Sunday School...For the coming week-1 Nephi 2–4...thoughts about the past week's readings...
“I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness” (Marion G. Romney, Ensign, May 1980, 67). Several years ago, we adopted this counsel and realized these blessings with our youngest son. We made a plan and commitment to meet as a family daily to study the Book of Mormon not matter what. Additionally, we studied the Bible during homeschool devotionals.
Praying For...Cole and Liz...the health of our planet and peace on earth...
Sound of Music...God Our Father, Hear Us Pray is my hymn of focus this month...
Bibliophilia...Since yesterday was a holiday, I took some time to read a children's book, The Girl Who Owned a City. Most of my favorite books were written for children. This book had a lot of good points, especially the 'can do' attitude of the successful characters. If we give them a chance, children are capable of so much. On the down side, the world view was a humanistic and even a bit narcissistic. If I had children at home still, I would not give them this book to read. However, I would read it aloud to them and discuss the ideas and worldview. Although the writing is simplistic, the story line is wonderful and very thought provoking. Because the characters thought about thriving instead of just merely surviving and I am the preparedness specialist in my ward (congregation), it appealed to me greatly.
The Herbalist...cayenne and water work wonders for headache. One member of my family suffered from a severe headache the other day, when we were out of town at a family thing. This family member threw back handfuls of OTC, toxic, pain relief remedies to no avail. In my medicine bag, the cayenne tincture promised to do the job. A squirt was administered, followed by a warm infusion; the headache subsided immediately.
Healthy Kitchen...we went up to SLC for our anniversary celebration. We spent one day swimming and dining with our children and grands. What fun! The next day I was excited to eat at Rawtopia. I have to say the food was delicious. However, they rely to heavily on nuts. Since I've not eaten rich food for some years, I was rather ill before the meal ended. That said; I did learn that you can soak wild rice and eat it without cooking. Our appetizer was a delicious, light curried wild rice salad that I could have eaten for days if I hadn't ruined everything by eating all the pureed nut dishes. I can't see how raw food can be better for us if it makes us feel icky. Plus, so many raw foodists are chubby from all the nuts. I firmly believe the secret to good health is in the greens and will stick with that idea. It's not hard to be vegan if you remember to bring your own food. The only vegan challenge I'm joining this year is my own be a prepared vegan challenge. I simply will not eat another 'house' salad of iceberg lettuce and hungrily smile while everyone else praises their SAD dishes. I'll boldly ask the chef to prepare something delightful with no oil, animal products, salt, sugar (or its derivatives), gluten, or soy, and lots of veggies. If I cannot be accommodated, I'll pull something delicious and beautiful from my bag and eat away.
Garden Gate...I'm so hungry for fresh veggies from the garden. Since it looks like I'll stay put for awhile, I'm going to get my micro farm and sprout station going again this week. Also I discovered a grocery store in St. George that has only organic produce, which I intend to check out this week. We buy our organic carrots at Costco each week after our temple trip. Stopping at the grocer wouldn't take much more time. In Walmartville, I've been buying whatever is available at Smith's and Sunshine. Since Smith's was remodeled, their organic section is now limited at best. Sunshine is hit and miss. Walmart has organic apples and potatoes that I sometimes get.
Project Joy...physical abilities...1. I can smell the yummy cinnamon pine cones on the piano. 2. I can hear music and the laughter of children. 3. I can taste the crunchy deliciousness of a gala apple. 4. I can feel the softness of my favorite blanket. 5. I can feel that my body has healed itself of many maladies, since I no longer have pain in those areas. 6. I can read and learn and apply. 7. I can feel my heart beating strongly. 8. I can walk and stretch and lift. 9. I can smile and laugh. 10. I can cry.
Photos...after finding my camera in PHX, I took it on our SLC adventure. The batteries died after I took 3 really blurry pics of Claire. Hmmmm.....maybe photography isn't supposed to be in my future.
