I love this definition that the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day-saints gives on what a Camp is:
Camp is an outdoor experience for young women ages 12 to 18. It gives young women opportunities to:
Feel the influence of the Spirit.
Serve others.
Build friendships and unity.
Learn skills.
Appreciate God’s creations.
Have fun!
When I was in the orphanage I was blessed to have these experiences. Back then, I had been baptized into the Lutheran Church however, I had only been in a church a few times. I had never seen the goodness that being a Christian was until Hollygrove Home for Children.
While living there, I was invited to attend the Girl Scout Camp, even though I was not officially a girl scout.
Up on that mountain, I did feel the influence of the Holy Spirit. I learned how to work in leather, and over the years since, I been able to teach others how to do the same. I had a few friends while there, and back in Hollygrove. When I looked down from the top of the mountain, I stood in awe at the works that God had given me. I also had fun.
Such good memories. I wish all young people could attend one of these types of retreats from the world. It is so needed, now more than 50 years ago.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Thursday, April 9, 2015
To my Children 2
In Hebrew, the word Sabbath means “rest.” The purpose of the Sabbath dates back to the Creation of the world, when after six days of labor the Lord rested from the work of creation. (Genesis 2:2-3.) When He later revealed the Ten Commandments to Moses, God commanded that we “remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”(Exodus 20:8, Deuteronomy 5:12; Mosiah 13:16, 18:23) Later, the Sabbath was observed as a reminder of the deliverance of Israel from their bondage in Egypt. (Deuteronomy 5:14-15) Perhaps most important, the Sabbath was given as a perpetual covenant, a constant reminder that the Lord may sanctify His people. (Exodus 31:14-15)
5. See Deuteronomy 5:14–15. People who choose to work seven days a week are essentially in bondage—to work or perhaps to money, but they are slaves nevertheless. A millionaire who works seven days a week is a rich slave. (Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)
It made me happy to see your grandmother introduced you to Jesus Christ. However, you were to young to be baptized. But she did not know that. She was trying to keep the commandments of the Lord.
Since the first day the missionaries knocked on my door in Yuma, Arizona, and then had the great privilege of being baptized by the power of the Holy Melchizedek Priesthood, I have had happiness and joy.
D&C 20:
71 No one can be received into the church of Christ unless he has arrived unto the years of accountability before God, and is capable of repentance.
72 Baptism is to be administered in the following manner unto all those who repent—
73 The person who is called of God and has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person who has presented himself or herself for baptism, and shall say, calling him or her by name: "Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."
“Come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then … are ye sanctified in Christ.”(Moroni 10:32-33)
With love in my heart, I leave this with you as my prayer, testimony, and blessing in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
To all my children
Old Testament, Deuteronomy 6:4-10
"4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:
5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
Never allow anyone to force you to disobey your God. Never. God loves those whom love Him.
"4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:
5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
Never allow anyone to force you to disobey your God. Never. God loves those whom love Him.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Stem Cell Question
One thing I have an issue with is the not so new "stem cell" research. Do they not know where those are coming from?
Murdered babies are allowing evil to use their body parts to be used by good people who want to help others.
Now, how does that work? Excuse me?
This is probably not for everyone, so please bear with me for a moment. Remember, these are my thoughts.
When Christopher Reeves was told that by using stem cells he would be able to walk again, of course he wanted them. I am sure that many others did as well. Michael Fox is also one who suffers with the same disorder I do. Many famous people spoke up in favor of this type of research. Thus, many people were tricked into believing the lies told them. They are still doing it!
For me, personally, I refused all treatments that allow man to make money on dead babies. Period.
I will not shut up on this. I also do not believe in abortion. That is just plain murder. I know most people close their eyes and accept that a woman has the right to murder an innocent child.
Laws may say that this is fine. This is legal. But I for one am against it. I am not silent in this regard, nor are many others. However, I do not think that blowing up a clinic is how to stop it. I also do not think killing anyone over it is right either. I believe that teaching truth can help women to see that they are daughters of a God who loves them. He gave us laws, and in those laws He said, "Thou shalt not kill, nor do anything like it."
