Peace Dec 29, 2019

 3. Bid thine heart all strife to cease; 

With thy brethren be at peace. 

Oh, forgive as thou wouldst be 

E’en forgiven now by me. 

In the solemn faith of prayer 

Cast upon me all thy care, 

And my Spirit’s grace shall be 

Like a fountain unto thee.

Reverently and Meekly Now

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/hymns/reverently-and-meekly-now?id=figure_p118-figure_p125#figure_p118

Are you happy?

Bro Gunnell is one of the oldest members of our ward. He like s to tell my husband that he has kids as old as his dad.
One thing he does each week as the greeter each week is shake each members hands and ask “Are you happy?”

What does living after the manner of happiness mean? How can you answer each day “Yes I am happy!”

Patience

https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/neal-a-maxwell_patience/

Patience is not indifference. Actually, it means caring very much but being willing, nevertheless, to submit to the Lord and to what the scriptures call the “process of time.”

I loved this quote because it made me think of the many times my love and concern for someone else caused me to feel impatient and a desire to impose my timetable. 

"Patience is tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father. Actually, when we are unduly impatient we are suggesting that we know what is best—better than does God. Or, at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than His. Either way we are questioning the reality of God‘s omniscience as if, as some seem to believe, God were on some sort of postdoctoral fellowship and were not quite in charge of everything."

Sometimes this is so hard because of my inability to see time as the Lord sees time. It feels like another hour is forever and I feel such desire for the pain or discomfort to end now. It is hard when it is hard to endure the timing of the Lord. But my experience is his timing is always right- in hindsight. 

"Patience is not only a companion of faith but is also a friend to free agency. Inside our impatience there is sometimes an ugly reality: We are plainly irritated and inconvenienced by the need to make allowance for the free agency of others. In our impatience—which is not the same thing as divine discontent—we would override others, even though it is obvious that our individual differences and preferences are so irretrievably enmeshed with each other that the only resolution which preserves free agency is our patience and longsuffering with each other. " 

Longsuffering with others seems a very different word than patience but really waiting on others and being patient with their stuff, no matter the cause is allowing them the same agency and time to grow and develop we all wish others would allow us. It seems like "do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

"No wonder the Savior said that His doctrines would be recognized by His sheep, that we would know His voice, that we would follow Him (John 10:14). We do not, therefore, follow strangers. Deep within us, His doctrines do strike the promised chord of familiarity and underscore our true identity. Our sense of belonging grows in spite of our sense of separateness; for His teachings stir our souls, awakening feelings within us which have somehow survived underneath the encrusting experiences of mortality."

Miracles

To be sure, there may be times when you feel as though the heavens are closed. But I promise that as you continue to be obedient, expressing gratitude for every blessing the Lord gives you, and as you patiently honor the Lord’s timetable, you will be given the knowledge and understanding you seek. Every blessing the Lord has for you—even miracles—will follow. That is what personal revelation will do for you.

https://www.lds.org/languages/eng/content/general-conference/2018/04/revelation-for-the-church-revelation-for-our-lives

I want to review three examples of asking in faith in meaningful prayer and discuss the lessons we can learn from each one of them. As we speak of prayer, I emphasize the word ​meaningful.​ Simply saying prayers is quite a different thing from engaging in meaningful prayer. I expect that all of us already know that prayer is essential for our spiritual development and protection. But what we know is not always reflected in what we do. And even though we recognize the importance of prayer, all of us can improve the consistency and efficacy of our personal and family prayers.

https://www.lds.org/languages/eng/content/general-conference/2008/04/ask-in-faith

Concerning Rebekah’s prayer, Elder Bruce R. McConkie said: “May I now take our common ancestor, Rebekah, as a pattern for what her daughters in the Church today can do? … When Rebekah was troubled and needed divine guidance she herself took the matter up with the Lord, and he spoke to her in reply. The Lord gives revelation to women who pray to him in faith” (in Conference Report, Tahiti Area Conference 1976, 16).

https://www.lds.org/languages/eng/content/manual/old-testament-gospel-doctrine-teachers-manual/lesson-10

Nothing opens the heavens quite like the combination of increased purity, exact obedience, earnest seeking, daily feasting on the words of Christ in the Book of Mormon,​​​​ and regular time committed to temple and family history work.

https://www.lds.org/languages/eng/content/general-conference/2018/04/revelation-for-the-church-revelation-for-our-lives

