Kalola's World

One Nation Under God

2011-11-05T19:58:00.000-07:00

"Christ is holding up the U.S. Constitution while behind him are the Founding Fathers and other patriotic heroes from the past two centuries speaking to us from the dust. They are asking us to remember the foundation of our country's greatness and the liberties defined under the Constitution.

"The fact that Christ holds the Constitution is very significant. I believe it was a God-inspired document. I believe God holds this country in the hollow of His hand. The Constitution gave Americans the kind of liberty unknown elsewhere in the world.

"I believe our country has been gradually weakened over the years, and we are reaching a tipping point. In the front of the painting, on the left side, are your strong Americans. On the other side are those who I believe have weakened the country."

"The painting One Nation Under God is very symbolic, and I wanted it to be that way to cause people to study it and ponder its message. I hope people will understand my feelings as they learn more about the meaning of the painting."
-- Jon McNaughton

Following Jesus

2011-10-01T20:01:00.000-07:00

Random Comments

2011-05-31T14:57:00.000-07:00

These are random comments I left in response to a post on a blog I found yesterday:

K – So I have a tribute to Randy “Macho Man” Savage on my blog. I like professional wrestling. Lots of people do.

I – I liked your comment “So just love what you wear, and own it.”

B – I wasn’t necessarily “chewing out” nor was I trying to be sarcastic. It saddens me when younger women poke fun at “old ladies.” One of those “old ladies” could be your mother or grandmother. Most older, mature women dress for comfort.

M – No, I am not an idiot. Why would you say that?

A – Thank you for checking my blog. Exactly what “kind of person” am I?

And to M – Next time you see an “old lady” wearing polyester pants and a t-shirt with embroidery, be thankful she is not wearing a pair of jeggings and a short top. Yikes!

I do tend to get myself in trouble, don't I?

RIP Randy "Macho Man" Savage

2011-05-20T13:34:00.000-07:00

You were one of the best of the best. "Ohhhh yeah!!!!"

The Misunderstood Child

2011-05-15T09:26:00.001-07:00

I found this poem and dedicate it to my son.

The Misunderstood Child
[A poem about children with hidden disabilities]
by Kathy Winters

I am the child that looks healthy and fine.
I was born with ten fingers and toes.
But something is different, somewhere in my mind,
And what it is, nobody knows.

I am the child that struggles in school,
Though they say that I'm perfectly smart.
They tell me I'm lazy --can learn if I try –
But I don't seem to know where to start.

I am the child that won't wear the clothes
Which hurt me or bother my feet.
I dread sudden noises, can't handle most smells,
And tastes --there are few foods I'll eat.

I am the child that can't catch the ball
And runs with an awkward gait.
I am the one chosen last on the team
And I cringe as I stand there and wait.

I am the child with whom no one will play –
The one that gets bullied and teased.
I try to fit in and I want to be liked,
But nothing I do seems to please.

I am the child that tantrums and freaks
Over things that seem petty and trite.
You'll never know how I panic inside,
When I'm lost in my anger and fright.

I am the child that fidgets and squirms
Though I'm told to sit still and be good.
Do you think that I choose to be out of control?
Don't you know that I would if I could?

I am the child with the broken heart
Though I act like I don't really care.
Perhaps there's a reason God made me this way –
Some message he sent me to share.

For I am the child that needs to be loved
And accepted and valued too.
I am the child that is misunderstood.
I am different -but look just like you.

Amen

2011-04-25T19:03:00.000-07:00

I found this on a friend's FB page and thought I would post it on my blog.

Greatest man in history, named Jesus, had no servants, yet they called him Master. Had no degree, yet they called him Teacher. Had no medicines, yet they called him Healer. He had no army, yet kings feared Him. He won no military battles, yet he conquered the world. He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him. He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today. Re-post if you believe In Him with all your heart.

Why LDS Men Are Single

2011-04-23T20:50:00.000-07:00

This is way too funny not to share here.

Anyone out there?

2011-04-16T23:00:00.000-07:00

I'm curious if anyone is reading my blog. If you are, please leave a comment.

In the meantime, I'm going to add some pretty pictures.

Peace.

Visit from the Bishop

2011-02-10T12:44:00.000-08:00

Tuesday evening the bishop paid us a visit. Since then, I have been going over and over in my mind what transpired. I've wanted to write about what happened and came up with a letter to the bishop. It's one of those letters you write, but never send. The bishop is a decent man and DH and I both like him. The letter is just my way of sharing my reaction to the bishop's visit. If you have any thoughts after reading the letter, I hope you will share them with me.

Dear Bishop ____________:

Thank you for paying us a visit Tuesday evening. I am sorry I was the catalyst for DH getting up at Fast and Testimony meeting. We were both so excited with the results of my genealogical research and how it tied in to my patriarchal blessing. I realize now I should have discouraged DH from sharing our joy with the ward members.

I told DH I believe the purpose of your visit was to (1) explain why the note was passed to DH to tell him, in effect, to stop talking; and (2) to reprove him for some of the comments he made.

DH and I are both sorry for any harm that his words may have inflicted on those present. His intent was to explain why he was speaking for me. Obviously, he revealed too much information.

We appreciated your candidness. We hope you, in turn, appreciated our candidness. Having you visit us in our home, uninterrupted, gave us the opportunity to get better acquainted.

Before you left, you said that you would like to see me baptized. You challenged DH and I to read the Book of Mormon together. You said our lives would change for the better. You also said we would have the spirit in our home. As I've reflected on your words, and I may be reading more into what you said, I started wondering if you felt that because I am not a member, we do not have the spirit in our home. Am I to understand that unless I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there is no way we can have the spirit of Christ in our home? I hope that is not what you meant. If that were true, it would mean only members of the Church can have the spirit of Christ in their homes. I am a firm believer that ALL can have the spirit of Christ.

Will DH and I read the Book of Mormon together? No. Not together. As I told you, I have found it more inspiring when I open the scriptures (be it the Book of Mormon or Bible) to no particular page and find an answer to something that is troubling me.

You told us you like seeing us at church. I believe you were being sincere. We explained to you why we only attend Sacrament Meeting.

You mentioned that DH's testimony was talked about the most by the members of the ward. I do not know what to expect when we come to Sacrament Meeting this Sunday. Perhaps we will be shunned. If so, that is truly sad. But I know in my heart there will be one person who will never shun us. That person is our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Peace to you, Bishop ___________.

"Bloggernacle Illuminati" Revisited

2011-01-16T20:24:00.000-08:00

I made a post in August, 2009 about the "Bloggernacle Illuminati." Since that time, I have noticed that not much has changed.

