New Beginnings Better Than Vegging

I have always found each New Year exciting with its possibilities of new beginnings. It's not that I think I'll be a whole new person with all my new goals, though little by little I have improved a bit over the years. After all one is never too old to learn new behaviors and things, and learning is so much more interesting than vegging. (Veg-heads need a new word for being lazy.) One year I read The Great Books of the Western World for the first time in our homeschool; it was hard. One year I learned to watercolor. That was fun. One year I opened an online school, which is winding down this year with the last senior ready to graduate. One year I adopted a plant-based diet and am still going strong on that one. One year I began writing instead of just thinking about it. While writing isn't a money maker for me, it helps me get my daydreams out of my head, so they don't bother me at night. One year I studied Spanish; actually I have unsuccessfully worked at learning Spanish for many years and will play at it the rest of my life. Me thinks I'm doomed to be unilingual. One year I began my grandchild of the week program and am still enjoy writing a letter each week to one of my eight grandchildren. During 2014 after an injury in 2013, I focused on foam rolling, ballet, and yoga; plus I learned to play the ukulele and took up the hoola hoop. One year I researched the Christian ideal of Charity and have been attempting to change my character to match that ever since...like learning Spanish this will be an ongoing goal for the rest of my life with some success and many set-backs...sigh...

I prefer the idea of adventure seeking over the stifling idea of resolution. I try to find adventures in the same areas as Jesus, so I can increase in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Some of my adventuring ideas fizzle, while others bring me lots of joy and satisfaction. I refuse to say the fizzles are failures, instead calling them misdirections.

This year my physical adventure is to build strength and endurance using desk and street bikes. Up North our itty bitty cottage is right on a river trail. Not only that the trail runs through the little town, which makes shopping by bike a real possibility. Imagine me as a diminutive Jessica Fletcher biking around town except my writing contains no murders.

I'm also going to be more careful with my intake of oils, since they stick to my waistline almost as soon as they pass my lips. Plus, they give me a terrible stomach ache and bloating. I know better, but chips and salsa are my especial favorite snack. My new tactic will be a crudite bowl in the fridge with oil-free hummus for dip. If I can grab veggies at 3:00, as soon as my afternoon slump begins, maybe I won't be tempted to eat something bready, sweety, or fatty. At this very moment a head of elephant garlic is roasting in the oven for some delicious hummus...mmmm...

I also plan to (re)read all the books I send to the grands this year. After finally getting my hands on my sewing machine again, I discovered I prefer to sew by hand. I plan to make at least one skirt, a peasant blouse, and some lavender hanger covers. As I've been doing for the last few months, I'll spend a few hours each week researching genealogy, which has renewed my interest in European history and geography. Because I miss homeschooling so much, I want to study European history, music, art, drawing, and geography from those old favorite homeschool resources again. Maybe I won't learn much this time through, but it was so much fun years ago. Genealogy research also gave me a desire to learn more about the Chickasaw tribe, since my  great-great-great-and so forth-grandfather was Squirrel Chief King. I'm nearly through the Life with Fred books and hope to well before the year is through.

I'm not sure what my other pursuits will be yet, but I'm having fun considering my options!

Roasted Garlic Three Pepper Hummus for Crudités

1 t flax seeds
1 1/2 c cooked, drained chickpeas
1 1/2 c cooked, drained cannelloni beans (a very good source of iron)
chickpea cooking broth as needed
1 head elephant garlic, roasted
zest and juice of 1 large lemon
1/2 t cumin
1/2 t smoked paprika
1/4 t chipotle chili powder
minced roasted red pepper (reserved)
minced jalapen o pepper (reserved)
minced fresh herbs of choice (mint, parsley, basil, cilantro) (reserved)
Salt if you must

Blend flax seeds into meal. Put other ingredients except reserved into the blender and process until smooth. Add broth as needed to make a smooth paste. It will set up a bit as it sits. Stir in reserved ingredients. Put about 2-3 T hummus in the bottom of a rocks glass, stand crudites in glass, and munch away. This hummus is excellent as a salad dressing thinned with a bit of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice.

clap along if you feel like weirdness is ok

Praying For...Quinn, our ninja boy. He is so funny and earnest and happy. I pray that he will of course be happy, healthy, safe, and know Jesus. I pray that the world will be a safe place for him to grow up or at least he can escape most of the evil that surrounds him. I pray that his parents will know the best way to nurture his special spirit to guard against rebellion. I pray that the leaders of nations will cease using religion or anti-religion as a weapon against their people. I pray that religious persecution will cease, allowing people to worship and believe how, where, and what they may according to the dictates of their consciences. I pray that communities will unit in the protection of children.

Jesus' Word..."A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city." Proverbs 18:19 I so want to become a hermit, because I can't seem to turn around without unintentionally offending someone.

Cucina Fresca...I made a delicious version of Savory Griddle Cakes from Dr McDougall's Advanced Study Weekend but still need to do some tweaking to the recipe. His recipe included olives, which are on my sometimes don't agree with me list. I put them in my recipe and decided they detracted from the flavor. His recipe recommended a red pepper sauce that we didn't think was too wonderful. Either basil or cilantro should be good herbs to try with a possible addition of fresh thyme or oregano. A chopped salsa of tomato, herbs, garlic, balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, and green onions will be much better than the pepper sauce I'm thinking. This is where I'm at so far.

1 1/4 c oat milk (reduced by a couple T from McDougall recipe because the batter was a bit thin)
1 T fresh lemon juice
1 c fine cornmeal
1/3 c brown rice flour (Up by a couple T from McDougall's recipe for the same thin batter problem)
2 t non-aluminum baking powder
½ t baking soda
dash salt
1 c frozen corn kernels, thawed
1 c grated zucchini
½ c chopped green onions
2 T chopped pimiento, well drained
2 T chopped fresh cilantro

This would also be good as a sweet recipe. Keep the corn and zucchini, but replace the onions, pimiento, and cilantro with berries. Top with a more berries and a teaspoon of maple syrup...we have a new yummy brunch recipe.

Pen and Brush...a young girl I tutor is making some progress. As I often do with young people that need help with penmanship, I give her drawing lessons from a series, Draw Write Now. It's been some time, since I used these books; I forgot how much I liked them. The instructions are simplistic and don't teach shading and all that, but they are fun. So I've been drawing again with these tutorials, but adding the shading and so forth. However, I'm into colored pencil again. Likely, I'll watercolor again, when I can ignore my phone again in a few months. Being interrupted in the middle of a painting ruins it.