Trials can purify our hearts

Following His plan and becoming a builder of the kingdom require selfless sacrifice. Elder Orson F. Whitney wrote: “All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, … purifies our hearts … and makes us more tender and charitable, … and it is through … toil and tribulation, that we gain the education … which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven.”​​​​ These purifying trials bring us to Christ, who can heal us and make us useful in the work of salvation.

https://www.lds.org/languages/eng/content/general-conference/2016/04/what-shall-we-do

Ether 12: 27 ​And if men come unto me I will show unto them their ​​​weakness​. I ​​​give​ unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my ​​​grace​ is sufficient for all men that ​​​humble​ themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make ​​​weak​ things become strong unto them.

Weakness can become strong through faith during trials

Psalms 34: 
17 ​​The righteous​ cry, and the ​​Lord​​ heareth, and ​​​delivereth​ them out of all their troubles.
19 ​Many ​are​ the ​​​afflictions​ of the righteous: but the ​​Lord​​ delivereth him out of them all.

Afflictions come to all

Notes from conversation after accident

Get a list of things other people could do for me

Family

Ward

Work

Get a person in each to be the contact person

Self care can be 5 minutes or 10 minutes don't make it so hard. Intentional about it and make it my own place.

Voice mail with daily report- Email to daily report

Picnic table conversation FHE about Life Changed this day and how are you feeling about ?

Some of it will get better and some won't  We can't change it. What can we change?

We will get through it because that is what families do

African Proverb says

If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

10 day media fast lessons

The prophet asked me to write what I learned from the Facebook fast that he asked the women of the church to do at General conference 

“I invite you to participate in a 10-day fast from social media and from any other media that bring negative and impure thoughts to your mind. Pray to know which influences to remove during your fast”

The first thing I learned was from my phone screen time record



Prior to the fast I was spending 3 and a half hours on my phone— WHAT??

That was uncomfortable and I could think of hundreds of things “I don’t have time to do” that could be done in that 3 and a half hours. It gave me a desire to be much more intentional and limited in my mindless time on my phone

I also learned on the app that you can set downtime to shut off your phone when you should be sleeping 💤 That has been a great reminder for me at night. I can override it for 15 minutes at a time if I really want to but it makes me far more conscious of my usage after hours and gets me to bed on time more often 

Second I didn't know my phone had a filter?? Under settings, screen time, content and privacy, and then content restrictions 



I have since gone through and done these filters on the phones of some of my children as well. Hoping to protect us from the influences of Satan we inadvertently might run into. I challenge you to do this 

The other thing I learned was that I could limit my time on Facebook using the App limits feature



I am now thinking about other areas we need to filter and be more intentional about time

There are so many things I want to accomplish and using my time more purposefully will help me accomplish the best things

Pray Always

In the last 60 days I have learned much about prayer.

From September 30, 2018 “This week dad almost fell on the stairs and it was a very painful realization that I am not big enough to do this alone. Went to the temple on Saturday and was reminded that the whole plan of happiness is based on the foreknowledge of God that I am not big enough. He always knew!! I have lived in a bubble where I was big enough to fake it most of the time but this accident has been a rude awakening that I never have been big enough the Lord has always been making up the difference 

I don’t have to do it alone. And neither do you!”

One of the only things I could pray in my desperation was “Please help”. I was so beyond any mortal language my need was beyond anything I had ever experienced before and so great I couldn’t even berabalize it. Please help meant everything I had no ability to identify

From Prayer is the souls sincere desire Hymn 145
Verse 2
Prayer is the burden of a sigh,
The falling of a tear,
The upward glancing of an eye
When none but God is near.

I loved this idea that prayer is so much more than words. We pray in all ways we ask for help. Our tears are a prayer. God hears so much more than just our words

At first I thought my prayer “please help” was some how inferior to the more eloquent and specific questions and verbal prayers. My sincerity and my need were so beyond any former prayers. My humility that God in his infinite wisdom and concern for me knew better than I what I truly need. As I thought about this new place of prayer I realized that maybe my “please help”  is the best prayer I have ever offered

I loved this verse for I learned so much about prayer through these two words “please help”
Verse 8
O thou by whom we come to God,
The Life, the Truth, the Way!
The path of prayer thyself hast trod;
Lord, teach us how to pray.

I know that this scripture is true
Alma 33: 8 Yea, thou art merciful unto thy children when they cry unto thee, to be heard of thee and not of men, and thou wilt hear them.