Here is part of what I wrote:

What follows is something I have been wanting to write for some time now.

First, let’s answer this question: What is the “Bloggernacle?” The Bloggernacle is “a name that has been adopted by some in the LDS blogging community to describe the Mormon portion of the blogosphere.”

Second, let’s look at the definition of “Illuminati”:

1. People claiming to be unusually enlightened with regard to a subject.
2. Any of various groups claiming special religious enlightenment.

I have visited blogs and noticed there is a tendency for the individuals or “permabloggers” to display an air of being exceptionally “enlightened” on all things Mormon. I have noticed that several of the individual bloggers also write “guest” posts on certain group blogs. You’ll often see the same names over and over. Hence I have come up with the term “Bloggernacle Illuminati.”

There is a definite cliquishness. I have also observed how some individuals are ignored or criticized when their opinions differ from the mindset of the “Bloggernacle Illuminati.” I have seen the permabloggers band together to defend each other and rip into the person who dares have a dissenting opinion.

It appears as if one has to receive a special invitation to join the "Bloggernacle Illuminati."

There is one particular blog I perceive as something of an on-line sorority. I'm still trying to accept "the things I cannot change," but it's rough at times.

I am developing a deeper appreciation for real life friends. I don't feel ignored or dismissed when I communicate with them on-line or face-to-face.

My thoughts for a Sunday evening.

On the Outside Looking In

2010-12-25T21:39:00.000-08:00

I’m on the outside looking in at LDS forums. I have noticed over the years that unless you were brought up in the church, went on a mission, married in the temple and have a current temple recommend, you just do not belong to the “club.” I did not feel this way when I was a new convert. DH and I were quite active in the church back in Queens, NY. It didn’t matter that we did not fit the mold. Most of the members in the ward we attended were converts.

I’ve tried to find a home at various LDS forums, but there is no place for me. So I’ve pretty much decided to remain in the shadows. Besides, no one will even notice I’m gone. When you’re not part of the inner circle, you just don’t matter.

Feeling Sad

2010-06-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

Perhaps it's because the one year anniversary of my older sister's passing is approaching ... perhaps it's because I feel old ... perhaps it's because I let other people get to me. I haven't been posting much on this blog because I don't feel anything I write is worth reading. And I'm sure I've lost any on-line friends I had.

If anyone is reading this, what do you do when you're feeling sad and lonely?

I don't know why I'm asking that question ... I doubt anyone will respond.

Oh well ... this too shall pass.

*************

Now this is absolutely adorable ...

In Need of Comforting Words

2010-05-04T13:48:00.001-07:00

"You need not feel guilty that you turn to Me when you have exhausted all other possibilities for joy and there is nowhere else to turn. Thank yourself for going where you are sure to find comfort. Now is the only moment there is.
Now, we are joined as One."

I have been feeling quite depressed lately. I said a silent prayer today and received a reply in the form of an e-mail message I quoted above.

A Softening Heart

2010-02-20T19:37:00.000-08:00

The above painting is titled "Angels Welcome"

I joined the LDS Church in March 1972. In November 1980, Steve and I asked to be excommunicated. We felt we could no longer be associated with the LDS Church due to some very unsettling experiences we had while living in Salt Lake City.

Fast forward to December 2009. Steve and I are now attending Sacrament meeting. I find myself looking forward to going to church.

It is odd because I have not sought to be rebaptized, yet I feel I belong in the church. I haven't felt this way for a very long time.

When we lived in SLC, I felt I was not one with the Saints because I was a convert. It seemed to me that if you were not born into an LDS home, you weren't truly LDS. This was disturbing to me because Steve and I held numerous callings back in New York. It did not matter that I was a convert because I was in a ward comprised mostly of converts.

Today I've been wondering if there are other LDS converts who moved to Utah and felt they were not welcomed. I found this talk by President Hinckley from 1999 and realized that perhaps my feelings had merit. This is part of what President Hinckley said:

Find the Lambs, Feed the Sheep
Gordon B. Hinckley, “Find the Lambs, Feed the Sheep,” Ensign, May 1999, 104
From a satellite broadcast given at the Salt Lake Tabernacle 21 February 1999

Strengthening New Members

Having found and baptized a new convert, we have the challenge of fellowshipping him and strengthening his testimony of the truth of this work. We cannot have him walking in the front door and out the back. Joining the Church is a very serious thing. Each convert takes upon himself or herself the name of Christ with an implied promise to keep His commandments. But coming into the Church can be a perilous experience. Unless there are warm and strong hands to greet the convert, unless there is an outreach of love and concern, he will begin to wonder about the step he has taken. Unless there are friendly hands and welcome hearts to greet him and lead him along the way, he may drop by the side.

There is absolutely no point in doing missionary work unless we hold on to the fruits of that effort. The two must be inseparable. These converts are precious. Every convert is a son or daughter of God. Every convert is a great and serious responsibility. It is an absolute imperative that we look after those who have become a part of us. To paraphrase the Savior, what shall it profit a missionary if he baptize the whole world unless those baptized remain in the Church? (see Mark 8:36).

Maybe one day I will be rebaptized and return to full activity. Time will tell.

The Good, The Bad and The ...

2010-02-15T14:25:00.000-08:00

can I do today over?

The day started out pleasant enough. Steve pulled out two "Dick and Jane" books to share with Jim. Steve read some stories and we all had a good laugh. "See Dick. See Dick run." "Oh, see Dick. Oh, oh, oh. Funny, funny Dick."

Think I'm making this stuff up? Take a look at these pages:

That was the "good." Now for the "bad."

I've written before that I'm a total techno-virgin. I found out this morning that it's not a good idea to push buttons on a digital camera that "delete" photographs without knowing what you're doing. This is how I felt after I learned I had deleted all of the photographs stored on the memory card.

Okay ... so the woman's not holding a digital camera, but you get how I felt and still feel. Christmas photos of Steve and Jim ... gone! Photos of one of Steve's brothers and his wife from their visit to us last weekend ... gone! Blasted digital camera!!!!

But all was not lost this weekend. I learned we have a duck in the trunk of our car. No ... really!! On Saturday I was putting grocery bags in the trunk when a man parked next to us asked "Do you have a duck in your trunk?" I didn't have a clue what he was referring to, until Steve told me that he ... well ... how can I put this delicately? He let one rip. He didn't know the man was by us, so he tooted his horn. The man thought for sure he heard a duck. Even as I write this, I'm still laughing. So here's my husband, Steve the duck.

So how was your weekend?

Steve did give me an adorable Valentine ... one without ducks.