Here is the Official Declaration of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-saints:
"In today's society, abortion has become a common practice, defended by deceptive arguments. Latter-day prophets have denounced abortion, referring to the Lord's declaration, “Thou shalt not . . . kill, nor do anything like unto it” (D&C 59:6). Their counsel on the matter is clear: Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must not submit to, perform, encourage, pay for, or arrange for an abortion. Church members who encourage an abortion in any way may be subject to Church discipline.
"Church leaders have said that some exceptional circumstances may justify an abortion, such as when pregnancy is the result of incest or rape, when the life or health of the mother is judged by competent medical authority to be in serious jeopardy, or when the fetus is known by competent medical authority to have severe defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth. But even these circumstances do not automatically justify an abortion. Those who face such circumstances should consider abortion only after consulting with their local Church leaders and receiving a confirmation through earnest prayer."
"When a child is conceived out of wedlock, the best option is for the mother and father of the child to marry and work toward establishing an eternal family relationship. If a successful marriage is unlikely, they should place the child for adoption, preferably through LDS Family Services."
—See True to the Faith (2004), 4-5
I have highlighted something which I consider to be very important.
When I was pregnant with my youngest child, I was told by doctor's, police, friends, and family to get rid of the fetus. "Fetus" is only another word for "Child". If you should tell a woman "You need to murder your baby so you will not be embarrassed, nor feel shame over what was done to you" she would probably slap your face.
I know that men feel tenderly towards this issue, and I apologize to them, however, they are not women. It is a woman who must suffer over this issue. No insult intended to men, but when fathers of a child think about it, it is rather like a chicken contributing to breakfast one egg. A ham gives his whole body and soul to a meal.
I have listened as women have wept and carried such shame over murdering their child. Many had no idea what they were doing. Some were even told by someone of their own faith to do it. After all, they were told, you are not married. Or, you can't have a child by your "insert relative here". Shame on them! You can't look back in your old age and again feel shame for taking the life of an innocent infant who only came to earth to gain that body that will be ripped apart.
When I first arrived in my current location and saw there were abortion clinics here, I wrote to every clergyman and clergywoman in this town. I asked if they would stand with me to get those places run out of town. I asked them to go to the Capital with me and let those in office know how we felt.
Only two responded. One Orthodox Rabbi and One President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-saints. Thus, after I went to the Capital, I shut my mouth and prayed about how to handle it. I got my answer and am sure if you pray about it, you too will get an answer.
I do what I can to get rid of those whom degrade women, children, both male and female. When I see the graffiti that sends evil to homes where single women live, or young children live, I make the city get it off the walls, or I do it myself. When I learn where the whore houses are, I picket out front to let everyone in that area know who they are and what they do. Where ever I see evil's calling cards, I go to those who think they are getting away with something and ask them to remove them. Most laugh and send me away, but I pray about them, and they don't do much business.
I used to walk the boundaries of the areas I lived in to be sure that the children and women in that area were safe. I talked to hookers, and I also talked to pimps. I cleaned up condoms and needles so the youth would not find them. I reported those whom I saw doing evil. I reported those places that were contaminated by people doing things they shouldn't on the fruits and vegetables in people's gardens. I spoke to men who with those hookers. I prayed as I walked. God was with me, even though few people came.
I thank God for those who did come and brought me dry socks, sandwiches and water; those who helped me have dry clothing when it was raining. I may only be one person, but I stand up for what I believe in. Anyone who knows me, knows that.
Years ago, I even went to see the Mayor of the city where I reside and in front of his public, I faced him and when I had his attention, I called him to repentance for allowing this type of thing in our city. He who claimed he was on the side of right and order was actually part owner in those types of stores that cause severe pain to women, men and children. The others in the room all hung their heads in shame, but he did not.
Doctrine and Covenant 56: 7 reads: "Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things."
I thank the Lord for knowledge. It has set me free. I know it can you as well.
Murdered babies are allowing evil to use their body parts to be used by good people who want to help others.
