be asked to serve in this capacity, and I am grateful for a Church leadership that views me as an asset that can help serve our community. Nonetheless, I am simply an ordinary man, blessed to have been placed in extraordinary circumstances. And as such, a man who is willing to bring that experience to bear to help others as they strive to find their place within the gospel, and within the Mormon family."

Some of the discussion given elsewhere say the Church should apologize to those of same-sex groups who felt they were ostracized by Church Priesthood leaders telling them that this practice is sinful which according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ-- if anyone participates intimate relationships outside the bonds of legal and lawful marriage is considered a sin . See link below.

http://lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/cleansing-the-inner-vessel?lang=eng&query=Boyd+K+Packer+2010

Some discussion included members in good standing who were shocked by this calling because of how Brother Mayne presented his voice as one who will eventually go back to the same sex lifestyle in the future. This has been very disconcerting. But the fact remains that he is worthy now. I was somewhat frustrated by those comments of many who could not understand why Brother Mayne was called.

He was interviewed by his Priesthood leaders and found worthy to be in this calling. That is it!!! Under the direction of his Priesthood leaders he is worthy to fill this calling. Which means he is worthy to attend the temple; which means he pays tithing, is honest in all his dealings, supports all Priesthood leadership and has a testimony of Jesus Christ.

What Brother Mayne has posted in his statement about "not living a life of celibacy forever" was probably not a good idea as it sounds like these Church leaders have a double standard but the fact remains he has been worthy for at least a year and has been forgiven his sins. The fact of the matter is he does validate his statement saying that he has chosen the same worthy behavior of those who are Priesthood leaders. That should say enough. He is worthy to hold this position and no apologies are necessary from anyone.

I believe I understand why Brother Mayne would post such a statement publicly. First and foremost, he wanted those of the same-sex orientation to know that he was loved by the Lord and wanted them to experience this as well . He expressed concern over the many less active members of his ward--and every where around the country-- that there is a place of comfort and peace in church attendance.

I have a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ which I practice through my membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know that those Priesthood leaders would not act in contrary to gospel principals. I know Brother Mayne was called under inspiration to serve in his ward. I hope all who read this will have a better understanding of this situation.

Let me sum up......

2011-08-30T19:42:00.000-07:00

I found this absolutely wonderful blog through my wonderful friends on Facebook (Prepper Chicks) who posted this blog online for everyone to visit. So I went to visit it and saw all the wonderful things this 20- something year old girl posted and I thought....I need to do that!!! So I'm going to post the sum of what I canned this summer. Why? I'm glad you asked. For one, it makes me feel good about myself that I can preserve the food that we have grown in our garden with our own grubby hands and two, I feel good about myself that I can preserve the food that we have grown in our garden..........oooopps. I think I said that already. Anyway--I am going to post all the food I canned this summer. Enjoy this link below. It is really cool!!!!

Last year's garden!!!

http://newlifeonahomestead.com/

What I canned this summer:
18 quarts peaches
6 quarts dill pickles
8 quarts salsa--this was so good. We have only one jar left already. I need to make some more.
1 quart dried cilantro
Last year we had a bumper crop of plums and I did about 20 pints of plum jam which we are still eating and I had 10 1-gallon sized zip lock bags full of blueberries for the freezer and we are still eating those!!!! Stashing food away is so much fun because it's security against starvation!!!!!

The Spark Blogfest!!!! Writers Unite

2011-08-26T15:43:00.000-07:00

Writers are notorious for networking together and helping each other. (I guess that is really the same thing) It's a great field to be in and I love helping my fellow writing friends. This particular writer--Christine Tyler sponsored a great spark blogfest (as she calls it) to get us all writing and spreading the good word about our fellow authors and how we feel about writing. The following are some questions authors are asked quite frequently and I will be glad to answer:

What book made you realize you were doomed to be a writer?

It wasn't a book so much as the success I had as an article writer. Not so much a journalist--although that is what I do---but a writer who writes about the events which happen around us and how we are affected by them. I am just hooked. The books I have published is just the icing on the cake.

What author set off that spark of inspiration for your current Work in Progress?

Any author who writes uplifting books about what they love. Whether it's a biography about their life or a life changing event, I am emotionally fed by the writings of other peoples' experiences!! My current Work In Progress (WIP) (author lingo) is a book I have wanted to write for a long time: "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Synagogue: A Conversion Story from Judaism to Mormonism" (if I could ever remember how to spell Synagogue)

Is there a book or author that changed your world view?

There are a few authors that have changed my view of the world--- First and foremost there is the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Those two books have changed my view of the world drastically. All those inspired men and women who wrote for the world to read have inspired me to be a better person and to pay attention to life!!! Then Cleon Skousen who wrote several key political books (The Naked Capitalist) about the way the world is and will become if we don't pay attention to what is really going on. That has motivated me to write my findings on politics and government and how they affect the family. Great stuff!!!

So there you have it!!! A share of the Spark Blogfest with over 100 authors to date!!!