No matter my ability to verbalize, He hears and answers

Let the Holy Spirit Guide

I taught RS Sunday (my favorite calling) and loved the lesson it was on His Spirit to Be with You By President Henry B. Eyring

My favorite quote was “ I know those things by the only way any of us can know them. The Holy Ghost has spoken to my mind and heart that they are true--not just once but often. “

I know the Book of Mormon is true because the Holy Ghost has spoken to my heart that it is true.

I have thought often about the amazing blessing and gift that is the testimony and conversion that only comes from the Spirit.

I love the song "Let the Holy Spirit Guide" Hymn number 143

Meddlesomeness and Mottos

Our watchword should be “Never stop growing and serving.” Camilla Kimball

So my mother in law has told me for many years that she is still a teenager in a old lady body. This has been a funny thing to me when I was a teenager assuming that her and I were so different. That the years are magic and make you into something totally different. She was wise and smart and knew all the right answers. She was solid and so sure of the choices she had made and was successful in all the ways I hoped to be.

Well now I am older than the age of my sweet mother in law when she first introduced me to this idea. And I have to admit as always she was absolutely right. Age has done so much the opposite of the surety and solidness I thought would magically be gained. I spend many of my prayers just telling the Lord how much I don't know. How much I don't understand. The problems of the word have become more real in my age, I have enough experience to know that the ideals and perfect hopes of my younger days do not always (usually) happen in the way I thought they would and that my expectations often just lead to disappointment and lack of gratitude for what is.

This new experience of having my children need me less and my hands and heart less full as my younger days has led to some soul searching and new purpose seeking. 

A dear friend sent me this amazing talk from Camilla Kimball with this perfect quote to describe my experience "When a mother’s children are reared, or if she is childless, the years after forty or fifty may begin to look bleak. Her real life’s work may seem done, when in reality it has only changed. The active woman cannot hold her hands, so she looks about for something to take up her leisure time. What should it be? Charity? General meddlesomeness? Shall she become a burden or shall she embark upon a new adventure? Happy the woman who has the foresight to see that through forty years of experience, she has matured the ability to commence a grand and useful second half of her life."

This is Camilla's advice to me at this stage of my life "In addition, there are many opportunities for service to others. The world is full of lonely, troubled people who need a helping hand, who need a listening ear or a friendly visit or a comforting letter. Our watchword should be “Never stop growing and serving.”

Lasting love and hugs from your Mom

A Lasting Hug from your Mama Wendy

My love for quilting started as a young woman. I had an amazing beehive leader who made it one of her goals to teach 12-13 year olds homemaking skills. She helped me make my first and several other quilts including one for Angie’s wedding in 1993, long after I was not her beehive anymore

My second experience was for my wedding. Grandma Rebecca made us several quilts. My favorite was a light blue that she had hand quilted. Something about cuddling up with her blanket as I was a newly married bride just learning to be a wife comforted and blessed me with strength and renewed dedication to be strong like Grandma Rebecca. It made me think of my blessings of having a husband and her valiant example of motherhood alone after the death of her husband. The gift of a quilt is so symbolic of warmth, comfort and wrapping your self in a quilt handmade by someone who loves you feels like a big hug just when you need it

Grandma Rebecca’s quilts comforted and surrounded each of my babies. One in particular was given to Joseph for his baby blessing and lived to celebrate the name and blessing of all eight of my children. It lives today to bless Grandma Rebecca’s great grand babies

So beyond the idea of comfort, protection, and warmth. I think having a homemade quilt has historically been a way for mothers to bless their children and families. Quilting has symbols and meaning behind the patterns as well as artistic and creative outlet for the women of the past. 

Quilting bee's were our method of gathering and women's connection and advice seeking. Around the quilts of the past we discussed and learned from those older than us wisdom was passed from mother to daughter.

Fathers are able to give Priesthood blessings to their children. But I feel like a quilt is the mother equivalent, nurturing, protection,and love are all bound together in the threads of the fabric and the creativity and hand work is a symbol of the love and never ending work that your mother puts into your whole life.

