It has been said that when one enters a room, even if they just walk through, that they take something to that room and they leave something there...a thought or a feeling. Something tangible is left in that room. Think of it...when someone walks through a room if there is anyone there, they will see them and have a recollection of them being there. They may even have some thoughts as I have hade at times..."Oh, it's good to see them." or "I need to talk to them before I leave today." "How good to see them well again and here." The person walking through will have a recollection of being there and who and what they saw and their feelings of the occasion. How amazing that such a simple act can leave such profound evidence of the occasion.
Yes, when you go into a room or when you leave it there is almost always evidence that you were there. Criminal courts count on that and search for that critical forensic evidence that will convict perpertrators of their crime.
A teacher once said, "You must be so careful what you do and say around children because you never know which moment will be the moment they will choose to remember and how it will affect them." There is much evidence that a good teacher has so much influence on those they spend that critical time with as children learn and grow. How we hope that every teacher is aware of the great responsibility to influence children for good. They must leave no question about their integrity and virtue. When they walk in the room there should be confidence that all is well. The same certainly applies for parents. What an awesome responsibility to know that those moments you spend with your children are so vital.
When we go to pray, read the scriptures or go to church meetings aren't we supplying evidence to Heavenly Father that we want to do what is right, that we intend to follow Him and Jesus Christ our Savior? On the other hand if we ignore these important things in our lives aren't we telling Heavenly Father that He and His desires don't really matter to us? We know that when we do something for our fellowmen that we are in reality serving our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. In light of the way evidence frees or convicts us...we need to work at having it speak good for us. What evidence will speak out for us at the end of our lives? Will we leave enough evidence of the good we did that it will speak well for us? That evidence will determine our eternal life.
Thje evidence keeps mounting that proves Joseph Smith to indeed be a prophet of God. Elder Russell M. Nelson in a recent talk said that in the church today we have people who are translating the Book of Mormon into other languages. Generally speaking they can translate a page a day from a known language to another known language. When Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon from an unknown language to a known language he did it in less that 90 days all 531 pages. During that time he had to move from New York to Pennsylvania because of the persecution . None of the intended interruptions to his work caused him to detour from the task. When you think of his resolve and his statement about not being able to deny his testimony, it becomes more apparent that he was chosen to restore the gospel to the earth in this dispensation. He knew he had seen the vision of the Father and the Son and he knew that God knew it and he dared not deny it. Joseph Smith was between 22 and 24 years of age. He only had three years of formal education. He included in the writings the history of two distinct and separate nations as he described the religious, economic, social and political cultures and institutions of those two nations. He wove into the history the religion of Jesus Christ and the pattern of Christian living. The first edition has stood with no changes in the text except for spelling of words. He announced to the world that this narrative was not fiction, but true, sacred history. Millions of great people, intellectual scholars, have subscribed discipleship to this record and its church..."The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints." Many other conditions are set forth in honoring Joseph Smith for being loyal and true to his beliefs, for bringing forth the restoration of the pure and simple truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ. During the same time of the translation he was writing information that would fill the Doctrine and Covenants of the inspiration and revelations he was receiving from Heavenly Father. Finally, after suffering persecution and revilement for nearly two decades after he finished the book he gave his life for his testimony that it was a true record from God, our Eternal Father. Just as the prophets of old he was unwavering in his calling as a prophet and fulfilled it in a glorious way. We worship Jesus Christ, as we honor our prophets for leading the way and providing us with great evidence to "follow Him".
As we look forward to hearing our prophet and apostles speak this weekend at general conference we pray that we will be in tune with them and have a desire to increase the evidence of our discipleship in the coming days. With love, Maurine Winters
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
September News...Balance
Recently I read a book my daughter brought over named "Oxygen". It was so fascinating in the first chapter as the author, Carol Cassella, who is an anesthesiologist, talks about her work. She discusses the work..."the precision and focus, it's balance of technical skill and clinical judgment, finessing the interplay of heart and lungs while the brain sleeps." The great technology that allows a surgeon to operate and correct a problem in our bodies without us having to feel the horrific pain is unbelieveable. The word balance struck a cord with me and as I read further it seemed to be a powerful word in not only describing her work, but also of the many balances in the human body and then all around us on this earth. As we realize the many blessings we enjoy in this earthly experience we realize more and more how much Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ do indeed live, love and care for us.
An example of health maintenance is involved with balance in our lives with emphasis on the physical, social, intellectual, emotional and the spiritual in order to live a completely healthy life. When one is emphasized over another or one is lacking or left out there is an unhealthy imbalance. Our growth and development as a well rounded individual is thwarted. Also, we are aware of the food groups that we need to balance in our eating habits so we can stay healthy and strong. It is so important that we have certain foods and plenty of water daily.
There is an appropriate balance of light and darkness so we can get the proper amount of sleep and activity as we work and play during the day and retire for our rest at night...that is except for the young who seem to have the two mixed up. The amount of rest and activity is a balance we need to maintain for our physical health. There are also many thoughts about how we need to balance work and play. A vacation from our work or usual activity is so important. The Lord has set the pattern for balance in our lives by giving us six days to labor and do our work, then the seventh for rest and time to worship and draw closer to Him. What a great blessing that is in helping us maintain the balance we need for a happy life.
People all over the earth balance the weather by what they wear. Closer to the poles heavy clothing with extra padding from head to toe make it possible to live there in colder climates. Near the equator there is little need for much clothing and because Heavenly Father has provided His own balance for us there are extreme amounts of foliage to help keep the earth at a livable temperature. Our bodies also adjust to the conditions where we live. Someone who has grown up in either climate have adjusted to that climate and find it difficult to move to the extreme opposite.
Last Sunday I listened to a tape of John Lund, a popular LDS speaker who talked about communication. He was talking to young marrieds and said that we come from unique and diverse family backgrounds and when we marry it is often difficult to find our verbal common ground. He said some families don't verbalize as much as others and in fact some just drop hints and it is difficult to determine just what it is they are really saying or wanting. He was quite humorous in his approach...but he told how men are usually happy with not much communication whereas women like to verbalize their thoughts and feelings. Therefore, women have more women friends who they communicate with far more often than men have men friends who they visit with on any subject. I thought about how that communication balances our social life. How I love my women friends and how I enjoy visiting with them and exchanging information about our lives, our children, etc. This past month I took a trip to Atlanta, Georgia with my daughter Mindi. We had such a good time together and while visiting friends there, I was able to visit a wonderful friend, Dr. Lane Price, who has given me the opportunity to communicate so many thoughts and ideas. What a restful and delightful visit we had from our usual pattern of life. Yes, having good friends brings great balance to my life.
What about marriage? Isn't it just about the best balancing act there is. When you put a man and a women together it is so interesting how many things that are "men things" or "women things". I remember reading one time how man and woman don't need to be incompatible...especially if he has income and she is pattable. There was more to that little essay about how he wants the windows open and she wants them closed, he pushes the toothpaste from the bottom of the tube and she squeezes it from the top. Several little truisms were included in that article...I'm sure you have your own set of differences...but most of them are just little things that really don't mean much in the balance of a wonderful marriage. Since there should be a man and a woman in a marriage and knowing Heavenly Father's teachings on this subject...I think there is such wisdom in having parents...one man and one woman. A child gets a balance of ideas and habits that affect his life for good. Men are usually stronger physically and can more readily take on the role of being the protector. Women are usually more emotional and have a softer side and can provide more understanding for the youth in the home.
You may have heard the saying.."It's not what you gather, but what you scatter in this life" . I'm sure that one important balance is to gather good and then scatter it wherever and whenever we can. There are no doubt many other examples of the balance needed in order to make our world go around smoothly. The ones we can do something about and have control over are the ones mentioned above. I pray that we can all keep a healthy balance in our lives so we will be happy, productive, and ready to meet the Savior when this life is over for us.
With love, Maurine Winters
An example of health maintenance is involved with balance in our lives with emphasis on the physical, social, intellectual, emotional and the spiritual in order to live a completely healthy life. When one is emphasized over another or one is lacking or left out there is an unhealthy imbalance. Our growth and development as a well rounded individual is thwarted. Also, we are aware of the food groups that we need to balance in our eating habits so we can stay healthy and strong. It is so important that we have certain foods and plenty of water daily.
There is an appropriate balance of light and darkness so we can get the proper amount of sleep and activity as we work and play during the day and retire for our rest at night...that is except for the young who seem to have the two mixed up. The amount of rest and activity is a balance we need to maintain for our physical health. There are also many thoughts about how we need to balance work and play. A vacation from our work or usual activity is so important. The Lord has set the pattern for balance in our lives by giving us six days to labor and do our work, then the seventh for rest and time to worship and draw closer to Him. What a great blessing that is in helping us maintain the balance we need for a happy life.
People all over the earth balance the weather by what they wear. Closer to the poles heavy clothing with extra padding from head to toe make it possible to live there in colder climates. Near the equator there is little need for much clothing and because Heavenly Father has provided His own balance for us there are extreme amounts of foliage to help keep the earth at a livable temperature. Our bodies also adjust to the conditions where we live. Someone who has grown up in either climate have adjusted to that climate and find it difficult to move to the extreme opposite.
Last Sunday I listened to a tape of John Lund, a popular LDS speaker who talked about communication. He was talking to young marrieds and said that we come from unique and diverse family backgrounds and when we marry it is often difficult to find our verbal common ground. He said some families don't verbalize as much as others and in fact some just drop hints and it is difficult to determine just what it is they are really saying or wanting. He was quite humorous in his approach...but he told how men are usually happy with not much communication whereas women like to verbalize their thoughts and feelings. Therefore, women have more women friends who they communicate with far more often than men have men friends who they visit with on any subject. I thought about how that communication balances our social life. How I love my women friends and how I enjoy visiting with them and exchanging information about our lives, our children, etc. This past month I took a trip to Atlanta, Georgia with my daughter Mindi. We had such a good time together and while visiting friends there, I was able to visit a wonderful friend, Dr. Lane Price, who has given me the opportunity to communicate so many thoughts and ideas. What a restful and delightful visit we had from our usual pattern of life. Yes, having good friends brings great balance to my life.
What about marriage? Isn't it just about the best balancing act there is. When you put a man and a women together it is so interesting how many things that are "men things" or "women things". I remember reading one time how man and woman don't need to be incompatible...especially if he has income and she is pattable. There was more to that little essay about how he wants the windows open and she wants them closed, he pushes the toothpaste from the bottom of the tube and she squeezes it from the top. Several little truisms were included in that article...I'm sure you have your own set of differences...but most of them are just little things that really don't mean much in the balance of a wonderful marriage. Since there should be a man and a woman in a marriage and knowing Heavenly Father's teachings on this subject...I think there is such wisdom in having parents...one man and one woman. A child gets a balance of ideas and habits that affect his life for good. Men are usually stronger physically and can more readily take on the role of being the protector. Women are usually more emotional and have a softer side and can provide more understanding for the youth in the home.
You may have heard the saying.."It's not what you gather, but what you scatter in this life" . I'm sure that one important balance is to gather good and then scatter it wherever and whenever we can. There are no doubt many other examples of the balance needed in order to make our world go around smoothly. The ones we can do something about and have control over are the ones mentioned above. I pray that we can all keep a healthy balance in our lives so we will be happy, productive, and ready to meet the Savior when this life is over for us.
With love, Maurine Winters
Saturday, August 1, 2009
August Newsletter....2009
PRIDE VS HUMILITY....
Every now and then I get feeling pretty proud of what I've accomplished with some little thing or another then something else happens to bring me back to earth quickly and remind me that for everything that has happened in my life for the good I have had a lot of help, but I can only blame myself for those things where I've fallen short and not done so great. I find that when I'm proud of others for their accomplishments or when my heart is filled with humility and gratitude for the things I have been able to do with the help of Heavenly Father and those family members and friends around me, I feel the greatest satisfaction.
I've learned that being prideful often leads to being judgmental...a trait that we certainly don't want to fall into the trap of. At times we feel that we are doing pretty good, we are doing our daily activities with success, we feel that we are a contributing member of society and doing some good. If we are reading the scriptures, praying, attending our church meetings, etc., we have a feeling of well being and that all is going well. When we start feeling that we are just a notch above another, we need to think again. I remember my Dad saying, "There is so much good in the worst of us, and so much bad in the best of us, that it doesn't behoove any of us to criticize the rest of us." We need to be so careful not to let pride creep into our minds and become judgmental.
Several years ago we had invited a friend to have the missionary lessons. At that time there were stake missionaries and holding that calling two older men came over to our home to teach this friend about the gospel. One of the men was so humble and sweet that his demeanor touched both my husband and I and the friend. This man was teaching a certain principle of the gospel and I thought was doing a fine job, but he stopped and said something like this, "Im sorry I want my companion to explain this , he does so much better than I, it's so important that you understand and I do mainly because of his teachings to me." At the end of the lesson this man bore the most beautiful testimony of the gospel and how important it was in his life that I will never forget the feelings we had at that meeting. The spirit was strong because of a humble servant of the Lord.
On our recent trip to the Holy Land we had a good man, one of the leaders of the group, who was so knowledgable and taught us so much and who had just such a humble nature. I don't know how one cultivates that ability, it must be one of those personality traits that are a part of the makeup a person is born with. At any rate, we learned so much from this man and I continue to learn as I visit his web site. He has a collection of much of the work he has done as a researcher for the church on his web site. It includes much of the ancient records and writings that were sifted through when the Bible was first written. When the decision was made what to include in it, there were many writings left out. I can see why as I read them, many of them are wordy and difficult to read, however some are amazing. I was thrilled to read two of the ancient books about Mary's passing. They tell of the time Mary, mother of Jesus, passed away, and of the miracles surrounding that time. You can read the "passing of Mary" in the web site: www.bhporter.com
It is found by clicking on the extra biblical teachings, then under the apocrypha section, scroll down to the acts section, then to the "passing of Mary" book. I didn't start out planning to put this information in the newsletter, but thinking of the humble nature of the man who shared this information with us, it has followed to pass it along.
There are numerous scriptures telling us about humility and pride. One covers both: Matthew
23:12, "And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that is humble himself shall be exalted." There is a beautiful song in our hymn book that deals with the subject. "Be thou humble in they weakness and the Lord thy God shall lead thee, shall lead thee by the hand and give thee answers to thy prayers. Be thou humble in thy pleading and the Lord, thy God shall bless thee, shall bless thee with a sweet and calm assurance that he cares."