Eliot is going to Kosovo

2011-08-24T19:26:00.000-07:00

Eliot has been doing so well!!! Not only did he and his companions have a baptism last week of two brothers, they are teaching like crazy in Albania and have another baptism this Saturday AND on top of that Eliot was called to go to Kosovo on Sunday to help open a new area. He will be the 4th missionary called to go there and they stay for 3 or 4 transfers which is 6 to 8 weeks. Very exciting for us all. The capital of Kosovo is Prishtine which is where he will stay and they start teaching the people there. It's amazing what they are doing now. He has been very happy in Albania and has been able to travel around the country side on their days off to visit castles and places of interest. We realized over the last week---after attending Sunday School that Eliot is teaching the gospel where Paul of old has taught. Albania is nestled between Greece and Kosovo and has the Adriatic Sea on the other side. They were allowed to go with their Branch by bus to the beach and had a wonderful time fellow shipping all who came. He has been a great blessing to us all and we are happy he is serving the Lord.

Teaching our next driver......

2011-08-12T15:20:00.000-07:00

This is what we did yesterday for a while and I think I have a few more gray hairs. I know it was her first time with me but she had driven the lawn mower and driven with Eliot before so I don't know how long it will take for her to get a handle on the car but we shall see. Maybe Jim can drive with her.......

More good news: My next article will be featured in MormonTimes.com again and I'm hoping for a front page again as it was last time. So exciting!!!

Justin Bashein, my nephew took a fall over a 30 foot drop this past week but is recuperating well after all the stitches. He is healing okay but was shaken up a bit. He had to be life- flighted in a basket to the hospital in Ventura, California. Hopefully he will recover fast. Prayers to him in Ventura.

It should have been the end of the world today.....

2011-08-02T10:48:00.000-07:00

I'm glad it is not but by the way the media was talking it should have been the end of the world as we know it!!! Our Federal government is doing all it can to bankrupt our country. It is unbelievable to think that our own Congress---our own people who we have voted into office would be the demise of our own sovereignty. It is the beginning of the end of our lifestyle as we know it because our Federal Government does not want us to succeed. Through the Bildaburg Group, Illuminati and other One World Order secret combinations, we don't seem to have a chance. So many people have worked so hard to make a wonderful life for themselves in this country and it will all be blown away from these selfish, greedy, evil, warmongers who want only what is best for themselves and not the good of the whole.

I have always tried to teach my children to do the best of the whole group but apparently not everyone feels that way. I will continue to write about what is important in our lives. I will continue to publish my books and promote the family and all that is good in the world until I breath my last breath.

I read an interesting book yesterday. The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck was very interesting. I got some kind of 24 hour bug and had to stayed in bed all day. Not good for a Monday but I was able to lay and ponder what I read and what we need to do to find a way to earn an income so we can pay our financial obligations. It has been very frustrating for both Jim and myself to be so burdened with not having income coming in to pay for the essentials. I cannot even think about the Hotel at this point because we cannot even take care of ourselves let alone a hotel/museum. I need to keep trying.

Picture taken from: phid=37197&photogname=basketman&photogid=2243&refurl=http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Other_Government_Pub_g317-Magnifier_Focus_On_SECRET__p37119.html

Our Anniversary--Our Life Together

2011-07-11T21:11:00.000-07:00

Today marks three years that Jim and I have been married. It has been a whirlwind of activity between church callings, work and overseeing the care of all our children. Granted most of them are on their own but with all that they do and are involved with, we still are busy with one thing or another.

This weekend, Jim's daughter Victoria will be married in the Orlando Temple. We are excited to go and be there for her and visit with family and friends. I love weddings. Tomorrow Eliot leaves the country to fly to Albania. Very exciting.

Today, Jim started a new job. He is employed by the Orange Beach Wrecking company so he will get to drive a truck as he has wanted to and help people. He helped one guy today pulling his truck out of the sand.

We have great plans for the future. Our books will be promoted online more aggressively has we will be upgrading our promotions with Create Space. We are still working on getting the hotel to remodel it and we are still homeschooling the last three at home. Lydia will be in her senior year and will start applying to different schools.

The picture shown on the right is our first Mobile Bay Bears Game with the Vaskos and Christiansons. Mobile has a minor league that plays all the minor league games around the south. We all had such a great time. We even got in free because of their special rate. One Walmart bag of aluminum cans. The next game we went to, Moses caught a fly ball and both Moses and Henry got Bay Bear Caps to take home. We had them signed by some of the players. Fun times!!!

Independence Day Message

2011-07-11T20:26:00.000-07:00

In My America: Celebrating the Fourth of July

Last Monday was our Independence Day and what a great celebration of freedom it was. We were reminded of our country’s history and what we need to do as its citizens to keep our freedoms strong. In my America, we are responsible for the welfare of good citizenship.

In my America, our constitutional republic is the fabric for our moral strength. Our core values are important for the success of our country as these values are very vulnerable to attack from radical factions that seek to destroy and redefine our society. We have respect for human life and allow all children the chance to live in a free world with both parents at the head of the home and support them as such.

In my America, the Justice Department and court system stands for honesty and integrity. All judges of the court would act in accordance with a good social and moral foundation in not only upholding the law but judging what laws are unjust in sustaining our freedoms and understanding the true meaning of the Constitution.

In my America, we are free to act for ourselves in what we eat, drink, where we live and vacation. We can write or tell of our opinion and not be fearful of retaliation. We are fairly taxed to support a minimal government and are allowed to vote our discontent when we feel the need to make improvements.

In my America, all citizens can own their own businesses and be blessed by the economic success of free enterprise. We can hire who we want, when we want and no undo tax or unnecessary regulation would hinder the continuing force of private enterprise. Our country’s economy would be strong to overcome any economic strife from other countries.

