What you can learn from a Census (1930)

At the top of every census page (well, this isn't always a "given"), you should find the state, the county, and the township, (or some other form of a geographical description, for example, a precinct #).

I am utilizing the 1930 Census, today, for Lauderdale County, Alabama; the township is "Florence".  The Enumeration District is 37-15, Ward 2.  It is "supervisor district #1"; the date may be at that top of the page, also.  If not, you might utilize the date from the page before or after (better than "no date at all")!                          

Where can I learn more about the place called Lauderdale County?  
Use Wikipedia for a quick location hint or for more information, access Maps.google.com.

Where can I find images of the census?  Almost any large genealogical database will have some census images: FamilySearch.org, Ancestry.com, and MyHeritage.com are some examples.

The family unit for page #2A of the census that I'm looking at today is the WEATHERLY family.  The date that this census information was gathered is 3 April 1930.  Always make a habit of viewing the page(s) before and after to see if you think any of their relatives were living nearby ("Nearby" being a very long distance or it could mean "next door")!

Obie Lee Weatherly is the head of the household.  "H".  In 1930, a question that the enumerator asked was "is this home owned or rented"?  In this case, the answer is "R" for rented.  Mr. Weatherly's rent is $50.00 or if he owns his home, that value of that property would be listed.  "Do you have a radio set"? was also asked.  

Other questions: Do you live on a farm?  In this instance, the answer is "no".  Obie Lee is a male, he is "white", age 44, and married.  He was age 23 at the time of his first marriage.  He is not attending school presently.  And he can read and write.  He was born in Georgia; his father was born in Alabama, and his mother was born in Georgia.

Hint:  You might take a picture or save the image of the census so you can refresh your memory, later.  A lot of genealogists will use a form, (print from ancestry.com or familysearch.org), specifically loaded with the census questions for that particular census year.  Or perhaps you have downloaded a template for the 1930 Census; you can even make your own with Excel or some other spreadsheet program.  For templates, check out NARA.gov.

 

A Prayer for myself and others

We Can All Do Something to Serve

I met a lady today whose 46 year old daughter is suffering from Guillian-Barre Syndrome.  It is thought to be a viral disease.  Here is a link with more info: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/guillain-barre-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20362793.

Anyway, this mother shared with me the challenges that she and her family had been experiencing as they have watched the awful struggles of her grown daughter who has 3 daughters of her own.  I have to hope and pray that their load continues to be lightened by the many angels who have been helpful so far: the doctors, the medical folks (nurses, etc.) and the practitioners, aides, etc. at the local rehab where the daughter is residing currently.

The other bit of info that kind of hit me, somewhat: This same daughter also has leukemia and has been treated by my very own cancer doctors.  How blessed we are, in this day and age, to be able to have our lives lengthened by the amazing progress of science and treatment...even my own battles with Non-Hodgkins Disease.  Someone told me recently that they knew someone with that ailment just five or six years ago and that person didn't live very long.  I was first diagnosed in 2005!

I am of the belief that all good things come from God, our Heavenly Father.  We have the opportunity and privilege of performing very tiny miracles each and every day, thanks to our Savior Jesus Christ.  We are His Hands.  Maybe we won't be the scientist that discovers a cure for some awful disease, but we can and should lighten the burdens that are borne by those we come into contact with.  In whatever capacity, with whatever talents or gifts we my have access to.

I'm so wrapped up in my own little world, my own complaints and challenges.  I needed that reminder today that "go and do something, today" is possible for most of us to perform even if we only make someone's load lighter in some very small way!

 Lyrics:
1. Have I done any good in the world today?
Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed indeed.
Has anyone's burden been lighter today
Because I was willing to share?
Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?
When they needed my help was I there?
 

 

Other Folks Have Favorite Book of Mormon Scriptures...And Me?

I'm looking at other people's favorite scriptures and see how it relates to me or raises questions or gives me a kernel that I can enlarge upon.

• My Top 25 Book of Mormon Scriptures : This is authored by "Matheson".  The "mother" site can be found here.
• The first scripture on his list is 1 Nephi Chapter 8. We can nickname this verse, "White Fruit" or whatever will stick with you.  This is in reference to the dream/vision that Lehi had.  He was invited to take a journey, in his dream, by a man dressed in a white robe.  Finally, he arrives and partakes of the fruit of the tree.
• What do you associate the color "white" with?  White is bright, like the sun.  White sheets are still among a favorite covering for a bed.  They are clean, freshly washed and perhaps hung on a clothesline and they smell clean.  In the scriptures, "white" is associated with purity.  Unblemished.  Without sin.  
• In this vision, Lehi is comforted because it is revealed to him that the families of Nephi and Sam, his sons, (or many of their descendants) would be saved (TG Salvation). 
• Thought: To be saved, you must choose and stay on the Covenant Path.  Hold to the rod that leads you to the "tree" and the precious fruit of the tree.  Make and keep covenants (promises) with God.  There are many sites that will enhance your study of "the Covenant Path".  Here is one such reference. 

