Category: Pain

The unpleasant, hurtful feelings, both physical and emotional, that we all encounter.

To Ponder

Jeanne 1 Comment 
To ponder is to meditate upon some special thing
Like a death or our Mother, or a psalm we read or sing.
Our pondering helps magnify the longings of one's heart,
As we choose to ponder, sacred feelings in us start.

If we ponder through deep sorrows, we can understand how to cope.
To ponder on the life of Christ, lifts us up and gives us hope.
Our Lord helps us to ponder if we strive through humble prayer,
We can grow through deeper feelings if we pray to learn and care.

We each can choose to meditate on each sacred day,
As we learnt to place importance upon our Lord's sacred way.
As we study God's true Son and overcome all worldly fear,
We will find more inner peace as we grow from year to year.

May we learn to truly ponder, as Mary did on her son, our Lord, Christ.
Then by true meditation, pure peace will lessen strife.
Lord, help us learn to ponder with a humble, searching soul,
For Thou art our greatest teacher.  Help us ponder, trust and grow.

This phrase, “..And Mary pondered these things in her heart.”, are repeated several times in the New Testament, in speaking of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. We define ‘ponder’ as to weigh or consider carefully. In our world, there is much competition for our attention, and we typically find ourselves busy, with our thoughts occupied with a task at hand… And, somehow have come to think of being busy as being a good thing, even a sort of badge of importance. We feel that we are lazy if we should sit for a few minutes and do NOTHING. Pondering is a quiet thing. It not only gives our mind a chance to connect with our heart, but also gives heaven a chance to connect with our heart too.

Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid.

Jeanne 1 Comment

This image is a watercolor I created from an illustration in one of my beloved Babar kids books (Babar the King). In the story, Celestville, the city of the elephants has an unusual number of stressful occurances (snake bite and house fire). These, like many things we worry about and stress over, caused Babar to fall prey to fear, but, in his dreams he envisioned winged elephants (hope, love, faith, patience, etc.) driving misfortune away.

These are troubled times. We read in the book of Kings about the prophet, Elisha, who finds himself and the city surrounded by the innumerable enemy. His young companion, upon seeing this asked what they could possibly do. (2 Kings 6:16) “And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them….And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about …”

And Joshua is promised, “..Be strong and of a good courage: be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:9)

Rudyard Kipling wrote, from his poem, An astrologer’s Song:

Though terrors o'ertake us
We'll not be afraid.
No Power can unmake us
Save that which has made:
Nor yet beyond reason
Or hope shall we fall--
All things have their season,
And Mercy crowns all!

Then, doubt not, ye fearful--
The Eternal is King--
Up, heart, and be cheerful,
And lustily sing:--
What chariots, what horses,
Against us shall bide
While the Stars in their courses
Do fight on our side?

I don’t know what you do to reduce anxiety, but these verses of scripture and poetry really do open up a pathway for me, and, like the winged elephants, really do help chase away the grip of misfortune.

What do you do? What helps you? Your comments are so welcomed.

The Video Game

Jeanne 6 Comments

Last week my Grandson handed me a game controller, logged on to Minecraft, giving rapid instructions on how to run, fly and navigate the scene. His figure skillfully raced through the countryside while mine bumped, bumped, fell, and stumbled aimlessly without direction or goal! I’m sure with practice, I’d have done much better.

I have been the spectator of many Zelda episodes of triumph and defeat, and have been fascinated at the not-so-obvious “drops” that yield a plethora of weapons, potions, boosts, gear, collectibles, and even a diamond pickaxe, all very useful and necessary to ‘win’ the game.

I watched you play the game today,
So skillfully....I'm proud to say.
You're little figure tramping about the countryside,
Seeking potions both far and wide.
With passion you searched, and you received
The gear to help you on your quest--the things you need.
You boldly and carefully made your way
Thru darkened night and treacherous day.
And as you did, you never missed
A chance to gain the loot you wished.