Teaching Little Children...I am taking full advantage to love my little class, since that time is swiftly drawing to a close. I am considering keeping a couple of them as honorary grandchildren and putting them in my grandchild of the week rotation. I'm having great success working with my two newest tutoring students. They are challenging but are so earnest and honest in their pursuit of knowledge. The young man is learning to read at a rapid pace. After I gave him the story of Ben Carson and then William Kamkwamba, he has changed his mind about scholarly work. He has decided he can be smart if he wants. I teach reading with Alpha Phonics among other things as I know phonics to be the best way to learn this skill. During our sessions, we read a few lessons. Then I assign homework to be read with a parent or older sibling that is a good reader. This boy surprised me and is on lesson 50 after only 4 sessions together. Likewise with math, he's learning multiplication quickly. The little girl is trying hard too, working at a comfortable pace. We have so much fun together.

Garden Gate...the new tomato I planted is going crazy in my sultry attic greenhouse. Actually, everything except the cilantro loves the heat and humidity up there.

Sound of Music...the ukulele is so much fun and so easy...still, there is a lot to learn to get good at it. Getting good isn't really my goal. I simply love to sing and play for fun. I mustn't let the joy of the uke overshadow my love of violin. It would be easy to do, since proficiency on the uke is nearly guaranteed compared to the violin.

Crowning Glory...thankfully my hair grows fast...It's just past my shoulders now. The no-poo baking soda and vinegar is working well. Since it's shorter, my hair looks much fuller. Without all the WEN product weighing it down, it is bouncier, too. Hopefully, I've finally figured out how to care for my greying hair now very wavy hair. Grey hair is so much different than regular hair. Wavy-curly hair has a whole set of issues that never come up with straight hair. I am sort of obsessed with hair and notice other people with lovely locks everywhere. I'm always complimenting people on their hair, which Emily says is a weird fetish. Don't we all have weird things about us? Clap along if you feel like weirdness is ok!

don't go to the store for these

I am seriously addicted to finding frugal ways. It's not that I really need to be ultrafrugal anymore. It's more like a hobby to squeeze my pennies until they scream for mercy. Since I am allergic to many ingredients in commercial body care products, I needed to find an alternative to commercial shampoo. Baking soda and apple cider vinegar work very well, causing me to realize we are better off without the chemicals in shampoos, conditioners, and many soaps. How is it done?

The first time I tried no-poo, I did it all wrong and practically recked my hair. After research and experimentation, I learned the best formula. When you begin, dissolve 1 T baking soda in a cup or two of warm water. Work through roots of hair and message scalp for about 30 seconds. Focusing on the roots and scalp, rinse with 1 T apple cider vinegar diluted in a cup or two of warm water. Then rinse with running water. If you tend toward dry hair, put a drop or two of olive, grape seed, apricot, kukui, or coconut oil in your palms and rub it into your hands as if for lotion. When it is nearly absorbed run your hands over the ends of your hair. (These also make great lotion or facial moisturize if you don't want to make face and body cream.) As your hair becomes accustomed to this method, you will likely need to reduce the baking soda and vinegar amounts until you only use 1/4 t baking soda and 1 t vinegar. I also like to use herbal infusions in place of the water. Sage, black walnut hull or leaf, comfrey leaf, calendula flower, marshmallow root, rosemary, nettle leaf, and yarrow are some hair-nourishing favorites. Sometimes when I want to get really fancy, I tincture citrus peels in the vinegar for two weeks to make a citrusy rinse. Some people also add essential oils such as tea tree or peppermint.

Right after we began our mission, we ran out of soap. (I am used to having a huge supply of sundries to fall back upon. Out here it is just like being a newly wed again.) Anyway, I remembered reading an interview with Queen Latifa whose grandmother taught her to wash her face with baking soda. She has lovely smooth skin. With that inspiration and my good experience with no-poo, I tried it. Weird at first, it worked quite well. Since soap always left me itchy in the past, I switched to baking soda for good. How is it done? Put a tablespoon or so of baking soda on a washcloth or your palm. Add a bit of water in the shower and use the paste to wash as you would soap. It's that easy.

Baking soda is so useful. Another personal hygiene usage is tooth brushing. Either by itself or mixed with a drop of mint essential oil, it gets teeth squeaky clean and breath nicely fresh. Sucking on whole cloves helps freshen breath after eating strong foods as well.

Finally, body deodorants don't have to come from the drug store either. Talc has been linked to ovarian and lung cancers. Aluminum is toxic and linked to Alzheimers and breast cancer. If it's not safe to eat, it's not safe to put on your skin. After all skin absorbs everything you put on it, leaving those polysylabic chemicals off the list. Mix 1 part tapioca starch, 1 part cornstarch or rice starch, 1 part arrowroot Powder, 1 part baking soda, 1 part redmond or white clay, and optionally 1 part dried, powdered citrus peel or flower petals or orris root for a delightful deodorant powder. If one ingredient is not available, double one of the others. This is so nice stored in an old fashioned powder box and applied with a puff for the sentimental feminine set or in a powder shaker for minimalists. Something else to consider on this vein. Most body odors can be reduced or eliminated with diet. Since processed 'foods' and animal products contribute to the build up of bad bacteria in the body, body odor sweat is exacerbated with their consumption. A high intake of chlorophyll from green plants reduces odor. (Also true for bad breath, eating and/or eliminating poorly naturally cause odors.) Once again, the secret is in the greens.

Some people will only use naturally mined Baking Soda from Frontier or Bob's Red Mill. I'm not sure about that one yet.

He is not here...He is risen...

Meditation on Jesus' Word..."And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay," Matthew 28:5-6.

Praying For...Gracie, who has her 4th birthday this week. I want for her a stable, loving childhood with the knowledge that she has a personal Savior, Jesus Christ, a loving Heavenly Father, and grandparents that love and care for her. I also pray for children around the world that they too will find Jesus and be cherished, protected, nurtured, and taught to do right.

Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...My readers must know, I'm not a medical doctor. However, I spend a lot of time researching health, herbs, and nutrition. Lately, a new debate has arisen over which is worse for health, fat or sugar. I don't think it's an either or thing. Moderation kills. If I eat even a tiny bit of sugar, I start craving sugary, fatty, baked desserts and candy. I also feel really gross and groggy. It's best for me, at least, to stay away from it. I was also an amateur pastry chef and baker, who baked the most luscious, buttery, sugary, yeasty treats. My family waxes sentimental about our old traditions full of pies, cakes, pastries, rolls, crusty old world loaves, and such. No...I'll not go there again. Mashed banana in gluten-free oats sweetens without the rush, cravings, and fat belly. But...the debate will go on.

Cucina Fresca...Looking forward to the end of tax season so I can cook regular meals again. I love to cook but to eat even more. Of course I won't do it, but there is the cutest empty shop here that would make a sweet cafe. From time to time, I daydream about opening a cafe. But...I never will.

Duds...Here on the little island, I found made in the USA bandanas for a very reasonable price. I love to use bandanas as hair bands especially when I need to work outdoors. I also enjoy them at the table as napkins.

Nature Walk...loving the daffodils naturalized, surrounding trees and mailboxes

Duds...Last Sunday it was still cold enough for boots and winter coats, but to day we have 60ish weather.

Pen and Brush...I got word that our little Samantha has become an artist in her own right, sculpting in clay is her favorite right now. This week I painted quite a bit. Of course flowers are my favorite subject, but I also tried my hand at my first building. It didn't turn out that great, but I learned a lot. This bee was lots of fun to do. Like I said I have lots to learn, but learn ing is great fun.

Garden Gate...

suits me perfectly

I can't say what a difference it makes to hire out a bit of housework. Each Saturday a neighbor girl does my vacuuming and dusting. This week her little sister will begin tagging along to water the plants, take care of my bathrooms, and clean the kitchen floor. Years ago, I tried an expensive service, but the quality wasn't as good as the neighbor girl. They also weren't as trustworthy. When I'm gone, I know the work will be done just as nicely. Also, my belongings are never pilfered.

When I began this hiring help thing, I was down in bed AGAIN for the millionth time in the last 6 years. In fact I've spent more time in bed than out and developed a different outlook on lots of things. But I've had a miracle healing. Yes, I've worked diligently with my diet and herbal aids over the last 3 years, which helped tremendously. But I still relapsed often. I firmly believe God helps those who help themselves. I put every effort into following His word and caring for my temple to the best of my ability. During devotions, He seemed to say. 'you 'shall receive health in [your] navel and marrow to [your] bones.'

Anyway...I was reading the other day. For the life of me I can't remember what. The article contained a bit of wisdom that I absolutely adore. Apparently, women in Argentina who can afford to hire help are not praised for doing all their housework themselves. Others need to work, and those that can should do their best to give it. No, we are not wealthy, but we are not at poverty's door either. This idea is for me. In times of health, it frees me to pursue gardening, writing, and sewing. In times of illness, I don't have to kill myself doing chores that drain every last drop of energy. And then....Marmee had a full-time live in housekeeper even though the family was struggling to make ends meet. This new arrangement suits me perfectly.

Update! The little sister is just as hard a worker as her sister. Years ago the little sisters was one of my sunbeams. She was so sweet and pretty, I secretly called her the princess.

the Spirit is in the music

Jenny Oaks Baker began playing at age four and made her solo debut at age eight. I attended her debut performance with the Utah Symphony at Sundance...so I've always had a soft spot in my heart for her and her music.
“Ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul” 2 Nephi 32:9.

“I strive to try to keep the commandments, so I can have the Spirit with me. If I have the Spirit with me, then it’s easier for the Spirit to be in the music I play,” Jenny Oaks Baker

Because I didn't sacrifice to develop my musical talents, I will never play like her or sing like an angel. Even so I continue to play and sing in my home, because at times the Spirit is in the music I play.

changing my inner climate

Five Things For Friday

1. Being Preparedness Specialist, I get to research and write about one of my favorite things, food. Yup, I've been obsessed with the acquisition, storage, preparation, and consumption of food for a long time. Now I have a captive audience with whom to teach everything I've learned. Anyway...I also get to make movies. Well...they are more like powerpoint presentations, but they are my movies nonetheless. I've done this a lot in the past with my little school so it doesn't take a lot of time once I get the idea ironed out in my head. Here's one I made last week.

2. Challenging two grandchildren, Cole and Gayle, to read the Book of Mormon this year, since they both will be eligible to be baptized on their next birthdays. Along with this challenge I sent them a Book of Mormon with audio CDs. Next year, I'll give them the challenge to read the Bible in 2 years with audio CDs. If they actually follow through, they will be blessed in so many ways. Immersing yourself in the Word of God, you allow the Spirit to testify of God in your heart and mind. Getting close to God and the Spirit, you allow them to refine your character. Also, reading the Bible in the King James Version and the Book of Mormon in its original beautiful language, you allow your intellect to enlarge. They will be able to read any great literature after that.

3. Sent Samantha a fun DVD, Follow Jade! Learn Chinese: Let's Visit Chinese Kindergarten. She is enrolled in a Mandarin Immersion program next year. This might make the transition less traumatic for her. She is smart as a whip. Hopefully, this language program will keep her challenged in school. The family is also hoping to get a piano soon. 

4. Project Joy and Search for the Silver Lining are changing my inner climate. "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." Proverbs 17:22 "I am asking that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life we “accentuate the positive.” I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment virtue and effort. I am not asking that all criticism be silenced. Growth comes of correction. Strength comes of repentance. Wise is the man who can acknowledge mistakes pointed out by others and change his course. What I am suggesting is that each of us turn from the negativism that so permeates our society and look for the remarkable good among those with whom we associate, that we speak of one another’s virtues more than we speak of one another’s faults, that optimism replace pessimism, that our faith exceed our fears." Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign July, 2011

5. Family in Seattle report the snow and freezing rain are amazing. I remember one Wild Day with my boys. We couldn't get the car open so instead headed down the hill to explore Soos Creek trail. It was like a sparkling fairy garden. Sometimes the most unusual situations spawn the best memories. 

From inside the car, window rolled down.

Doors frozen shut with thick ice.