As we associate with those around us, it is interesting the personality traits of individuals. When we are in the company of someone who is humble and sweet in nature, they bring a peace and a comfort which radiates the atmosphere while you are with them. While you are ready to end the conversation with a prideful person and escape, you are attracted to stay and hesitant to end the conversation when in the company of the humble. Can we cultivate an attitude of humility and avoid the trappings of being prideful? Let's try to invite those traits into our personality this month as we focus on being more humble and less prideful. With love, Maurine Winters
Every now and then I get feeling pretty proud of what I've accomplished with some little thing or another then something else happens to bring me back to earth quickly and remind me that for everything that has happened in my life for the good I have had a lot of help, but I can only blame myself for those things where I've fallen short and not done so great. I find that when I'm proud of others for their accomplishments or when my heart is filled with humility and gratitude for the things I have been able to do with the help of Heavenly Father and those family members and friends around me, I feel the greatest satisfaction.
I've learned that being prideful often leads to being judgmental...a trait that we certainly don't want to fall into the trap of. At times we feel that we are doing pretty good, we are doing our daily activities with success, we feel that we are a contributing member of society and doing some good. If we are reading the scriptures, praying, attending our church meetings, etc., we have a feeling of well being and that all is going well. When we start feeling that we are just a notch above another, we need to think again. I remember my Dad saying, "There is so much good in the worst of us, and so much bad in the best of us, that it doesn't behoove any of us to criticize the rest of us." We need to be so careful not to let pride creep into our minds and become judgmental.
Several years ago we had invited a friend to have the missionary lessons. At that time there were stake missionaries and holding that calling two older men came over to our home to teach this friend about the gospel. One of the men was so humble and sweet that his demeanor touched both my husband and I and the friend. This man was teaching a certain principle of the gospel and I thought was doing a fine job, but he stopped and said something like this, "Im sorry I want my companion to explain this , he does so much better than I, it's so important that you understand and I do mainly because of his teachings to me." At the end of the lesson this man bore the most beautiful testimony of the gospel and how important it was in his life that I will never forget the feelings we had at that meeting. The spirit was strong because of a humble servant of the Lord.
On our recent trip to the Holy Land we had a good man, one of the leaders of the group, who was so knowledgable and taught us so much and who had just such a humble nature. I don't know how one cultivates that ability, it must be one of those personality traits that are a part of the makeup a person is born with. At any rate, we learned so much from this man and I continue to learn as I visit his web site. He has a collection of much of the work he has done as a researcher for the church on his web site. It includes much of the ancient records and writings that were sifted through when the Bible was first written. When the decision was made what to include in it, there were many writings left out. I can see why as I read them, many of them are wordy and difficult to read, however some are amazing. I was thrilled to read two of the ancient books about Mary's passing. They tell of the time Mary, mother of Jesus, passed away, and of the miracles surrounding that time. You can read the "passing of Mary" in the web site: www.bhporter.com
It is found by clicking on the extra biblical teachings, then under the apocrypha section, scroll down to the acts section, then to the "passing of Mary" book. I didn't start out planning to put this information in the newsletter, but thinking of the humble nature of the man who shared this information with us, it has followed to pass it along.
There are numerous scriptures telling us about humility and pride. One covers both: Matthew
23:12, "And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that is humble himself shall be exalted." There is a beautiful song in our hymn book that deals with the subject. "Be thou humble in they weakness and the Lord thy God shall lead thee, shall lead thee by the hand and give thee answers to thy prayers. Be thou humble in thy pleading and the Lord, thy God shall bless thee, shall bless thee with a sweet and calm assurance that he cares."
As we associate with those around us, it is interesting the personality traits of individuals. When we are in the company of someone who is humble and sweet in nature, they bring a peace and a comfort which radiates the atmosphere while you are with them. While you are ready to end the conversation with a prideful person and escape, you are attracted to stay and hesitant to end the conversation when in the company of the humble. Can we cultivate an attitude of humility and avoid the trappings of being prideful? Let's try to invite those traits into our personality this month as we focus on being more humble and less prideful. With love, Maurine Winters
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
SIMPLIFY....JULY NEWSLETTER...2009
My sister, Janett Morrell, recently went to an estate sale for a woman who had passed away leaving everything to her brother and his wife. As she visited with them and saw the huge amount of things available for the buyers, she understood their dilemna with what to do with all of the material possessions this woman had left for them to go through and decide what to do with. They had a shed, a garage and numerous rooms in the house all filled to the maximum. How were they to dispose of it? Most of us have way too much stuff in our homes and the attached buildings and to leave them for another family member to deal with when they have all of this stuff in their own home is overwhelming.
Several years ago our oldest son was living next door to an elderly gentleman. When he passed away there were two nephews who came to dispose of the property. They brought a moving van and gathered the things of worth to them and packed them up to take back to California. The house was still full of stuff. Because of time limitations they asked our son to take the rest of the things to the city dump. They would pay him to clean it out, so they could put the house up for sale. He was a young married man and could use some of the things they were purposing he take to the dump. He told them he would do it for nothing if he could keep the things he could use. The deal was made and much of the furniture that was left was a great blessing to our son and family. However, I know that the things of most worth when he passed away were the feelings of love they had developed for him. They have talked of that friendship and their esteem for him many times since.
Above experiences and others I've had cause to remember, remind me that all we can take with us is what we have learned and what we have done, or in other words what we have in our mind and heart and how we have treated those around us. I've decided that if someone admires something I have...I will give it to them. If my children or grandchildren need something I will offer them mine...if they will take it...it's theirs. I have too much stuff and yes, some of it will be hard for me to give up because it has such sentimental value to me...my children or someone else will have to dispose of those things. Most of you readers are younger than I and there are things you would like to have as I did at your age. I can assure you those things you acquire over the years will not bring happiness. They may bring a certain satisfaction for a short time, but never joy and happiness. The things of sentimental value to me are the things others have given me. They represent the feelings of love we have for each other and are more precious than any of the things I have acquired through the efforts of myself or my good husband. The love we share and our family is of so much more value.
Recently I read the account of one of the survivors of the Hudson River Plane Crash. She said that as she stood on the wing of that airplane waiting to be rescued many things passed through her mind. She recognized that life is not about many of the things we do, the errands we run, etc. ...she said that now she would hug those she loved until they let go. She would definitely view life differently. Shouldn't we all take a moment to think of those things in our life that are priceless and place less importance on the stuff we are accumulating or the stuff we are doing each day and more on the things of greater worth. I won't deny that it is wonderful to live at this time in the history of the world when we have so many conveniences to enjoy. I would be hard- pressed to give up hot and cold running water in the house, a furnace for heat in the winter and cool air in the summer, a refrigerator, a clothes washer and dryer, a microwave, a recliner, a nice car, a computer and the list goes on. I know however, we should be mindful especially now when the second coming of the Savior of the world is imminent and as we prepare for His coming to think more of the things of eternal worth and dwell on accumulating them rather than the things of this world.
Yes, we all need to simplify!! Perhaps one of the best ways we can do that is to put our efforts in this life into collecting:
(1) words of kindness, of encouragement, of love and support.
(2) feelings of acceptance, of understanding and of forgiveness.
(3) smiles, hugs, listening skills and time to share...all of which can be dispursed to those around us as we associate with our families and friends and even those we scarcely know. I dare say our lives would be full and purposeful and bring us much joy and happiness in return. With these thoughts I send my love to you, Maurine Winters
My sister, Janett Morrell, recently went to an estate sale for a woman who had passed away leaving everything to her brother and his wife. As she visited with them and saw the huge amount of things available for the buyers, she understood their dilemna with what to do with all of the material possessions this woman had left for them to go through and decide what to do with. They had a shed, a garage and numerous rooms in the house all filled to the maximum. How were they to dispose of it? Most of us have way too much stuff in our homes and the attached buildings and to leave them for another family member to deal with when they have all of this stuff in their own home is overwhelming.
Several years ago our oldest son was living next door to an elderly gentleman. When he passed away there were two nephews who came to dispose of the property. They brought a moving van and gathered the things of worth to them and packed them up to take back to California. The house was still full of stuff. Because of time limitations they asked our son to take the rest of the things to the city dump. They would pay him to clean it out, so they could put the house up for sale. He was a young married man and could use some of the things they were purposing he take to the dump. He told them he would do it for nothing if he could keep the things he could use. The deal was made and much of the furniture that was left was a great blessing to our son and family. However, I know that the things of most worth when he passed away were the feelings of love they had developed for him. They have talked of that friendship and their esteem for him many times since.
Above experiences and others I've had cause to remember, remind me that all we can take with us is what we have learned and what we have done, or in other words what we have in our mind and heart and how we have treated those around us. I've decided that if someone admires something I have...I will give it to them. If my children or grandchildren need something I will offer them mine...if they will take it...it's theirs. I have too much stuff and yes, some of it will be hard for me to give up because it has such sentimental value to me...my children or someone else will have to dispose of those things. Most of you readers are younger than I and there are things you would like to have as I did at your age. I can assure you those things you acquire over the years will not bring happiness. They may bring a certain satisfaction for a short time, but never joy and happiness. The things of sentimental value to me are the things others have given me. They represent the feelings of love we have for each other and are more precious than any of the things I have acquired through the efforts of myself or my good husband. The love we share and our family is of so much more value.
Recently I read the account of one of the survivors of the Hudson River Plane Crash. She said that as she stood on the wing of that airplane waiting to be rescued many things passed through her mind. She recognized that life is not about many of the things we do, the errands we run, etc. ...she said that now she would hug those she loved until they let go. She would definitely view life differently. Shouldn't we all take a moment to think of those things in our life that are priceless and place less importance on the stuff we are accumulating or the stuff we are doing each day and more on the things of greater worth. I won't deny that it is wonderful to live at this time in the history of the world when we have so many conveniences to enjoy. I would be hard- pressed to give up hot and cold running water in the house, a furnace for heat in the winter and cool air in the summer, a refrigerator, a clothes washer and dryer, a microwave, a recliner, a nice car, a computer and the list goes on. I know however, we should be mindful especially now when the second coming of the Savior of the world is imminent and as we prepare for His coming to think more of the things of eternal worth and dwell on accumulating them rather than the things of this world.
Yes, we all need to simplify!! Perhaps one of the best ways we can do that is to put our efforts in this life into collecting:
(1) words of kindness, of encouragement, of love and support.
(2) feelings of acceptance, of understanding and of forgiveness.
(3) smiles, hugs, listening skills and time to share...all of which can be dispursed to those around us as we associate with our families and friends and even those we scarcely know. I dare say our lives would be full and purposeful and bring us much joy and happiness in return. With these thoughts I send my love to you, Maurine Winters
Monday, June 1, 2009
LIVING WITH PURPOSE
PURPOSE is an interesting word that suggest action. I can visualize someone walking
quickly down the street, their stride punctuated with an urgency as he hurries to his destination. I can visualize someone with a book in one hand and a pen in the other with furrowed brow as he studies some project out in his mind. I can visualize someone with a tool in his hand and an object he is working on...with sweaty brow as he works to accomplish a task. I can visualize athletes working hard in practice so they can perform well when the contest is at hand. I can visualize a mother or father tenderly guiding their children, teaching them correct principles so they can face lifes challenges. When there is a goal in mind and we focus on that goal we are driven to accomplish its purpose.
The meaning of the word purpose is to plan, aim, intend, design, resolve, or determine. It is an action word calling on mental and/or physical energy to complete a task. A young man in our ward, Emmett Clayton, gave a talk on purpose a few weeks ago and during the talk I thought what a great idea for a newsletter. He told how powerful the word is and how it guides us in our lives as we have goals...to focus on the purpose of our lives and never give up.
Regardless of our purpose there are tools we need in order to accomplish the goals. In another Sacrament meeting talk a few years ago I heard and quickly wrote down the formula a man gave for three tools we need to navigate this life with purpose. He said we need: (1) a shield to protect us from evil influences, (2) a sword to fight for the right, (3) and a shovel so we can pitch in and work for the good of the Kingdom of God. He elaborated on each tool and concluded with the fact that we can enjoy the use of each of these tools if we are actively engaged in the Church of Jesus Christ. By adhering to the principles of the gospel we can put on the whole armor of God. We can add to that a sword so we can be armed and useful in the army of those who are standing for truth and righteousness. Then, of course, there's always a shovel available when there is work to be done to further the kingdom.
Computers are awesome in helping us with our purposes. Recently I signed up for Facebook on the computer network for that program at the urging of my daughters. I was and am amazed at the way we can contact and be contacted with everyone who we ever knew who has signed up for the same program. It has been of great interest to connect with sisters who served on Temple Square with us who we have not had contact with for several years. I was shocked one day when I saw that a man who came to Temple Square was asking to be my friend on the internet program. Years ago two of our dear sisters took Andrey Sidorin on a tour and he asked to learn more about the church. They called in the Salt Lake missionaried and they taught him the lessons, he was baptized and we attended that wonderful meeting. He went back to his home in Tajikistan and we didn't hear any more about him. The story of that event in in the book "Angels on Temple Square" on page 132-34. I was thrilled to converse with him over the internet. What a great tool the computer is for companies and for individuals. Of course, Satan has made it available for his dark side programs and we have to use our shield and sword to protect us against those programs. We even need our shovel at times to throw out things that may hinder us in our purpose in this life.
My brother has a grandson, Porter Ellett, who is a wonderful example of working to accomplish his purposes. When he was four years old he had an accident that caused his right arm to be useless. It didn't grow properly and later in life he had it amputated. Not having the use of his right arm didn't slow him down. He wanted to do all the things other kids did, so he worked hard all of his life to be able to do those things. He loved sports and worked hard to participate in them. As a result he played in high school and was a star athlete in basketball and baseball. He talked to a group of students in our area and told them he figures there are three places in reaching our goals. First you experience failure, you don't want to accept that so you move to the second step. You work, work, and work so you can move to the third step. There you experience success...but success is fleeting, so often you have to go back to step two and work more. There are some things he has conquered. He has learned some difficult things like how to tie his shoes and tie a tie. He is now serving a mission in Los Angeles, California and Im sure his ideas of living with purpose is touching many lives. He is a great young man.
I believe that every part and program of the Church of Jesus Christ is to aid us in living the gospel in our lives. We all need to take part in the great plan of salvation which will aid us in our quest of returning to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ forever, which is the grand purpose for and of this life.
With love to each of you....Maurine Winters
quickly down the street, their stride punctuated with an urgency as he hurries to his destination. I can visualize someone with a book in one hand and a pen in the other with furrowed brow as he studies some project out in his mind. I can visualize someone with a tool in his hand and an object he is working on...with sweaty brow as he works to accomplish a task. I can visualize athletes working hard in practice so they can perform well when the contest is at hand. I can visualize a mother or father tenderly guiding their children, teaching them correct principles so they can face lifes challenges. When there is a goal in mind and we focus on that goal we are driven to accomplish its purpose.