And when the foe with all it's power
Appeared.   You did not cower,
But initialized your gifts so valiantly,
And battled bold to victory.
Your perilous path was  wild and long.
You sometimes sang the victor's song.
Then, finally,  when the quest did cease,
You reached  the grand reward of peace.

Aren't we all in the 'game of life'?
We also face our foes and strife.
And need to collect the tools to aid,
Or else, we'll truly be afraid.
Then we can face each obstacle with power
That transforms us each day and hour.

This is a poor image of a painting I did from a beloved Babar book, illustrating some of the ‘tools, weapons, potions, or whatever, that we may need in our ‘game of life’.

On 14 January 2020, Michael T. Ringwood addressed a BYU devotional and spoke of “Gifts”, much like the ones spoken of above. I quote from a segment of his address:

“If you are familiar with classical stories, myths, and legends, you will remember that when a hero undertakes a quest, a mentor often gives him or her gifts for the journey. these gift could be special clothing, implements, food, healing medicine, or key information. Whatever the gift may be, they are essential to the hero’s success. They are the provisions to meet the challenges ahead—-to pass the test that transforms the hero, giving him or her strength to overcome hard things and do the work he or she is destined to do. And, in many cases, the importance of the gifts is not fully understood until they are needed and used.

And so it is with us. Our Heavenly Father has provided us with great and marvelous gifts for our journey here in mortality–and for the greatest quest of all: to come unto our Savior and gain eternal life. These gifts help us navigate the tests and tribulations of life: distresses, persecutions, famines (both temporal and spiritual), injuries, and even death. Without them, we cannot succeed. Yet with them, we are transformed–strengthened…”

Then, in his address, he lists 8 gifts: The Light of Christ, Agency, Commandments, Jesus Christ, Grace, the Holy Ghost, Living prophets, and happiness.

46 Years Together

Jeanne 2 Comments

On Saturday, June 20th, we celebrated our 46th Wedding Anniversary in Teton National Park. That’s where we took our honeymoon. We kayaked and camped, and have returned there for many of the other 46 years!

Our daughter sent us a text: “Happy Anniversary to my favorite lovebirds! 46 years later you’re back in the Tetons. Still having adventures. Still best friends. If that’s not true love I don’t know what is. Have a wonderful day you two!”

Gros Ventre Campground 2020

Bob wrote us a poem about true love–it’s called “Our Greatest Gift”

Our greatest gift is You, Lord, for all we know and see
From mountains unto deserts, from rivers, lakes and trees,
From a sparrow to an eagle, from an elk unto a mouse,
All life does astound us that passes through Thy house.

In God's house are many mansions, worlds beyond our eyes.
We share His grace together; through Christ, we grow more wise.
God has given you to me, Dear, for time and eternity.
You are my greatest gift of all I know and see.

You help me to remember our God's love is eternal.
You lift me when I'm down, caught in hate's inferno.
You are my greatest blessing our Lord gives to men on earth:
A righteous caring wife, Mom and Grandma is of an untold worth.

May I live always worthy to walk close by your side
And live with you forever and in God's love abide
And have our special family always in God's sweet love,
With Mom and Dad, kids and grand kids, forever up above.

And so, I thank God for all that is good, and for his tender love that has carried us(me) through these 46 years. Love that has lessened pain, steeled us against the cold blasts that come to us all, deserved or undeserved…and has helped the unpleasant things to work out for our good. I’m reminded of a scripture in the Doctrine and Covenants (D& C 123:17) ” Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.”

And thanks be for our family, our children and grandchildren, who are a constant source of joy, who make life worth living, and who make us laugh and smile!

Sacred Memories

Jeanne 1 Comment

Since my last post, I’ve been trying to add some photographs and links, but find that I can upload absolutely NOTHING ! Discouraged, I convinced myself that I cannot post, and that worked for a few days, until my mind kicked into the new thinking we are all doing; thinking born of new realities for all of us….of working at home….of staying at home…of not going to church….not gathering in groups…..limited shopping….not going to school….and the list goes on, and sometimes changes every day.