Definition of Happiness

"The term happiness in the gospel sense embodies a mix of spiritual attributes that defies precise description. Attempts to identify the elements of happiness commonly allude to such qualities of being as love, joy, peace, bliss, contentment, and enlightenment. For present purposes, suffice it to say that true happiness is that profound sense of spiritual well-being that is the product of living our lives in harmony with our core values, as informed and shaped by our devotion to and desire to please God." Bridling Mammon: Harnessing the Power of Money in the Service of Virtue STANLEY D. NEELEMAN June 11, 2002 • Devotional

Christmas Thoughts

Had to work today, 12/24/2017, but got permission to come home at Lunch and see Sam sing in church. I was so grateful. I love the music of Christmas and the messages and praise that we sing.

Sam sang a beautiful song I had never heard before and it is so lovely.

Gratitude

I was challenged to make a list of 25 things I am grateful for:

1. My family-

I have noticed more lately how blessed I really am to have such a large family and people who I have always been able to count on through thick and thin. I am so grateful for the blessing of marriage and the solid foundation that it has provided our family to weather the hardships together. I am grateful for the Temple and the promised blessing of being together with my family forever.

There was a day I had worked all day and came home to a mess. The house was a disaster. One moment that really seemed symbolic to me was a lovely vinyl decoration sign that read "Family's are Forever" upside down at the bottom of the stairs in a pile of dirty laundry and garbage. It was supposed to be on the fireplace mantel being all decorative and awesomely proclaiming the solidarity of our family. But somehow in the rough housing or other nonsense of the day it had ended up off the mantel in the pile at the bottom of the stairs. Somehow this seemed like the true meaning of the message "family's are forever." Whether we can be displayed in public or not. Maybe sometimes we are more "magazine ready" then others. But forever doesn't have to mean perfect, it means forever and through the atonement of Christ all that is broken can be repaired, all that is sick can be healed, and all that is dirty can be cleaned. Forever means just that!

2. Health-

I love my body. It has done amazing and even miraculous things. As a pediatric nurse for the last 20 years I have seen that having 8 healthy children with no complications is truly a miracle.

I am trying to get back in the morning habit of exercising each day and love the feeling of having a stronger leaner body that can run up the stairs without being winded.

Some experiences this year has made me glad I don't need healthcare but have been grateful for the wonderful resources we have in this area for those who have needed it. Miracles have been accomplished by medical professionals and my mom was healed of something that would have killed her in the next few years.

3. Warmth-

I was so grateful this week as the weather turned really cold for a warm house and lots of blankets. I loved snuggling up with my fireplace and blankets and watching a movie with my family. I loved curling up in my warm feather comforter after the long work day. Oh and I almost forgot my favorite new luxury-- Fuzzy socks. I love fuzzy socks when it is cold!!

4. Rich yummy food and plenty of it-

Been surrounded by yummy food for the holidays. I have been trying to be more mindful and enjoy each thing rather than just stuff myself until I am sick.

5. Honorable children who bring me great joy

I have been so blessed this year to see so many of my children adult so well!! I am so grateful for the men and women they are becoming and the valiant way they are tackling the challenges and success of life. I am loving the addition of our first daughter in law and the joy that having more women around has brought. I have loved the strengths of the two women my sons have chosen to be with and the growth they have encouraged and influenced in my sons. I have loved having them call me to check in and let me know what is going on with them and love watching their successes from afar.

6. Fall

I have loved the long fall we were able to have this year and the wonderful changing of the leaves and warmth to enjoy mild weather until December. It was wonderful not to have snow early and enjoy both Halloween and Thanksgiving with dry ground.

7. Work

I love my work. I love the ability to bless those in need and love working with families and children. I love helping others get well and go home.

8. Holidays that give us an excuse to gather together.

This year I tried something new. I read a great book "For the Love" by Jen Hatmaker and in it she talks about sweet and spicy families. This was such a revelation to me and gave me hope. We are certainly in the spicy family side of things and that can mean for some loud, obnoxious, family gatherings. Most years I have tried to control everyone and stop any conversation or comment that I deem "too spicy". But this year I decided our family is like the ocean and I can either ride the waves or fight and drown in them.

Peace was found in letting everyone be themselves and say what they had to say no matter how it bothered me. I decided their behavior didn't reflect on my mothering but on their own decisions and behavior and I could just enjoy the good and ignore the bad.

9. Nap time!

Oh how I love a good nap!

10. Good friends

I have been so blessed in my life to have true and good friends. I can seek their counsel and advice and count on them to give it to me straight but kind!

11. Education

So grateful for parents, teachers, and employers who encouraged me to do well in school and pursue my goals to become a nurse. I am so grateful to work in a field where I see miracles and healing daily. Grateful to be able to work 4 days a week and still get full time hours.