Now, how does that work? Excuse me?
This is probably not for everyone, so please bear with me for a moment. Remember, these are my thoughts.
When Christopher Reeves was told that by using stem cells he would be able to walk again, of course he wanted them. I am sure that many others did as well. Michael Fox is also one who suffers with the same disorder I do. Many famous people spoke up in favor of this type of research. Thus, many people were tricked into believing the lies told them. They are still doing it!
For me, personally, I refused all treatments that allow man to make money on dead babies. Period.
I will not shut up on this. I also do not believe in abortion. That is just plain murder. I know most people close their eyes and accept that a woman has the right to murder an innocent child.
Laws may say that this is fine. This is legal. But I for one am against it. I am not silent in this regard, nor are many others. However, I do not think that blowing up a clinic is how to stop it. I also do not think killing anyone over it is right either. I believe that teaching truth can help women to see that they are daughters of a God who loves them. He gave us laws, and in those laws He said, "Thou shalt not kill, nor do anything like it."
Here is the Official Declaration of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-saints:
"In today's society, abortion has become a common practice, defended by deceptive arguments. Latter-day prophets have denounced abortion, referring to the Lord's declaration, “Thou shalt not . . . kill, nor do anything like unto it” (D&C 59:6). Their counsel on the matter is clear: Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must not submit to, perform, encourage, pay for, or arrange for an abortion. Church members who encourage an abortion in any way may be subject to Church discipline.
"Church leaders have said that some exceptional circumstances may justify an abortion, such as when pregnancy is the result of incest or rape, when the life or health of the mother is judged by competent medical authority to be in serious jeopardy, or when the fetus is known by competent medical authority to have severe defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth. But even these circumstances do not automatically justify an abortion. Those who face such circumstances should consider abortion only after consulting with their local Church leaders and receiving a confirmation through earnest prayer."
"When a child is conceived out of wedlock, the best option is for the mother and father of the child to marry and work toward establishing an eternal family relationship. If a successful marriage is unlikely, they should place the child for adoption, preferably through LDS Family Services."
—See True to the Faith (2004), 4-5
I have highlighted something which I consider to be very important.
When I was pregnant with my youngest child, I was told by doctor's, police, friends, and family to get rid of the fetus. "Fetus" is only another word for "Child". If you should tell a woman "You need to murder your baby so you will not be embarrassed, nor feel shame over what was done to you" she would probably slap your face.
I know that men feel tenderly towards this issue, and I apologize to them, however, they are not women. It is a woman who must suffer over this issue. No insult intended to men, but when fathers of a child think about it, it is rather like a chicken contributing to breakfast one egg. A ham gives his whole body and soul to a meal.
I have listened as women have wept and carried such shame over murdering their child. Many had no idea what they were doing. Some were even told by someone of their own faith to do it. After all, they were told, you are not married. Or, you can't have a child by your "insert relative here". Shame on them! You can't look back in your old age and again feel shame for taking the life of an innocent infant who only came to earth to gain that body that will be ripped apart.
When I first arrived in my current location and saw there were abortion clinics here, I wrote to every clergyman and clergywoman in this town. I asked if they would stand with me to get those places run out of town. I asked them to go to the Capital with me and let those in office know how we felt.
Only two responded. One Orthodox Rabbi and One President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-saints. Thus, after I went to the Capital, I shut my mouth and prayed about how to handle it. I got my answer and am sure if you pray about it, you too will get an answer.
I do what I can to get rid of those whom degrade women, children, both male and female. When I see the graffiti that sends evil to homes where single women live, or young children live, I make the city get it off the walls, or I do it myself. When I learn where the whore houses are, I picket out front to let everyone in that area know who they are and what they do. Where ever I see evil's calling cards, I go to those who think they are getting away with something and ask them to remove them. Most laugh and send me away, but I pray about them, and they don't do much business.
