Category: Family

Relationships, children, and the dynamics between family members.

One Day

Jeanne Leave a comment

Last month we took an extended vacation to one of our most beloved places: the Oregon coast. Almost as a last minute thought, we decided to take our 3 oldest grandchildren along (ages 14, 13, and 7). To be honest…I had my doubts that we could successfully endure 17 days. There would be a lot of driving on several days, probably 8+ hours, and those kids usually complain after 1-2 hours! And, I’m not sure they really are into appreciating scenery. Will we be able to have enough for them to do? Enough to EAT? Will they fight and quarrel to the point of driving us insane? We both decided to give it our best effort, and to really try to show them how much we love them. And now, looking back on it, I think perhaps it is one of the best trips we’ve ever taken. Those 3 were a positive delight. Their exuberance at their first ocean sight and encounter forcefully reminded me of how wondrous the ocean really is. I saw it all through different eyes, the eyes of children.

There is definitely something about being together, away from home, for more than just a few hours. Bonds were reinforced, connections made, and love grows. Memories will fuel me for a long time, and I hope that will also be true for them. I hope in years and decades to come, that they will reflect upon events of this trip, and find comfort and strengthen in them because they know of our love for them, and they will know that they are important, valued and treasured, just as was expressed by Russell M. Nelson, president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He shared a profound family acronym about his feelings for his children and grandchildren: LAWN: Loved, Adored, Wanted, Needed.

The following short video expresses the value of spending time together as a family. I can strongly relate to the comments at the end by the grandparents, expressing that phone calls just don’t take the place of time together.

http:///www.lds.org/media-library/video/2013-09-015-our-fun-family-vacation?category=mormon-messages/mormon-messages-2013&lang=eng

There is so much beauty in one day,
If man can open up his eyes,
To look at God’s great canvas,
From a flower, to the skies,
From the delicate color
In a butterfly’s wings,
The the majestic blues and greys
On the mountain side.
For here lies God’s creation,
My testimony and eternal progression
To those who follow love.


Child of Indifference

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Child of indifference
Please open up your eyes.
The eternal now awaits you.
So many different flowers shout in colors,
Sing in silence, touch in fragrance.
Child of bitterness
Please open up your ears
To hear the cries of morning as each new day appears.
So many different love songs are waiting to be heard,
From the cooing of a white dove,
To the thunder of a storm,
From the laughing of a young child who feels both safe and warm.
Child of many sorrows
Please open up your heart,
For only you can understand what part in life you play.
Child of tomorrow, let’s work for you today.

http://www.lds.org/friend/2018/03/heavenly-father-listens?lang=eng

Memories

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Waves of reflection play upon our souls,
Like children free and laughing. Too soon we have to grow.
Like footprints on a sandy shore that fade then wash away.
Some memories, like singing birds, can brighten up our day.
Memories of lives shared through sweetness and despair.
True friendships are forever. Life teaches us to care.
To trust and love each other, unto a better day,
Then truth becomes our brother, and love becomes our way.

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2017-01-009-a-good-samaritan?lang=eng&_r=1

When Trials Come

Jeanne Leave a comment

Seems that I am always trying to say something profound, especially to my children and grand children…something that is definite and final, that which tips the scale and as a result they are able to make good choices and avoid all that is out there; and there is a lot out there to run from: drugs, alcohol, gangs and all that comes with that, peer pressure, and those who have evil intentions but wear sheep’s clothing and are able to deceive so many of our youth, and adults as well. But, alas, I’m still writing. I’m sure that my life will run out before I can accomplish the influential things I desire.

This poem is written to youth, and dedicated to light houses everywhere; those beacons, not unlike our own porch light that remains lit until the last have entered in for the night. A light house says, “Come Home!”…and when you are there, you are warm and safe.

When trials come upon us, they come in many ways.
We each face many choices through dark uncharted haze.
We each can pray for guidance to help us through life’s storms.
The Holy Ghost will guide us and keep us safe and warm.

And when we near the harbor, look for the lights on shore.
They’ll guide us to the channel, safe from the oceans’ roar.
The light house calls to us and shines pure, straight and true.
Through all our hardest trials, Christ’s love will see us through.

Now, child, you sail through waters where we have never gone.
We pray that Christ will bless you and your family will grow strong.
God gives to each of us weakness to teach us humility.
Remember to turn to Christ and His strength will set us free.

Pray for the strength to do the things that you’re inspired to do.
Don’t run faster than the spirit’s voice, or you won’t hear what’s true.
Take time to serve in sacred things and God will guide your way…
Like prayers, church and God’s holy house, and you will reach the bay.

Now, children, you know we love you from the bottom of our hearts.
We strive and pray for you and hope you’ll do your part.
We sense the heavy burdens that you are called to carry through.
Our prayers, hope & faith call for our Lord to comfort you.

This is a painting I created after our 2014 Oregon Coast trip. It is a composite of seascapes from Bandon, Cape Blanco, and even from a previous vacation to Pigeon Point in California.

The following message (about 2 minutes) speaks of light houses and youth:

http://www.lds.org/youth/video/this-way-to-safety?lang=eng

Words of Love

Jeanne Leave a comment

We have all witnessed the miraculous power words of love can have on others. A few months ago my daughter collected 70 quotes from friends and family that answered her question to them, “Why we love Jeanne”. Then, in celebration of my 70th birthday, she presented me with a large framed collection of 70 quotes. Each one is simple, and yet reaches down into my heart, and are never to be forgotten. On the other hand, all of us have been at the receiving end of hateful words that often leave scars we carry for a lifetime.