12. Photographs and memories

Loving the photographs and memories of our family when we were younger as well as the photographs we have been finding of our ancestors. Nothing helps you feel connected to someone more than a photograph from their life. Loving recording memories and especially recipes from our family.

13. Love the Temple and my Temple buddy Lisa!!

I need to be in the Temple weekly if possible. I get out of sorts and just darn grumpy when I haven't been able to get that connection and peace. After a few weeks of not going I can feel a weight come off my shoulders as I enter the house of the Lord and know that I am filled with greater power and endurance than I could ever have on my own.

14. I love our neighborhood

We have the best neighbors ever! We are so blessed with people around us who are so generous and giving.

15. I love teaching Relief Society

I was recently put in as a RS teacher and I am loving being part of the adults again. I miss my girls and the fun they made me have :) But I am also really enjoying being with dear friends and making new friends with the women again. What a blessing it is to be surrounded by loving Christ like angels.

16. Love my man!

26 years and I love him more now than ever! He is so good to me. First snow fall and he was out scraping my car and shoveling the walk and driveway before work!! Love that guy!

17. Love having a 9 year old at Christmas

I am so grateful to have the magic of Christmas one more year in my home. He is just on the edge of losing the magic and I can see it coming. But this year he is all about it. He has loved the Light the world calendar and advent calendar idea. Each day he is so excited to fulfill his challenge and get the chocolate out of the Advent calendar. Oh to be a child again!!

18. Love having a missionary.

We have been so blessed for 4 years now to have a full time missionary serving. It has been such a blessing to see them serve others and give so much of themselves.

Elder Paul Roberts

Elder Matt Roberts

Elder Adam Roberts

19. Love CoQ10

So this is weird. At Costco the other day there was a sample table of CoQ10 and I got talked into buying it by the salesman. But it is awesome!! I feel so much better after work when I drink 2 tablespoons. More energy and feel stronger. Who knew??

20. Love Christmas music

I think Christmas music is the greatest ever. My son has been playing the saxophone for 2 years now and has me hooked on Jazz Christmas music. It is great!! Always loved Vince Giraldi  and Peanuts Jazz but there is lots on Pandora to listen to.

21. Love nuts

Sunflower seeds, pistachios, almonds, pumpkin seeds..... Yum and they don't make me crash as a snack.

22. Love Twisted Peppermint lotion

23. Love maxi skirts

24. Love boots

25. Grateful for the Savior of the world

Thinking about all the names of the Savior at this Christmas time and one that I heard recently was "Great and cherished hope". Thinking about the blessing of hope in my life.

Merry Christmas to all!!

A prayer for our husbands

This year for Mother's day I got to go on a mommy retreat in the mountains with friends and we watched this movie that really inspired me called "The War Room". I have been thinking about it often and the applications for my own life.

Here is a trailer and way you could watch it too.

The faith and call to action really inspired me to change my selfishness and prayers for my family that revolved around my desires for them and changed them to prayers that revolved around the Lord's desires for them. I was inspired by the need for more women to go to God in warrior prayer mode for the protection and hearts of our families. Men are being bombarded on every side by the adversary especially priesthood holders and women must take action as the homemakers to pray with "real intent" for the protection and safety of our men.

The second inspiration for this prayer for our husbands was found in this story:

A Hawaiian Man Shares His Dream of Heaven That Might Change the Way You Pray

Gifts

http://www.ldsliving.com/A-Hawaiian-Man-Shares-His-Dream-of-Heaven-That-Might-Change-the-Way-You-Pray/s/85586

Here is a short summary but I highly recommend you read the whole article.

“I walked to one of the gifts that caught my attention. The wrapping paper, ribbons, and decorations formed exquisite color combinations. In this one small gift, there were more colors than all the colors visible on earth. I noticed an ornate tag attached to the gift. On the tag was my name in elegant, hand-written cursive. I looked at the tags on the surrounding presents and found that each of the tags had my name on them as well. I turned to Peter and asked, ‘What are all these gifts with my name on them?’

“Peter brought me a chair that was sitting along one of the walls and asked me to be seated. Once I’d taken my seat, Peter answered, ‘These are all the gifts and blessings from God that you failed to receive.’

“As I heard his words, my heart sank. A wave of pain flashed through my body at the thought of having rejected gifts from my God and my Savior. I looked into Peter’s eyes. With great concern, I said, ‘I would never knowingly reject a gift from God. Why didn’t I receive these gifts?’