I used to walk the boundaries of the areas I lived in to be sure that the children and women in that area were safe. I talked to hookers, and I also talked to pimps. I cleaned up condoms and needles so the youth would not find them. I reported those whom I saw doing evil. I reported those places that were contaminated by people doing things they shouldn't on the fruits and vegetables in people's gardens. I spoke to men who with those hookers. I prayed as I walked. God was with me, even though few people came.
I thank God for those who did come and brought me dry socks, sandwiches and water; those who helped me have dry clothing when it was raining. I may only be one person, but I stand up for what I believe in. Anyone who knows me, knows that.
Years ago, I even went to see the Mayor of the city where I reside and in front of his public, I faced him and when I had his attention, I called him to repentance for allowing this type of thing in our city. He who claimed he was on the side of right and order was actually part owner in those types of stores that cause severe pain to women, men and children. The others in the room all hung their heads in shame, but he did not.
Doctrine and Covenant 56: 7 reads: "Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things."
I thank the Lord for knowledge. It has set me free. I know it can you as well.
Monday, April 6, 2015
Gift from my Step-sister
After my father died, I was given this gift of photographs. I treasure them, and wish to share them with you, so you can see what I missed. I am not sure of their ages. Perhaps you can know from looking at these.
 |
| 1968 - Baptized in the Lutheran Church
It gives me joy to know that their grandmother gave them knowledge of Jesus Christ, as far as she understood him. She did that for me as well. I do thank her for that. That planted the seed.
|
 |
| 23 December 1971 |
 |
| 3 March 1973 |
November 1971
 |
| 1974-1975 school year |
Families are so important. It gives me joy to know that they survived and found a form of happiness. In this time in history, even abusive mothers are allowed to at least visit their children. Drug addicts can see their children. Yet, for me, who was none of the above - nothing.
I know that if I serve a faithful Mission I shall be reunited with my children. I was blessed to see them once in 1989 just prior to the end of my Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day-saint s ended.
For me, life is a mission. I came to earth to gain a body and be tested. I have done both, and now my goal is endure well until I am reunited with those whom I love that love me.
Fathers, Love your children's mothers. Mothers, Love your Husbands. Children, Love your parents. Forgiveness is vital in this world. Understanding who you are can help you to be safe in spite of difficulties. Know that I love you and always will.
Thank you to my step-sister for keeping track of my little ones when I could not. Thank you for these treasures.
All those who know: please, do not keep children away from a mother who loves them. Grief can destroy lives.
For those who mourn
For Those Who Mourn
By Paul Buckingham
Just one of those quiet, aged sisters
Who touched your soul with her smile;
Slowly, unpretentiously she moved about
Keeping commandments,
Attending,
Serving.
She is
Someone’s daughter,
Someone’s mother,
Someone’s wife,
Now a widow,
Dead.
And few notice her passing.
There is no crowded chapel,
No rippled shock of grief
Through generations of humanity—
Just a quiet, undecorated,
Mildly celebrated
Death.
Her obituary notice falls
In yesterday’s trash,
The funeral flowers wilt and dry.
But in the
Heart of heaven
There are kisses on her cheek,
Embraces,
For a cherished spirit has returned,
A prized daughter is crowned,
Glorified.
And I suspect it was such a
Quiet death
Because we could not hear the
Celebration of her
Arrival.
This gives me comfort this night. Tonight, I think of my youngest child. My dear sweet daughter whom was never really mine. She was created from pain and suffering, and survived because I pleaded with God to give her life. She was willing to just obtain her body then go back home.
I know not if she is alive or dead. I had to give her to someone who had prayed for a child and could not have her own. She came to me unexpected, and at that time not wanted. Yet, when she came forth, how could I not love her and want her. A neighbor's son married me so the name on her birth certificate would never bring her shame. Yet, she was not his either.
On the 9th of April she was born in body. I still mourn for what might have been if I had only had a righteous husband to love and protect me from evil. But then, if I had that man, she never would have been born. She came during the course of a few nights and days from wicked men who broke into my home.
I mourn for my own children, whom I never was allowed to love and raise. Yet, I do not mourn for them, as I know they were blessed while out of my keep. They were able to love each other and nurture each other. My daughter was mother to my son when I could not be.