Read and mark this experience of Lehi's in First Nephi, Chapter 8.  Memorize verse 11:  And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the ^afruit thereof; and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted. Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white, to exceed all the ^bwhiteness that I had ever seen. 

Do you want to partake of the fruit of the tree?  The tree and the fruit represent God's love for us.  What will you have to give up (sacrifice) in order to stay on the path to the "precious" fruit of the tree?  How long is the journey and what will be your guide?  Why or How does "the rod of iron" or the "Iron Rod" symbolize safety?  Read more about the properties of iron HERE. 

Could the Rod of Iron symbolize God's commandments, His Holy Word, the promptings of the Holy Ghost, Revelation?  What are all the little and big things that keep us on track to return to our Heavenly Father?  How much does He love us?  How much do we love Him?

My grandson, Caden.

A study of my Winters relatives in Arkansas in 1880

Cole Township Page 65; ED = 180

Enumerated 5^th and 6^th day of July1880

Sebastian County, Arkansas

Page is stamped “608”

Line 1: Dwelling 554, Family #554

Richard H. Winters Age 30 Farmer Born in Mississippi, Father Born in Tennessee, Mother Born in South Carolina

Mattie A. Age 28 Born in Alabama Father born in Georgia as was her mother

William M. Age 10 Born in Alabama

Ida Age 7 Born in Alabama

Alexander Age 6 Born in Alabama

Margarett A. Age 2 Born in Arkansas

Line 7: Dwelling 555, Family #555

Lewis Winters Age 35 Born Mississippi: Father in Tenn.; Mother in S. Carolina

Mary J. Winters Age 32 Born in Arkansas; father in South Carolina, Mother born in Alabama

Cintha E. Winters Age 11 Born Mississippi

Jessee F. Winters Age 10 Born Alabama

Mary L. E. Winters Age 7 Born in Alabama

Jullie (?) S. Winters (F) Age 4 Born Alabama

Albert C. Winters Age 2 Born Alabama

Martha J. Winters Age 3/12 Born in Feb. 1880 Born in Alabama

Both Richard and Lewis Winters are living in Cole Township in Sebastian County, Arkansas for the 1880 Census. Little Cintha Winters is named after her grandmother, I suspect. I think of the two boys (men), Richard has been there longer than Lewis, as he has a daughter who was born in Arkansas, who is age 2. Lewis has a daughter who is just 3 months old who was born in Alabama. Both of these brothers are farmers.

____________________________________________________

Benefits in Attending Stake Conference (Two Sessions)

My Perspective: Highlights of Stake Conference

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  

Twice a year, I have the opportunity of attending Stake Conference.  Normally, there is a Saturday night Session for the general membership, preceded by a Priesthood Meeting attended by the male members of the church.  Then, on Sunday, there is another meeting for everyone.  

I was able to attend both sessions; each time, I felt inspired by the speakers.  There was a good mix of both male and female and in addition, there was a Spanish speaking sister at the Sunday session.  There is usually at least one youth speaker; on Sunday we heard from both a young man and a young woman.

A really enjoyable feature of these conferences is that other congregations from different parts (geographical) of the Stake attend.  Although there isn't a specific or particularly formal meet and greet set apart, you can make a point of coming early to the conference or staying afterwards to greet old friends and occasionally, far-flung relatives. 

I enjoyed seeing a former Stake President, Brother Hill, who had moved from Crestview, Florida to Marianna.  I also spotted a former Bishop of our Ward, Doyle Reeves and his wife, Janet.  I had only to look to the end of my row to recognize a not too distant cousin, Connie Dukes, who lives in or around Crestview and in her spare time, volunteers at the Baker Block Museum.  There isn't a lot of time for socializing, but it is just refreshing to realize that others you have known and cared about in the past, are still able and desirous of driving the distance to attend this meeting.

Now, to the meat of the matter, the speakers and the substance of their talks:

Saturday, 17 August, 2019:  The first speaker was Emily Curtis, a member of my Fort Walton Beach ward.  She is the Stake Primary Presidency and her topic was helping our children (for those who still have young families or children at home), develop their testimonies.  Sister Curtis admitted to falling short of the image for a perfect and wholly prepared mom.  