Spiritual Nourishment

2009-12-13T15:28:00.000-08:00

DH and I met with the bishop last Sunday. The bishop is a very, what I consider, humble and down-to-earth man.

We revealed to him that my paycheck is being garnished. After listening to us and going over our finances, he told us that the Church would help us with food. He was ready to arrange for the RS president to come to our home to see what our needs are. We told him that for this month (and possibly next month) we have enough food to last until I find out if the garnishment is going to be reduced. He did tell us that he would like to see us out at Church.

Today DH and I went to Sacrament Meeting. Maybe this sounds corny, but I came away feeling "spiritually nourished." I came away with good feelings about the Church. Then I made the mistake of reading some of the comments here.

Now I'm beginning to question if I'm only fooling myself that I will have positive experiences at Church. Am I just "pink clouding?" In others words, am I in "a state of temporary artificial euphoria?"

I am so confused.

Please send some prayers my way ...

2009-12-02T13:13:00.000-08:00

My little family is in a dire financial situation. I learned yesterday that my wages are going to be garnished. That means a huge, and I do mean huge, amount of money will be deducted from my paycheck. I am going to submit a Claim of Exemption to reduce the amount. Please say a prayer for my family that all will work out.

And here it is rapidly approaching Christmas. I wanted so much to make this a special Christmas for Jim.

The "Grinch" has sure made a most unwelcome appearance in our home.

Remembering the Past

2009-11-22T16:03:00.000-08:00

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." George Santayana

Today I've been reflecting on the scripture “wickedness never was happiness” (Alma 41:10). I look at the world today and cannot help but feel profoundly sad. Elder M. Russell Ballard Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke these words at General Conference in April 2009:

You don’t have to be a Latter-day Saint—you don’t even have to be religious—to see the repeating pattern of history in the lives of God’s children as recorded in the Old Testament. Time and again we see the cycle of righteousness followed by wickedness. Similarly, the Book of Mormon records that ancient civilizations of this continent followed exactly the same pattern: righteousness followed by prosperity, followed by material comforts, followed by greed, followed by pride, followed by wickedness and a collapse of morality until the people brought calamities upon themselves sufficient to stir them up to humility, repentance, and change.

If you are reading this post, do you agree with what Elder Ballard said? I do.

Elder Ballard also said:

We live in an era when the boundaries of good taste and public decency are being pushed to the point where there are no boundaries at all. The commandments of God have taken a beating in the vacillating marketplace of ideas that absolutely rejects the notion of right and wrong. Certain factions of society seem generally mistrustful of anyone who chooses to live according to religious belief. And when people of faith attempt to warn others of the possible consequences of their sinful choices, they are scoffed at and ridiculed, and their most sacred rites and cherished values are publicly mocked.

There was a time I would have scoffed at what Elder Ballard said. I would have thought "What does he know? He's just a stuffy old man and too old-fashioned in his thinking." But MY thinking has changed.

I pray that the calamities we have brought upon ourselves will "stir us up to humility, repentance, and change."

M. Russell Ballard, “Learning the Lessons of the Past,” Ensign, May 2009, 31–34

Gratuitous Kiss

2009-11-10T15:30:00.000-08:00

On a recent episode of the new TV series FlashForward, there was a scene where two women kissed. It was known that they were lesbians. I read today that some people found the kissing scene "gratuitous." Why would anyone think such a scene was unwarranted? Why is it okay to show a male and female kissing, but not two females kissing? Why is one acceptable and the other is not?

I also read today where some active members of the LDS Church have decided they will no longer watch FlashForward because of the female-female kissing scene.

This is bugging the heck out of me today, so I thought I'd vent about it here on my blog.

Tell me … Would you honestly stop watching a TV series because of one scene?

And what is so horrendous about showing two women kissing?

Please leave a comment. Your thoughts would be most appreciated.

Utah Mormons

2009-11-07T21:21:00.001-08:00

It's Saturday night and I've been doing some research. My topic was Mormon culture and, in particular, Utah Mormons. There has often been talk about the difference between Utah Mormons and Mormons in the "mission field." I came upon this interesting list.

What it Means to be a Utah Mormon Top Ten List

- I don’t know how to describe one, but I know one when I see one.

- “Utah Mormons” take Mormonism to the extreme

- “Utah Mormons” are characterized by their explicitives (Gosh!, Darn!, Heck!, and Fetch!)

- “Utah Mormons” think General Authorities are like rock stars (my wife loved this one…she shared with me an experience she had a BYU when some of her friends waited to see Elder Eyring and get their pictures and his autograph. When they came back they were pumped and going crazy…like you’d see at a rock concert

- “Utah Mormons” love green Jell-o

- Except for being on a mission, a Utah Mormon has never ventured outside of the “Mormon Corridor”

- “Utah Mormons” are nice, kind, and loving people

- “Utah Mormons” may take for granted what they have

- “Utah Mormons” are innocent in their knowledge of other faiths and/or cultures

- A “Utah Mormon” is someone who would be content living in Utah County all of their days

Having lived in Salt Lake City (1978-1982), I would tend to agree with most of these observations.

If you are a "Utah Mormon," what are you thoughts about this list?

Two of My Favorite Things ...

2009-10-24T22:11:00.000-07:00

music and interesting photographs.

I decided it's been too quiet here for me at my blog, so I've added my playlist once again. I was especially thrilled when I found the song "Rock and Roll Heaven" by the Righteous Brothers. That is one of my favorite songs.

Then I thought I would add these interesting photographs to this post.

I also needed to do something to lift my spirits. My middle sister called me today. It's always wonderful talking to her. But she told me something that makes me very sad. My 9 year old grand-niece is missing her grandma terribly (grandma being my oldest sister who passed away in July). See, grandma used to see Ashley every weekend. She would bring Ashley coloring books and crayons and they would color together. My sister told me that since grandma died, Ashley no longer wants to color. I find that incredibly heart-wrenching. If I were back in NY, I'd love to color with her. I'd share with her the story of how when I was in the hospital after giving birth to her cousin Jim, I asked Steve to bring me a coloring book and crayons. I pray Ashley will start coloring once again as a tribute to her grandma.

Cyber Bullies

2009-10-17T20:46:00.001-07:00

Today I read this article from LDS Living Magazine Stopping Cyber Bullies by Jamie Cline.

After reading the article, I went to the website stopcyberbullying.org.

I am deeply saddened that children can be so cruel to each other. Where do they learn this behavior? In their homes? From their peers?

Have you or your child or a friend been the victim of cyberbullying? If the answer is "Yes," would you care to share your story? You can most definitely remain anonymous.