We have to start thinking, not about the things we CAN’T do (like upload), but of what we CAN do. I can post words.

Last Sunday I tuned onto “Music and the Spoken Word”..a broadcast of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square here in Salt Lake City. It’s a weekly TV thing at 930am MST. Since we are not congregating as a church, I made this MY church, and what a comfort and reward it was! I wanted to share it, but it wouldn’t upload. Perhaps you could view it (and I would highly recommend it) log onto thetabernaclechoir.org and see if you can’t bring up the broadcast from March 20, 2020 (#4723)

The choir sang a number from “Oliver” that spoke to my soul about being warmed and strengthened by our making of and remembering past times. I won’t quote the whole song, but here’s a few of the lyrics that packed such a strong feeling:

Who will buy
This wonderful morning?
Such a sky
You never did see!
Who will tie 
It up with a ribbon
And put it in a box for me?
Who will buy
This wonderful feeling?
I'm so high
I swear I could fly
Me, oh my
I don't want to lose it
So what am I to do
To keep the sky so blue?
There must be someone who will buy
Must be someone
who will....buy

And now, I’ll add our poem, entitled “Sacred Memories”

Sacred memories that touch our minds, sometimes fade into the dust,
Unless we store and cherish them, they wither and they rust.
Let's take the time to write them down, each day when they occur.
Meditate, appreciate and remember how they were.

Sacred memories, like my Mother's last living, dying words:
"Son, be good to your family", sacred words forever heard.
Or my Father, when he died and returned beyond death's veil.
He told me to search for truth along life's thorny trail.

Sacred memories keep us safe through life's joys and life's woes.
Sweet warm memories of our loved ones warm us as cold winds blow.
From brilliant rainbows, to buffalo swimming rivers at first light
Coming through the morning mist to our soul's delight.

We each savor special memories and store them in mind and heart.
They come in joy and sorrow.  Write them down--is how we start.
Meditate on those that lift us, as we fast and search, seek and pray
And thank God for sacred memories!  Gather more each passing day!

p.s. sorry about no photos or links :C

Website Intelligence

Jeanne 2 Comments 
And so I sit before this screen.
I feel so dumb, I want to scream!
There is a note to update now, 
But I seriously do not know how.

I log onto the site to chat
In hopes of learning this or that,
But when all is said and done,
I only feel supremely dumb.

I really do like to share our poetry, but the technical side of our blog site is mind boggling to me. I did not grow up in the computer age. I remember when I started to work at LDS Hospital in 1970, everyone was awed at the modern computer system just installed. It took up a whole floor of the hospital.

Anyway, just venting my frustration. Another frustrating thing is that Bob says we are missing valuable comments. He believes the spam programs are eliminating them. So, if you are reading this, please send a comment, and if sending comments is cumbersome, do it anyway and tell me about it..please!

This is how dumb I feel.
2019-12-0010-solving-lifes-problems-with-the-book-of-mormon-360p-engDownload

The link above has nothing really to do with the poem or picture, except that we should always be open to learning new things from the challenges we face.

Birthday Miracles

Jeanne 1 Comment 
Dawn calls us through a window (freed from ivy vines)
Through the labor of my best friend with her heart, body and mind.
God gives us each talents and watches what we do.
We each have our agency to choose what we want to.

The Son's gold touches the sky.  The clouds catch His first rays.
I rose up slow and careful and stretched my pain away.
I gave my thanks to Heaven, to live just one more day--
rose and dressed and slipped away, as my mate slept on today.

I went out our front door and drove to a special place
Above the wake-up noise of each soul's fleeting race.
I watch the Son's miracles caress each cloud on high,
And gaze in awe-struck wonder, of this earth, clouds and sky.

From deer to bunny rabbits, to the birds that praise each dawn,
Each miracle reflects God's eternal song.

Now I sit again, in silence as my mobile turns before my face,
Reminding us of each precious goal; each family's special in time & space.