Unusual snowfall in Seattle                

This and That

5TF

1.When we were in Phoenix, Joseph and Spencer dragged me to the dreaded mall. Spencer needed some part for some Apple something. Anyway, Apple stores make me anxious with all the noise and crowds. So I wandered over to a clothing store called Down East Outfitters. Before I walked in, I knew they would have nothing of interest for me. Low and behold...they have changed their look to match my style. So I bought 2 skirts and a cardigan. CUTE....but now I'll look like everyone else. Because I like to be original, I guess it's time to come up with a new individual look. Or better yet, I'll just wait fifteen minutes for designers to change the minds of women concerning what is stylish. Before that happens, I plan to buy a few more things from DEO.

2. Around here we are sort of like the Bagginses. First breakfast is a green smoothie. Second breakfast is miso soup made with South River Miso. I've liked miso soup for many years but wheat and soy issues forced me to seek out alternatives. What a serendipitous find! The flavor and texture of this brand say 'old world is better.' After researching miso for its health benefits, I don't eat miso soup occasionally anymore. Studies at Nagasaki indicate it is protective against radiation sickness and cancer--possibly because of its alkalizing nature. It is nourishing and full of probiotics, which build the immune system. I chop 2 shitake mushrooms, mince a bit of green onion, ribbon cut a few leaves of spinach, add 1 t. dulse or a bit of ribbon cut nori, a spoon of brown rice, and 1/3 of a small red pepper into my over-sized mug and pour 1 c. boiling water over. In a separate dish, I mix 1 1/2 t. chick pea, adzuki, red pepper miso, or a combination with 3/4 c. room temp distilled water and a dab of chili paste. I take a couple spoons of hot soup and pour it over the miso, then mix the miso into the soup. When I eat another bowl of miso soup in the afternoon, I don't feel hungry or have an energy dive. All that in less than 3 minutes and only 20 calories. This is why Japanese women are slender and bright eyed.

3. I love seeing the fruits of my labors in my adult children. Spencer is keeping his office neat as a pin. After years of working on the habit of neatness and order, I knew he had it in him. He just needed to decide it was better than the alternative.

4. It looks like we've got more snow on the way. I'm determined to be positive about snow from now on.

5. Christmas is coming, which is always a fun time. However, I'm looking forward to our after Christmas celebration with the Northern Utah married children and grandchildren. We plan to go to Grins and Fins then to a pizza place with a salad bar. It should be a grand adventure.

sometimes it's worth it

Today I spent several hours compiling a study guide for The Taming of the Shrew. It was so fun to re-read and re-consider this favorite from Shakespeare. So many feminists want to paint Petruchio via Shakespeare as the ultimate chauvinist. Petruchio wasn't trying to make Kate submit so much as realize what it meant to be polite and happy. He mirrored her behavior to show her how she looked. In record time, she understood his point and loved him for helping her to become a happy person. She may have been submissive in a way, but she gained equality and true love in reality.

I suppose I look at TTOTS in this manner, because I have an ever patient husband with his own 'Kate' to deal with. Too easily offended, to easily provoked, my behavior may have resembled Kate's in past times. Feminist rubbish that it's healthy and right to assertively vent one's anger was my excuse. Although my man never acted like Petruchio, he did hold up a mirror so I could see the results of my errant ways. He patiently waited for me to catch up, choose happiness, and fall in true love.

good, not too bad, and not ugly at all-5TF

Five Things Friday

1. We got a few more bags of leaves to put on the gardens before we cover them with plastic for the winter. Yesterday, the dear man across the street called to tell me he had three bags for me. I also saw several bags on a curb around the corner. Even if I never have another garden here??????, at least I'm making it a better place.

2. Dr. Christopher testified that distilled water eliminates arthritis. Although I've been drinking distilled water for some time, I haven't been consistent. I love eating ice from places that have flaked ice. That's over now. I'm determined that I won't end up like my Grandma D in this department. She was a wonderful woman in so many ways, but she was crippled up with arthritis. Cold weather is not easy.

3. Excited about my new position and hope to be able to teach some hands-on classes for preparedness. Having fun with my pantry diving/emergency thriving experiment over at Kate's Kitchen.

4. I love to sew but am so much slower at it than I was, when my children were small. Back then I could cut out 10 T-shirts and have them sewn up in a couple hours. I had a system, where I would stack my fabrics and cut them out mostly with a rotatory cutter. Then assembly line fashion, I sewed all the sleeves, then the side seams, then the ribbing, then the hems. I was that way in so many areas of my life. I had lots to do, with no time to get it done. I learned to be efficient. I think I've lost that skill. I've been working on a new apron for next week's Tie One On day. What should take me only a short amount of time is turning into a huge undertaking. But I think the results will be stunning. And I like a slower paced life much better--it doesn't burn out the adrenals.

5. We buy bread from Abigail's Oven. Sadly, I can't eat it, but my men and visitors love it. The aroma is out of this world and nearly kill me. I'm a bread addict with celiacs. We met Abigail last summer, when this darling girl came buy with a wagon full of bread. Since I know the United States can only be saved by those that choose to enter the free market and love cute little children, I bought three loaves of bread. We didn't see Abigail again with all our traveling. However, a couple weeks ago her two little brothers came by selling. The big one was on the other side of the street canvasing my neighbors, while the little guy came to my door. He could barely talk and was so sweet and charming, I couldn't refuse. But this time they had learned to be better entrepreneurs and took orders for the future. I take my hat off to parents that support their children in entrepreneurship. They learn so much more than they ever could in any school or working at a 'real' job.

Tie One On Day

I learned from Anais Dervaes over at Urban Homestead that aprons now have their own celebrated day, November 23 is"Tie One on Day." It sounds like a wonderful idea. Make something delicious, write a cheerful note, and give it to a neighbor, while wearing a cute apron. I think I'll make a pot of soup and share it with the new neighbor next door. SHHHHHHH!

Anyway....the girls at Urban Homestead are having an apron pattern give-away, which I'd love to win. Even so I'm seriously considering making a new apron, from the most darling retro apron pattern book as yet unused. True it is for children, but the size and length is right for me. They are not much different than the adult ones from the company.

I'm thinking of my dear Aunt Wilma, who baked pies for ritzy Beverly Hills restaurants. She always wore an apron, a twinkling eye, and a smile, as she worked in her kitchen. She loved her job as homemaker, as much as I do. Then there was Grandma Downen and Aunt Betty, together these three dear ladies made the yummiest plum jelly from the Santa Rosa plum trees in Aunt Betty's Pomona, CA yard. Of course they all wore aprons over their dresses. I remember, when the aunties began wearing pants but never Grandma.