In my America, we can drill for oil in any part of our United States and become self-sufficient in supplying our own energy sources without out government regulation. We would provide our own workers to drill, refine, and deliver fuel to all Americans at a reasonable rate and not price gouge its citizens.

In my America, we would celebrate the return home of all military troupes and allow them the opportunity to continue their livelihood with full support of medical treatment. All military personnel are our heroes and would be treated as such.

In my America, we don’t support our enemies by financing them or handing over arms or property. We would keep a strong hold on our defenses and refuse to let the sovereign will of the people be pushed aside by outrageous demands from an oversized government. We are treated fairly by law enforcement and our borders are protected from intruders.

In my America, we could trust our own leaders to make the right decisions for the best interest of the people in faithfully standing in defense of life, liberty and the family. Hang our national flag proudly this Fourth of July and remember what freedoms we are blessed with in this terrific country.

Attack of the flies!!!!!

2011-06-27T11:42:00.000-07:00

We have been inundated with house flies for the last two day. There must be hundreds that we kill but they are still returning to drive us batty!!!! We need more reinforcements in better fly swatters and insecticide. We'll have to spray the perimeter of the house to keep them away and maybe even put up a sticky fly catcher which I cannot stand but this calls for everything we can get!!!!

I'm setting up a birthday bash in the MTC for Eliot with cake and cards!!!! It will be the week before he leaves the MTC so hopefully it will be fun for all his district!!!!

Lydia was able to attend a Pioneer Trek last week with her stake in Arizona where she is staying with Sarah and Drew. It was a difficult journey but they had a great time and she will be home on July 11th with a t-shirt and DVD to show us. Since Mother's Day she has been in Arizona, helping Sarah with Bella and Lael and now baby Rex. Drew's office is all set up and Caleb is doing very well there too. There is a receptionist and another girl helping with the laser therapy as Caleb is doing now.

LDS Scout Camp Great Success

2011-06-27T11:31:00.000-07:00

Over the last week from June 20th to June 25th, Moses had the opportunity of attending scout camp with 160 other boys from Pensacola, Panama City, Fort Walton Beach, and Mobile stakes of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Pictured here is their daily devotional: when a speaker comes to give an inspirational talk to all the boys in the evening. Moses completed several merit badges including canoeing. Henry got to attend a special 11year-old scout over night there on Thursday and Friday morning and he has almost all of his Tenderfoot requirements completed. I was able to join the group on Friday afternoon for their closing ceremonies. It was very hot but lots of fun to be with the boys.
My week went fast and after Henry left I was completely alone in the house for two days. That was unusual for me. But I canned 18 quarts of our own peaches and visited Tasha with Arthur and Sadie and made a quilt for Sarah's little Rex. I also got stung by a yellow fly at Tasha's place which really hurt. At the same time I was stung, the boys at camp stumbled upon a yellow jacket nest and eight of them were stung including one that was very allergic. All well that ends well but it was a long, hot, wet week!!!!

3rd Annual Summer Treasure Hunt: Dig for Clues and Win! Contest

2011-05-31T06:28:00.000-07:00

3rd Annual Summer Treasure Hunt: Dig for Clues and Win! Contest

Welcome to our 3^rd Annual “Summer Treasure Hunt: Dig for Clues and Win Contest!” This is becoming an exciting tradition, both for our sponsors and hopefully for all of you! 29 writer friends and I have banded together to present a month-long contest where we will give away a prize a day for the entire month of June. That’s right! 30 awesome prizes, running the gamut from books, books, and more books! (romances, fantasies, mystery/thrillers, inspirational, children’s books, and various non-fiction), as well as Amazon gift cards, a Mary Kay gift set, a vinyl lettering gift certificate, a hand-sewn weekly planner with ribbon bookmark, a crocheted book tote with matching cell phone case, and again for you aspiring authors, TWO free edit/critiques of a partial manuscript. Many of the giveaways are open to International entries; though always check to be sure before you enter for a particular prize.

And how exactly do you enter for these amazing prizes? By following these rules:

SUMMER TREASURE HUNT RULES:

You can send in one entry for each day’s prize, or only for those prizes that strike your fancy. The rules are simple:

(1) Go to the website or blog indicated for each day; find the answer to the question for that day, then email the answer with your name and AND MAILING ADDRESS to jdipastena@yahoo.com. I promise you will not wind up on any mailing lists. This is only to facilitate the receipt of your prize. All entries will be deleted at the end of the contest.

(2) Please send a separate entry for each day and type the day you are entering in the subject line. (Such as: Summer Treasure Hunt, June 1; Summer Treasure Hunt, June 2, etc).

(3) Deadline for each day: Midnight PST

(4) The winner will be contacted and announced on the day following the deadline.

All winners will be draw by www.random.org.

You do not have to wait until the designated day to enter. You can start sending in your entries right now, or begin entering at any point along the way. And check back here each day between June 2^nd – July 1^st to read the names of the winners.

If you have any questions, please email Joyce DiPastena at jdipastena@yahoo.com.

And now…let the treasure hunt begin!