There were a few occasions where I felt I was being "cyberbullied," but it was nothing compared to what I read today.

I close this post with these words from the song "What The World Needs Now" ...

What the world needs now
Is love, sweet love
It's the only thing
That there's just too little of

What the world needs now
Is love, sweet love
No not just for some
But for everyone

Peace.

Closing Doors

2009-09-06T21:32:00.000-07:00

"Bloggernacle Illuminati"

2009-08-07T21:19:00.000-07:00

What follows is something I have been wanting to write for some time now.

First, let’s answer this question: What is the “Bloggernacle?” The Bloggernacle is “a name that has been adopted by some in the LDS blogging community to describe the Mormon portion of the blogosphere.”

Second, let’s look at the definition of “Illuminati”:

1. People claiming to be unusually enlightened with regard to a subject.
2. Any of various groups claiming special religious enlightenment.

Here is a list of some blogs I consider to be part of the “Bloggernacle Illuminati”:

* By Common Consent
* The Exponent
* Feminist Mormon Housewives
* Times & Seasons
* Mormon Matters
* Jeff Lindsay
* John Dehlin
* Hieing To Kolob
* Mormon Mentality
* Segullah
* The Faithful Dissident
* He Said, She Said

I have visited these blogs and have noticed there is a tendency for the individuals or “permabloggers” to display an air of being exceptionally “enlightened” on all things Mormon. I have noticed that several of the individual bloggers also write “guest” posts on certain group blogs. You’ll often see the same names over and over. Hence I have come up with the term “Bloggernacle Illuminati.”

There is a definite cliquishness. I have also observed how some individuals are ignored or criticized when their opinions differ from the mindset of the “Bloggernacle Illuminati.” I have seen the permabloggers band together to defend each other and rip into the person who dares have a dissenting opinion.

It appears as if one has to receive a special invitation to join the "Bloggernacle Illuminati." I am attempting to understand this phenomena.

If anyone is reading this post and can explain the phenomena, I welcome your comments.

Spiritual Purification

2009-07-18T19:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I came across an article in our local newspaper that caught my eye. The article is about the building of a mikvah (a ritual bath for spiritual purification) in Bozeman, Montana. Steve and I visited Bozeman in 2007. Here is a link to the article:

Jewish ritual finds home in Big Sky Country

What is a mikvah?

An ancient ritual bath in which Jewish women traditionally immerse after their monthly cycle and before the resumption of sexual relations. Also used for conversion.

Mikvah has been passed down from mother to daughter as a thoroughly private, even secret ritual. Today it is a many-faceted silent celebration of womanhood observed by a broad spectrum of Jewish women.

By immersing in the Mikvah, a woman links herself to an ongoing tradition that has spanned generations, to Jewish women around the world and throughout time. As she brings herself in immediate contact with the source of life, purity, and holiness - with G-d who surrounds her and is within her always.

Here is a link to an excellent article concerning an event that was billed as “The Ultimate Feminist Experience: Mikvah.”

What an incredibly spiritual experience it must be for Jewish women to be immersed in "living waters." Here are photographs of mikvahs.

Click here for a Mikvah Tour

And for my LDS readers, you may find this post at an LDS blog of interest: Mikvah.

Please leave a comment if you have any thoughts about the mikvah.

SHALOM

Three Sisters

2009-07-07T20:58:00.000-07:00

My oldest sister passed away today. I found this poem and dedicate it to my sweet sister. Jeannie, you will be in our hearts always.

Three Sister's
© Francis I. Gillespie

We are three sisters
Three sisters are we
I love each of you,
And I know you love me

We’re not always together,
Life sometimes keeps us apart.
But we're never separated
We’re in each other's heart.

Now I know we've had our troubles,
But we always get thru.
The real message is you love me,
And I also love you.

We have had lots of good times
That we'll never forget
Sometimes we worry
And sometimes we fret

But if God ever gave me
Something special you see,
It might have been the blessing of,
Three sisters are we.
The Lord above has gave me lots
Of happiness and glee
But the most special thing he did was
Make us sisters, all three.
Three Sister's by Francis I. Gillespie Sister Poems

Where to turn?

2009-07-05T17:30:00.001-07:00

I've been struggling with this all day.

My middle sister telephoned yesterday to tell me that our oldest sister is in ICU and that she may not be with us much longer.

I keep wanting a loving God to send a miracle and that my sister will pull through somehow. My middle sister told me that our oldest sister is on a breathing machine and has been rambling something to the effect of "they won't open the gates for me." All I can think is that she is now somewhere between life and death.

If it is my sister's time to go, I do want her to be released from any further pain and suffering.

I have put my sister's name on the temple prayer rolls for several weeks now. In February, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer that has spread to her lungs. My sister turned 62 last month.

I am profoundly sad. How am I supposed to maintain a belief in a loving God at times like this?

This Made My Day!

2009-06-11T13:50:00.000-07:00

I was just viewing the website for the Adult Day Program our son Jim attends and found this photograph:

I do not know who Jim is talking to. All I know is I'm feeling mighty proud of Jim. He is one cool dude!

This mama is doing a HAPPY DANCE!

President Julie B. Beck -- Retro-Woman

2009-05-23T18:50:00.000-07:00

There is an interesting discussion at the blog site Feminist Mormon Housewives here.

This is a comment President Beck was purported to have made at a recent women’s conference in South Georgia”

“…women shouldn’t be ashamed of being Home Makers- literally making homes where our families want to be; that we should use the times we gather our children around the dinner table (with tablecloths and nice dishes) as times to teach and share; that when our homes and lives are free of clutter and chaos, when we organize and prioritize we will be happier.”

After reading that comment, I reflected back on the talk President Beck gave at General Conference in October 2007. I believe most of my LDS readers will remember the talk Mothers Who Know.