. . . . . 

“‘Some of the gifts required work or effort on your part before they could be obtained,’ Peter answered.

“We walked to a new section of the warehouse and Peter had me look at the tags on the gifts. I saw my name on one of the tags and on another tag, was written the requirement to receive the gift. The first tag I read said, ‘Pray and ask for it.’ I looked at each tag to find the same statement: ‘Pray and ask for it.’

“‘You mean all I had to do to receive all the gifts in this warehouse was to pray and ask for them?’ I said.

This has been a poignant message to me of blessings of the Lord awaiting my prayers to ask for them. "Ask and ye shall receive" has meant more after reading this story and imagining the blessings of the Lord wrapped and awaiting for me to mearly ask.

The last inspiration for this prayer for our husbands came from a file that was shared in a RS lesson

It was a list of questions answered by the Book of Mormon. One of the questions was "How can I improve my marriage?" The answer was found in 3 Nephi 14. As I read I got to Ask and Ye shall receive again and had a impression to find scriptures that would be a blessing to my husband. I am up to 50 scriptures now that are specific to the blessings I think the Lord desires for my husband. My heart has been changed by seeking the "best gifts" and finding the words of the Lord in my search.

Here is a scripture list organized from head to toe :

Mind

1 Corinthians 2:16

JST, Romans 7:24

D&C 4:2

Luke 10:27

See the Hymn below

Heart
Ezekial 11: 19
Ether 3:6
1 Kings 3:9, 12, 4:29-30
Alma 48:17

Body
Docterine and Covenants 84:33
Docterine and Covenants 89

Spirit
Alma 13:2-12
Alma 17:2-3

Soul
2 Nephi 4:15-16
2 Nephi 4:28
2 Nephi 1:13-14,23

Eyes
Alma 5:15

Ears
3 Nephi 11: 5,
3 Nephi 17: 16,
3 Nephi 17:17

Mouth
2 Nephi 4:23-24
2 Nephi 32:2-3

Skin
2 Nephi 1:15
2 Nephi 4:33

3 Nephi 19:14

Last of all this song has really inspired me and helped me seek the Lord. "Oh, may my soul commune with thee. And find thy holy peace."

What about our Children?

Arthur Samuel Roberts Jr. Nov 12, 1941

Happy Birthday today Grandpa Sam. What a great example to your family you are of constancy and reliability. We know we can always count on you to help us. You are a great father and grandfather.

Grandpa Sam's favorite food is from his mission to Holland. The Netherlands occupied Indonesia when grandpa was on his mission and there were lots of Indonesian restaurants there. The missionaries loved to go out to these restaurants. Grandpa has not been able to find this food in Utah and wishes he could.

One food he remembered was a Rice Toffle

"Indonesian dishes such as satay, beef rendang, and sambal are favoured in Malaysia and Singapore. Soy-based dishes, such as variations of tofu and tempeh, are also very popular. "

Picking a food he loves here is Mexican and he loves Taco's and Burritos. But they have to be beef not chicken. 

Grandpas favorite color is in the "gold family" He likes golds, browns and oranges.  Sounded like fall to me--

Two stories he wants his family to remember were the first was his families tragedy when they were in the car accident and lost Grandpa Art. He and Grandma have been working hard for the last several years to write their personal histories and he promises within the next several months we will be getting them so we can read in detail and with pictures about this experience that changed his life forever.

The second was a happier time. He loved the opportunity he had to go to Cokeville, Wyoming the summer of 1957 to live with his Uncle Russ Roberts on his ranch and work as a cowboy. 

Grandpa Art was elected to represent the school board at an important meeting back east and him and Grandma Rebecca went alone. Sam got to stay at his Uncle Russ's ranch and Shauna and Scott stayed in Afton with Grandma Lettie Roberts and his aunt. When his parents got back Sam wanted to stay and finish out the summer and they allowed it. He loved his time bailing hay, and riding horses.

Some of his favorite songs are from Rock and Roll of the 1950's his favorite was Buddy Holly

He also loved Johnny Mathis

FHE- It's all about the Dash!!

Here is a fun FHE lesson idea.

First share this video that talks about the Dash- this is the short line that is between someones birthday and death date.

That short line represents someones whole life. Just like your life right now it is full of Joy and sorrow,  Fun and work, and hopefully family.