Was what she had to offer, sufficient for achieving this goal?  How might we achieve the project of strengthening our children's testimony?  She told the story of the bread and fishes that wasn't nearly enough to feed the 5000 in attendance to hear the Savior speak.  And yet, for Christ, it wasn't a problem; he had the power of miracle making.  So, success on the home front comes when we offer whatever we have and trust the Lord to make it sufficient.

Emily reminded us that building a firm foundation in our homes is achieved one brick at a time.  The gospel can be shared in casual conversation as a natural part of our lives.  A pure expression of His love for us leads to unity in the family circle.  Emily Parks spoke next and continued the theme of making Christ a central part of our everyday lives.  He is the foundation upon which we build. 

We can renew our focus by attending Sacrament meeting and partaking of the bread and water.  To partake of the Sacrament reminds us that Christ was the perfect and only one that could render the Sacrifice necessary to atone for our sins.  The concept of ministering to others is realized when we love those we minister to, mourn with them, etc.

Increase the reach of your light by following in the footsteps of Christ.  How bright does our light shine?

There was a musical performance at this time as a sister in the Stake sang Nearer, My God to thee.  Beautiful!

President Allred spoke next; our Stake is part of the Alabama, Birmingham Mission.  He testified that the Gospel changes lives.  His wife spoke also.  How has our membership in the church affecting my life and the lives of others.  Be an example first of the Good Shepherd.  Reach out a loving arm to others.  There are nine stakes in this mission, 56 wards and 24 Branches.  80 units in all.  This mission has 231 missionaries.  Two of the stakes (Pensacola and Fort Walton) from Florida are attached to this mission.

In your performance as a Christian, are you holding something back or are you giving your all?

A most enjoyable speaker, President Kimball (of the Stake Presidency), is a "Georgia Boy".  He referred to Mosiah 2:30, talked about a basketball story at the MTC and stated that Stake Conference is where Christ would have us be at this very moment.  Our biggest need as a people is to "Wake UP"!  See 2 Nephi 28:21; don't just think "all is well"/complacency.  Elder Maxwell talked about levels of concentration/or consecration.  

President Kimball also talked about the Alma 5 Test.  verse 14--spirituality, works of righteousness, path to ? righteousness, song of redeeming love.  THE LORD REQUIRES OUR HEART.  Are we committed to the theme that His will is our will?  Do we have personal revelation?  do we sGeek it?  When we pray we talk to God, When we read the scriptures, He talks to us.  How and Why do we need to "wake up"? Do a sel?f inventory.  Silence the Noise of the world, seek revelation and act on it once you've received it.  

How do we receive revelation?  First get rid of worldly distractions.  The Noise.  (Cell phones)?  Don't be prideful--it's not all about me).    Contention.  The cares of the world.  Unworthiness--if this is unresolved get to the Bishop.  When we wake up there will be the Light of Jesus in our eyes.

Now, I have not addressed the "BIG" thing about Stake Conference and attendance at this twice a year meeting.  It is the Spirit.  You go to feel the spirit of each and every speaker, of the hymns and the performance of the special musical numbers, of the participators of those instances.  You go to feel the spirit of the Saints/members/and those who have been called to serve (voluntarily) in various stake positions.  You go to add your spirit to that body.  To testify by virtue of your being there, that you have faith in this faith.  And is the "Spirit", the Holy Ghost, in attendance also?  Yes!  Otherwise, we couldn't feel the spirit of each other and of the Lord.  The Holy Ghost is our conduit.  This is the way we feel, listen, and learn what it is that our Heavenly Father would have us know, would have us feel.  This is the way that the Savior teaches us, touches us with His Spirit.  We can read, study, pray, ponder and feel that Spirit, but being congregated as we are at a conference, adds an additional element with other human beings...we are feeling the Spirit together, a single and sole experience that is essential--it is why the invitation goes out to the group, to the congregation.  Because, we are not alone.  We stand in support of one another, in love of one another, as well as in "sync" with the Lord.

Watch Life, Liberty & Levin

https://video.foxnews.com/v/6064916193001/#sp=show-clips

It is clear that wrongs have been committed.   Is there a way to redress those errors?  To hold someone accountable for the farce that was the "Special Investigation" presided over by Mueller?

Poem for today

Check out this poetic thought and remember that summer has yet a little while before the Autumn leaves make an appearance.