The meaning of the word purpose is to plan, aim, intend, design, resolve, or determine. It is an action word calling on mental and/or physical energy to complete a task. A young man in our ward, Emmett Clayton, gave a talk on purpose a few weeks ago and during the talk I thought what a great idea for a newsletter. He told how powerful the word is and how it guides us in our lives as we have goals...to focus on the purpose of our lives and never give up.
Regardless of our purpose there are tools we need in order to accomplish the goals. In another Sacrament meeting talk a few years ago I heard and quickly wrote down the formula a man gave for three tools we need to navigate this life with purpose. He said we need: (1) a shield to protect us from evil influences, (2) a sword to fight for the right, (3) and a shovel so we can pitch in and work for the good of the Kingdom of God. He elaborated on each tool and concluded with the fact that we can enjoy the use of each of these tools if we are actively engaged in the Church of Jesus Christ. By adhering to the principles of the gospel we can put on the whole armor of God. We can add to that a sword so we can be armed and useful in the army of those who are standing for truth and righteousness. Then, of course, there's always a shovel available when there is work to be done to further the kingdom.
Computers are awesome in helping us with our purposes. Recently I signed up for Facebook on the computer network for that program at the urging of my daughters. I was and am amazed at the way we can contact and be contacted with everyone who we ever knew who has signed up for the same program. It has been of great interest to connect with sisters who served on Temple Square with us who we have not had contact with for several years. I was shocked one day when I saw that a man who came to Temple Square was asking to be my friend on the internet program. Years ago two of our dear sisters took Andrey Sidorin on a tour and he asked to learn more about the church. They called in the Salt Lake missionaried and they taught him the lessons, he was baptized and we attended that wonderful meeting. He went back to his home in Tajikistan and we didn't hear any more about him. The story of that event in in the book "Angels on Temple Square" on page 132-34. I was thrilled to converse with him over the internet. What a great tool the computer is for companies and for individuals. Of course, Satan has made it available for his dark side programs and we have to use our shield and sword to protect us against those programs. We even need our shovel at times to throw out things that may hinder us in our purpose in this life.
My brother has a grandson, Porter Ellett, who is a wonderful example of working to accomplish his purposes. When he was four years old he had an accident that caused his right arm to be useless. It didn't grow properly and later in life he had it amputated. Not having the use of his right arm didn't slow him down. He wanted to do all the things other kids did, so he worked hard all of his life to be able to do those things. He loved sports and worked hard to participate in them. As a result he played in high school and was a star athlete in basketball and baseball. He talked to a group of students in our area and told them he figures there are three places in reaching our goals. First you experience failure, you don't want to accept that so you move to the second step. You work, work, and work so you can move to the third step. There you experience success...but success is fleeting, so often you have to go back to step two and work more. There are some things he has conquered. He has learned some difficult things like how to tie his shoes and tie a tie. He is now serving a mission in Los Angeles, California and Im sure his ideas of living with purpose is touching many lives. He is a great young man.
I believe that every part and program of the Church of Jesus Christ is to aid us in living the gospel in our lives. We all need to take part in the great plan of salvation which will aid us in our quest of returning to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ forever, which is the grand purpose for and of this life.
With love to each of you....Maurine Winters
Monday, May 4, 2009
Mediterranean Cruise... May news
In making plans to celebrate our 50th anniversary and feeling that we wanted to do something really special, Bob and I talked about tours and cruises. As we read some of the possibilities we were drawn to the Mediterranean Cruise offered by LDS tours and signed up for it. The next few months we paid our dues and made plans for the trip. Our first day out was exhausting as we spent the entire day and night traveling.We arrived in Genoa, Italy on the 26th of March. The first day we were greeted and taken to our hotel where we slept for a time. Then as we were more or less on our own for the evening, we hooked up with another couple who looked as lost as we were and went for a walk. We found a little pizza shop and had dinner there. We loved the Italian waiter who gestured and talked in limited English to help us.
March 27...We spent the day touring Milan, Italy. We had a young lady tour guide who gave us a brief history of the area and took us to some places of interest. One of the places was the Cathedral of Milan. It was huge with ornate carvings and tall spires and could only be described as spectacular. We had our first gelato...Italian ice cream cone....delicious!
March 28...We boarded the Poesia Cruise Ship with 2498 other people. There were 400 who spoke English, the rest we were told were from a variety of European countries. It was great fun to listen to those from other countries as they spoke in their native tongue. We had to figure out the Euro money system which we would be using now. In our group of 200 we had a couple of Canadiens and one man from Australia..
..the rest were from around the U.S. The Poesia was a huge ship...14 stories tall, with a huge theatre, swimming pools, many shops, restaurants, anything you could find in a small city. Bob and I found it a great temptation to eat too much, the food for every meal was prepared so beautifully and there were places where you could get an ice cream or some other treat in between meals. The ship docked at Chivatevecchia, Italy where we spent some time walking around the port. Some of the party had taken a pre tour to Rome and they came aboard then. We attended the theatre that evening where a pianist violinist, soprano and a tenor entertained... great talent.
March 29-30..For these two days we met for seminars with our LDS tour guides who briefed us on what we would see in Israel and gave inspirational talks that we felt were worth the trip by themselves. One was about the Gospel and Abraham, the other about Israel, The Holy Land and the Holy Sites. One seminar was about A Modern Day Prophet. We made friends with some of those we were in meetings with and had good get acquainted visits. It was exciting for us to watch out of our balcony as the ship made its way across the Mediterranean and occasionally see land and try to figure out what country we were passing. The food and entertainment still great.
March 31...Today we arrived in Haifa, Israel. We traveled inland on buses where the day was spent around the Sea of Galilee. We visited the Mt of Beatitudes and the valley where Jesus fed the multitudes with 5 loaves of bread and two fishes. We spent some time in Tabga and Capernaum then boarded a boat and crossed the Sea of Galilee. As we took that ride our guide told us about the many miracles Jesus performed in and around the Sea. On the other side near Gergesa we ate a meal with fish from the Sea of Galilee. We saw orchards of olive, citrus and pomgranite trees, and grape vinyards. The valley was green and fertile while the hills are very rocky.
Bob said now he knows why they stoned people there...rocks are a very handy weapon.
All of the buildings in the towns are constructed with rock walls. The bus came to Gergesa and took us back to Haifa and the Ship Poesia. During the night the ship traveled down to Ashdod, Israel.
April 1...This morning we departed on bus to travel to Jerusalem. From morning to evening we walked and traveled to many sites each pertinent to the days Jesus was there. We went to the walled Old Holy City were we saw the Dome of the Rock. It marks the spot were Solomon's temple was built, where Abraham came to offer Isaac his son as a sacrifice and where the temple was when Jesus established his church. The walls have been rebuilt 18 times around the old city as different invading groups have tried to destroy the Israelites. We saw the wailing wall but were told by the military that we couldn't stay there as the new Prime Minister was to be sworn into office and it was taking place today. We were ushered quickly around the buildings and off the premises. Surrounding the Dome of the Rock is a huge plaza with rock flooring. As we left Mt. Zion we walked through all sorts of little shops. Next we visited Gethsemane...there is a part of the area fenced off where the olive trees date to the time of Jesus. Some of the outer trees aren't so old and we were able to sit there, look into the place where Jesus knelt and think of His great suffering for us. Our group had a short meeting there in the garden and sang the song..."I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me. Confused at the grace that so fully he profers me. I tremble to know that for me He was crucified, that for me a sinner He suffered, He bled and died." It was a very spiritual experience!! We then visited Golgotha and walked down a trail to the Garden Tomb. While there we discussed the great day when He was resurrected and spent some time in that area of the gardens. We always had a tour guide from the country we visited and then our own guides who traveled with us who gave us information specific to our religion. One of the things that impressed us was as we visited Golgotha it was pointed out that while there were earthquakes, darkness, and turmoil here on earth at the time the Savior gave up His life for us, there was probably great excitement and jubilation
in the heavens as He completed the atonement. It was a beautiful day in Jerusalem and it was easy to picture it as a day similar to the day of His resurrection.
We were served a meal at the only Kibutz that serves meals to visitors and enjoyed the atmosphere of the city of Jerusalem. Nearly all of the buildings are constructed of this white stone and are uniquely beautiful. We learned the population of Israel is almost equally divided between Muslim and Jewish. The construction of the Jewish buildings are with pitched roofs and those of the Muslims are flat on top. That was an interesting little side note that our guide pointed out. She told us in the Jewish communities they still rely on a matchmaker when someone decides they want to marry. There are no activities or chances for the opposite sex to intermingle with each other, so they depend on a matchmaker to find someone complatible for them. Then they meet and discuss whether or not they have common interests. Their dates consist of them asking each other...Where do you want to live? How many children do you want to have?, etc. All of the discussion is pointed at whether or not they want to marry. If they decide they don't want to marry each other, they go back to the matchmaker again who tries to find someone else. The weddings are huge celebrations that carry a lot of tradition.
As we left the Kibutz, we traveled on the south side of the city and our guide pointed out Bethlehem over on a close by hill. We didn't get to visit there, but it looked much like many other villages we saw as we traveled from Ashdod to Jerusalem and then at night back to the ship.
We had some interesting encounters there in Jerusalem. Bob had a boy come up and push a small olive branch at him and want $1. for it. Bob bought it then wondered what he could possibly do with that little olive twig..just couldn't turn that cute little boy with the wistful expression away. We got a kick out of one man selling his wares crying..."Two for $5. or three for $10." One of our friends made the comment that she couldn't buy anything more...She said, "My husband says we are hemorraging money on this trip."
April 2...We traveled all day on the Mediterranean. We had seminars: Bruce Porter talked about the Beatitudes and the Higher Law, Alan McKay about scripture tools, and an overview of Ehpesus and Athens. We had classes from Richard and Kathy Hinckley Walker earlier. Each meeting was exceptional.
April 3...The ship docked at Ismir, Turkey. We spent the day at Ephesus where Paul taught the people there. That part of Turkey is very fertile and we saw many orchards of different varieties of fruit. We had a wonderful visit there. The ruins of Ephesus were amazing.
April 4...Today we toured Athens. We visited the first Olympic Stadium. We saw the statue of Harry S. Truman...they honor him because he was instrumental in helping them rebuild after the war. We visited their parliament building and watched the changing of the guard, much like our ceremony in Washington D.C. at the tomb of the unknown soldier. We visited the Acropolis and walked around the Parthenon. The hill there was completely marble and was very slippery to walk on, so they have covered the paths with some kind of asphalt to make the climb possible. We saw Mars Hill where Paul tried to tell the people of Athens about the "Unknown God." We were told that they didn't listen to Paul so he left Athens and went north to Corinth. Our guide said that is why there are two letters to the Corinthians and none in the Bible to the Athenians.
April 5...We were at sea again today so our group of 200 held a Sunday meeting. Our speakers talked about the symbols of ancient temples and the joy of temple service. We were updated on general conference taking place in Salt Lake City and told that we have a new member of the twelve...Neil L. Anderson.
April 6...We spent the day in Dubrovnik, Croatia. We visited the old walled city. We were impressed with the small islands and the inlets around the area. It is a beautiful city with an interesting history. Tonight on the ships top deck we saw a group singing and having a great time...We wished we could join in...but alas, we didn't know the language or the song. We have so enjoyed this trip. We felt each day that it was worth it if we just had the one day here. The cathedrals are impressive and every country has its beauty. Tonight we had a disembarking meeting...our trip is coming to an end.
April 7...This morning we checked out of the ship and into a Marriott hotel in Venice, Italy. Along with some friends, the Jacobsens, we toured Venice taking a water taxi up the main canal through town. We saw boats anchored up just as we would have our cars lined down the street parking on the side of their homes and businesses. It was a delight to be here and see this beautiful city.
April 8...We were at the Venice airport at 5am for our flight home. We flew from there to Frankfurt, Germany, to Philadelphia, PA, to Denver, CO then on to Salt Lake City, UT where we had parked our car. The next day we slept and tried to get back on schedule with our time zone. On April 10th we drove home to Toppenish, WA.
I never felt I had to walk where Jesus walked...or visit the Holy Land to know that He came to earth. I know now that I will never read the scriptures nor sing the hymns without a special feeling for having been there. It is indeed a sacred place. I'm so grateful that we had this opportunity and blessing. We loved the trip and wish each of you an opportunity to visit the Holy Land one day too. There were many other things I wanted to include in this newsletter...but it was becoming way to long, so I'll just hope that you have the same experience one day. Thanks for letting me share. With love, Maurine
March 27...We spent the day touring Milan, Italy. We had a young lady tour guide who gave us a brief history of the area and took us to some places of interest. One of the places was the Cathedral of Milan. It was huge with ornate carvings and tall spires and could only be described as spectacular. We had our first gelato...Italian ice cream cone....delicious!
March 28...We boarded the Poesia Cruise Ship with 2498 other people. There were 400 who spoke English, the rest we were told were from a variety of European countries. It was great fun to listen to those from other countries as they spoke in their native tongue. We had to figure out the Euro money system which we would be using now. In our group of 200 we had a couple of Canadiens and one man from Australia..
..the rest were from around the U.S. The Poesia was a huge ship...14 stories tall, with a huge theatre, swimming pools, many shops, restaurants, anything you could find in a small city. Bob and I found it a great temptation to eat too much, the food for every meal was prepared so beautifully and there were places where you could get an ice cream or some other treat in between meals. The ship docked at Chivatevecchia, Italy where we spent some time walking around the port. Some of the party had taken a pre tour to Rome and they came aboard then. We attended the theatre that evening where a pianist violinist, soprano and a tenor entertained... great talent.
March 29-30..For these two days we met for seminars with our LDS tour guides who briefed us on what we would see in Israel and gave inspirational talks that we felt were worth the trip by themselves. One was about the Gospel and Abraham, the other about Israel, The Holy Land and the Holy Sites. One seminar was about A Modern Day Prophet. We made friends with some of those we were in meetings with and had good get acquainted visits. It was exciting for us to watch out of our balcony as the ship made its way across the Mediterranean and occasionally see land and try to figure out what country we were passing. The food and entertainment still great.
March 31...Today we arrived in Haifa, Israel. We traveled inland on buses where the day was spent around the Sea of Galilee. We visited the Mt of Beatitudes and the valley where Jesus fed the multitudes with 5 loaves of bread and two fishes. We spent some time in Tabga and Capernaum then boarded a boat and crossed the Sea of Galilee. As we took that ride our guide told us about the many miracles Jesus performed in and around the Sea. On the other side near Gergesa we ate a meal with fish from the Sea of Galilee. We saw orchards of olive, citrus and pomgranite trees, and grape vinyards. The valley was green and fertile while the hills are very rocky.
Bob said now he knows why they stoned people there...rocks are a very handy weapon.