Next your going to learn a fun song

To the music of "All about that bass"

All about that Dash
by the Wells family

Because you know it's all about that dash, 'bout that dash, life stories.
It's all about that dash, 'bout that dash, life stories.
It's all about that dash, 'bout that dash, life stories.
It's all about that dash, 'bout that dash.

Yeah, it's pretty clear, that my heart's turned to
Search out my ancestors, like I'm supposed to do.
Just found a new name to fill in that space.
I got all the right dates and all the right places.
I see that dash in there, and wonder 'bout their lives.
Like where did they all live, and how did they survive?
What did she like to do?
Who were her friends?
Cause everybody's story's awesome from beginning to the end.

Yeah, great grandpa he told me his stories from World War 2.
And that one time great grandma's new pony threw off its shoe.
And when grandpa met grandma and they went on their first date.
Because learning about family history is so great.

Because you know it's all about that dash, 'bout that dash, life stories.
It's all about that dash, 'bout that dash, life stories.
It's all about that dash, 'bout that dash, life stories.
It's all about that dash, 'bout that dash.

My genealogy. So many people who are sealed to me.
We'll do their temple work from A to Z.
But I'm here to tell ya,
everybody's story's awesome from the beginning to the end.
Yeah, my ancestors did lots of really amazing things.
Some were just peasants and others were queens and kings.
And their stories make me want to make my own dash the best
Because the way that we live is what makes us all truly blessed.

Because you know it's all about that dash, 'bout that dash, life stories.
It's all about that dash, 'bout that dash, life stories.
It's all about that dash, 'bout that dash, life stories.
It's all about that dash, 'bout that dash.

Have fun with that!

Then your going to play a game. Login to Family Search and find an ancestor that doesn't have very much information.  Hopefully you have a Birth, Death, Marriage and Parents,Siblings, and Children's births and deaths.  Then you want to find the world events, like wars and who was president of the Church and the country you live in. All these go on a time line of this persons "dash". You can also add important church dates in this time line such as when missionaries were first sent to Denmark and when the first vision happened.

for example

Karen Sophie Rasmussen

Was born in 1808
She was married in 1831
She died in 1850 all in Denmark

So We are looking for all the major life events in her life that would impact her joy and sorrow.

Most of her siblings on this image were born before her but I found one sibling born after her

So your timeline would be like this

1808 Birth
1811 Birth of Lars baby brother
1814 - Norway’s departure from the Union.
1820 First vision of Joseph Smith in America
1830 The first Book of Mormon published and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints was organized in America
1831 Marriage
1832 Baby boy Lars born
1833 Baby boy Hans born and died
1835 2nd Baby boy Hans born (same name because first baby died)
1837 Baby girl Ane born. First LDS missionaries sent to England
1838 Baby boy Johan born
1839 Baby boy Rasmus born
1840 Baby boy Jens born, Baby boy Rasmus died
1841 Baby  boy Jens died
1843 Karen's mother died
1844 Joseph Smith is martyered
1847 Karen's father died
1848 - Abolition of absolutism.

1849 - First liberal constitution, the June Constitution.

Missionaries were first sent to Denmark in 1849 and the first Danish Book of Mormon was translated. Danish Saints to be the first non-English speakers to read the Book of Mormon in their native tongue.

Doing a search on LDS.org found several articles about the church in Denmark

In Denmark, a Quiet, Vibrant Faith

5 Things to Know about the Church in Denmark

Scandinavia, the Church in

Grandpa Arthur Samuel Roberts June 2, 1918

Favorite Song: Grandpa Sam remembers playing a duet with Grandpa Art in sacrament meeting twice. Grandpa Sam played the clarinet and Grandpa Art played the piano. They played "There is a green hill faraway" and "Rock of Ages"

Grandpa was in the air-force during World War II and was trained as a pilot. Some how he was later moved to top gunner in a B-29 Super Fortress. They have one at Hill Air Force base in Utah and we went and saw it for his birthday. 

The window on top was where
Grandpa Art would sit and shoot.

Back Gunner

WWII Uniform

Wendy,  You always are interested in anything we know about our parents,etc.  I came across this note card my dad wrote and used to memorize something about Egypt.  His writing is almost impossible to read (a lot worse than my own).  I can remember that he used a fountain pen that you had to fill often with ink and that he usually had 3-6 cards in his shirt pocket to memorize their contents throughout the day.

Attached to this email is a photograph of both sides of this note-card.

Love, Sam