Bob wrote this on his birthday–July 20. Here it is, almost September, and I’m supposed to post a poem every Monday. Well, that hasn’t happened this summer. We’ve really been on the run and have not been home-based. But I suspect there aren’t many of you who race to your computer on Monday morning to catch the newest post, do you? If I lived for comments, I’d be dead! So that’s a scolding for both of us.

This is China Cove…one of the places that has distracted me from the blog this summer.
If you only had one more day, what would you do?Download

DRIFTING

Jeanne Leave a comment 
Drifting on the Sea of Life is such a risky thing.
Without a  chart & compass, the rocks & reefs of life can sting.
The treacherous waves await us, with every wind that blows.
The sirens of lies & deceit can blind our troubled souls,

Confusing truths direction, depending on our goal.
Without a map & compass to God's light, how can we know
A safe & clear, proven coarse, upon life's troubled sea,
Unto that safe, sure harbor, awaiting you and me?

There is a perfect captain, who calls to every soul,
Across the endless waves of time & space to help us grow.
His motive is our welfare.  He guides us from on high
To bring us safely home to Christ's harbor, if we will serve and try.

He gives us charts and maps to guide post rocks and hidden reefs.
His compass is the scriptures;  prayer calls Him to our relief
Past rocks of sorrow & tears, and reefs of hidden deceit,
Unto the peaceful harbor, where life becomes more pure and sweet.

I've done my share of drifting, with no set place to go.
I've sailed through deep depression of body, mind and soul.
I've wrecked upon the rocks & reefs of pride's dark vanity.
I felt the emptiness, as my sins washed over me.

I called unto my Master:  "Please help my sin-torn life!"
He reached his hand beneath life's waves, as I drowned in my strife.
He guided me to others, who understood life's maze.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints teaches of His ways.

Past all the rocks & hidden reefs, as we follow the Holy Son
Through storms of all our trials, Christ helps us work as one.




2012-04-3001-jesus-savior-pilot-me-360p-engDownload

The above link will open a file to hear the song “Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me.”

Man Up

Jeanne Leave a comment 
Man up! When life knocks us down; Look up and see the sky.
There are always important lessons in the things that make us cry.
When we help lift another from their sorrow and their pain,
We too lift up our own hearts, through kind service we do gain.

As we 'man up' in our spirits, we are healed within our soul,
To face another week, as we from the Sabbath grow.
Though our pains and sorrows sting us, and temptations come each day,
We grow to know we're lifted, as we strive, fast and pray.

As we pray each dawn and eve, unto our Father, for His light,
And thank God for everything--each bright day and starry night,
Each of us can take comfort, if we 'man up' and try our best.
The Father, Son and Holy Ghost, help every worthy quest.

There is a Norman Rockwell painting entitled "Lift Up Thine Eyes".


This is so typical of us today, except we’ve all got cell phones! Looking up can just be paying attention to our surroundings–a blue sky, a flower pot, a beggar on the street, a tree, or maybe even the person we are walking with! I like how the birds in the painting draw our eyes up and up and up. Life can be so routine, but there is wonder and promise even in that. Yes, even in taking out the garbage or cleaning up after breakfast, or, heaven forbid, doing the laundry. Look up. Take a deep breath. Smile. Pay attention to each step of this journey we call life. Open your eyes and really see. Click on the red title of the video below for a 1 minute video that demonstrates one way we can LOOK UP!

2017-01-0005-think-to-thank-360p-engDownload

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. (Psalms 121:1-2)

PEARLS

Jeanne 2 Comments

Pearls start as a grain of sand,

Withing the oyster shell.

The oyster slowly smooths the grain,

From this a pearl grows well.

We each have irritations

That grind upon our soul.

If we pray and strive to understand,

Pearls of wisdom grow.

A few days ago my daughter presented us with this glittering oyster shell ornament for our tree.  It is a good reminder of the value of irritations, troubles, frustrations, etc.

video about trials