Here is a portion of what President Beck said:

Mothers Who Know Are Nurturers

Mothers who know are nurturers. This is their special assignment and role under the plan of happiness. To nurture means to cultivate, care for, and make grow. Therefore, mothers who know create a climate for spiritual and temporal growth in their homes. Another word for nurturing is homemaking. Homemaking includes cooking, washing clothes and dishes, and keeping an orderly home. Home is where women have the most power and influence; therefore, Latter-day Saint women should be the best homemakers in the world. Working beside children in homemaking tasks creates opportunities to teach and model qualities children should emulate. Nurturing mothers are knowledgeable, but all the education women attain will avail them nothing if they do not have the skill to make a home that creates a climate for spiritual growth. Growth happens best in a "house of order," and women should pattern their homes after the Lord's house (see D&C 109). Nurturing requires organization, patience, love, and work. Helping growth occur through nurturing is truly a powerful and influential role bestowed on women. [Emphasis added]

I did some research on President Beck today. I found she was born in 1954. I feel I can better understand now why she focuses on homemaking. She is a product of the 1950s. Read this and you’ll understand where President Beck’s thoughts originated:

Being a Wife and Mother in the 1950s
During the 1950s, there was a revival of placing homemakers on a pedestal, with homemaking and child rearing being touted as a woman’s highest calling. The message was everywhere — from pulpits to politics. Television was coming into its own during that decade as more homes purchased TV sets; and programs like Father Knows Best, Ozzie and Harriet, and Leave It to Beaver were popular. The image projected on television and in magazines was one of a woman who, while her husband was off earning enough to support the family on his one income, stayed behind to make their suburban home a refuge to which her husband and school-age children returned late each day from the demanding world outside. She was always impeccably dressed as she spent her days cheerfully cleaning, cooking, and caring for their youngest children in a suburban home equipped with the latest appliances and household products. The corporate world which offered those products adored her.

The model housewife, in this 1950s view, lived to serve her family and keep her husband and children happy, meeting their every need. Any aspirations or needs she had for fulfillment of her own beyond this model were considered “selfish.”

Work-Family Balance: 1950s and Now

Yes, President Beck is a Retro-Woman. I do believe we should cut her some slack. Don’t you?

My Oldest Sister and Elvis

2009-05-16T20:14:00.000-07:00

My oldest sister is back in the hospital. She is a huge Elvis Presley fan. Although she doesn't have access to the Internet, I still wanted to do something that I know would make her smile. So I updated my Playlist to include five Elvis songs. I am sending lots of love out to my sister. I know she would love the photo of Elvis I added to this post.

This Is Love

2009-05-10T15:00:00.000-07:00

Today is Mother's Day. My precious son Jim made me a card with this message inside:

M -- is for Model; you have taught me so Much.

O -- is for Open arms always hugging me.

T -- is for Taking Time to always kiss me goodnight.

H -- is for Helping me, and Holding my Hand.

E -- is for your caring Eyes.

R -- is for Raising me Right.

My wonderful husband gave me a card with this message:

With Love and Thanks to My wife

I'm a better man because of your love.

And because of your love,

I now know

that home isn't a place,

it's a person.

Yes ... THIS IS LOVE. What more could any woman ask for?

You Can't Make Them Be Your Friends

2009-05-08T13:39:00.000-07:00

For years now I've tried to develop friendships in cyberspace. I've participated at message boards. I created a blog. I joined facebook. At first it appeared I was making friends. Then I noticed cliques developing and I was not invited to join. There are message board cliques, blogger cliques and facebook … well … it's pointless and, quite frankly, childish.

I made the mistake of thinking I could fit in with the LDS communities (active, inactive and former members). I found that because I was not brought up in the LDS Church, I was on the outside looking in. I was the only member of the Church in my immediate family. I joined the Church when I was 19 years old because I wanted to have something in common with my future husband.

I was a member of record from March 1972 until November 1980. My husband and I were fairly active in the Church while living in Queens, New York. We held multiple callings (concurrently). We were, I'd like to believe, respected in our ward. We were not married in the temple, but felt we were heading toward having our marriage sealed.

Then we made the fatal mistake of moving to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1978. My husband had second thoughts about moving there. I felt since we had started making arrangements to move, we should just do it. Also, I thought it would be so uplifting to live among the Saints in Utah. Such was not the case. It was there that we saw the hypocrisy of the members. It was there we felt unwelcome. We were "strangers" in the wards we attended. Yes, we had some "assigned friends," but we knew their friendship was not genuine.

We chose to be excommunicated from the Church in November 1980. At that time, you could not send in a letter of resignation. From that time forward, I kept my distance from the LDS Church. Then along came the Internet, and I found myself being pulled back into mingling with the Saints in cyberspace.

My first experience was with the on-line group Recovery from Mormonism ("RfM"). It was there that my husband and I found kindred spirits. My husband wrote his story and submitted it to RfM. His story can now be found among the hundreds of exit stories.

For several years I harbored deep resentment toward the Church and its members. My feelings started to change when I found the message board LDS Women. I thought I was accepted by these women, that was until I wrote something that irritated two women on the board. They could not understand why I would want to associate with them if I was not a faithful, active Latter-day Saint woman. Their written attacks on me were vicious. In the end, the administrator of the message board discontinued sponsoring it. LDS Women bit the dust.

As for blogging … I have two blogs, one public and one private. At first I enjoyed blogging, especially when someone posted a comment. But then I started looking at other blogs and realized I am not "popular." Sure, I have numerous lurkers, but few, if any, care to leave a comment. I thought I might shut down my public blog. I told my husband it's like I've been banging my head against the wall and a voice told me "You do know you can stop doing that." Today I decided to add this post.

Recently, a light went on when I read these words: "You can't make them be your friends." That is so true. I was trying to "make" people in cyberspace be my friend. I have learned that it's impossible to do that, at least for me.

Big Love - Temple Ceremony Portrayal [UPDATE]

2009-03-07T21:29:00.000-08:00

I realize I have many LDS readers and lurkers who come to my blog. Some of you may find this post offensive. Please know I mean no disrespect. This is something that is going to appear on the HBO series "Big Love." This article appeared in the TV Guide. I am amazed that the doors have been opened, so to speak, to the temple and the endowment ceremony. I have read through a few discussions at LDS message boards about this upcoming episode of "Big Love." Those discussions can be found here, here and here.

Big Love Mormon Temple Ceremony

What is your reaction?

UPDATE: Here is a link to the statement of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to "Big Love" and a link to HBO's response to the controversy.

"... marginally productive"

2009-02-16T13:18:00.000-08:00

In The Arms of His Love by Del Parson

I read the article Down syndrome a modern-day death sentence By Joseph A. Cannon (Deseret News Monday, Feb. 16, 2009) and found myself becoming quite agitated, especially after reading these statements:

"'Like many,' notes Libertarian commentator Nicholas Provenzo, 'I am troubled by the implications of . . . Sarah Palin's decision to knowingly give birth to a child disabled with Down syndrome. Given that Palin's decision is being celebrated in some quarters, it is crucial to reaffirm the morality of aborting a fetus diagnosed with Down syndrome.'

"This is necessary, Provenzo informs us, 'because a person afflicted with Down syndrome is only capable of being marginally productive.'"

What does “marginally productive” mean? What does being “productive” mean?

Was I being “productive” this morning because I made the bed? Was I being “productive” when I carved the rotisserie chicken I purchased? Was I being “productive” when I made a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies this morning?