Anyway, now I wear full aprons with pockets, when I do my morning chores or cook. Half aprons never work for me, because I always get the mess on top. I made a cute one to wear, while gardening or cleaning the chicken coop with brown egg and chicken wire prints. Sadly, I no longer have chickens. I made a reversible one with some pretty calico. A blogging buddy sent me a cute pink one with rick rack. My husband thinks they are all sexy. He and the boys wear full black aprons, when they work in the kitchen.

Who could ask for more?

I absolutely love sprouting and micro-farming! In The Sprouting Book, Ann Wigmore said. "I found what I was looking for, and much more--an edible plant food that would grow indoors in any climate and mature in a few days, rather than the 50-130 days required to grow fresh fruits and vegetables. An inexpensive food that would rival red meat and garden produce in nutritional value, would need no processing or preparation, and would be easy to digest, even for people with weak digestion. What I found was sprouted seeds, beans, grains, and nuts."

I love making soy milk and tofu. No, they aren't raw foods, but I don't eat 100% raw. Sure it is way easier to buy them. However, I buy my beans from a trusted source that guarantees they are organic and GMO-free. Soy agrees with me and I love it--a perfect match.

Another thing I love is naturally cultured foods. Full of living microbes that are soooo good for you and lower susceptibility to pathogens and cancer, they enhance digestion and increases vitamin levels of the foods that you use in the culturing process. The Green Smoothie Girl suggested making rejuvalac with quinoa instead of wheat. It is the most delicious rejuvalac I've ever had. Sprouted almond 'cheese' and tempeh are next on my list. Sauerkraut is a long time family favorite as is Kimchi. Now that fall is here with its bouties, I'm going to make some sauerkraut and kimchi this week and the other two in a couple weeks.

Another thing I love is salads of all kinds. This week I have zughetti on my menu, a salad of julienned zucchini, diced tomatoes, diced peppers, basil, parsley, garlic, green onion, and pepper. While writing this little ditty, my friend arrived at my door with homegrown, organic zucchini and tomatoes. How did she know I didn't have quite enough for dinner? I'll take this as one of God's tender mercies and accept this blessing with gratitude.

Oh, and two more things...carrot juice and green smoothies...maybe it's the time I spend making them with my sweet heart. Yes, that's part of it, but I love the smooth sweetness of carrot juice. Green smoothies are wonderfully delicious, too. Right now I'm making them with peaches from my own peach tree...mmmmmm. And I discovered that a tiny chunk of orange peel is divine.

Finally, soups especially bean soups, the ultimate peasant food, makes me smile with anticipation every time I put a pot on. It is especially fun to make in a Sun Oven.

Can you tell I love to eat? Probably, I eat a diet 180 degrees different than yours. But I am happy and healthy and loving life now. Who could ask for more?

insurance or assurance

I don't know who she is, but that is what I want in old age. Joy!

While all people deserve to be healthy, it isn't a governmentally granted right to have health insurance. The 'charity' and entitlement mentality of some in the current US administration is misguided. Instead of universal health insurance, bogus flu shots, questionable immunizations, and dangerous poison, burn, and cut treatments, universal health education without the bogus science sponsored by special interests is a better choice. Not having insurance motivates people to make better choices!

A couple years ago, I took a course in herbal healing and nutrition from the school of natural healing. The biggest lesson I learned through experience and my courses is that NO disease is incurable. Yes, there are incurable people: hedonists, who desire dainties more than health, or hypochondriacs/munchausens, who identify themselves through disease. Also, everyone will eventually die; if it is a person's appointed time to die, the following will make them more comfortable but not cure. However, anyone who is willing to abstain from drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, exercise daily in fresh air and sunshine, get enough sleep, not burn the candle at both ends, choose to be happy and positive, strive towards the character of Jesus (whether they believe in Jesus or not), forgive others their trespasses, be patient with the recovery process, and eat a largely raw, plant-based diet of dark leafy greens, vegetables, fruit, sprouts, nuts, seeds, grains, and a bit of legumes can heal any malady.

Certainly, if I experienced extreme trauma, I would consider a trauma center to put my pieces back together. There too there is no guarantee, as we learned with our little Katie. Devastating medical bills and a dead daughter seem like an oxymoron experience and absolutely wrong for some reason.

Even though it took quite some time to clear out the mess I caused myself with nearly 45 years of improper eating, I feel wonderful today after nearly 3 years on my healing path. Along the way, there have been setbacks, but mostly I keep moving forward. God's word and millennia of success using these methods cannot be wrong. Like Daniel, I won't defile myself anymore with the king's sensual and detrimental fair.

So far I've noticed some wonderful effects. My skin is clear for the first time, since acne and boils started after the birth of my first child. My hair is getting full, shiny, and strong again for the first time in many years. The deafness and feeling of fulness in my right ear is gone. My pipes don't need roto rooter. I don't have menopause or PMS symptoms anymore. I have lost my constant cough and sniff. I still have a way to go on some things that I don't really want to share publicly. However, I know I'm improving. God set me on this path for a reason, which I don't fully understand at this time. I will be fine and live to fulfill my mission if I simply keep doing what I'm doing.

So...no thank you to forced medical insurance and mandates. First, I won't go to medical doctors for any reason. Second, I don't want to pay for others, who choose unhealthy lifestyles. If the government feels they must get involved in this problem, let them instead reward those that choose the assurance of God-revealed, time-proven, science-based, non-political, nutrition and lifestyle intervention.

then sings my soul

Yes, my life-long friend is back and never sounded better. It took a lot of patience and persistence on the part of the violin maker, Sally Taniguchi, to fix the awful 'repair' mess done 6 years ago in Cedar City. The guy actually used super glue on both violin face and bow frog. The frog could not be saved, but the face cracks were stopped with her proper care. I just can't believe how good my old friend sounds with new gold label strings, new bridge, new Siberian horse hair, and a face-lift. At the shop, they wanted me to play to make sure everything was to my liking. No way do I play in public or in front of strangers. As the violin maker played,  a heavenly sound flowed around us. Strangely, I brought it home and played with my lack of skill only to hear the same heavenly sound. It's as if my dear friend was sick and is now alive with vibrant health.