June 1

SPONSOR: Canda Mortensen

PRIZE: A $25 Amazon gift certificate

QUESTION: What is the title and artist of the Princess song on Newbie's playlist? (HINT: Scroll to the bottom of the blog and read “Newbie Teaser”. Match the number of “Princess” with the same number on the Playlist box (you may have to scroll down the playlist to find this, too). It will give you the title and artist.)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http:candamortensen.blogspot.com

OPEN TO USA ENTRIES

WINNER: Melissa Brockett of Utah

ANSWER: "With You", by Chris Brown

June 2

SPONSOR: Jennifer Griffith

PRIZE: Delicious Conversation (LDS romance, an adaptation of Jane Austen's Persuasion, set in a chocolate shop in Salt Lake City), by Jennifer Griffith

QUESTION: Name at least 5 kinds of candy I ate at the last writers' conference I attended AND share YOUR favorite candy. (HINT: Read the April 20, 2011 post. Click on April under the Blog Archive in the right hand sidebar.)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://cottoncandy4thesoul.blogspot.com/

OPEN TO USA ENTRIES ONLY

WINNER: Crystal Dotson of West Virginia.

Answer: Peanut brittle bar, a box of Good 'n Plenty, some Hot Tamales, a handful of mini-Mr. Goodbars, a few Hershey's Kisses, Starlight Mints, some Dr. Pepper (accidentally), and a bunch of mint flavored Three Musketeers

June 3

SPONSOR: Peggy Urry

PRIZE: Choice of book: Villette by Charlotte Bronte (romance, paperback); Airframe by Michael Crichton (thriller, paperback); The Body Farm by Patricia Cornwell (contemporary crime, paperback); OR The Mist of Quarry Harbor by Liz Adair (LDS romantic fiction, paperback); AND choice of Jelly Belly Gel Case for iPhone 3G/3GS or Jelly Belly Strawberry Cheesecake Gel Case for iPod Touch.

QUESTION: What is the name of my Work In Progress (WIP)? (Hint: It's the title of my March 12, 2011 post. Click on “March” under Blog Archive in the right hand sidebar.)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://peggyurry.blogspot.com/

OPEN TO USA/CANADA ONLY

WINNER: Judy Cox of Louisiana

ANSWER: Bound

June 4

SPONSOR: Danielle Thorne

PRIZE: Josette (sweet Regency romance, E-book) AND Southern Girl, Yankee Roots (poetry), both by Danielle Thorne

QUESTION: Danielle supports what wildlife conservancy organization? (HINT: See right hand column of website)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.daniellethorne.com

OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES

WINNER: Rachel Rossano of Connecticut

ANSWER: The Sea Turtle Conservancy

June 5

SPONSOR: Bonnie Harris

PRIZE: Mary Kay Microdermabrasion Set

QUESTION: What are the names of my two WIPs? (HINT: Scroll to the bottom of the blog and click on “Work in Progress” under Labels)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http:// www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com

OPEN TO USA/CANADA

WINNER: Taffy Lovell of Utah

ANSWER: Encoded Secrets and Black Orchids

June 6

SPONSOR: Susan Kaye Quinn

PRIZE: Autographed copy of Life, Liberty, and Pursuit (YA love story), by Susan Kaye Quinn

QUESTION: How many days do David and Eliza have on the cruise together, before they’re forced to go their separate ways? (HINT: Click on the “About Me and My Books” tab and read the blurb for Life, Liberty, and Pursuit)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://ink-spells.blogspot.com

OPEN TO USA ENTRIES ONLY

WINNER: LuAnn Morgan of Washington

ANSWER: Four

June 7:

SPONSOR: Anne Bradshaw

PRIZE: True Miracles with Genealogy: Help from Beyond the Veil (non-fiction), by Anne Bradshaw – 1 print and 1 eBook – Print copy can be autographed. (Yes, there will be TWO winners drawn for this prize)

QUESTION: Which TV station interviewed Anne? (HINT: Answer is a short way down the middle column.)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://truemiracleswithgenealogy.com

OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES; PLEASE NOTE YOUR PREFERENCE FOR PRINT OR EBOOK, ALTHOUGH I CAN’T GUARANTEE YOU WILL WIN YOUR PREFERENCE.

WINNER: Dee Bibb from Mississippi and Cynthia Peck from Arizona

ANSWER: KCSG

June 8

SPONSOR: Cheri Schmidit

PRIZE: Autographed copy of Fateful (YA paranormal romance), by Cheri Schmidt

QUESTION: Who is the prince of darkness? (HINT: Click on “April” under Blog Archive in the left hand sidebar and read the April 12, 2011 post)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://cherischmidt.blogspot.com/

OPEN TO USA ONLY

WINNER: Kristen Tucker of Arizona

ANSWER: Lucas

June 9

SPONSOR: Mary Fremont Schoenecker

PRIZE: Moonglade (a sweet cozy mystery, Book Two in the Maine Shore Chronicles series), by Mary Fremont Schoenecker The prize is an autographed First Edition hard cover print book.

QUESTION: What special skill does character Tante Margaret use that puts her in danger during Remi's murder investigation? (HINT: Click on the “About Her Books” tab and read the Publisher’s Weekly Review.

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.maryschoenecker.com

OPEN TO USA/CANADA

WINNER: Monica Knoll of New York

ANSWER: Tante Margaret is clairvoyant

June 10

SPONSOR: Shaunna Gonzales

PRIZE: FREE edit and/or critique of first 50 pages

QUESTION: What do his lips taste like? (Hint: click on “Sizzling Kiss” under Post Subjects in the left hand sidebar)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.shaunnagonzales.blogspot.com

OPEN TO USA/CANADA

WINNER: Nicole Zoltack of Pennsylvania

ANSWER: : gingerbread and milk

June 11

SPONSOR: Donna Hatch

PRIZE: The Stranger She Married (Regency romance), by Donna Hatch

QUESTION: What poses the greatest danger to Alicia’s heart? (HINT: Scroll down underneath the book cover of The Stranger She Married, and read the paragraph directly below.