All of the buildings in the towns are constructed with rock walls. The bus came to Gergesa and took us back to Haifa and the Ship Poesia. During the night the ship traveled down to Ashdod, Israel.
April 1...This morning we departed on bus to travel to Jerusalem. From morning to evening we walked and traveled to many sites each pertinent to the days Jesus was there. We went to the walled Old Holy City were we saw the Dome of the Rock. It marks the spot were Solomon's temple was built, where Abraham came to offer Isaac his son as a sacrifice and where the temple was when Jesus established his church. The walls have been rebuilt 18 times around the old city as different invading groups have tried to destroy the Israelites. We saw the wailing wall but were told by the military that we couldn't stay there as the new Prime Minister was to be sworn into office and it was taking place today. We were ushered quickly around the buildings and off the premises. Surrounding the Dome of the Rock is a huge plaza with rock flooring. As we left Mt. Zion we walked through all sorts of little shops. Next we visited Gethsemane...there is a part of the area fenced off where the olive trees date to the time of Jesus. Some of the outer trees aren't so old and we were able to sit there, look into the place where Jesus knelt and think of His great suffering for us. Our group had a short meeting there in the garden and sang the song..."I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me. Confused at the grace that so fully he profers me. I tremble to know that for me He was crucified, that for me a sinner He suffered, He bled and died." It was a very spiritual experience!! We then visited Golgotha and walked down a trail to the Garden Tomb. While there we discussed the great day when He was resurrected and spent some time in that area of the gardens. We always had a tour guide from the country we visited and then our own guides who traveled with us who gave us information specific to our religion. One of the things that impressed us was as we visited Golgotha it was pointed out that while there were earthquakes, darkness, and turmoil here on earth at the time the Savior gave up His life for us, there was probably great excitement and jubilation
in the heavens as He completed the atonement. It was a beautiful day in Jerusalem and it was easy to picture it as a day similar to the day of His resurrection.
We were served a meal at the only Kibutz that serves meals to visitors and enjoyed the atmosphere of the city of Jerusalem. Nearly all of the buildings are constructed of this white stone and are uniquely beautiful. We learned the population of Israel is almost equally divided between Muslim and Jewish. The construction of the Jewish buildings are with pitched roofs and those of the Muslims are flat on top. That was an interesting little side note that our guide pointed out. She told us in the Jewish communities they still rely on a matchmaker when someone decides they want to marry. There are no activities or chances for the opposite sex to intermingle with each other, so they depend on a matchmaker to find someone complatible for them. Then they meet and discuss whether or not they have common interests. Their dates consist of them asking each other...Where do you want to live? How many children do you want to have?, etc. All of the discussion is pointed at whether or not they want to marry. If they decide they don't want to marry each other, they go back to the matchmaker again who tries to find someone else. The weddings are huge celebrations that carry a lot of tradition.
As we left the Kibutz, we traveled on the south side of the city and our guide pointed out Bethlehem over on a close by hill. We didn't get to visit there, but it looked much like many other villages we saw as we traveled from Ashdod to Jerusalem and then at night back to the ship.
We had some interesting encounters there in Jerusalem. Bob had a boy come up and push a small olive branch at him and want $1. for it. Bob bought it then wondered what he could possibly do with that little olive twig..just couldn't turn that cute little boy with the wistful expression away. We got a kick out of one man selling his wares crying..."Two for $5. or three for $10." One of our friends made the comment that she couldn't buy anything more...She said, "My husband says we are hemorraging money on this trip."
April 2...We traveled all day on the Mediterranean. We had seminars: Bruce Porter talked about the Beatitudes and the Higher Law, Alan McKay about scripture tools, and an overview of Ehpesus and Athens. We had classes from Richard and Kathy Hinckley Walker earlier. Each meeting was exceptional.
April 3...The ship docked at Ismir, Turkey. We spent the day at Ephesus where Paul taught the people there. That part of Turkey is very fertile and we saw many orchards of different varieties of fruit. We had a wonderful visit there. The ruins of Ephesus were amazing.
April 4...Today we toured Athens. We visited the first Olympic Stadium. We saw the statue of Harry S. Truman...they honor him because he was instrumental in helping them rebuild after the war. We visited their parliament building and watched the changing of the guard, much like our ceremony in Washington D.C. at the tomb of the unknown soldier. We visited the Acropolis and walked around the Parthenon. The hill there was completely marble and was very slippery to walk on, so they have covered the paths with some kind of asphalt to make the climb possible. We saw Mars Hill where Paul tried to tell the people of Athens about the "Unknown God." We were told that they didn't listen to Paul so he left Athens and went north to Corinth. Our guide said that is why there are two letters to the Corinthians and none in the Bible to the Athenians.
April 5...We were at sea again today so our group of 200 held a Sunday meeting. Our speakers talked about the symbols of ancient temples and the joy of temple service. We were updated on general conference taking place in Salt Lake City and told that we have a new member of the twelve...Neil L. Anderson.
April 6...We spent the day in Dubrovnik, Croatia. We visited the old walled city. We were impressed with the small islands and the inlets around the area. It is a beautiful city with an interesting history. Tonight on the ships top deck we saw a group singing and having a great time...We wished we could join in...but alas, we didn't know the language or the song. We have so enjoyed this trip. We felt each day that it was worth it if we just had the one day here. The cathedrals are impressive and every country has its beauty. Tonight we had a disembarking meeting...our trip is coming to an end.
April 7...This morning we checked out of the ship and into a Marriott hotel in Venice, Italy. Along with some friends, the Jacobsens, we toured Venice taking a water taxi up the main canal through town. We saw boats anchored up just as we would have our cars lined down the street parking on the side of their homes and businesses. It was a delight to be here and see this beautiful city.
April 8...We were at the Venice airport at 5am for our flight home. We flew from there to Frankfurt, Germany, to Philadelphia, PA, to Denver, CO then on to Salt Lake City, UT where we had parked our car. The next day we slept and tried to get back on schedule with our time zone. On April 10th we drove home to Toppenish, WA.
I never felt I had to walk where Jesus walked...or visit the Holy Land to know that He came to earth. I know now that I will never read the scriptures nor sing the hymns without a special feeling for having been there. It is indeed a sacred place. I'm so grateful that we had this opportunity and blessing. We loved the trip and wish each of you an opportunity to visit the Holy Land one day too. There were many other things I wanted to include in this newsletter...but it was becoming way to long, so I'll just hope that you have the same experience one day. Thanks for letting me share. With love, Maurine
Friday, May 1, 2009
April news...
AGE AND AGING...
In reading a novel this winter there was quite a lengthy discussion about aging. In the story the thought was that when we are young we think about things in the future. We plan and prepare and look forward to what is to come. Then there is a natural flow of the future and what is past in ones life as we reach middle age. When we are in the old age bracket our thoughts turn more often than not to the past and to thinking of how things were and what we did when we were young. The young rarely if ever think of when they will be old..it may cross the minds of the middle aged now and then...but in old age just so not to occupy all of ones thoughts about how old one is...thoughts turn to what is past and we enjoy thinking of past achievements, past relationships, past joys and to enjoying the memories or not according to the file of experiences had.
When we are young we are usually pretty confident that we can jump any hurdle. As we grow older, experience along with education helps to keep that feeling alive. It is still pretty easy to carry along with the expectation that we CAN DO IT! Then all of a sudden we turn 70 years old and the memory isn't as good as it used to be, we can't run or even walk as far as we used to be able to. Many things we did easily become a chore and time flies by so quickly that the things we plan to do just don't get done in the time frame we had planned. The aches and pains start to become a daily part of our life and deciding what we can and cannot live with becomes a part of our thought processes. Now I know that most of you can't relate to this... but I want to warn you that it will come way too fast. It sort of sneaks up on you and one day you find that you are part of the old age group....you are now where your grandparents should be. You will just turn around and then your children will be grown up and off on their own. The next time you turn around the grandchildren will be grown up and out on their own doing their own thing. The phrase "take time to smell the roses" is not just a meaningless phrase. It is so true...just take time to look into the eyes of your children each day and listen to their thoughts and ideas about what is going on. Take time for your grandchildren...even if it means sitting on a hard bleacher for hours to watch and cheer for them in a baseball game or some other activity they are involved in. It will pay great dividends for them and for you.
Most of you who read this newsletter are in the young category and will be thinking of things in the future and dwelling on what you can do to make it better for you and those you love. At my age...I have some advice. Let today rule..live today the best you can! In an article written by Fern Hughes Hunt she says among other things the following. (1) Today, I will open the windows of my heart and release the love that dwells within, sharing it's warmth with all I come in contact with. (2) Today, I will do something good for someone, I will be more thoughtful, patient, and cheerful. (3) Today, I will replace all fear with faith, all despair with hope, all weakness with courage and all idleness with purpose. (4) Today, I will give thanks to God for this life, and seek His guidance that I might know the promise of everlasting peace and happiness as tomorrow brings forth Life Eternal". These are some of the things we might try to do each day so that the end will be better than the beginning. As you look back and relive the past through memory lane, you will feel good about all you were able to do and be grateful for your time on earth.
Bob and I are taking a trip to celebrate our 50th anniversary and will be out of the country for the first part of April...so I'm sending this newsletter off early. When I return I will send a full report of our days away from home. I love each of you and think of you as I send this letter. May Heavenly Father bless you in all you do.
Love, Maurine Winters
In reading a novel this winter there was quite a lengthy discussion about aging. In the story the thought was that when we are young we think about things in the future. We plan and prepare and look forward to what is to come. Then there is a natural flow of the future and what is past in ones life as we reach middle age. When we are in the old age bracket our thoughts turn more often than not to the past and to thinking of how things were and what we did when we were young. The young rarely if ever think of when they will be old..it may cross the minds of the middle aged now and then...but in old age just so not to occupy all of ones thoughts about how old one is...thoughts turn to what is past and we enjoy thinking of past achievements, past relationships, past joys and to enjoying the memories or not according to the file of experiences had.
When we are young we are usually pretty confident that we can jump any hurdle. As we grow older, experience along with education helps to keep that feeling alive. It is still pretty easy to carry along with the expectation that we CAN DO IT! Then all of a sudden we turn 70 years old and the memory isn't as good as it used to be, we can't run or even walk as far as we used to be able to. Many things we did easily become a chore and time flies by so quickly that the things we plan to do just don't get done in the time frame we had planned. The aches and pains start to become a daily part of our life and deciding what we can and cannot live with becomes a part of our thought processes. Now I know that most of you can't relate to this... but I want to warn you that it will come way too fast. It sort of sneaks up on you and one day you find that you are part of the old age group....you are now where your grandparents should be. You will just turn around and then your children will be grown up and off on their own. The next time you turn around the grandchildren will be grown up and out on their own doing their own thing. The phrase "take time to smell the roses" is not just a meaningless phrase. It is so true...just take time to look into the eyes of your children each day and listen to their thoughts and ideas about what is going on. Take time for your grandchildren...even if it means sitting on a hard bleacher for hours to watch and cheer for them in a baseball game or some other activity they are involved in. It will pay great dividends for them and for you.
Most of you who read this newsletter are in the young category and will be thinking of things in the future and dwelling on what you can do to make it better for you and those you love. At my age...I have some advice. Let today rule..live today the best you can! In an article written by Fern Hughes Hunt she says among other things the following. (1) Today, I will open the windows of my heart and release the love that dwells within, sharing it's warmth with all I come in contact with. (2) Today, I will do something good for someone, I will be more thoughtful, patient, and cheerful. (3) Today, I will replace all fear with faith, all despair with hope, all weakness with courage and all idleness with purpose. (4) Today, I will give thanks to God for this life, and seek His guidance that I might know the promise of everlasting peace and happiness as tomorrow brings forth Life Eternal". These are some of the things we might try to do each day so that the end will be better than the beginning. As you look back and relive the past through memory lane, you will feel good about all you were able to do and be grateful for your time on earth.
Bob and I are taking a trip to celebrate our 50th anniversary and will be out of the country for the first part of April...so I'm sending this newsletter off early. When I return I will send a full report of our days away from home. I love each of you and think of you as I send this letter. May Heavenly Father bless you in all you do.
Love, Maurine Winters
March News...
MUSIC APPRECIATION...
From the beginning of time and for as long as man has lived there has been some form of music. According to Wikipedia the earliest recorded mention of music in in India, China, and Japan histories. Some of the great composers are from the classical and romantic era such as Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Shubert. The creativity of the composers over the years is so amazing. We have some wonderful music to enjoy both old and new.
With string instruments, the wind instruments, the drums, what great music has been created. Some is very indicative of the land where it was first composed, some are hard to trace the roots of, but we don't forget the melodies, they stay in our heads and every once in a while we find ourselves humming or whistling a tune that we once heard and liked.
Because of the beautiful music made by musical instruments...and who knows which came first? We have some of the most talented singers. We are thrilled with their performances and the beautiful music they are able to bring to us because of their amazing ability to vocalize the words and the music we love to hear. Whether it is an opera, a broadway musical, or some local concert we might find ourselves humming the tunes from it. There is nothing like stage productions...whether it is Phantom of the Opera or Lion King, you can't beat the entertainment. There is that magical quality that causes an uplift in both the feelings of the heart and the thoughts of the mind.
Then there is the dance. What would the dance be without the music to guide the thoughts of great choreographers and bring the athletic ability of those who labor to bring us the beautiful compliment of the music, the song and the dance together?
As a young dance teacher at one time in my life, I thrilled at the words of wisdom of teachers who taught me..(1) "No matter how you try, you cannot hide the structure of the dance inside." (2) "Correct posture is the line of your body that connects heaven to earth." (3) "Everyone has the makings of a great dancer, a heart that beats a rhythm, the breath we breathe creates a rhythm, so with very little effort anyone can be a dancer and enjoy moving to the beat of music, maybe not in front of an audience...but at least for one's own enjoyment." The last idea comes from a great dancer and teacher...Martha Graham.
February was the month of love...think of your favorite love songs. From when Bob and I were dating there are a few songs that I still remember with fondness as they were so romantic and held some of my feelings in their words..."It had to be you, it had to be you, I wondered around and finally found it had to be you." "Because of you there's a song in my heart, because of you our romance had a start...because of you the sun will shine, the stars and moon will say you're mine, forever and never to part." As a family at our larger family reunions I remember coaching our family to sing and act out "Zip a de do da, Zip a de ay, My, oh, my, what a wonderful day." One of our sons wasn't thrilled to be in the company and have to entertain with that song...but I bet he still remembers the words and the melody...maybe even the actions we did.