My son Jim is developmentally disabled. He is unable to live independently. He is unable to hold a job. He attends this program: SVS. Is my son, and his developmentally disabled peers, “only capable of being marginally productive?”

Here are a couple of definitions of “productive:”

Bringing into being; causing to exist; producing; originative; as, an age productive of great men; a spirit productive of heroic achievements.

Yielding favorable or useful results; constructive.

Joseph Cannon wrote:

"We are now quickly sliding down the slippery slope. What about people who are only 'marginally productive' after they are born or when they get old? Are their lives worth preserving? And what does 'marginally productive' mean anyway? In the literature 'marginally productive' very often edges into 'merely inconvenient.'

Will the day come when we as a civilization will euthanize anyone considered “marginally productive?” Will we become a people where it is “survival of the fittest?” Are researchers trying to develop a “master race?” Is eugenics alive and flourishing today?

What are your thoughts?

"You've Got A Friend" ... or do you?

2009-01-18T10:45:00.001-08:00

I have noticed over time that people come into our lives IRL or on-line and we develop friendships. Then there comes a time when that friendship ends. Sometimes you are aware of the reason, sometimes you wonder what happened.

This has happened to me recently and I've been wondering why. For me what hurts the most is when the other person just stops communicating and I'm left with all sorts of scenarios running through my warped mind. Sigh. I know, Kalola's on a downer again.

I realize this happens to lots of people. I wonder how people get beyond the loss of a friendship. What helped you?

I would welcome your insights. In the meantime, I will ponder this:

Lillian Rubin in her book Just Friends says, "Thus generally it's true that friends accept each other so long as they both remain essentially the same as they were when they met, or change in similar directions. If they change or grow in different or incompatible ways, the friendship most likely will be lost."

Regardless of why, when, or how friendships end, there is always some pain of loss to assimilate. When nothing can be done to mend the friendship, it is important to grieve and feel the pain fully. Then move on to enhance another friendship or build entirely new friendships.

Kalola goes to war against this ...

2009-01-17T18:59:00.000-08:00

A toilet? Just an ordinary toilet where I've been know to flush with pride. Okay ... you didn't need to know that.

So why did I go to war against a toilet? Let's see ... this morning started out pleasant enough until ... you guessed it ... the toilet refused to flush because ... well ... it was plugged up! Lovely! I so love a challenge on a Saturday morning (she says while muttering a few $%^*!!@@!!! words). I needed to solve the problem fast because we had to head out to pick up our son Jim.

So I chose this as my weapon.

After several attempts, I realized I had to bring in a more powerful weapon. So I tried this:

Several more attempts, and then I chose another weapon (I thought for sure this "snake" would frighten away whatever was plugging the toilet):
Alas, my foe was not to be defeated. I decided it was best to walk away and live to fight another day (or should I say later in the day).

We picked up Jim and went about our day as planned. When we returned home, I decided to face my Goliath. After searching on-line for tips on how to unplug a toilet, and after several more attempts at using the aforementioned weapons, I did this.

I turned off the water to the toilet. I removed all of the water in said toilet (trust me, I would not have done that if the water had been most foul). And then I poured some warm water in the toilet and plunged away. At last ...

Cue Queen singing "We Are the Champions!" How sweet the sound of a flushing toilet!

And how did you spend your Saturday?

"Snob-Bloggers"

2009-01-15T15:23:00.001-08:00

Today I entertained myself by searching the terms "snobs" and "blogging." Lo and behold, I found the following article which, I hope, you will find humorous:

Snob-Bloggers: You Just Might Be a Snob if You Publish a Blog

BY JIM F. KUKRAL

According to Jupiter Research, about 2 percent of the online community has created a blog. That works out to millions and millions of blogs, and in turn, millions and millions of snobs who publish them. That’s an awful lot of Snob-Bloggers!

You see, in order to care enough to publish a blog, you really need to be somewhat of a snob. Before we get into the reasons why, let’s look at the definition of snob.

Snob – 1. One who tends to patronize, rebuff, or ignore people regarded as social inferiors and imitate, admire, or seek association with people regarded as social superiors. 2. One who affects an offensive air of self-satisfied superiority in matters of taste or intellect. (As defined on Dictionary.com)

Combine that definition with the definition of a blogger, and you get a Snob-Blogger, defined as ‘anyone who blogs, period’. Yes that’s right, bloggers by nature are snobs.

Not me you say! Yes, you too! ALL bloggers are Snob-Bloggers! Do you publish a blog? Don’t believe it? Take this handy dandy quiz to see if you fit the mold.

1. Have you ever commented about someone or something in a negative or superior manner on your blog? If so, you just might be a Snob-Blogger.

2. Do you and your blog readers commiserate about topics together on your blog comment system? If true, it’s possible you might be a Snob-Blogger.

3. Does your blog link to all of your other blog friends who link back to you? On that occasion, you are most likely a Snob-Blogger.

4. If you have ever ranted about something that is only interesting to you and your blogger friends, you, I’m afraid are a Snob-Blogger.

5. If you know what RSS means, I’m guessing you are a Snob-Blogger.

6. If you would stop publishing your blog because you knew nobody was reading it, you my friend are most likely a Snob-Blogger.

7. Do you recognize Wil Wheaton as someone other than the geeky kid from Star Trek: The Next Generation? If so, you are certainly a Snob-Blogger.

Other Snob-Blogger characteristics include:

• Writing rants and opinions about things you never bothered to learn about first

• Thinking that your blog is just as, or more powerful than, the mass mainstream media