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.donnahatch.net/bookshelf.htm

OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES FOR E-BOOK VERSION; US/CANADA FOR PRINT BOOK OR PAPEBACK VERSION

WINNER: Amy Wheelwright of Washington

ANSWER: learning to love the stranger she married

June 12

SPONSOR: Cindy R. Williams & Planet Play Productions, LLC.

PRIZE: Award winning glossy cover children’s snuggle, giggle picture book, Chase McKay Didn’t Get Up Today, signed by the author and the real Chase McKay.

QUESTION: What is the name of the dragon in the upcoming fantasy, Thundertail’s Tale: The Legend? (HINT: click on the Blog tab)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.cindyRwilliams.com

OPEN TO USA/CANADA

WINNER: Andrea Melton of Kentucky

ANSWER: Sparkin

June 13

SPONSOR: Larry Hammersley

PRIZE: Motorcycle Woman (sweet contemporary romance, E-book), by Larry Hammersley

QUESTION: What kind of motorcycle does Tess, the motorcycle woman, ride? (HINT: Read the blog post “Motorcycle Woman from Red Rose Publishing”, May 5, 2011)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://larryhammersley.blogspot.com/

OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES

WINNER: Shannon Johnson of Illinois

ANSWER: Harley Davidson Sportster

June 14

SPONSOR: Cheryl Cory

PRIZE: Autographed copy of Must've Done Something Good (romantic comedy), by Cheryl Cory

QUESTION: What is Sylvie's all-time favorite movie? (HINT: Click on the "Info" link in the left-hand column)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.facebook.com/MustveDoneSomethingGood

OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES

WINNER: Tarrah Montgomery of Arizona

ANSWER: The Sound of Music

June 15

SPONSOR: Valerie Ipson

PRIZE: $15 Gift Certificate for Vinyl Lettering (http://vinylsignsanddesigns.blogspot.com)

QUESTION: What is Valerie's writing goal for 2011? (HINT: Look in the right hand sidebar)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http:// valerieipson.blogspot.com

OPEN TO USA

WINNER:Kristen Tucker of Arizona

ANSWER: To pitch the book

June 16

SPONSOR: Rachel Rager

PRIZE: Wednesday Romances - romance (obviously), ebook, by Rachel Rager. This is a compaliation of three different love stories, A Season for Love, The Tiger Unleashed, and The Feather Kiss. (All sweet romances)

QUESTION: Every week I have post a new chapter of a book on my blog. What are these posts called? (Hint: These posts are featured every Wednesday.)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://rachelrager.blogspot.com

OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES

WINNER: Susan Arroyo

ANSWER: Wednesday Romances

June 17

SPONSOR: Danyelle Ferguson

PRIZE: Autograhed copy of (dis)Abilities and the Gospel: How to Bring People with Special Needs Closer to Christ (non-fiction/self-help) by Danyelle Ferguson & Lynn Parsons, M.S.)

non-fiction/self-help, autographed book

QUESTION: What is the name of the non-profit Danyelle co-founded? (HINT: Check out Danyelle's author bio)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.danyelleferguson.com/

OPEN TO USA ENTRIES ONLY

WINNER: Amber Nielson of Vermont

ANSWER: Friends of GIANT Steps

June 18

SPONSOR: Teresa Thomas Bohannon

PRIZE: A Very Merry Chase (Regency Romance novel), by Teresa Thomas Bohannon. AND a $5 Amazon gift certificate. Winner's Choice: PDF with personalized dedication, or Ebook format for Kindle or Epub format for Nook. (HINT: Read “A Very Merry Chase Excerpt” under “A Very Merry Chase” in the right hand sidebar)

QUESTION: What did Lady Bethany do and why?

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.ladysilk.net

OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES

WINNER: Gayle Humpherys of Texas

ANSWER: Lady Bethany, shocked absolutely to the core of her gentle soul, could take no more and swooned dead away...because Sabrina slapped the highwayman and cursed.

June 19

SPONSOR: Diane Daniels

PRIZE: Autographed copy of Over the Moon (YA fantasy romance, print copy), by Diane Daniels

QUESTION: Who is Andrew's evil x-girlfriend, Sonya, named after? (HINT: Read the May 14, 2011 blog entry)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.overthemoonseries.com/

OPEN TO USA

WINNER: Megan Swanson of California

ANSWER: "Sonya is named after my wicked orange cat who died last summer."

June 20

SPONSOR: Margaret Larsen Turley

PRIZE: critique for up to 5000 words

QUESTION: Margaret Larsen Turley is administrator for ______________________________ group. They hold fund-raising events for Cancer Research. (HINT: You’ll find the answer in one of her website tabs)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://margaretlarsen.com/

OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES/ENGLISH LANGUAGE ONLY

WINNER: Rachel Rossano of Connecticut

ANSWER: Writers Unite to Fight Cancer

June 21

SPONSOR: Anna Arnett

PRIZE: Autographed copy of Lolly's Yarn: a memoir (older YA to adult), by Anna Arnett, with a hand-crocheted bookmark

QUESTION: What was the verdict regarding Anna's radar photo speeding ticket? (HINT: Click on the Blogs tab and read “I Fought the Law and Guess Who Won?”