It’s not what goeth in the mouth that defileth a soul
But what cometh out the mouth; kind words can make us whole.
I wish that I could find,
A tool, like an eraser,
To erase each hurt-filled line
Of all those words of anger
That leave my world-stained mind,
And pierce the hearts of loved ones,
So tender and so kind.
For words of love do strengthen
And lift each troubled soul.
Yes, words that lift the fallen
Will help each child to grow.
So I will try to master
That tongue within my head,
For one day, I’ll account for
The words that I have said.
It’s not what goeth in the mouth
That defileth the soul,
But what cometh out the mouth,
Kind words can make us whole.

Matthew 15:11

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2017-06-0001-love-grows-at-home?category=social-media-shareable-videos&lang=eng

Love Unafraid

Jeanne Leave a comment

Overcome space and we’re faced with a place we call “here”.
Overcome time and we’re left with the hour of now.
Live while the rivers still flow and the sun lights today.
Tomorrow’s too late and we’re faced wrong to see yesterday.
The moment we’re in is alive if we live it right now.
It withers and dies if we set it aside for tomorrow.
Look at me now and hear what my song has to say:
Now is the time, here is the place for living today.

Overcome fear and all that we’re left with is free.
Overcome blindness to create reality.
Open your eyes and see all the real that is there.
Set your mind free to be yours and to be aware.
Life’s not a game, but there’s rules to direct destiny.
We’re bound by our fears locked inside, now set them free.
You can put peace in your mind if you reach out unafraid,
To discover a world full of truths God, with nature, has made.

Overcome pride and you’ll find in it’s place there is love.
Overcome hatred and feel what true peace is made of.
First be your own friend then give of your friendship and share.
You and your brother can learn understanding through care.
It never was meant that your ship is to be sailed alone.
Find a seaworthy crew and together is better than one.
Now is the time to tear down the walls we have made,
To be everyone’s brother, to share, and to love unafraid.

2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Doctrine & Covenants 67:10 “And again I say unto you…that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears…the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am…”

http:///www.lds.org/media-library/video/2017-01-0004-live-by-faith-not-by-fear?lang=eng

Wise Men and Camels

Jeanne Leave a comment

Last week some of our family attended a live nativity. I have never done that before and was excited to see if they would really do sheep and camels, and was not disappointed. The sheep were very wooly and had to be coaxed for their appearance. I was standing so close to the pathway where they entered that I could have reached out and and greeted them with a tender touch, but, I restrained myself. As the story unfolded, the anticipated camels began their trek, each one led by a wise man. Again, I was still very close to the path, and hemmed in by the crowd and a makeshift building at my back. When I saw them coming, I squeezed against the building to make room for their surprisingly massive bodies. The first one filed past me, and I marveled at it’s immensity, especially when it seemed to balk at the crowd and whatever instructions it was receiving. Suddenly, it pulled against it’s halter and came swinging backwards toward ME! There was nowhere to go, except to brace for the impact of a huge camel’s butt bolting directly my way. In a flash it swooped past me, arighted itself and continued on it journey to the manger. Breathlessly, I said a silent prayed of thanks that I would be able to emerge from the nativity in one whole, unbroken piece! What an adventure. The animals added a delightful dimension that I shall never forget.

Animals are delightful. I would like to include some photos taken just 3 months ago in Teton National Park…Just remember, don’t get too close!




The following link is a video of the nativity:
http://www.lds.org/bible-videos/videos/glad-tidings-of-great-joy-the-birth-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng

Christmas 2005

Jeanne 1 Comment

Today, we are using a guest poet, Sherrel E. Burgoyne. Sherrel is my aunt who passed away last June, and, as a tribute to her, I’d like to post this poem:

Maybe because they were out in the night
When the heavens were opened and flooded with light,
And they saw the angels and heard them sing
Glory to God and the newborn King
Maybe because that night they were out
They heard the message and did not doubt.

Maybe because they slept in the town
With their doors closed tight and their windows down
And they did not hear the songs from above
They did not hear the message of love
Maybe because that night they all slept
They heard not the message the angels kept.

What of us,
Where are we when the angels all shout,
Do we hide behind walls to feed on our doubt,
Or open our lives and let faith lead us out?

http://www.mormon.org/?cid=HP_FR_24-11-2017_dMIS_fMORG_xLIDyL1-A_

Into The Woods

Jeanne 1 Comment

Being close to Thanksgiving, I should entitle this, “Over the River and Through the Woods, To Grandmother’s House We Go.”, but that isn’t where they are going, nor is it the title of the painting, although, it is Thanksgiving time, and I am very grateful for all of my grand children seen in this painting.

Let us call it, “Into the Woods”. And it is a scene of my 6 grand children walking up a path. Some of the prominent intentions are:

1) They are walking into what appears to be a nice place.

2) There are 2 bears to be seen along the way. Are they friendly? The far one seems to be, but one wonders about the sneaky one on the right. Life is tricky and is not always easy to distinguish right from wrong or good from bad. The bears illustrate this.

3) Ammon sees the sneaky bear. He is holding Allie’s hand, giving him the role of protector. Ammon and Parleigh seem to be leading the group down the path. They are taking responsibility for the younger ones who follow, just as I hope they, and all of them, will do always and forever. Care for each other. Watch out for each other. Love each other. Help each other.

4) There is a bird flying high. This represents the Holy Ghost that will help to decipher the good from the bad and lead this little party safely to where they are going.

5) Now, the sad part of the painting. Notice that the children are all walking away from me. I am not with them, nor can I always be. But, nevertheless, I care and worry about them always and forever. And so this painting is dedicated to the last verse of my poem, “Give Them Wings”.

You stand at the threshold
Where I once stood,
With your back to our home
And the world in your face.
And I am glad
I am your mother (Or Grandmother).

I will miss you and wish
You were back home again,
But still I will help you
Fashion the best wings I can make
As you fly away from me.

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2010-11-23-thanksgiving-daily?lang=eng