So last night, I played and played all the hymns I can remember. I once again felt that sweet feeling, when my spirit sings its prays through my old friend.

Things I'm Loving

1. Hebrews 10:19–11:40 Paul told us to follow the “new and living way” and have faith in Jesus. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." 11:1 Faith has helped me deal with adversity and makes me feel joy.

2. Finding great quotes..."Five good children are an immense luxury, and to deny one's self other luxuries in order to raise them is not self-denial at all, but merely an intelligent choice of investment." Edward Sandford Martin, The Luxury of Children

3. Early morning walks...the stars are my friends and waiting to greet me pre-dawn: Cassiopeia, Orion, Mercury, and Orion's Belt points toward Sirus.

4. My lap desk...allows me to be productive even when moving a bit slowly.

5. Carrot juice is the color of health. Not only that it tastes delicious. It might be my new favorite color.

6. Choice...the future allows us to choose between numerous paths and it's exciting to discover what the outcome will be.

7. My hubby is so thoughtful, who cares for me enough to take a slow walk before his regular walk.

8. Skirts and aprons...

9. Serving my family in unusual ways...

10. Green jungle and bees outside my kitchen window...

my faith was restored

1.  Hebrews 8-10...the Law of Moses pointed the Children of Israel towards Jesus, the Messiah. The ceremonies performed in the tabernacle and later the temple were symbolic of heavenly things. When the priests sacrificed animals, it was symbolic of offering himself a sacrifice for our sins. When the priests placed blood from the sacrificed animals on the altar, it symbolized the cleansing and purification of the people just as Jesus’ blood, shed during the Atonement, cleanses and purifies us from sin. When the high priest went through the veil into the Holy of Holies, it was symbolic of Jesus, the great high priest, going through the veil into the heaven. Similarly, the law of Moses was the old covenant found in the Old Testament and the fulness of the gospel was the new found in the New Testament. While the blood of bulls cannot take away our sins, the blood of the Lamb can if we choose to accept it.

2. Still sorta sick...Yesterday I came to a crisis and briefly considered the ER. After a bit of prayer and hubby care, my faith was restored. I was calmed and reminded that I possess the tools to fix this problem if I'm patient. For instance, I couldn't hear out of my right ear for 18 months but can today. Since Dr. Christopher taught that 90% of all disease starts in the colon, I'm fasting with carrot juice, distilled water, and eliminative herbs to clean from the top down and doing.....other things to clean from the....well you know. Also to stimulate blood flow in the area, I'm using hot and cold hydrotherapy, cayenne messages, gentle stretching, and short slow strolls around the neighborhood. Sitting in the sun for fresh air and vitamin D, I'm developing a healthy habit. None of this will do a bit of good, however, if I can't get over the stress and other negative feelings of the winter that started this downward spiral. Forgiveness and choosing joy are the final parts of the cure. So I'm drawing and laughing and smiling more. After one day of this, things are looking up and pain is greatly reduced. I love life and will only check out, when God says I'm done here. I am so happy that God empowers me to fix my own problems and leads me to lots of sources on the subject of anatomy, physiology, nutrition, health. Since I'm also writing a high school text on these subjects, I'm always researching the ideas of the China Study connected to different organ systems. Quite possibly my book is the only nutritarian AP Biology book in existence. Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead and Forks Over Knives are two great movies I've watched on the subject lately. Both can be found on Netflix instant.

3. Since I'm in no shape to travel, we still haven't made it back to PHX to pick up my violin. I'm calling the violin maker today to have it shipped. It's been weeks, and I miss playing. All this delay is making me consider the whole PHX thing in a different light.

4. I still have mixed feelings about the Kindle. While the idea of having an entire library in a space the size of a dime-store novel is appealing, I like turning pages and the feel of paper. In particular I don't like cookbooks on the Kindle and can say this without reservation. I've downloaded three: Forks Over Knives, Appetite for Reduction, and The Get Healthy, Go Vegan Cookbook. However the novels and other books seem to be fine on Kindle.

5. Since the new term began Tuesday, I am very much looking forward to seeing what my scholars send in this afternoon. Their weekly deadline is 6:00 PM Friday. I have a little group of young adults that I've been working with for some time. They have made remarkable progress. Although it is sometimes stressful and occasionally difficult, I love this part of mentoring. To watch a young person blossom from a shy, budding adult into a full-blown young adult scholar is an experience I hope to repeat again and again. It's exhilarating.

5 Things For Friday

everything will be all right

1. She looks so happy. I love to sew and will be making a Mexican outfit like that very soon.

2. With adequate rest, good food including herbs, fresh air, gentle exercise, and continued hope, I am beginning to feel better. I found when I eat perfectly and take my herbs, I don't get sick to my stomach, which makes it easier to sleep, allowing me enough energy to exercise in fresh air, which gives me enough appetite to eat perfectly and take my herbs. What a blessing! Yesterday was a turning point in so many ways, and I woke this morning feeling wonderful for the first time in 9 months.

3. Yesterday, I made a strange new dish. For reasons outside my control, my lunch salad was discarded. Since I was hungry, I went on a fridge safari. With a dish of leftover pintos, chili paste, Bragg's, and nori, I made sushi burritos-strange but extremely delicious. In fact they are better than my old favorite made with homemade flour tortillas. I also had a green smoothie for breakfast, some fruit and almonds, and some tofu with greens. I love creatively dining in the nutritarian world and am excited for this 6-week Eat to Live challenge that pushes me to eat enough. If I listen to the whisperings of God, I know that I should keep on with what I'm doing and everything will be all right.

4. Changed up my morning schedule just a bit to include a new project I'm working on with my blog-buddy Erin. It's amazingly fun. 4 AM again finds me walking and star searching, followed by time in my paper journal. When I finally get my violin back (trip delayed because restoration work isn't done on the house), I'll play/pray for a bit. Since music speaks so well to my spirit, playing is my most spiritual and sincere form of prayer. Afterwards, there is still time for studying Mandarin and Spanish before moving into daily blogging of the Sunday School lessons and other topics.

5. If this new energy lasts, I will be able to finish my studies this year in addition to writing and mentoring. I'm so hopeful. I'm getting ahead of myself again; I'll be happy if I don't have to drag myself through the day and have less pain again.