WEBSITE/BLOG: htt:www.annaarnett.com

OPEN TO

USA

WINNER: Debbie Roberts of Pennsylvania

ANSWER: No definition of "reasonable and prudent" or "Case dismissed," or "You may go now."

June 22

SPONSOR: Joyce DiPastena

PRIZE: Autographed copy of Loyalty’s Web (sweet medieval romance), by Joyce DiPastena

QUESTION: How do people win Joyce’s “Light Bulb Award”? (HINT: Answer is found in the right hand column of the blog)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://jdp-news.blogspot.com

OPEN TO USA

WINNER: Barbara Hightower of South Carolina

ANSWER: By helping her solve a particularly knotty problem with her WIP

June 23

SPONSOR: C. Michelle Jefferies

PRIZE: 52 page hand-sewn weekly planner, with ribbon bookmark.

QUESTION: What rank is Michelle in martial arts? (HINT: Look in right hand sidebar under “MY TANG SOO DO PROGRESS”)

WEBSITE/BLOG: HTTP://cmichellejefferies.blogspot.com

OPEN TO USA/CANADA

WINNER: Jennifer Hernandez of North Carolina

ANSWER: Red belt

June 24

SPONSOR: Valerie J. Steimle

PRIZE: Choice of two books: Home Is Where The Learning Is (homeschool how-to book, non-fiction; autographed print copy) OR Dogs, Blogs and Hobbits: Writings from a Widows Perspective --(non-fiction articles about everything from being single and single moms to inspirational stories; autographed print copy), both by Valerie J. Steimle

QUESTION: How many children does Valerie have? (HINT: Look in the right hand column in "About Me")

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://valeriesteimle.blogspot.com/

http://www.strengthenyourhome.com

OPEN TO USA/CANADA

WINNER: Amy Lopez of Arizona

ANSWER: nine

June 25

SPONSOR: Karen Adair

PRIZE: Crocheted Book Tote with matching cell phone case.

QUESTION: What commenter recently called me (Karen) "The Queen of Sugar Land?" (HINT: Select “January 2011” under Archives and read the COMMENTS on Karen’s January 6, 2011 post on “The 20 Minute Sprint”)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.kbadair.com

OPEN TO USA

WINNER: Sheila Heather Martinez of California

ANSWER: Shannon Hale

June 26

SPONSOR: Jaimey Grant (www.jaimeygrant.com) and/or Treasure Line Books & Publishing (www.treasurelinebooks.com)

PRIZE: Winner's choice of 1 of 5 Regency romance eBooks by Jaimey Grant (Honor, Betrayal, Deception, Spellbound, or Redemption. Please note: Honor contains some marital "heat".)

QUESTION: Which of Jaimey's previously self-published titles has recently been picked up by a publisher? (HINT: Click the "Purchasing Options" tab)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http:// www.jaimeygrant.com

OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES

WINNER: Dara Roberts of Pennsylvania

ANSWER: Heartless

June 27

SPONSOR: Heidi Murphy

PRIZE: Autographed copy of Small Deceptions (sweet Regency/Georgian romance), by H. Linn Murphy

QUESTION: In what country is the bridge found over which 'we' were fighting? (HINT: Find “Blog Archive” in the right hand sidebar, click on April and read the post titled: “The Far Bridge”)

WEBSITE/BLOG: www.murph4slaw.blogspot.com

OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES

WINNER: Brenda Child of Utah

ANSWER: France

June 28

SPONSOR: Kenneth Rosenberg

PRIZE: One e-book copy of my new romantic comedy, Sweet Ophelia and the Tinseltown Blues, any format

QUESTION: What instrument does the character Warren August play? (HINT: Click on the cover image for Sweet Ophelia and the Tinseltown Blues. Read the first few paragraphs of the excerpt.)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http:// www.kennethrosenberg.com

OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES

WINNER: Susan G. Haws of Arizona

ANSWER: Saxophone

June 29

SPONSOR: Michael Young

PRIZE: Autographed copy of The Last Archangel (YA Urban Fantasy, print copy - Release date July 14th)

QUESTION: What is the name of the fallen angel who is the main character in "The Last Archangel"? (HINT: Click on the Reviews tab. Frank Cole thinks this character “rocks!”

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://thelastarchangel.weebly.com

OPEN TO USA/CANADA

WINNER: Marie Kacerosky of Florida

ANSWER: Xandir

June 30

SPONSOR: Joan Sowards

PRIZE: The Star Prophecy: a Book of Mormon Adventure (LDS novel), by Joan Sowards

QUESTION: Why do Enoch and his friends sail to Jerusalem? (HINT: Read the blurb under The Star Prophecy book cover in the right hand column of the blog)

WEBSITE/BLOG: http://joansowards.blogspot.com

OPEN TO USA

WINNER: Jessica Tidd of California

ANSWER: To find the Christ child

A Memorial Day Reminder

2011-05-28T07:50:00.000-07:00

As this past Monday was Memorial Day, we are reminded of the sacrifices of those who came before us. We are reminded of what our true liberties are and that we are free to take care of our families, live in our own home, work at a place of employment without harm and participate in leisure activities. Americans are resourceful and resilient.

Reading The Declaration of Independence reminds me of how the earlier delegates of our nation felt about true liberty. One of the world’s best-known statements from this declaration stated that “all men are created equal… endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” We need to remember the words of our forefathers and respect and revere those military people who fought to defend it.