Jim F. Kukral is the author of the book, BlogsToRiche$, a step-by-step guide to using your weblog to make money online.

~~~

So, I have this to say to my readers:

"Hello. My name is Kalola and I'm a snob-blogger."

Are you one too?

Reflections on 2008

2009-01-03T15:36:00.000-08:00

WARNING: If you only enjoy reading something upbeat, click off this blog.

So I’ve been reading through some blogs and the posts about how Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious 2008 was for said bloggers. Ha! Let me reflect on our 2008:

1. On March 17 and April 17, Steve was out for his afternoon walk as he does to control his diabetes. He tripped and fell both times fracturing his left elbow. As a result, he had to undergo physical therapy (twice a week), which ended on July 24. Cost (after insurance): $250+

2. In July, our transmission “died.” Cost to replace with a used transmission: over $1,400. That meant I missed a mortgage payment. I’m still trying to catch up on that missed payment.

3. In late August, our central air conditioning “died.” We spent two weeks sweltering. Cost to repair: Over $300.

4. On November 1, Steve was brutally attacked and robbed in our neighborhood. His wallet and coin purse were stolen, along with his eyeglasses, car and house keys, automatic garage door opener, baseball cap, handkerchief (really now!!!), and canvas bag which contained a newspaper and a can of Comet cleanser. We had to have all of the locks re-keyed. Steve spent over four hours in the Emergency Room. Total cost to date: Over $9,000!!! Thankfully we have insurance that is covering the bulk of the Emergency Room “visit.” (Believe me, we absolutely feel blessed that Steve is alive today.)

5. The thugs who attacked and robbed Steve used his ATM card to charge $45 worth of gas and $9 at a 7-Eleven. Fun time straightening that out talking with a bank rep in India.

6. Then Steve received a letter from the hospital informing him that a copy of his medical records from the Emergency Room visit was stolen. The truck of the courier service that picked up the bag with the medical records was broken into and some fool must have thought it contained drugs. We still don’t know if this will cause future headaches.

7. In November, our automatic garage door “died.” Cost to replace: Over $300.

8. Last month the check engine light came on in my little Ford Focus. Oh, joy! We took the car to Firestone where we go to have any car troubles checked out. In addition to finding out the cause of the check engine light coming on, I asked that they check our tires, brakes, etc., and also change the oil. The check engine light came on because the gas cap was not sealing properly. Okay … easy enough, and not terribly costly to replace, but then I was told this: All four tires were bald and needed to be replaced which also necessitated an alignment. Total cost: Over $650

So … was 2008 a good year for us? Let’s see … uh … I DON'T THINK SO!!!

The best part of 2008 was our son Jim has mellowed and is a total joy. It touches us deeply to hear him say “I love you, Dad.” And last Sunday he gave me a spontaneous hug. He is truly a special young man.

What will 2009 hold? Sadly, we shudder to even think about it.

I hope you "enjoyed" reading this post. Oh yeah … I almost forgot … HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

And this is a reminder to myself .....

Introducing ...

2008-12-09T12:06:00.000-08:00

our handsome son Jim. Thank you so much to a special MC angel who helped me make it possible to post this photograph.

Just Wondering

2008-12-06T08:32:00.000-08:00

I sent an e-mail message to two of my blogging friends with an attached PDF scan of a photograph of our son Jim. I haven't heard back as to whether or not they were able to view the attachment. I would have posted the photograph here on my blog, but I cannot attach PDF scans.

I'm hoping my friends were able to view the photograph of Jim. He is such a handsome young man.

"The Tongue of Angels"

2008-11-12T12:18:00.000-08:00

"The Responsible Woman" by James C. Christensen
[An artist best known for painting imaginative art which brings out the child in all of us.]

Do you speak with the "tongue of angels"? Are your "words, like your deeds, filled with faith and hope and charity?"

I was visiting the blog Modern Molly Mormon and came upon a reference to a talk given by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland at General Conference in April 2007. Elder Holland's talk is titled "The Tongue of Angels."

I will admit that I definitely fall short of speaking with the "tongue of angels." That is often made painfully clear to me when my son asks: "What's mom angry at now?"

How easy it is to let loose with hurtful words, especially when we're stressed out. Elder Holland had this to say:

The voice that bears profound testimony, utters fervent prayer, and sings the hymns of Zion can be the same voice that berates and criticizes, embarrasses and demeans, inflicts pain and destroys the spirit of oneself and of others in the process.

I think back to words that were spoken to me that wounded my spirit. Words like: "You're fat. You're stupid. No one likes you." I cringe now to know that I too am guilty of not thinking before speaking.

I reflect on how many times I lost patience with my son and used a harsh voice with him. Has my son forgiven me? I believe he has, especially when I hear him say to me: "I love you mom."

I will strive to think before speaking any hurtful words. It won't be easy. These words of Elder Holland are so true:

In all of this, I suppose it goes without saying that negative speaking so often flows from negative thinking, including negative thinking about ourselves. We see our own faults, we speak—or at least think—critically of ourselves, and before long that is how we see everyone and everything. No sunshine, no roses, no promise of hope or happiness. Before long we and everybody around us are miserable.

I will strive to remember this:

Our words, like our deeds, should be filled with faith and hope and charity, the three great Christian imperatives so desperately needed in the world today. With such words, spoken under the influence of the Spirit, tears can be dried, hearts can be healed, lives can be elevated, hope can return, confidence can prevail.

Peace and Love, Kalola

Do You Remember? (Part 1)

2008-11-11T16:01:00.001-08:00

Do you remember? If you do, identify what you remember by number.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

If you don't remember the young woman or any of the items, that's okay.

More Prayers

2008-11-01T20:14:00.000-07:00

When will I wake up from this nightmare? Not only am I grieving over what happened to my husband today, but I just learned that a blogging friend is missing. I was checking on Kathleen at her blog so grateful to be mormon where I read this post:

October 29, 2008

This is aleese , kathleen’s daughter if anyone knows anything please contact her family we’re worried sick looking for her everywhere she’s been missing 4 days. . please if anyoen knows anything or has any information. We’ve tried so much calling the police and making a missing person statement callign anyone we can think of but no one seems to know anything. her cell number is (907) ***-**** she hasn’t picked up her phone for everyone but it’s still on that i’m sure because it rings so i know it must be charging bc it wld be dead by now if it weren’t. Her family all of us miss her terriably we’ve contacted the church they’re helping too, I love my mom and i need her this is killing me my dad and my sister for teh first time in my life i saw my dad break down in tears, i’ve cried so much adn now i can’t feel anything i jsut want to knw my mom is ok. we just want to know she’s safe, she’s been having a terriable time with her job and she didn’t want to go on monday, adn she never made it. we dont really know what else to do but we’re not giving up, the 3 of us r stickign together.

I then read these posts on the blog of one of Kathleen’s many friends:

October 30, 2008
I know a few of you visited her blog so I thought I would post this here. Kathleen at So Grateful to be Mormon is missing. No, this is not a joke. Her older daughter called me yesterday to ask if I had heard from her in the last three days. She never showed up for work on Monday. The last I heard was a phone call on Sunday night that I couldn't answer and she didn't leave a message. If anyone has heard from her at all or who knows her whereabouts please speak up. Her family is very worried. They have notified the authorities and called everyone they can think of. She hasn't answered any calls. We'd all just like to know she is okay. Please say a little prayer for this sweet mother that she is comforted and will find her way to safety and home. Thank you.

October 31, 2008
I just called Kathleen's and she said they found her truck. She had been pulled over earlier Monday morning by a state trooper because she hit a guard rail but she explained she was sleepy and he let her go. Her truck was found by the water up somewhere I can't remember but somewhere she wouldn't normally go alone. Her stuff was in the car, phone too, but she and the keys were gone. The other side of her truck was pretty banged up and the mirror missing but nowhere around. They have no idea if she hit something or if someone hit her or if it was just vandalized. They did a search and rescue and didn't come up with anything. The police said it would take a few months for her remains to show up if she went into the inlet and there could still be foul play involved. They don't know anything for sure though and of course she could still be okay. They impounded the truck to look for more clues. She said they are running a story on it tonight on ABC in Alaska channel 13 if you want to look for it- I haven't looked yet. I pray she is safe and they can find her. Her Dad doesn't want her on the internet much because she does not know all of us (understandably!!). So- that is what I know as of right now. I know the family is not doing well at all and could still use our continued prayers.

My heart is aching for Kathleen’s husband and daughters. I, too, pray that Kathleen is safe and that she will be found. Kathleen has been there for me many times. So many people love her.

Praying for Kathleen

Need Your Prayers [Please Read]

2008-11-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

It happened again ... my DH was assaulted/mugged. He went out this morning (around 6:00 a.m.) to go to the store. On his way home, he was mugged. The thugs slugged him in the face several times and punched him in the stomach. One of the thugs held their hand over my husband's mouth so he couldn't cry out. They stole his house keys and car key from the pocket of his pants and the canvas bag he was carrying that held his wallet, coin purse, eyeglasses and the newspaper and cleanser he had purchased. His wallet contained credit cards and $20. The thugs also stole the garage door opener, so it looks like we'll have to have a new garage door opener installed.

When DH returned home, he had to bang on the window where our bedroom is located to get my attention.

I immediately called the police so DH could file a report. Since DH's face was bruised and bloody and his stomach hurt, I told him he needed to go to the emergency room. I would have taken him myself, but one of us needed to be at home because of the stolen house keys. One of our neighbors, who is a pastor, is taking DH to the hospital.

I called a locksmith to come and rekey our locks. I will have to figure out what to do about the car key since it's one of those keys with a chip. I imagine I'll have to go to a Ford dealership.

I'm trying to remember if there was anything in DH's wallet with our address. I don't think so because DH did not renew his driver's license and that was not in his wallet. His social security card was not in his wallet.

I've already called one of the credit card companies to report the card stolen. I just have to pull myself together to try to remember what other cards were in his wallet.

I'm trying desperately to hold myself together. It is so painful to know there are such evil people in our neighborhood. I know if I start crying, I won't be able to stop.

Please remember us in your prayers.