Whether you like to attend the theatre for opera, choir, band, orchestra, symphony, or one of the many musical instruments alone, there is some type of music that appeals to nearly every person. It varies in theory, composition, production and performance...but always finds an audience with those who identify with it. I love to hear the Sunday music...the Tabernacle Choir and even the music our ward choir sings. How blessed we are to have so many wonderful hymns that help our spirituality as we listen to or sing them in our Sunday meetings. The words to the songs in the hymnal are short sermons that teach us some principle of the gospel and the music is very soothing to our spirits and gives us the rest we need once a week even with our music.
As we think of the great music in the world today and what a blessing it is in our lives we can thank our Heavenly Father for making it a part of our earthly experience. For this month, let's be grateful for the music we have to enjoy and it will help us with our January focal point to have happy days all year long.
With love, Maurine Winters
From the beginning of time and for as long as man has lived there has been some form of music. According to Wikipedia the earliest recorded mention of music in in India, China, and Japan histories. Some of the great composers are from the classical and romantic era such as Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Shubert. The creativity of the composers over the years is so amazing. We have some wonderful music to enjoy both old and new.
With string instruments, the wind instruments, the drums, what great music has been created. Some is very indicative of the land where it was first composed, some are hard to trace the roots of, but we don't forget the melodies, they stay in our heads and every once in a while we find ourselves humming or whistling a tune that we once heard and liked.
Because of the beautiful music made by musical instruments...and who knows which came first? We have some of the most talented singers. We are thrilled with their performances and the beautiful music they are able to bring to us because of their amazing ability to vocalize the words and the music we love to hear. Whether it is an opera, a broadway musical, or some local concert we might find ourselves humming the tunes from it. There is nothing like stage productions...whether it is Phantom of the Opera or Lion King, you can't beat the entertainment. There is that magical quality that causes an uplift in both the feelings of the heart and the thoughts of the mind.
Then there is the dance. What would the dance be without the music to guide the thoughts of great choreographers and bring the athletic ability of those who labor to bring us the beautiful compliment of the music, the song and the dance together?
As a young dance teacher at one time in my life, I thrilled at the words of wisdom of teachers who taught me..(1) "No matter how you try, you cannot hide the structure of the dance inside." (2) "Correct posture is the line of your body that connects heaven to earth." (3) "Everyone has the makings of a great dancer, a heart that beats a rhythm, the breath we breathe creates a rhythm, so with very little effort anyone can be a dancer and enjoy moving to the beat of music, maybe not in front of an audience...but at least for one's own enjoyment." The last idea comes from a great dancer and teacher...Martha Graham.
February was the month of love...think of your favorite love songs. From when Bob and I were dating there are a few songs that I still remember with fondness as they were so romantic and held some of my feelings in their words..."It had to be you, it had to be you, I wondered around and finally found it had to be you." "Because of you there's a song in my heart, because of you our romance had a start...because of you the sun will shine, the stars and moon will say you're mine, forever and never to part." As a family at our larger family reunions I remember coaching our family to sing and act out "Zip a de do da, Zip a de ay, My, oh, my, what a wonderful day." One of our sons wasn't thrilled to be in the company and have to entertain with that song...but I bet he still remembers the words and the melody...maybe even the actions we did.
Whether you like to attend the theatre for opera, choir, band, orchestra, symphony, or one of the many musical instruments alone, there is some type of music that appeals to nearly every person. It varies in theory, composition, production and performance...but always finds an audience with those who identify with it. I love to hear the Sunday music...the Tabernacle Choir and even the music our ward choir sings. How blessed we are to have so many wonderful hymns that help our spirituality as we listen to or sing them in our Sunday meetings. The words to the songs in the hymnal are short sermons that teach us some principle of the gospel and the music is very soothing to our spirits and gives us the rest we need once a week even with our music.
As we think of the great music in the world today and what a blessing it is in our lives we can thank our Heavenly Father for making it a part of our earthly experience. For this month, let's be grateful for the music we have to enjoy and it will help us with our January focal point to have happy days all year long.
With love, Maurine Winters
Sunday, February 1, 2009
February - Month of Love
February is the month of love. As we are out and about soon after Christmas we begin to see hearts...boxes of chocolates in heart shaped boxes, teddy bears carrying hearts with love messages, and many sizes of valentines. There is no denying that love is one of the greatest forces in the human experience. We felt that love in December when we were wrapped up in Christmas activities, now again in February we are reminded to think of those we love and remember to communicate that love.
One of the nicest stories of love that I heard this past year was given by Lloyd D. Newell on the Tabernacle Choir Broadcast. He told of a young man who traveled with a corp of volunteers to an orphanage far away from his home. The group had worked hard to raise money and provide the orphans with a playground, mattresses, shoes, and food. When they arrived there to deliver their donations, the children beamed with excitement. They were grateful for the generous gifts, but the young man could see that more than anything, they wanted to be loved. He said they ran to him, sat on his lap, and lifted his arms over their shoulders...they literally put his arms around them, showing him how much they wanted to be hugged. The young man couldn't help but realize that of all the gifts he had been given, of all the gifts he could give away, nothing compared with love. Brother Newell at the conclusion of his words said, "We don't need to measure love as if it were in short supply. We need not reserve our love only for those we're comfortable with or those who have shown love to us. Be generous with your love and you'll never run out of it. Love regenerates itself
....it grows by giving it away."
The scriptures are full of passages reminding us that this gospel is a gospel of love. We are admonished to love our parents, love our husbands and wives, love our children, love our neighbors, love one another, love God and keep his commandments. The commandments are laws to aid us in showing our love. We are reminded all of the time in our Sunday meeting lessons that this is a time of trial and that there are many who are suffering from all sorts of maladies and problems and we need to share the burden. We need to help each other through loves door. It is easy to talk of love, it is easy to see examples in all of our lives of expressions of love that have been given and received. So the message we need to receive is that we need to examine our lives and improve in areas where we are lacking. We need to create more love in our hearts and show it more in our dealings with each other.
I read an article about romance and marriage written by Darrell Sifford wherein he was teaching about the art of loving. He thinks there are three things we can do and none of them depend on body chemistry. All depend on a decision of the mind. First, COMMITMENT...We need to make up our minds to work at the relationship to make it better. We can make the decision to make our marriage work right from the beginning or any time in between. Second, CONCENTRATE on the other person. We need to turn off the TV, put down the newspaper, and look into each others eyes when we talk. We need to listen to what is said and respond to it. Third, CONCERN for the other person. When you have committed to another person, and decided to really concentrate on their needs and wants, you can cultivate more concern for their total happiness. He says that if we really try to send that message of how much we love someone it won't take long before they feel that love land respond to it.
For the month of February perhaps we can concentrate more on how we can show more love to those around us. That decision will help us in our January focus to be happy. My theories are: "make someone happy and you'll be happy too"....or "give love and it will come back to you." If we would each bake a few Valentine cookies and distribute them to our friends and loved ones....think how much love we could spread.
With love to each of you....Maurine Winters
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Yes, we all want a happy new year! Isn't that we wish each other every year at the old years end? Isn't that what we are all striving for? So, for this newsletter, let's discuss the word HAPPY, and see if we can figure out how to truly have a happy year. Just what is the formula for achieving happiness? The dictionary says that happy means: glad, content, lucky, and fortunate. I would add blessed. I would venture further to believe that one way to be happy is for us to count our blessings.
There are those thoughts we all labor with sometime in our life....I would be happy if I were out of school...if I were prettier, if I had more talent, if I were smarter, if I had a new car, if I had a good job, if I were making more money, if I were married, if we had no bills, if the kids would mind, if I could catch up on the laundry, if we could fix up the house, if I could retire, if I could solve this problem, if we could take a vacation....if, if, if.
So we go through life thinking if it weren't for that elusive thing I don't have right now, I would be happy. We all know, however, when we really think about it that those if's are a waste of time....a terrible waste of life.
There are those who actually have disabilties or problems that would be difficult to live with day in and day out, but guess what? Those people with daily problems to live with usually have a better attitude about life and how to manage the troubles than those of us with no real hardship facing us day after day. We know to be happy every day all day is unrealistic...but by focusing on looking for the good in situations and the humorous moments, we can be a happier people.
For the year 2009 let's see if we can make an attitude change...take on the mottos we have heard:
DON'T WORRY...BE HAPPY. LAUGH AND BE HAPPY. MAKE SOMEONE HAPPY AND YOU'LL BE HAPPY TOO. Have you ever been in the situation where you heard someone laugh and you couldn't help but laugh yourself? There is a lady who works in our local grocery store who has the most wonderful laugh.
I can be anywhere in the store and hear her laugh and have to laugh too. It doesn't matter what the humor is with her...it makes everyone who hears her happy. Could we do that with a little practice? It's true some have that magical ring to their laugh...maybe it's because they have already conquered the art of being happy and that laugh comes straight from the heart.
We can try to be happy each day and enjoy it as we work at having those things in our lives that we think will make us happy. It's called "act as if". Let's laugh a little more, see humor in daily happenings and not be so quick to criticize or see the gloomy side of things.
What do the scriptures say about being happy?
Proverbs 3:13..."Happy is the man who findeth wisdom and the man that getteth understanding.''
Proverbs 14:21..."He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth, but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he."
Proverbs 16:20.."He that handleth a matter wisely shall find gold, and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he." (aren't proverbs wonderful? They go right to the heart of the matter)
St. John 13:17.."If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."
1 Peter 3:14..."But if ye suffer for righteousness sake, happy are ye, and be not afraid of terror, neither be troubled." Mosiah 2:41..."I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For they are blessed in all things both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end, they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true, for the Lord God hath spoken it." Then there is the statement written by Joseph Smith: "Happiness is the object and design of our existence." In a recent talk given by Brother Benjamin De Hoyos of the Seventy, he said: "Happiness is a position of the soul. Life doesn't have to be as hard as we sometimes make it". It's so inspiring to read the words of the prophets...their words are profound as they stir our souls to remember the truths.
So, let's put a smile on our face every morning this year and decide to have a happy day. Let's just say to ourselves when we get out of bed...I'm so happy today is here. It's going to be a great day! I've been told with that kind of an attitude that every day can be a great day. When we look for the silver lining even though there are clouds...there is always something good to find.
Remember, it's not the things that happen to us that define our life...it is the way we react to them. So let's focus on having a Happy Year one day at a time in 2009. May Heavenly Father's choicest blessings be yours throughout the coming year. Love, Maurine Winters
There are those thoughts we all labor with sometime in our life....I would be happy if I were out of school...if I were prettier, if I had more talent, if I were smarter, if I had a new car, if I had a good job, if I were making more money, if I were married, if we had no bills, if the kids would mind, if I could catch up on the laundry, if we could fix up the house, if I could retire, if I could solve this problem, if we could take a vacation....if, if, if.
So we go through life thinking if it weren't for that elusive thing I don't have right now, I would be happy. We all know, however, when we really think about it that those if's are a waste of time....a terrible waste of life.
There are those who actually have disabilties or problems that would be difficult to live with day in and day out, but guess what? Those people with daily problems to live with usually have a better attitude about life and how to manage the troubles than those of us with no real hardship facing us day after day. We know to be happy every day all day is unrealistic...but by focusing on looking for the good in situations and the humorous moments, we can be a happier people.
For the year 2009 let's see if we can make an attitude change...take on the mottos we have heard:
DON'T WORRY...BE HAPPY. LAUGH AND BE HAPPY. MAKE SOMEONE HAPPY AND YOU'LL BE HAPPY TOO. Have you ever been in the situation where you heard someone laugh and you couldn't help but laugh yourself? There is a lady who works in our local grocery store who has the most wonderful laugh.
I can be anywhere in the store and hear her laugh and have to laugh too. It doesn't matter what the humor is with her...it makes everyone who hears her happy. Could we do that with a little practice? It's true some have that magical ring to their laugh...maybe it's because they have already conquered the art of being happy and that laugh comes straight from the heart.
We can try to be happy each day and enjoy it as we work at having those things in our lives that we think will make us happy. It's called "act as if". Let's laugh a little more, see humor in daily happenings and not be so quick to criticize or see the gloomy side of things.
What do the scriptures say about being happy?
Proverbs 3:13..."Happy is the man who findeth wisdom and the man that getteth understanding.''
Proverbs 14:21..."He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth, but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he."
Proverbs 16:20.."He that handleth a matter wisely shall find gold, and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he." (aren't proverbs wonderful? They go right to the heart of the matter)
St. John 13:17.."If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."
1 Peter 3:14..."But if ye suffer for righteousness sake, happy are ye, and be not afraid of terror, neither be troubled." Mosiah 2:41..."I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For they are blessed in all things both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end, they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true, for the Lord God hath spoken it." Then there is the statement written by Joseph Smith: "Happiness is the object and design of our existence." In a recent talk given by Brother Benjamin De Hoyos of the Seventy, he said: "Happiness is a position of the soul. Life doesn't have to be as hard as we sometimes make it". It's so inspiring to read the words of the prophets...their words are profound as they stir our souls to remember the truths.
So, let's put a smile on our face every morning this year and decide to have a happy day. Let's just say to ourselves when we get out of bed...I'm so happy today is here. It's going to be a great day! I've been told with that kind of an attitude that every day can be a great day. When we look for the silver lining even though there are clouds...there is always something good to find.
Remember, it's not the things that happen to us that define our life...it is the way we react to them. So let's focus on having a Happy Year one day at a time in 2009. May Heavenly Father's choicest blessings be yours throughout the coming year. Love, Maurine Winters
Monday, December 1, 2008
No Room...
As we read the accounts of the birth of Jesus which we celebrate this month, we follow Joseph and Mary on their journey into Bethlehem. It was an arduous journey for Mary particularly because she was great with child. At the end of the journey and at the time of their arrival, Joseph tried desparately to find a place for them to stay. Everywhere they went they were turned away...there was "no room" for them. Finally one innkeeper told them they could go to a stable and perhaps find room there on the hay to find some comfort to rest. It was there in that lowly stable that the Christ Child was born.
It is interesting to follow His story and find that once He started His ministry there again was "no room" for Him. There was a constant band of naysayers following Him making light of what He taught and the miracles He performed. Only His family and a few followers recognized His great worth. At His untimely death there was just "no room" for Him in that society.
If we follow the lives of the prophets in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon we find that the prophets also found there was "no room" for their teachings to the vast majority of the people. There were only a few of the population who became devoted followers.
1800 years after Christ's death there was still the same apathy for the spiritual truth. When Joseph Smith went to the grove to search for the truth, he came away telling that wonderful experience he had with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ only to find many minds were closed to him. There was "no room" for his experience to take effect. Only family and a few friends heard the message and became followers of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Now, many years since that beautiful day of the restoration of the gospel and although there are many followers all around the world, there is still "no room" with the majority. The great stone cut out of the mountain that Isaiah tells about is rolling forth but there is still "no room" in too many places. While the church is growing and preparing for that great day of the second coming of the Lord, there are many more people on the earth and for the most part there is "no room" for the teachings and for a place in the hearts of men for the Lord Jesus Christ.