Reports of our rights being stripped away a little at a time over the last few years is devastating because slowly but surely there will be little left of our great country. When all is said and done, the privileges we have been enjoying in the past will be gone, true liberty will no longer exist and our Happiness will be gone forever.

From one of our ecclesiastical leaders in the past, David O. McKay said: “True liberty in individuals consist of the enjoying of every right that will contribute to one’s peace and happiness, so long as the exercise of such a privilege does not interfere with the same privilege in others. It consists not in doing what one likes to do but in doing what one ought to do. It is the right of each individual to be master of his own time and actions consistent with fairness and justice to his fellow men and with harmony with the laws of God. It is freedom of choice, a divine gift, and an essential virtue in a peaceful society.”

The fight to keep our liberties is a strong one and those who gave their life so we can live ours should be remembered. We have to be vigilant in watching what national leaders’ intend to do with our freedoms. We need to watch what bills are passed. We need to make our voice known to Congress that we will not accept any laws passed which are unconstitutional and take our liberties away. This is what we ought to do.

We have so much to fight for living in this free nation. We owe it to those who came before us. Just as Thomas Jefferson wrote in his closing statement of our Declaration, I leave you these words: “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” Remember these words and those who fought for them.

Down to one child for a week!!!!

2011-05-10T15:39:00.000-07:00

Wow....it is so weird. Henry--our youngest---is the only one home for a whole week. In one month's time, Eliot left for the MTC, Caleb and Lydia drove to Mesa, Arizona to help their oldest sister for a month, and Moses unexpectedly went to Disney World with a church friend and his parents.

It's just Jim, Henry and me and we are learning what it is like to have empty nest syndrome. It's very quiet at home with only one. He plays with his neighborhood friends most of the time. We eat dinner together and maybe watch a movie in the evening but all and all it is very different.

By Friday, Moses will be back and then we will have Lydia with us after Girls' Camp in June. Not many dishes to do. Not much cleaning in the bathroom either. Very interesting.

Eliot is in the MTC

2011-05-01T06:32:00.000-07:00

Eliot left home on April 18th to fly to Salt Lake City and entered the Missionary Training Center on April 20th. He has been there a full week now and is allowed to email me once a week. He also has been writing letters for snail mail which is nice. He is having an incredible experience there in learning a completely new language so foreign to English. Albanian is a very difficult language to learn but he is already speaking simple sentences. Here is a blurb from his first email on an experience he had plus other things:

"Oh yea, an APOSTLE was here yesterday. My companion and a couple other elders from my district joined the choir so we were able to sing for him. we were all singing the opening prayer and then he walked in and everyone stood up super fast. it was very amazing that Elder Dallan H. Oaks could come to speak with us and we had an awesome district discussion afterwards. We are hoping to see at least 6 more while we are here.

My last day at Bobby's I just sat and listened to Grandpa's stories for about 3 or 4 hours. That was very cool and i could tell he enjoyed spending the time with me. If you could mail me their address that would be very cool. also give my love and gratitude to everyone at church and please have them dear elder me and write me letters. getting letters is a super awesome feeling and its always cool to get them."

For those who don't know, in our world wide Church there are 12 men chosen to be Apostles like the church of old when Christ was on the earth. Eliot sang for one of those Apostles which is very exciting for him.

I'm sure we will hear more interesting stories.

Book Review: Haunts Haven by Joan Sowards

2011-04-22T18:29:00.000-07:00

Callie Wilford inherited a century-old inn in southern Arizona. She didn't believe in ghosts although many of the town people told her about the ghost who guards the inn. She is determined to turn her inheritance into a bed and breakfast no matter what she comes up against. Callie meets a handsome cowboy and a charming rancher and now her heart is in trouble. Which man will she choose?

Haunts Haven is a great story to just curl up on the couch and get away from the world. A ghost story that is not scary but has twists and turns with a few surprises. Joan Sowards is a great story teller and I enjoyed this book tremendously. A mystery, romance I didn't want to put down.

To buy Haunts Haven see:

http://www.amazon.com/Haunts-Haven-Joan-Sowards/dp/1935217313/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1303522668&sr=8-1

Curse of the Elfs by Anna del C. Dye

2011-04-12T18:48:00.000-07:00

Another wonderful book has come from the presses. It is called Curse of the Elfs by Anna del C. Dye

The story goes: When an Immortal race ceases to be immortal woe to the land.

Their only hope lies in a servant of kings who must learn to love the elfs before he will attempt to save them. But no one, elf or mankind, has ever heard of this man. Can the healer be found before their race is gone forever?

Ancient legend tells of elfs crossing paths with a dying wizard named Zoltan. The Old Sorcerer’s unrepentant deeds had caused the wizarding school to chastise him severely. On his deathbed Zoltan asked the elfs for help. Losing patience in his delirium, he cursed them. Now, the immortal elfin race is slowly, but surely dying.

Anna del C. Dye was born in Valparaiso, Chile, amongst some of the world’s most famous beaches. After meeting Rodney, a native of Idaho, in her hometown, Anna traveled to Utah on Christmas Eve and married him two weeks later. Their love story, Why Him? was published by Covenant in the book entitled Tender Mercies. Anna and Rodney reside in Taylorsville, Utah and are the parents of three princes and a princess.

Anna is an accomplished, multi-award winning author. One of her short stories entitled Amerine—Fairy Princess won an award in the Oquirrh Writers contest. The first book in her new YA Romance Series entitled “A Kingdom By The Sea” also won an award. Anna’s works also include The Silent Warrior Trilogy, the beginning saga of her YA Elf Series.

