Tender Mercies

The Monticello, Utah Temple was the setting today for a most remarkable experience for me. Two very wonderful people witnessed the tender mercies of the Lord in their lives as they were joined in marriage for time. Lois was the beautiful blushing bride and Lloyd the nervous, handsome groom. I was so lucky to be there, to feel the rich, heavy, overpowering spirit of the Lord and witness this union. This is the first time I have been in attendance to a marriage in the temple for "time." Lois's husband passed away about 5 1/2 years ago from the devastating effects of uranium miner's lung. Lloyd's wife passed away 3 months ago after a courageous lingering fight with cancer. The officiator explained the Church's qualifications for a Temple marriage for time and the encouragement from the Church that they take place whenever possible. The spirit was so strong as we were taught about the plan of happiness. He quoted one of the general authorities who likened it to a 3 act play. We are in Act II - Time. He went on to explain that time is from the moment of our birth until our resurrection. "Time" is when we have the opportunity to work out our salvation. It was inspiring to me. He spoke of the presence of those spouses who had passed on and the room was filled - there was a heaviness, like the room was occupied to capacity, though there were many chairs available, with my eyes closed I could literally feel the presence and closeness of entities. There were other truths taught which can not be discussed but brought to mind again how important it is that we take every opportunity to attend the temple and be "taught." I learned new truths today and will be forever grateful. All my wishes for joy and happiness go out to Lois and Lloyd as their life together begins today - the Lord has brought them together to bring about his purposes - ahhh for the tender mercies of the Lord!

LISTENING

in my last blog i made reference to a doctor's appointment that was a bust . . .why was it a bust? because somebody forgot to listen!!!

this has given me cause to think about listening. . .

think about how i listen. . . .or not. . .

i'm fearful it may be - not!

i erroneously assumed (as i was paying for the time with the doctor) that i would be listened to. .

wrong!

the problems i had were real to me, were giving me concern and by the time i left the doctors office, i was soooo frustrated and why?

because the doctor did not listen.

so, it has prompted me to reflect about listening and doing a better job of it.

i will look at someone when they are speaking to me -

i will concentrate on what they are saying -

i will not be so busy thinking about my response - that what is being said to me falls on

"empty ears"

i will absorb, enjoy, relish and appreciate what is being spoken to me!

take a minute -

Listen!

Road Trip

For those who may be Willy Nelson fans, you will remember the song, "On the road again, just can't wait to get on the road again. . . " Well. . . .I took a road trip! It was fun! As it was the opening of the bow hunt, and I needed to go up north to a doctor's appointment (which turned out to be a real bust), I decided to go on a "road trip." After the passing of two of my friends and contemporaries this past year, I was feeling badly that I hadn't been able to attend one of the funerals. Now isn't that dumb thinking? I should have felt badly that I hadn't gone and visited my friends while they were alive! So, I went to visit people who were and are near and dear to me. These are people who have had a big influence on me, people who have had a part in shaping me into who I am. I went from Blanding to Kaysville, to Utah Valley, to Tooele, to Salt Lake. I visited my way through Utah for 4 days! What a great time. What wonderful people. It was energizing to me. It was delightful to show up on a door step with a boquet of flowers and say, thanks for being my friend. There were sad moments to see the toll that "age" takes on us. Moments of laughter for the goofy days of younger times. Inspiration from people who have lived through experiences I have not. I'm just so glad I made time to see these people. A magical song from Wicked, the musical sums up these folks who have graced my life. . . " because I knew you, I have been changed for good...." Thanks to you all!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

In my travels from Cedar City to Blanding I was listening to NPR radio. There was an interesting interview with a fellow who had written a book titled: "Out of the Kitchen Onto the Couch." His book was about cooking or the lack thereof and how it relates to television. The top ten viewed television programs include cooking/food shows. They are a hit in America. (I love them myself - favorites being "How it's Made" "Dives, Diners and Drive-Ins" "Paula's Kitchen" [ had to take a break from it as I'm trying to cut back on fat and you know Paula and butter] and others depending on my mood!). Somehow they have managed to capture audiences of all ages, including men - now how did they do that? Well, they have made them like "athletic events" with hype, competition, slashing swords, back flips and show downs big cash pots. These particular offerings are strictly "entertainment" not really teaching anything about cooking and not even providing recipes either during the show or on the web. (It took the author of the book to point this out to me - I didn't figure it out on my own!) So what does this mean to the average American? Well, he is spending MORE time watching cooking and shows and since the advent of so many of new cooking programs - LESS time in the kitchen cooking! Aren't we an enigma as a society. Evidently the average American spends 26.6 minutes per day "in the kitchen." The author of the book (sorry I was driving and didn't get his name) pointed out what a detriment this is to the American family. Cooking, gathering in the kitchen, interaction with family members and creating memories are being lost. Not to mention, Americans are getting "broader and broader" each day, developing more and more preventable diseases. He says, "we are cooking vicariously" through the cooking shows. Hmmm. So I just found it a very thought provoking program. I'm working very hard this week to spend more time in the kitchen cooking, cooking healthier meals, creating memories, talking, laughing, helping each other, eating and sharing our day. To anyone who reads this - I'm throwing down the challenge (just like "Throw Down with Bobby Flay") Don't knock your self out in the kitchen - just spend some quality time there!

4th of July Fun

I'm just a girl who can't say no! Especially not to 4th of July Fun. I haven't been in the melodrama for several years and just had a ball playing

the part of

Death Valley Nell (who's voice sounds somewhat like shifting gravel!)

Of course being in it with my bestest friend Linda is just an added bonus!

And by the way - could you build a float?

You just have to have a float!

...then be part of the Melodrama Float . . .Hey I got to ride my 4 wheeler with a saddle on it while pulling the other actors in an old fashioned buckboard wagon!

Grab some of Sal's famous kabobs. . .

Play the piano at the patriotic program. . .

Stretch out on the lawn for the Oooo's and Ahhhhh's of the fireworks!

No wonder I can't say no - its just the best!

The Passing of our Friend

Our poor community has had yet another tragedy to face with the passing of Dr. James D. Redd.

He was our doctor - he delivered Jason, Jesse, Jeanine, Jackie, Jeremy, Jordan and sweet Sadie. He cared for Grandma Christiansen. He "delivered" Mark's appendix! He saw us through Jonathan's odd rheumatic fever, Jeanine's MS and Jordan's early years of ulcerative colitis. He has come to our home, he has called on the phone, he has gone above and beyond - to be our doctor.

He was a member of our ward family sharing his vast knowledge of the restoration with us. Mark was bishop when they moved into our ward. He has been our ward's mission leader, deacon's quorum advisor, Sunday school teacher.

He was my boss, giving me the opportunity to work for him when he owned his own practice. He was my colleague when he sold the practice and we went to work for the health district. He taught me so much about the medical field.

He was our friend. He came to see Mark's big deer. He gave us financial support in a time of need. He enjoyed the labors of our garden. He knew trivia that no one else would dream of knowing and loved to share it with others. He admired our children and how "smart those Christiansen kids are." He acknowledged our accomplishments.

Our family will never forget our doctor, our ward member, my co-worker, and our friend.

Double the Pleasure - Double the Fun!

Raymond John Christiansen

June 5, 2009

8 lbs 14 oz. 21 inches
Jeremy and Carly are the "can't stop smiling" parents!

He's just so happy his grandma is holding hime!

Chloe Christiansen
June 3rd
7 lb 5 oz, 20 inches




Pretty little girl stuff!

Jason and Cansas are the good looking parents.

Gavin is the best big brother!