At this Christmas time when we have the opportunity to feel the love of the Savior more than any other time of the year, when there is more love and caring because of the season, perhaps it is the best time to show our love for the Christ Child and make sure we have "room" for Him in our hearts and in our lives. Let's make sure that we will never be counted as one of those who have "no room" for Him. Let's learn His ways and live them!!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to each of you....with love, Maurine W.
It is interesting to follow His story and find that once He started His ministry there again was "no room" for Him. There was a constant band of naysayers following Him making light of what He taught and the miracles He performed. Only His family and a few followers recognized His great worth. At His untimely death there was just "no room" for Him in that society.
If we follow the lives of the prophets in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon we find that the prophets also found there was "no room" for their teachings to the vast majority of the people. There were only a few of the population who became devoted followers.
1800 years after Christ's death there was still the same apathy for the spiritual truth. When Joseph Smith went to the grove to search for the truth, he came away telling that wonderful experience he had with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ only to find many minds were closed to him. There was "no room" for his experience to take effect. Only family and a few friends heard the message and became followers of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Now, many years since that beautiful day of the restoration of the gospel and although there are many followers all around the world, there is still "no room" with the majority. The great stone cut out of the mountain that Isaiah tells about is rolling forth but there is still "no room" in too many places. While the church is growing and preparing for that great day of the second coming of the Lord, there are many more people on the earth and for the most part there is "no room" for the teachings and for a place in the hearts of men for the Lord Jesus Christ.
At this Christmas time when we have the opportunity to feel the love of the Savior more than any other time of the year, when there is more love and caring because of the season, perhaps it is the best time to show our love for the Christ Child and make sure we have "room" for Him in our hearts and in our lives. Let's make sure that we will never be counted as one of those who have "no room" for Him. Let's learn His ways and live them!!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to each of you....with love, Maurine W.
Friday, October 3, 2008
WHAT IS TRUTH?
Things aren't always as they seem. Many times we are convinced of something being true because of what we read or have been told, but it isn't always completely so. Everyone perceives differently and so many times we don't get the whole TRUTH.
In May of this year my husband and I were in Boston with our oldest grandson for his graduation from medical school. We were so excited to be there and visit the many historical sites that are available to see. Since then I have thought about the fact that sometimes things aren't quite like we have learned. Several items of interest were brought to light to us about how even our historical information here in the United States isn't quite like we learned in the textbooks or have been led to believe. For example, the midnight ride of Paul Revere wasn't quite like I thought. There were other riders, perhaps several who rode through the night warning the people that "The British are coming" and one in particular, William Davies, actually warned a greater population than Paul Revere....but Longfellow wrote the "Midnight ride of Paul Revere" and so because of that publicity many of us have come to think he was the only one who rode to warn the people that night. Another example is regarding the battle of "Bunker Hill". We find that Bunker Hill isn't really where the famous battle was fought, the one described as the Bunker Hill Battle was instead fought on Breeds Hill which is close by. We also received information about Thomas Jefferson there that would be contrary to what we have always believed about him. We find now that he died leaving behind huge debt and was rather an immoral man, not really quite the American hero that we thought he was. We were told that he cut out of the Bible what he wanted to believe and made his own set of scriptures
(I guess some of us sort of do that mentally or emotionally...we cut out the parts we can live comfortably and mentally skip over some of the things that are harder for us to do or rationalize over the intent). Thomas Jefferson gets the credit for writing the "Declaration of Independence", and we were told that many of the ideas for the writing actually came from others, they weren't his exclusively as we have believed.
This year with the national elections in the United States and the political scene looming over us, with candidates vying for our votes, we are inclined to believe what is out there about them. Then there are times when we believe that the news is quite slanted to put forth someone elses agenda. There are those who put forth their beliefs at our expense if we are vulnerable to believe all that is printed or said. With newspapers, magazines, television, and the internet, we are victims of way too much information and it becomes difficult to sort out what is TRUTH....just what is fact and what is fiction? Many times in order to paint a good picture of one candidate, there are accusations made and many of them quite slanderous in order to sway our vote.
It is so difficult to know what to believe about the war in Iraq and Afhganistan. With all the media information it is impossible to know what is really going on. One thing we can be sure of is that there is far too much killing....not just in war zones, but everywhere. Some of the wars being waged are within our borders even in our own homes and are unacceptable in a Christian Society which we claim to be. Way too many innocent lives are lost every day. Many of them don't have anything to protect themselves, or weren't trained in any way to defend themselves and are victims of terrible crimes that are going on right here in our neighborhoods and around the world.
We are led to believe that the huge debt of war is unacceptable...that we are spending way too much money on the war in Iraq. Much of that money we would spend if there wasn't a war just to keep our military strong and able to defend us in case of invasion. Another fact is that we are spending a large amount of money paying for the education
health, and welfare for illegal immigrants in our country. I'm not saying that much of it isn't necessary and that we need to do what we can as a humanitarian project to help those who are downtrodden and seeking a better life. But, in many cases we are doing an injustice to those people and to the rest of our citizens as we focus on them with projects that are crippling to their best good and detrimental to legal residents who need protection from their government.
I always thought that churches taught love and care for the welfare of others. That love for their fellow human beings was first and formost in the teachings. Unfortunately there are some who do not. In some cases we find there are religious leaders who become so involved with their power and prestige that they move out of the bounds of religious teachings and TRUTH becomes more distant.
I quote a former President of Temple Square, Richard I. Winwood, who says in his book, "Be Ye Not Deceived": "Opinion cannot change laws or absolute TRUTHS. Opinions will never make the earth to be flat, the sun to dim its light, God to die or the Savior to cease being the Son of God".
Things as they were, as they are, and as they will become...that is TRUTH. Living in this generation we much work to keep our feet on the ground, to know the truth, who and what to believe. We must wage a war ourselves against everything that is destructive to the well-being of our human family. We need to firmly plant our feet in the gospel of Jesus Christ and live it. TRUTH is found in the teachings of Jesus Christ. If we follow the prophets of our Savior we will find peace and happiness in this life and be prepared for our return to Heavenly Father when this mortal life is over. This weekend as we listen to our Prophet and the Apostles we will hear the TRUTHS of the gospel. How wonderful it is to know that we have a living Prophet to lead and guide us in TRUTH and righteousness. I pray that we will all heed the Prophets words and prepare ourselves to follow Him...
even Jesus Christ.
With love, Maurine Winters
In May of this year my husband and I were in Boston with our oldest grandson for his graduation from medical school. We were so excited to be there and visit the many historical sites that are available to see. Since then I have thought about the fact that sometimes things aren't quite like we have learned. Several items of interest were brought to light to us about how even our historical information here in the United States isn't quite like we learned in the textbooks or have been led to believe. For example, the midnight ride of Paul Revere wasn't quite like I thought. There were other riders, perhaps several who rode through the night warning the people that "The British are coming" and one in particular, William Davies, actually warned a greater population than Paul Revere....but Longfellow wrote the "Midnight ride of Paul Revere" and so because of that publicity many of us have come to think he was the only one who rode to warn the people that night. Another example is regarding the battle of "Bunker Hill". We find that Bunker Hill isn't really where the famous battle was fought, the one described as the Bunker Hill Battle was instead fought on Breeds Hill which is close by. We also received information about Thomas Jefferson there that would be contrary to what we have always believed about him. We find now that he died leaving behind huge debt and was rather an immoral man, not really quite the American hero that we thought he was. We were told that he cut out of the Bible what he wanted to believe and made his own set of scriptures
(I guess some of us sort of do that mentally or emotionally...we cut out the parts we can live comfortably and mentally skip over some of the things that are harder for us to do or rationalize over the intent). Thomas Jefferson gets the credit for writing the "Declaration of Independence", and we were told that many of the ideas for the writing actually came from others, they weren't his exclusively as we have believed.
This year with the national elections in the United States and the political scene looming over us, with candidates vying for our votes, we are inclined to believe what is out there about them. Then there are times when we believe that the news is quite slanted to put forth someone elses agenda. There are those who put forth their beliefs at our expense if we are vulnerable to believe all that is printed or said. With newspapers, magazines, television, and the internet, we are victims of way too much information and it becomes difficult to sort out what is TRUTH....just what is fact and what is fiction? Many times in order to paint a good picture of one candidate, there are accusations made and many of them quite slanderous in order to sway our vote.
It is so difficult to know what to believe about the war in Iraq and Afhganistan. With all the media information it is impossible to know what is really going on. One thing we can be sure of is that there is far too much killing....not just in war zones, but everywhere. Some of the wars being waged are within our borders even in our own homes and are unacceptable in a Christian Society which we claim to be. Way too many innocent lives are lost every day. Many of them don't have anything to protect themselves, or weren't trained in any way to defend themselves and are victims of terrible crimes that are going on right here in our neighborhoods and around the world.
We are led to believe that the huge debt of war is unacceptable...that we are spending way too much money on the war in Iraq. Much of that money we would spend if there wasn't a war just to keep our military strong and able to defend us in case of invasion. Another fact is that we are spending a large amount of money paying for the education
health, and welfare for illegal immigrants in our country. I'm not saying that much of it isn't necessary and that we need to do what we can as a humanitarian project to help those who are downtrodden and seeking a better life. But, in many cases we are doing an injustice to those people and to the rest of our citizens as we focus on them with projects that are crippling to their best good and detrimental to legal residents who need protection from their government.
I always thought that churches taught love and care for the welfare of others. That love for their fellow human beings was first and formost in the teachings. Unfortunately there are some who do not. In some cases we find there are religious leaders who become so involved with their power and prestige that they move out of the bounds of religious teachings and TRUTH becomes more distant.
I quote a former President of Temple Square, Richard I. Winwood, who says in his book, "Be Ye Not Deceived": "Opinion cannot change laws or absolute TRUTHS. Opinions will never make the earth to be flat, the sun to dim its light, God to die or the Savior to cease being the Son of God".
Things as they were, as they are, and as they will become...that is TRUTH. Living in this generation we much work to keep our feet on the ground, to know the truth, who and what to believe. We must wage a war ourselves against everything that is destructive to the well-being of our human family. We need to firmly plant our feet in the gospel of Jesus Christ and live it. TRUTH is found in the teachings of Jesus Christ. If we follow the prophets of our Savior we will find peace and happiness in this life and be prepared for our return to Heavenly Father when this mortal life is over. This weekend as we listen to our Prophet and the Apostles we will hear the TRUTHS of the gospel. How wonderful it is to know that we have a living Prophet to lead and guide us in TRUTH and righteousness. I pray that we will all heed the Prophets words and prepare ourselves to follow Him...
even Jesus Christ.
With love, Maurine Winters
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
The LIVING WATER
This past month a dear sister, Liliam Leal from Brazil, wrote to ask if she could translate some of the things we have published into Portugese and Spanish so those who would like, could read them in their language. We were thrilled to have her offer to do that. We would love for others to be able to read what has been written both in our books about Temple Square and from any of the writings on our web site: www.templesquareworld.com or on www.templesquareworld.blogspot.com If there are any of you who live in another country who would like to do the same with your native language, we would be more than happy to have you translate the writings into your particular language and post on the internet. Please let us know so we can coordinate or help that to become a reality. We would certainly want to link it to our websites.
THE LIVING WATER...
Our neighbors have a swimming pool in their backyard. It is just the right size and so beautiful and tempting on a hot summer day. They have been more than generous in allowing us to come swimming any time we want. Well, this summer we enjoyed it so much and one day as we were spending some time in this beautiful pool of water, I started to think about how amazing water is. I decided it was worthy of checking into the information I could find out about it.
Water has been a mystery to me ever since I stood on a mountainside and watched this stream of water in a cool creek beside me during the summer. As I looked to the top of the mountain there was no longer any snow there, yet the stream continued to have just as much volume day after day as if the mountain top was covered with snow. Where does it continue to come from? Another mystery was a time some years ago when we dug a well in our backyard to water the yard and garden during the hot summer months. We only had to go down 20 feet to get to this lake of water that continues to allow us to pump water all summer long to nourish the plants and grass that surrounds our home. At that time someone explained the water table to me, but not remembering the details I wonder again...are we sitting on a lake only 20 feet under us? It would seem so. I'm sure if I understood the laws governing the amount of water on the earth it would make sense. Not knowing those laws it is indeed a mystery to me and a miracle. I know there is a water cycle and that there is always the same amount of water on the earth no matter how much we use it, it goes back into the cycle. As water evaporates into the atmosphere, sooner or later, it rains down and returns the water to the earth. How carefully this earth was planned and it was made possible for all of us to sustain our lives both physically and spiritually if we partake of the water available to do so.
Our bodies are made up primarily of water. Yes, I've learned it constitutes 92% of blood plasma, about 80% of muscle tissue, about 60% of red blood cells, and over half of most other tissues. Water then is crucial to the maintenance of our bodies. If we don't drink some water every day, we will dehydrate and our organs will not function properly to sustain life.
Previously I have read of the "living water". I turn to the scriptures now to explain it. Just as water is essential to sustain physical life, the Savior and his teachings are the living water essential for eternal life.
"Jesus answered and said unto her, 'If thou knewest the gift of God and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldnest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water'. The woman saith unto him,'Sir thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep, from whence then hast thou that living water?' (John 4:10-11) "Jesus answered and said unto her, 'Whosoever drinketh of the water shall thirst again; but whosoever drinketh that I shall give him shall never thirst, but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:13-14)
"But unto him that keepeth my commandments I will give the mysteries of my kingdom, and the same shall be in him a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life." (D&C 63:23)
Water giveth peace...don't you just love to stant out in front of the Conference Center in downtown Salt Lake City and listen to the water as it cascades down the side of the building on the south side and also to the little bubbling stream, surrounded by rocks and trees. Whether you are standing there on Temple Square or at the beach listening to the waves roll in, or watching a waterfall on a high mountainside it brings peace to your heart and soul. It is so refreshing!! Yes, water brings life to all as we depend on it to sustain our physical bodies. The living water giveth life even more so. Jesus speaks of it as the well springing up inside of us of the spiritual water necessary to sustain our spiritual lives.
There are things we need to do in order to partake of the water necessary. The water doesn't always come to us. It is necessary to pipe the water in...to pump it if necessary, or to arrange for gravity to create the vacuum that draws the water to us. Then we must make the effort and take the time to drink of it. The living water speaking spiritually has just the same necessities if we are going to drink of it. (1) We must pipe it in...open the scriptures, listen to the prophet, attend our Sabbath day meetings. (2) We must provide the pump or vacuum...open our heart and mind. (3)We must make the effort to drink of it. (4) Then we must use it in our life. Yes, water is absolutely necessary to our physical life. I pray that we will make the effort to drink of the LIVING WATER as it is absolutely necessary for our eternal life. With love to each of you, Maurine Winters
THE LIVING WATER...