My world may be different than yours, but we are all different, aren't we?
I love my children through all eternity, yet they are not mine. They belong to God, just as I do. I pray they learned of Him.
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Families
Not all people had loving families growing up. It is to you, I wish to share my feelings and things I know to be true.
While you and I grew up in ways that many who had loving parents will never understand; I want you to know that God is aware of you. Jesus knows and understands how you feel when you hear all this talk about families. I know how bad you feel to know that your parents were not loving and kind. They did not teach you to pray, nor protect you.
I know that God wants you to know that He loves you. For you, He has great blessings in store if you accept the Atonement of Jesus Christ. If you will read the Holy Scriptures, and listen to the living prophets, knowing that God loves you, you will feel His Holy Spirit and learn this fact for yourself.
I know that when you hear truth, sometimes it makes you angry. I have felt that way as well, before I knew that God’s family is really my family. I want you to know that when you put your name in the scriptures it can help you to understand what is really being said by the Holy Spirit.
In the scriptures you will read of many who did not have parents who were ideal. Many of them chose to follow God and they in turn blessed many thousands of those who came after them.
I share with you words of a song that was written by Matthew Neeley. While he wrote this for little children who know who they are, these words are for you and me and all of God’s children around the world. I have inserted my own words in brackets.
God gave us families to help us become what He wants us to be—
These words are truth. Never, never, never give up. No matter how hard life was, you can make it better. Really, you can.
There were those who wrote these truths many years ago. In one song, words written by Robert Keen about 1787, the words gave me hope and still continue to bless my life:
While you and I grew up in ways that many who had loving parents will never understand; I want you to know that God is aware of you. Jesus knows and understands how you feel when you hear all this talk about families. I know how bad you feel to know that your parents were not loving and kind. They did not teach you to pray, nor protect you.
I know that God wants you to know that He loves you. For you, He has great blessings in store if you accept the Atonement of Jesus Christ. If you will read the Holy Scriptures, and listen to the living prophets, knowing that God loves you, you will feel His Holy Spirit and learn this fact for yourself.
I know that when you hear truth, sometimes it makes you angry. I have felt that way as well, before I knew that God’s family is really my family. I want you to know that when you put your name in the scriptures it can help you to understand what is really being said by the Holy Spirit.
In the scriptures you will read of many who did not have parents who were ideal. Many of them chose to follow God and they in turn blessed many thousands of those who came after them.
I share with you words of a song that was written by Matthew Neeley. While he wrote this for little children who know who they are, these words are for you and me and all of God’s children around the world. I have inserted my own words in brackets.
“Our Father has a family. It’s me!
It’s you, all others too: we are His children.
He sent each one of us to earth, through birth,
To live and learn here in fam’lies. (don’t stop reading)
A father’s place is to preside, provide,
To love and teach the gospel to his children.
A father leads in fam’ly prayer to share
Their love for Father in Heaven. (don’t stop reading)
A mother’s purpose is to care, prepare,
To nurture and to strengthen all her children.
She teaches children to obey, to pray,
To love and serve in the fam’ly. (don’t get upset. Keep reading)
I’ll love and serve my family and be
A good example to each fam’ly member.
And when I am a mom or dad, so glad, (keep reading)
I’ll help my fam’ly remember:
God gave us families to help us become what He wants us to be—
This is how He shares His love, for the fam’ly is of God."
Words and music: Matthew Neeley
© 2008 by Matthew Neeley. All rights reserved. This song may be copied for incidental, noncommercial church or home use. This notice must be included on each copy made.
These words are truth. Never, never, never give up. No matter how hard life was, you can make it better. Really, you can.
There were those who wrote these truths many years ago. In one song, words written by Robert Keen about 1787, the words gave me hope and still continue to bless my life:
“The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose
I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, I’ll never, no never,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!”
I know this is truth, it has been proven to me in times past. I pray you will read and listen and then prove rather God's words are truth or not. I hope you will come to know for yourself that what I share is truth.
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