That's five things for 5 Things Friday!

This Life

1.  2 Corinthians 5:17–21 
“Reconciliation is the process of ransoming man from his state of sin and spiritual darkness and of restoring him to a state of harmony and unity with Deity. … Man, who was once carnal and evil, who lived after the manner of the flesh, becomes a new creature of the Holy Ghost; he is born again; and, even as a little child, he is alive in Christ” (Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 2:422–23).

We become reconciled, when we acknowledge our need for our Savior's atonement and grace and our responsibility to live by His commands.

2. "...this great, misunderstood story of Mary and Martha. We like to talk about Martha as the bad woman and Mary as the good woman, but we know that Martha is the one who invited the Savior into her home—it was her home. Aren’t we told to do that? Isn’t that a good thing? And some of you even have little plaques that say, “Christ is the center of our home.” That was Martha. Then she was serving Him, and isn’t that a good thing? That was what women were expected to do and what we’re expected to do. But the Savior took this opportunity to invite both Mary and Martha to be official participants in His work of discipleship and He said that this was the “good part.” It was the needful part that would never be taken away from them. When you read that with a spiritual understanding, and you learn about Mary and Martha and what happened to them later, that Martha was a woman who bore fervent testimony of the Christ, and then you see the work they were participating in in the scriptures, you will learn that this was the Savior inviting them officially to be part of His work, not to be bystanders, but to be included in what He wanted to accomplish." Julie Beck...I love this vision of Martha, because I am a Martha-type more than a Mary-type. Julie Beck is my hero the past few years.

Mom

3. Took Mom to Cedar Breaks, when she visited...Liked it so much Son and I took my Beloved there for his birthday a few days later. This love of nature started, when I used to lie on the sidewalk and watch the Arizona Sunsets as a child. Camping trips with Girl Scouts and my adult family furthered it. But the Wild Days and Nature Journaling we did weekly for our homeschool fixed this love in my heart. I was so sick last weekend. Driving the 29 miles from my home to Cedar Breaks was the best medicine ever. Imagine, this place of beauty so close to home and I never even saw it before.

View at Cedar Breaks

Spencer, Ginger, and Joseph

Blue Columbine~Lovely

Tiny Cedar Breaks Visitor's Center

Beauty in Form

4. I saw and recommend highly a sad but hopeful movie last night, The Help. I cry in my heart for the problems between the races in the United States past and present. We are all God's children. Just as He made a multitude of different colored flowers, He made us different colors, cultures, and so forth to make the world a lovely place. Although not all my attempts to reach out have been well received, I hope through continued love, hope, acceptance, and service, I can do my small part to mend the breech.

5. Studying ethics and philosophy right now. Wow! I knew there were a lot of different views, but what an eye opener. I cry for those who don't know the joy found at the feet of Jesus. It also amazes me how things like ethics, philosophy, economics, politics, history, the arts, and literature fit together so nicely.

i love to see the temple

On days we go to the temple, I read and study there. Therefore, I don't post my studies. Nevertheless, I love to study in the temple, because somehow I feel so near my Savior there. Sometimes I get amazing revelations or answers to prayers. Usually, I have a much more peaceful experience and bask in the testimony building of the Holy Ghost's comforting presence. That's how it was today. I felt happy to be there and happy to be alive.

Since we live in Wal-Martville, we also try to stop at Costco for organic veggies. Today we picked up spinach, carrots, hummus, and apples along with Spencer's birthday present.

Amazing but true, I will no longer have a child of the teen persuasion after Friday. How did I get this old anyway?

I also bought a planter for the funeral tomorrow from the game group. It is lovely....

Just as we walked in the door, Lori texted that they were on their way through town and asked if we could do lunch. Are you kidding me? I love my kids and grandkids and see entirely too little of them. So we went out to the Pizza Factory. The little girls kept me entertained the whole time, while little man Cole sat with the men. (waaah, lost my camera so no pics)

Jason also sent some text messages today. He is adjusting to life in Seattle very well. I have his new address for any family that wants it. His phone number is the same. 

I love my family. I am in heaven. What a wonderful day!

we study our history

Some people wonder why I study so much; why I even care. What does it matter? What will it get you? You are too old to learn anything new? I study history to learn who I am, what God wants me to do, and to change my character. 

Bruce R. McConkie was a great one for bringing all the pieces together. Below is one of his speeches that does a marvelous job with history.

“The morning breaks; the shadows flee;

Lo, Zion’s standard is unfurled! …

The dawning of a brighter day

Majestic rises on the world.”

When the sun goes down and the dusk of day deepens into night, then darkness reigns. During the night, darkness is everywhere and the vision of all is dimmed; none can see afar off. Though the heavens teem with stars—an uncounted host of them—and though the moon—she who rules the night—reflects her rays of borrowed light, yet the darkness is not pierced; the blackness of the night continues.

Deep shadows hide the beasts of forest and field. Wildcats stalk their prey in silence. Packs of hunger-maddened wolves strike terror in their victims as their howling calls draw nearer and nearer. Coyotes are baying in the distance; somewhere a lion roars; and in that deepest shadow a jackal lurks, awaiting his chance to steal the slain game of another. The terrors of the night are real.

But finally a distant dawn is heralded. The morning stars shine forth more brightly than their fellows. A few rays of light part the darkness of the eastern sky, a sky still spotted with clouds. Beyond the mountains, not many leagues away, a new day is gestating in the womb of nature. As the earth turns slowly on its decreed course, the dawn brightens; the light of the morning increases; darkness flees. The stars no longer shine; the moon hides her face; their reflected glimmerings no longer pierce the blackness of the night. The sun rises. The blazing light of heaven covers the earth.

When the dawn comes and the sun shines, the doleful creatures of the night begin to retire. The lions return to their lair and the foxes to their holes; the baying of the coyotes is no longer heard; and the howling wolves are silent. The terrors that lurked in the shadows are now hidden in the rocks and in the caves.

With the new dawn the flowers in the field and the trees in the forest take on new life. The oxen in their stalls and the sheep in their cotes awake from sleep, while the fowls of heaven sing praises to the Lord of Sabaoth, to the Creator of the first day. The blessings of life and light are everywhere seen. It is a new day—a day of joy and rejoicing and light.