Our neighbors have a swimming pool in their backyard. It is just the right size and so beautiful and tempting on a hot summer day. They have been more than generous in allowing us to come swimming any time we want. Well, this summer we enjoyed it so much and one day as we were spending some time in this beautiful pool of water, I started to think about how amazing water is. I decided it was worthy of checking into the information I could find out about it.
Water has been a mystery to me ever since I stood on a mountainside and watched this stream of water in a cool creek beside me during the summer. As I looked to the top of the mountain there was no longer any snow there, yet the stream continued to have just as much volume day after day as if the mountain top was covered with snow. Where does it continue to come from? Another mystery was a time some years ago when we dug a well in our backyard to water the yard and garden during the hot summer months. We only had to go down 20 feet to get to this lake of water that continues to allow us to pump water all summer long to nourish the plants and grass that surrounds our home. At that time someone explained the water table to me, but not remembering the details I wonder again...are we sitting on a lake only 20 feet under us? It would seem so. I'm sure if I understood the laws governing the amount of water on the earth it would make sense. Not knowing those laws it is indeed a mystery to me and a miracle. I know there is a water cycle and that there is always the same amount of water on the earth no matter how much we use it, it goes back into the cycle. As water evaporates into the atmosphere, sooner or later, it rains down and returns the water to the earth. How carefully this earth was planned and it was made possible for all of us to sustain our lives both physically and spiritually if we partake of the water available to do so.
Our bodies are made up primarily of water. Yes, I've learned it constitutes 92% of blood plasma, about 80% of muscle tissue, about 60% of red blood cells, and over half of most other tissues. Water then is crucial to the maintenance of our bodies. If we don't drink some water every day, we will dehydrate and our organs will not function properly to sustain life.
Previously I have read of the "living water". I turn to the scriptures now to explain it. Just as water is essential to sustain physical life, the Savior and his teachings are the living water essential for eternal life.
"Jesus answered and said unto her, 'If thou knewest the gift of God and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldnest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water'. The woman saith unto him,'Sir thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep, from whence then hast thou that living water?' (John 4:10-11) "Jesus answered and said unto her, 'Whosoever drinketh of the water shall thirst again; but whosoever drinketh that I shall give him shall never thirst, but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:13-14)
"But unto him that keepeth my commandments I will give the mysteries of my kingdom, and the same shall be in him a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life." (D&C 63:23)
Water giveth peace...don't you just love to stant out in front of the Conference Center in downtown Salt Lake City and listen to the water as it cascades down the side of the building on the south side and also to the little bubbling stream, surrounded by rocks and trees. Whether you are standing there on Temple Square or at the beach listening to the waves roll in, or watching a waterfall on a high mountainside it brings peace to your heart and soul. It is so refreshing!! Yes, water brings life to all as we depend on it to sustain our physical bodies. The living water giveth life even more so. Jesus speaks of it as the well springing up inside of us of the spiritual water necessary to sustain our spiritual lives.
There are things we need to do in order to partake of the water necessary. The water doesn't always come to us. It is necessary to pipe the water in...to pump it if necessary, or to arrange for gravity to create the vacuum that draws the water to us. Then we must make the effort and take the time to drink of it. The living water speaking spiritually has just the same necessities if we are going to drink of it. (1) We must pipe it in...open the scriptures, listen to the prophet, attend our Sabbath day meetings. (2) We must provide the pump or vacuum...open our heart and mind. (3)We must make the effort to drink of it. (4) Then we must use it in our life. Yes, water is absolutely necessary to our physical life. I pray that we will make the effort to drink of the LIVING WATER as it is absolutely necessary for our eternal life. With love to each of you, Maurine Winters
Saturday, August 2, 2008
THE HUMAN BODY...
While reading the Relief Society message in the Ensign this month "All Human beings are created in the image of God". I had some thoughts about the human body and how we take it for granted. I have been grateful for my health and strength most of my life but never quite like immediately following an illness or a few days of pain in one part of the body or another. Even when studying the human body in college I didn't appreciate many of the things I have recently learned about our magnificient bodies. I'm convinced that we so take for granted the many functions of each part of system of our bodies...so for this newsletter I'm going to remind all of us of how grateful we should be for what is working in so many wonderful ways for us.
Did you know that through your nose and into your lungs you take in oxygen for use in your body as you breathe approximately every three seconds? That calculates into 20 times every minute, then 1200 times every hour, then 28,800 times every day. Unbelieveable!!
Did you that that as your heart pumps to send the life giving blood out to every part of your body that it pumps at least every second? That is if it is only beating 60 times every minute (it is normal for it to beat around 72 times). In an hour that would be 3600 times and in one day it would be 86,400 times. Amazing!!
When you consider those two things alone one would wonder how any of us live to be more than 10 years old.
Now consider the brain...It is far better than any computer. It calculates so many things for us even as it stores far more information than we ever use.
How about our eyes? They are far better than any camera. You can't even pump a shutter fast enough to record all the many details around as we are able to see with our eyes.
How about our ears? They hear and compute words, music and many sounds to identify information vital to our well being. We are able to communicate with others which is almost impossible without that ability to hear.
How about our mouths? We are able to form words and communicate with others as we hear and then with our voice send messages of our thoughts. Some of the most beautiful music comes from a trained singing voice through the mouth. Also, some of the most enjoyable times during each day are when we are dining and tasting those wonderful varieties of food that we are a party to in our daily experience. Especially at this time in the summer when we have so many fresh fruits and vegetables for the tasting. What a satisfying experience to be able to savor the eating of food. How about the entire digestive system? It is so complex and yet so simple as it provides fuel for the body through our mouths.
How about our nose? It allows us to smell the aroma of everything. We can take time to smell the roses. We can identify things around us by the smell. Then if there is an irritant in our nose or throat, we sneeze. A sneeze starts in the diaphragm and muscles in the ribs and vocal cords. They help produce the power to expel air all in the span of 2-3 seconds and produce an airstream of 100-150 miles per hour to rid us of the problem.
Remarkable!!
How about our hands? They are the most marvelous tools. We can touch or grasp things to perform a million tasks. It would be near impossible for us to accomplish any type of work or play without our hands.
How about our feet? They allow us to be ambulatory. We can move around freely because of them. Did you know that your feet have 52 of the 204 bones in the body? They are each a most complex instrument that functions to help us move easily and freely about our environment.
The most amazing thing of all is that if we cut, scrape, or break any of the parts of our body, it has the power to heal itself with time and exercize. Yes, the body is the only machine that improves with use. The human body can also compensate for the diminishing power or the loss of a part. A most amazing example of this is my brother's grandson, Porter Ellett. Porter lost his right arm in an accident when he was 4 years old. Over the years he has worked hard at being able to do whatever anyone else does with two arms and hands. He is in no way handicapped as he does everything any other 19 year old would. He has been an outstanding athlete at school playing track, basketball and baseball on state championship teams in Utah. He is at present preparing to leave on his mission to a Los Angeles area mission and I'm sure he will be successful at it. He will be successful at whatever else he determines to do because he uses his wonderful attitude and every other part of his body to make up the total whole in body and spirit.
How long did your last man made machine keep working? How long can you keep a car working efficiently or a lawn mower, a vacuum cleaner, a computer or any other man made machine? Our human bodies point to a divine creator. Even with all of the amazing man made inventions there are none to compare with what Heavenly Father has created for our use. Each of us is unique and marvelously created to fulfill our divine mission on this earth. How grateful we should be for the great blessing of having a body even with all of the imperfections we perceive.
This month because of the considerations above, I pray that each of us will prepare ourselves to care for our bodies, to appreciate them, and to be grateful for the blessing of being here in them at this time. With love, Maurine Winters
Did you know that through your nose and into your lungs you take in oxygen for use in your body as you breathe approximately every three seconds? That calculates into 20 times every minute, then 1200 times every hour, then 28,800 times every day. Unbelieveable!!
Did you that that as your heart pumps to send the life giving blood out to every part of your body that it pumps at least every second? That is if it is only beating 60 times every minute (it is normal for it to beat around 72 times). In an hour that would be 3600 times and in one day it would be 86,400 times. Amazing!!
When you consider those two things alone one would wonder how any of us live to be more than 10 years old.
Now consider the brain...It is far better than any computer. It calculates so many things for us even as it stores far more information than we ever use.
How about our eyes? They are far better than any camera. You can't even pump a shutter fast enough to record all the many details around as we are able to see with our eyes.
How about our ears? They hear and compute words, music and many sounds to identify information vital to our well being. We are able to communicate with others which is almost impossible without that ability to hear.
How about our mouths? We are able to form words and communicate with others as we hear and then with our voice send messages of our thoughts. Some of the most beautiful music comes from a trained singing voice through the mouth. Also, some of the most enjoyable times during each day are when we are dining and tasting those wonderful varieties of food that we are a party to in our daily experience. Especially at this time in the summer when we have so many fresh fruits and vegetables for the tasting. What a satisfying experience to be able to savor the eating of food. How about the entire digestive system? It is so complex and yet so simple as it provides fuel for the body through our mouths.
How about our nose? It allows us to smell the aroma of everything. We can take time to smell the roses. We can identify things around us by the smell. Then if there is an irritant in our nose or throat, we sneeze. A sneeze starts in the diaphragm and muscles in the ribs and vocal cords. They help produce the power to expel air all in the span of 2-3 seconds and produce an airstream of 100-150 miles per hour to rid us of the problem.
Remarkable!!
How about our hands? They are the most marvelous tools. We can touch or grasp things to perform a million tasks. It would be near impossible for us to accomplish any type of work or play without our hands.
How about our feet? They allow us to be ambulatory. We can move around freely because of them. Did you know that your feet have 52 of the 204 bones in the body? They are each a most complex instrument that functions to help us move easily and freely about our environment.
The most amazing thing of all is that if we cut, scrape, or break any of the parts of our body, it has the power to heal itself with time and exercize. Yes, the body is the only machine that improves with use. The human body can also compensate for the diminishing power or the loss of a part. A most amazing example of this is my brother's grandson, Porter Ellett. Porter lost his right arm in an accident when he was 4 years old. Over the years he has worked hard at being able to do whatever anyone else does with two arms and hands. He is in no way handicapped as he does everything any other 19 year old would. He has been an outstanding athlete at school playing track, basketball and baseball on state championship teams in Utah. He is at present preparing to leave on his mission to a Los Angeles area mission and I'm sure he will be successful at it. He will be successful at whatever else he determines to do because he uses his wonderful attitude and every other part of his body to make up the total whole in body and spirit.
How long did your last man made machine keep working? How long can you keep a car working efficiently or a lawn mower, a vacuum cleaner, a computer or any other man made machine? Our human bodies point to a divine creator. Even with all of the amazing man made inventions there are none to compare with what Heavenly Father has created for our use. Each of us is unique and marvelously created to fulfill our divine mission on this earth. How grateful we should be for the great blessing of having a body even with all of the imperfections we perceive.
This month because of the considerations above, I pray that each of us will prepare ourselves to care for our bodies, to appreciate them, and to be grateful for the blessing of being here in them at this time. With love, Maurine Winters
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
TEMPLES
This past week my husband and I attended the temple with many of our family members to be with Mitch, a grandson who has been called on a mission. It was a special occasion and we were again aware of the great blessing of having the opportunity to attend the temple, both to complete our own ordinances and to do that important work for others. The temple sessions provide the greatest opportunity for education about eternal matters, than any place on earth, plus giving us the blessing of doing those ordinances for our ancestors who have died without the knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The know ledge of where we came from, why we are here, and where we will go after this
life are taught and with such beauty and clarity.
During the past several years we have done a great deal of temple work for my husbands family, researching out the names of his progenitors so we could go to the temple in their name and serve as proxies for them. All of Bob's grandparents came from the Volga Region of Russia. For years we had tried to get information about them and hit a wall because there was little information from Russia on the records here in our country. Then we found out about the American Association of Germans from Russia. A man by the name of Igor Pleve at the University of Saratov had access to the records of the German people who had migrated into Russia early in the 1700's and then many of them were uprooted and migrated to America in the early 1900's. We were able to get many of the records of the grandparents and their ancestral lines that backed into Germany. We were
so thrilled to be able to create that family tree and to do the temple work for them.
Why do we do that work....why is it an important part of the work of the church?
In a BYU devotional talk by Brother Millet a professor at BYU he tells about a sister on Temple Square who had just given a tour to a group. After the tour a man who was a minister of another church asked her if he could ask her a question. He said that he didn't want to be rude, but he wondered why she would belong to a church who would do baptisms for the dead. He said that seemed to be such an absurd teaching. She said she would be glad to answer his question and began by telling him that there were many people who had lived and even currently die on the earth who never had the opportunity to hear of Jesus Christ. That for their salvation for the eternities there are certain ordinances that are necessary. She said that it is a loving Heavenly Father who would provide a way for them to have that earthly ordinance. It is an ambitious task, but we are grateful to be able to do it. Now she would like to ask him a question... so she asked him,
"Why would you belong to a church that does not do baptisms for the dead?" In the Bible we read in 1Corinthians 15:29 "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?" It seems it was a practice in the temples at the time of Jesus Christ when he was on the earth with his twelve apostles and so a part of his church from the very beginning. A couple who are friends of mine returned from their mission to Italy last year. They had occasion to visit the Cathedral of St. Paul in Rome.
As they toured that beautiful edifice they noticed in the lower floor of the building there is a baptismal font. Above the font there is an inscription that reads:
Latin: "CUM BAPTISM VM IN MORTEM".....when interpreted it means, "Else why do we baptize for the dead?" This fount was used for many years...the water line is still visible on the walls.
If we read the scriptures properly and then deduct that many plain and precious truths were apparently lost from the early church...we realize there was indeed a need for a restoration of all of the teachings of Christ. ....yes a restitution of all things as we read in Acts 3:19-21 "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ which before was preached unto you. Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of his holy prophets since the world began."
Following is part of a poem written when the Seattle Temple was dedicated:
Today I attended the Seattle Temple dedication and felt the peace that reigns there, The beautiful music and the ceremony thrilled me beyond compare. My heart was full of gratitude as I committed my stride to lengthen, I'll visit the temple often to do the work and my testimony strengthen.I felt the love of my Savior, it filled the very air, It made me desire a better life, and gave me the courage to dare. Oh, Father in Heaven in common hours help me remember the feelings of this day, so I may perform my life's deeds in a pleasing and exemplary way. Yes, I want to serve Heavenly Father, not just be a member in name,Today was a day of dedication for the temple and for me...it was the same. There are a greater number of temples in the world today than there ever has been.The latest church news stated that the church now has 127 operating temples around the world with more under construction. What a great blessing they are to us and to everyone who ever lived on the earth.