For more information contact Anna at www.annadelc.com.

Here is an interview of Anna and her writing:

Anna long have you been writing and why did you started?

About seven years ago I started because my husband wanted to live to the ripe age of fifty. He thought my imagination would be the end of his days. He actually ordered me to. He is awesome.

What are your books titled?

In the order they were published, they are:

The Silent Warrior Trilogy

Book 1 - The Elf and the Princess

Book 2 - Trouble in the Elf City

Book 3 - Elfs in a conquered Realm

and now:

Curse of the Elfs

Do you write your book from beginning to end, or start with the end or in the middle? Why?

The Trilogy I started in the front. Curse of the Elfs came to me in the middle, then it took form toward the front and the back. I am not sure why… it just happened.

Was there a particular person or event that inspired you to write this story?

The last movie of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. I wanted to know more about the character’s lives and couldn’t find enough. My husband said, “Why don’t you write your own.” I answered, “Yah right!” But his answer haunted me and in three days I had the draft of The Elf and the Princess in my mind. When I told him the story he came back with a laptop and told me to write it. The rest is history.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Never give up!!! Join a writer's chapter close to you right now, and learn the craft from them.

Anna, do you write with music playing? If so, is the music likely to be songs with lyrics or only instrumentals?

I do have music on, though I love quietness. I have my favorite tunes in the computer where I write. Lots of them have lyric a few don’t.

What is the coolest thing about being an author?

Meeting great people and other authors.

What would you say is the most challenging part about being an author?

Spending hours promoting my books while I would like to be writing another.

Do you have a particular goal you aim to achieve with your writing?

To take people to a wonderful world where they can forget reality’s cold hand and safely enjoy fantasy. Life is tough and we need something to help us make it more fun and worth living. Fantasy is the way I choose to do it.

You once told me that English was your second language. What sort of challenges did you meet in trying to write your books, if any?

Not many really. I write and my editor has to figure out what I am trying to say. (If I can't figure how a word goes in English, I put it in Spanish...he speaks Spanish very well.) We have a lot of fun when we edit the books; because of my English mess ups.

If you could give your book to only one person, who would it be and why?

A teenager in trouble...

In the hope that he/she could discover the power they have deep inside to change and become better. I want them to see that nothing is impossible if we put our minds to it.

Can you share with your fans how can you describe so well your battle scenes and the sword's playing action?

We found a medieval sword fighting class at the local high school and my husband and I took it. My husband liked it so much he has taken it for a few years now and has even earned two different belts with the clan.

Where can we purchase a copy of your books?

www.amazon.com

www.barnesandnoble.com

www.annadelc.com

Thank you for this opportunity to visit with you and your friends.

A link for a book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UmwuqT8gMU

Finding Family History in Cousins

2011-03-17T20:36:00.000-07:00

I have had an exciting week. I have been communicating with some cousins that found me online. Cousins I didn't even know I had.
This picture is the culmination of a large group of Basheins that immigrated to the United States in early 20th century from Russia. This photo commemorated my Great-Grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary. They are seated in the middle of the second row with their youngest (Hyman) between them. It was a year before my father was born and he is 85 years old.

Come to find out there are two other branches that are alive and well of the Bashein clan and we are exchanging photos and stories we heard as children. It is so interesting. The last living person from this photo is the first little girl on the right, in the front row. Helen Schechter born in December 23, 1914. I'm told she is almost completely blind but she is still active and remembers family members from this photo. She married Harry Gurdus and had children. Not sure how many but her son, Mitchell keeps us informed.

I am so very blessed to have such a wonderful family. The pictures keep rolling in and we are growing in numbers in our online google group.

The 312 Word Big Birthday Bash!!!

2011-03-12T07:27:00.000-08:00

Title: Deer Creek

Genre: Mystery/Romance--Women's Fiction

Status: Work in Progress (first 100 pages)

Author: Valerie J. Steimle

Wyatt Litchfield, Mason Dutton, Jake Asher, Landon Spacks, and Blake Cassin stayed together through thick and think. These five boys were always best buddies from elementary school through high school and now college.

They rode horses together, skied together and dated girls together. One day, much to the surprise of their parents’, Mason Dutton announced to the group that it was important for them to learn how to scuba dive. It was a skill not easily mastered in their area of Southern Utah. There were no great bodies of water nearby unless you count Lake Powell which was over a hundred miles away. But Mason got the scuba diving bug and the others followed suit. All five boys found themselves swimming in a pool with diving masks and breathing apparatus.

For a year, the fearless five devoted themselves to learning how to dive so it wasn’t much of a surprise when Wyatt’s father asked the boys a favor.

Jerry Litchfield and Edgar Kauffman were real estate buddies. They shared an office and did very well in the Deer Creek area of the Southern Utah Mountains. There were lots of vacation areas which became popular during the 90’s when many area residents had more money to spend and bought vacation homes to alleviate the hot, dry summers of the valley. Jerry and Edgar also treasure hunted on the side as a hobby. They heard the stories of the Montezuma treasure buried somewhere around the area but no one could find it. They studied the markers left on rock walls and traveled all over the area to find any clue they could. They became well versed with the treasure hunting lingo and kept notes so they could study what they found.

One hunting adventure took the pair to a place through a cave. Not unusual as most of the places they searched were caves,