When the gospel sun went down almost two millennia ago, when the priesthood was taken away and a dreary dusk descended in the congregations that once had known light, when light and truth no longer shone forth from heaven, and when those on earth no longer were taught and directed by apostles and prophets, then spiritual darkness reigned. Darkness covered the earth and gross darkness the minds of the people. (See Isa. 60:2.) The dark ages had their beginning, and the light of heaven no longer dwelt in the hearts of those who professed to worship Him whose we are.

The vision of all became as the words of a book that is sealed. (See Isa. 29:11.) The prophets and seers were silenced; the holy scriptures were no longer made available to the masses of men; none could see the way to perfection; none knew the way back to the Eternal Presence. Earth’s pilgrims, walking in and by forbidden paths, were lost in the blackness of the night.

True, the heaven still teemed with stars, an uncounted host of them, for there were many wise and good people who reflected forth to others such light and truth and goodness as they had. And month after month a new moon arose to reflect such of heaven’s truths as came by instinct and from reason. There was a St. Augustine, a Maimonides, a Joan of Arc, a Thomas More, a Michelangelo, a Galileo, a host of others—each for the month when their moon shone—who reflected such borrowed light as in their power lay. But the light of heaven no longer shed its rays on the strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life.

And there were deep shadows in which the beasts of hell lurked. Lucifer did not sleep. At Nicaea and later by the pen of Athanasius he aided in the writing of creeds which debased the true gods of heaven and defined them as an incomprehensible spirit essence which fills the immensity of space.

By the word of Constantine he placed the subjects of a pagan empire into what men have since called the universal church. With the sword of Cortez he placed a cross in the hands of pagan people and named them Christians. By the mouth of Tetzel he sold indulgences so that men’s sins could be forgiven for money, as they supposed.

In Spain, in Mexico, and in Peru, he caused the evils of the Inquisition to flourish, and tens of thousands of earth’s inhabitants were slain to keep down heresy, as they chose to call it. The Huguenots and other dissenters from the established order were murdered by the scores of thousands. The dominant religion of the day was one of fear, ignorance, and superstition; it was a religion, imposed by the sword, which denied the agency of man.

It was a long, dark night. There were jackals in the shadows, wolves in the forests, coyotes everywhere. Lions roared and the fangs of the serpent sank again and again into human flesh. The black plague swept Europe. Wars were everywhere. Morality and decency had few supporters. The terrors of the night were real and the night was long—long and dark and black.

But finally the heralds of a distant dawn came forth. There was a Calvin, a Zwingli, a Luther, a Wesley; there were wise and good men—morning stars who shone more brightly than their fellows—who arose in every nation. There were men of insight and courage who were sickened by the sins and evils of the night. These great souls hacked and sawed at the chains with which the masses were bound. They sought to do good and to help their fellowmen—all according to the best light and knowledge they had.

In Germany and France and England and Switzerland and elsewhere groups began to break away from the religion of centuries past. A few rays of light were parting the darkness of the eastern sky.

Many who sought freedom to worship God according to the dictates of their conscience migrated to America. And in due course, by the power of the Father, a new nation was created, a nation “conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” (Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address.) The United States of America came into being. Beyond the mountains, now not many leagues away, a new day was gestating in the womb of nature.

As the earth continued to turn slowly and steadily on its decreed course, as the dawn brightened and the morning light increased, as the Constitution of the United States guaranteed religious freedom, as men were tempered in their feelings and began to view each other with more equity and fairness, as the Bible was published and read by more people, as darkness fled and light increased, the time for the rising of the gospel sun was at hand.

When the set time had fully come—when the day for the promised restoration of all things was at hand—the Lord in heaven, in his infinite wisdom, mercy, and goodness, sent from the courts of glory that eternal spirit whose foreordained mission it was to usher in the dispensation of the fulness of times. Joseph Smith began his mortal life. It was December 23, 1805. The sun was then just hidden by the mountain peaks.

Then one glorious day in the spring of 1820—our tradition says that it was on April 6—the sun arose to view. The great God with the Lord Jesus at his right hand came down from heaven; stood personally in a grove of trees in western New York; called young Joseph by name; commanded him to join none of the churches of the day, for they were all wrong; told him that all their creeds were an abomination in the sight of heaven; and said that the professors of religion were all corrupt, that they drew near to the Lord with their lips, but their hearts were far from him, that they taught for commandments the doctrines of men, having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof. (JS—H 1:19.)

From that moment the stars no longer shone; the moon hid her face. Their reflected glimmerings were no longer needed to pierce the blackness of the night. The dispensation of the fulness of times was about to be given from God in heaven to man on earth.

Almost immediately angels came from the Divine Presence to teach doctrine, to confer power and authority and priesthood, and to give again the keys of the kingdom, which are part of the holy apostleship, so that mortal men can bind on earth and have it sealed eternally in the heavens.

Within a single decade the Book of Mormon came forth; the Church and kingdom of God on earth was reestablished; revelation and prophecy became the order of the day; and the gifts of the Spirit—all those ancient signs and wonders and miracles—were poured out upon the faithful. Once more there were visions and tongues and prophecies; the sick were healed, the lame walked, the blind saw, and the dead were raised. It was with the Latter-day Saints as it had been with the former-day saints.

Line upon line the ancient truths were restored; one after another the ancient rites and ordinances were revealed anew. Soon the gospel, the fulness of the everlasting gospel—the very power of God which saves and exalts men—was shining forth in all its glory, beauty, and perfection. The gospel sun, which had its setting in the day when darkness covered the earth—that same gospel sun had its rising in the new day of restoration.

And with the gospel dawn and the spread of truth over all the earth, the terrors of the night are vanishing away. Where there was fear and ignorance and superstition, now there is love and light and pure religion. Fear has become courage; ignorance is transformed into wisdom; superstition and tradition are replaced by the light and truth of heaven.

Soon the wolves of wickedness will no longer howl and the jackals of sin no longer snivel and snipe at the ongoing kingdom, and the great millennial day will be upon us.

This is thy day, O Zion! “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. …

“His glory shall be seen upon thee.

“And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. …

“Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise. …

“The Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.” (Isa. 60:1–3, 18–19.)

“The morning breaks; the shadows flee;

Lo, Zion’s standard is unfurled! …

The dawning of a brighter day

Majestic rises on the world.”

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.