~~~

The pastor just came by (it’s 9:00 a.m.) to tell me that DH is still at the hospital. He told me it does not look like DH will require any stiches on his face. He will be having a CT scan of his stomach. The pastor told me that DH will be at the hospital for at least two hours. It hurts so much that I am not there with DH. If DH is not home by the time the locksmith has come and gone, I will head over to the hospital.

Feeling Mighty Old

2008-10-26T18:17:00.000-07:00

I am feeling mighty old today. I realize I am so much older than the majority of people who blog and/or participate at message boards. I don't know what, if anything, I have in common with people in cyberspace, or what people in cyberspace have in common with me. I just get the feeling that I could disappear and no one would notice.

The younger generation seem to have a much easier time developing close ties through social networking over the Internet. I have, to a very limited extent. What saddens me is how I seem to be the one to initiate e-mails. Rarely does anyone I've "met" on-line send me an e-mail unless I've sent one to them.

Where, if any place, do I fit in?

Obviously I'm in one of my cranky moods today.

Is this a generational issue, or is it just my odd perception?

Jesus is Coming for Dinner

2008-10-06T19:41:00.000-07:00

Ruth went to her mail box and there was only one letter. She picked it up and looked at it before opening, but then she looked at the envelope again. There was no stamp, no postmark, only her name and address. She read the letter:

Dear Ruth:
I'm going to be in your neighborhood Saturday afternoon and I'd like to stop by for a visit.
Love Always,
Jesus

Her hands were shaking as she placed the letter on the table. “Why would the Lord want to visit me? I'm nobody special. I don't have anything to offer.” With that thought, Ruth remembered her empty kitchen cabinets. “Oh my goodness, I really don't have anything to offer. I'll have to run down to the store and buy something for dinner.” She reached for her purse and counted out its contents. Five dollars and forty cents. “Well, I can get some bread and cold cuts, at least.” She threw on her coat and hurried out the door.

A loaf of French bread, a half-pound of sliced turkey, and a carton of milk...leaving Ruth with a grand total of twelve cents to last her until Monday.

Nonetheless, she felt good as she headed home, her meager offerings tucked under her arm. “Hey lady, can you help us?”

Ruth had been so absorbed in her dinner plans, she hadn't even noticed two figures huddled in the alleyway. A man and a woman, both of them dressed in little more than rags “Look lady, I ain't got a job, ya know, and my wife and I have been living out here on the street, and, well, now it's getting cold and we're getting kind of hungry and, well, if you could help us, lady, we'd really appreciate it.”

Ruth looked at them both. They were dirty, they smelled bad and frankly, she was certain that they could get some kind of work if they really wanted to. “Sir, I'd like to help you, but I'm a poor woman myself. All I have is a few cold cuts and some bread, and I'm having an important guest for dinner tonight and I was planning on serving that to Him.”

“Yeah, well, okay lady, I understand. Thanks anyway.”

The man put his arm around the woman's shoulders, turned and headed back into the alley. As she watched them leave, Ruth felt a familiar twinge in her heart. “Sir, wait!” The couple stopped and turned as she ran down the alley after them. “Look, why don't you take this food. I'll figure out something else to serve my guest.”
She handed the man her grocery bag. “Thank you lady. Thank you very much!”

“Yes, thank you!” It was the man's wife, and Ruth could see now that she was shivering. “You know, I've got another coat at home. Here, why don't you take this one.” Ruth unbuttoned her jacket and slipped it over the woman's shoulders. Then smiling, she turned and walked back to the street...without her coat and with nothing to serve her guest. “Thank you lady! Thank you very much!”

Ruth was chilled by the time she reached her front door, and worried too. The Lord was coming to visit and she didn't have anything to offer Him. She fumbled through her purse for the door key. But as she did, she noticed another envelope in her mailbox.

“That's odd. The mailman doesn't usually come twice in one day.”

She took the envelope out of the box and opened it.

Dear Ruth:
It was so good to see you again. Thank you for the lovely meal. And thank you, too, for the beautiful coat.
Love Always
Jesus

The air was still cold, but even without her coat, Ruth no longer noticed.