This month my message is to encourage you to prepare to go to the temple if possible and whenever possible to receive the blessings that await you there.
With love, Maurine Winters
life are taught and with such beauty and clarity.
During the past several years we have done a great deal of temple work for my husbands family, researching out the names of his progenitors so we could go to the temple in their name and serve as proxies for them. All of Bob's grandparents came from the Volga Region of Russia. For years we had tried to get information about them and hit a wall because there was little information from Russia on the records here in our country. Then we found out about the American Association of Germans from Russia. A man by the name of Igor Pleve at the University of Saratov had access to the records of the German people who had migrated into Russia early in the 1700's and then many of them were uprooted and migrated to America in the early 1900's. We were able to get many of the records of the grandparents and their ancestral lines that backed into Germany. We were
so thrilled to be able to create that family tree and to do the temple work for them.
Why do we do that work....why is it an important part of the work of the church?
In a BYU devotional talk by Brother Millet a professor at BYU he tells about a sister on Temple Square who had just given a tour to a group. After the tour a man who was a minister of another church asked her if he could ask her a question. He said that he didn't want to be rude, but he wondered why she would belong to a church who would do baptisms for the dead. He said that seemed to be such an absurd teaching. She said she would be glad to answer his question and began by telling him that there were many people who had lived and even currently die on the earth who never had the opportunity to hear of Jesus Christ. That for their salvation for the eternities there are certain ordinances that are necessary. She said that it is a loving Heavenly Father who would provide a way for them to have that earthly ordinance. It is an ambitious task, but we are grateful to be able to do it. Now she would like to ask him a question... so she asked him,
"Why would you belong to a church that does not do baptisms for the dead?" In the Bible we read in 1Corinthians 15:29 "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?" It seems it was a practice in the temples at the time of Jesus Christ when he was on the earth with his twelve apostles and so a part of his church from the very beginning. A couple who are friends of mine returned from their mission to Italy last year. They had occasion to visit the Cathedral of St. Paul in Rome.
As they toured that beautiful edifice they noticed in the lower floor of the building there is a baptismal font. Above the font there is an inscription that reads:
Latin: "CUM BAPTISM VM IN MORTEM".....when interpreted it means, "Else why do we baptize for the dead?" This fount was used for many years...the water line is still visible on the walls.
If we read the scriptures properly and then deduct that many plain and precious truths were apparently lost from the early church...we realize there was indeed a need for a restoration of all of the teachings of Christ. ....yes a restitution of all things as we read in Acts 3:19-21 "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ which before was preached unto you. Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of his holy prophets since the world began."
Following is part of a poem written when the Seattle Temple was dedicated:
Today I attended the Seattle Temple dedication and felt the peace that reigns there, The beautiful music and the ceremony thrilled me beyond compare. My heart was full of gratitude as I committed my stride to lengthen, I'll visit the temple often to do the work and my testimony strengthen.I felt the love of my Savior, it filled the very air, It made me desire a better life, and gave me the courage to dare. Oh, Father in Heaven in common hours help me remember the feelings of this day, so I may perform my life's deeds in a pleasing and exemplary way. Yes, I want to serve Heavenly Father, not just be a member in name,Today was a day of dedication for the temple and for me...it was the same. There are a greater number of temples in the world today than there ever has been.The latest church news stated that the church now has 127 operating temples around the world with more under construction. What a great blessing they are to us and to everyone who ever lived on the earth.
This month my message is to encourage you to prepare to go to the temple if possible and whenever possible to receive the blessings that await you there.
With love, Maurine Winters
Monday, June 30, 2008
We will no longer use FeedBlitz Service
Dear Friends,
We decided that we will no longer use FeedBlitz service for our newsletters in the future. All new newsletters will be send by regular email by Maurine from now on.
So please come back often and read our blog posts.
Do not forget to check out our new look on our website: http://templesquareworld.com
Thank you.
We decided that we will no longer use FeedBlitz service for our newsletters in the future. All new newsletters will be send by regular email by Maurine from now on.
So please come back often and read our blog posts.
Do not forget to check out our new look on our website: http://templesquareworld.com
Thank you.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Saturday, May 31, 2008
KEYS
During the past winter my daughter, Mindi, coached a high school basketball team. Her father, having been a coach for many years, offered her advice on every occasion he could. He would generally start out the conversation with "Mindi, I have the key for your game this week".
Then he would go on to tell her what she needed to improve on or help the girls do so they could be successful. It became a point of humor in the family as we would gather for different occasions and the last part of the season.
She would say, "Okay, Dad, what is the key this week?" Then one night as we were attending an-other school function, a few of Mindi's team members were sitting behind us and one of them leaned forward and asked, "Mr. Winters, what is the key for us this week?" In thinking about keys for different things, I was struck with the fact that it is important that we have the keys for whatever goal we are pursuing.
Then he would go on to tell her what she needed to improve on or help the girls do so they could be successful. It became a point of humor in the family as we would gather for different occasions and the last part of the season.
She would say, "Okay, Dad, what is the key this week?" Then one night as we were attending an-other school function, a few of Mindi's team members were sitting behind us and one of them leaned forward and asked, "Mr. Winters, what is the key for us this week?" In thinking about keys for different things, I was struck with the fact that it is important that we have the keys for whatever goal we are pursuing.
Keys are necessary if we expect to open the locks, and open the doors to achieve success.
It is my testimony that the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS is successful because the Priesthood is here on the earth which holds all the keys for our success throughout eternity of which this earthly experience is a part.
Those who hold the Priesthood hold the keys to all of the ordinances that need to be performed. Joseph Smith and his associates received the keys for the Aaronic and Melchizedec Priesthoods from John the Baptist,
Peter, James, & John and they have been carefully handed down to the present Prophet, Thomas S. Monson and his associates: the members of the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles in order to carry out all of the functions necessary for the church to go forward toward its goal, that of preparing for the second coming of Jesus Christ.
Baptism is the key to entering the kingdom of God on the earth and in heaven. Following baptism we receive the confirmation of the Holy Ghost...another key to help us in continuing our journey as a Latter Day Saint. Entering the temple is another key as we receive our endowments and make sacred promises to the Lord.
There are blessings surrounding every step we take. Education is an important key in order to live a productive life and be able to be of service to others.
There are keys necessary for us to observe in order to be successful in our day to day affairs.
One key I like is an acronym: JOY
J - Jesus first, O - others second, Y - yourself last.
President Hinckley gave the youth some keys when he told them how to be:
He counseled them to (1) Be grateful, (2) Be smart, (3) Be humble, (4) Be true, (5) Be clean, (6) Be prayerful.
Wilfred Peterson wrote the Art of Growing Up. His keys are wonderfully written to give us a guide for being successful. He says UP is the magic word of growth. Use it as a key in growing into the person you want to be.
Get up - in the morning with the determination to make the most of your day.
Step up - to each task with enthusiasm and dedication.
Stand up - to your problems and difficulties. Face them and lick them.
Think up - There is an upper level in your mind, live in that.
Keep up - It is easier to keep up than catch up with duties.
Brace up -Tighten your belt and keep moving forward even when the going gets tough.
Cheer up - The worst thing that can happen to you can be the best thing that can happen to you if you don't let it get the best of you.
Climb up - The ladder of success reaches upward rung by rung,but you must do the climbing.
Stretch up - Stretch your hand to others. Remember that he climbs highest who helps another up.
Measure up - Much is required of you today. Meet the challenge of the times by doing your full share for the common good.
Bounce up - When you fall down, bounce up. Everyone fails and falls down now and then. Quitters just lie there. Heroes have bounce.
Look up - Remember the words of the Psalmist: "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help." Look to God for inspiration and guidance.
Reach up -Keep stretching your mind and spirit. Don't wait to become a great person...be one now.
Live up - Live to the highest and the best you know. Consider how a tree lifts its branches to the sky.
The only way to grow is UP.
My prayer this month is that we all recognize keys that will help unlock the doors to successful living. That we may receive the blessings Heavenly Father has for us by enjoying the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
With love to each of you, Maurine Winters
Sunday, May 11, 2008
OUR MOTHERS
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
To be a mother is a noble calling and one of life's greatest blessings is to have a good mother. Mother's Day gives us the opportunity to honor our mothers and to reflect on our family life as a child. We can express our gratitude for those women who have made a profound difference in our lives....who have nurtured us and sacrificed to make our lives better. I am always happy for new mothers, but most of all for that precious baby who has come to a good home where they will receive the most loving care.
Recently, our grand-daughter, Staci Larsen, had a new baby girl...she wrote: There's nothing like the feeling of having a new baby in our home." What a great blessing for the baby coming to that home, and to have such a good mother.
Recently, our grand-daughter, Staci Larsen, had a new baby girl...she wrote: There's nothing like the feeling of having a new baby in our home." What a great blessing for the baby coming to that home, and to have such a good mother.
We have had some beautiful entries to the request for tributes to mothers. Following are excerpts from them:
Nicole Luscher writes,
To my Mom:
Mothers are a cherished gift from God; a chosen steward over His beloved earthly children. Our Father in Heaven bestowed this divine responsibility to the most precious of His children. He understood well the hardships and happiness of parenting and blessed each of His daughters with unique divine gifts and talents; the capacity to love and to forgive, to teach and to learn, and to lead and to follow.
My mother is a very special person, chosen and prepared by our Heavenly Father to teach and nurture our family here on earth. Her greatest divine gift is the gift of unconditional love, and her ability to portray that love in magnificent ways to those she surrounds herself with. She has unselfishly and willingly showed her love to each member of our family. It was through her actions and quiet example that I first understood the love of God.
I felt it at a time in my life when I needed it most, when I was struggling to understand who I was as a child of God. She gently took me by the hand and we sat together as she tearfully read from her journal the feelings that she had when she held me for the first time.
I see it each day in service and sacrifice, helping others perform daily tasks that are unable to do so, and easing the burdens of her friends and family by sharing their hardships.
Each time I pray I thank my Father in Heaven for the little piece of heaven that He has shown me and pray for her that she too may know how much she is loved and appreciated.
I love you.
To my Mom:
Mothers are a cherished gift from God; a chosen steward over His beloved earthly children. Our Father in Heaven bestowed this divine responsibility to the most precious of His children. He understood well the hardships and happiness of parenting and blessed each of His daughters with unique divine gifts and talents; the capacity to love and to forgive, to teach and to learn, and to lead and to follow.
My mother is a very special person, chosen and prepared by our Heavenly Father to teach and nurture our family here on earth. Her greatest divine gift is the gift of unconditional love, and her ability to portray that love in magnificent ways to those she surrounds herself with. She has unselfishly and willingly showed her love to each member of our family. It was through her actions and quiet example that I first understood the love of God.
I felt it at a time in my life when I needed it most, when I was struggling to understand who I was as a child of God. She gently took me by the hand and we sat together as she tearfully read from her journal the feelings that she had when she held me for the first time.
I see it each day in service and sacrifice, helping others perform daily tasks that are unable to do so, and easing the burdens of her friends and family by sharing their hardships.
Each time I pray I thank my Father in Heaven for the little piece of heaven that He has shown me and pray for her that she too may know how much she is loved and appreciated.
I love you.
Shanon Stimpson writes,
From the first of her children to the youngest, my mother worked with all the diligence and faith of her might, mind, and strength, and her heart to ensure their lives would be guided in such a manner that would lead them to achieve their goals.
She nurtured them with love and compassion.
She taught them and led them by example in principles and values of every virtue.
Above all she taught them to love their Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ, to seek them through prayer and scripture study and trust them in all things, and to listen always for the still small voice of the Holy Ghost.
In my mother's live the word 'honesty' needs no modification. She lives the letter of the law with all the warmth and love of the spirit of the law. She continues to strive to be faithful in all things as a living example to her six children and now her grandchildren. In the smile you see on her face, you can see the happiness that is alive in her heart. She wishes to share each precious moment...just with you.
Marie Adams writes,
I am so thankful to have such a wonderful mother. She has always been the best example to me. She is a person who always thinks of others.
The #1 person in her life is my Dad, and she has always been his biggest cheerleader. She has always cared about her family first. Yet, my parents have always brought other people into our home to live when they needed help. When me and my brother, the oldest two in the family were in grade school my Mom taught school. When we got home from school and she wasn't there yet we hated it. We wanted her home! So after a year or so of teaching, she did stay home.
I think back on that and how selfish we were as kids, but it was wonderful to have our Mom at home and all of our friends loved coming to visit there.
I want to say 'Happy Mother's Day' to the world's best mother....my Mom.
Marcia Stauffer writes:
How grateful I am to have such a wonderful mother! (Lily Jean Lott)
My mother taught me by example. She showed me by the way she lived who I should try to be.
My mother is strong.
Physically - she was never afraid of hard work, and she had us work alongside her.
Emotionally - disappointments, health issues, family disruptions, she faced them without faltering.
Spiritually - she is the support in the background that allows others to shine.
She has supported Dad in his callings without complaint at the added responsibilities. Her faith is strong and deep. Right and wrong are black and white.
She has supported Dad in his callings without complaint at the added responsibilities. Her faith is strong and deep. Right and wrong are black and white.
My mother is intelligent. She taught us the value of knowledge and education and the importance of being well-read.
My mother chose a wonderful partner (my father) and showed me how important it is to choose wisely (I did!).
My mother is a wonderful grandmother. She is loving and supportive of each grandchild.
Nothing is more important to her than her family.
Nothing is more important to her than her family.
I guess my mother is STILL teaching me by example and showing me the person I want to become.
Love you Mom!
Michael Ellett writes:
My mother...Who is she?
She is a jar of fresh sweet peaches under the shade of a pine tree.
She is a bottle of dilly beans or dill pickles that grandkids open and eat in one sitting.
She is the slice of thick cut homemade bread with heavy melted butter.
She is a cinnamon roll heavy laden with icing and a cold glass of milk.
She is the one that wraps you so tight and holds, rocks and whispers a lullaby until you
fall asleep.
She is the one that packed lunch at 4:30 in the morning and provided breakfast for you
before going off to hunt deer on that special opening day of the season.
She is the hands rough from a day's work, but tender as bunny's fur as she cups your
face in her hands and gives you a kiss on the cheek.
Kristina Law writes,
Happy Mother's day mom! I love you and I am so grateful that you are my mother. You are amazing and I hope to share all the wonderful things of my life with you forever.
Love you.
---------------------------------
With love to each of you....Maurine Winters
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