 "And hate the bright stillness of the noon
without wind, without motion.
the only other living thing
a hawk, hungry for prey, suspended
in the blinding, sunlit blue.
And yet how gentle it seems to someone
raised in a landscape short of rain—
the skyline of a hill broken by no more
trees than one can count, the grass,
the empty sky, the wish for water."
-  Dana Gioia, California Hills in August  

My granddaughter's smile is like a summer day.  Broad, warm, proud, and full of potential.  And maybe, BOLD, also.  I love you, Kaylee!

A reach for poetic beauty.

Pain in my left leg
And in other places
Defines where I go
What I do
How I spend time.

For the beauty of the earth:
Can I bathe the aches of my body in nature?
Can I turn my attention to other directions?
Can I tune out the aches and discomfort
That wash me in mud and obscure my view of truth and loveliness?
 
 

Too Much Free Time?

 As a woman who might have too much time on her hands, (I live alone in a "village" filled with other folks in a similar situation), I have often wondered if I'm using the time I do have in a way that is productive, charitable, educational, or enriching.

Myself and my son, Richard at the beach a few years ago.

 I try to have some balance between sitting activities and physical activity, but usually end up spending a lot of time sitting in my lounger chair.  I strive to reach out weekly to others in my complex, to family members, either by phone, a personal visit, sending a card, or utilizing the internet.  

For the first time in many years, I can read as much as I want to.  I have experienced another pleasure in the last 3 or 4 years, also!  I subscribe to two "movie" channels and I start watching a series that is meant to be viewed over a period of days; only, I binge, instead and will occasionally watch all the episodes in a singe evening!

The television is on from morning till night unless I am taking a nap, going out of my apartment, or reading.  It is background noise!  Creates a fantasy that I'm not living alone.  

I need to simplify, but throwing out or giving away belongings is a real chore!  Love for you, my family or friends, to email me with suggestions or ideas.  If you are in my area at all, please stop by for a quick visit!
 

Who is Mulek and Why Do I Care?

Mulek, a Book of Mormon leader, was the son of Zedekiah and escaped the sacking of Jerusalem in about 587 B.C.  He travelled with others to a place in the Western Hemisphere which became known as the land of Mulek (Helaman 6:10).  Later on this region was named for Zarahemla, who was a descendant of Mulek (Mosiah 25:2).  In the past, Bible students have assumed that Nebuchadnezzar executed all of Zedekiah's sons, an observation unsupported by ancient evidence and refuted by the Book of Mormon account of Mulek's survival.

In Mulek's descendants, the Nephites discovered an additional witness concerning the destruction of Jerusalem.  Remember, this was why Lehi was directed by the Lord to get out of that area while the getting-out was good!  The Mulekites were thrilled to discover or would it be discovered?---Anyway, they were glad to find the Nephites or be found by them...because the Nephites had records.  Their own language and traditions had been distorted in the absence of historical documents.  They lived thenceforth among the Nephites and enjoyed a separate-but-equal status and ultimately outnumbered the descendants of Nephi! 

For God, there are no "lost" peoples.  Name variations, "lost tribes", etc.  are known to a loving Heavenly Father.  For additional information, refer to the Scriptures of the Church, selections from the Encyclopedia of Mormonism, edited by Daniel H. Ludlow, published in 1992.  You can also do a search at the Church website, churchofjesuschrist.org.

How would your life be different without the Bible?  Without the Book of Mormon?  Without historical documents?  

I highly recommend reading the new-er publication on the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  It can be found both at the church website and is also a downloadable "app" in the Gospel Library.   I love having the capability of having these texts on my phone.  If I am early for an appointment or if the doctor is running behind, I will often use that "dead time" for reading my scriptures and/or for reading "Saints".  

 

Section 25 of the Doctrine and Covenants and Personal Revelation

This revelation was given in Harmony, Pennsylvania, in July 1830, three months after the organization of the Church.  It was first printed in the Book of Commandments in 1833 as Chapter 26.  The revelation is addressed to Emma Smith, wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith.  In the earlierst version, Emma Smith is addressed as "my daughter in Zion".  Joseph Smith later expanded this verse to add, "All those who receive my Gospel are sons and daughters in my kingdom."

Can you imagine having a revelation directed to you?  Yesterday, in Sunday School, we talked about revelation, yes, even personal revelation!  As children of our Heavenly Father, we are entitled to receive revelation to guide us and comfort us.   "When we speak to Heavenly Father, we do so by means of prayer. When he speaks to us, he does so by means of personal revelation."  So spoke  L. Lionel Kendrick

in a 1997 devotional.  I find this statement wonderfully simple and direct.  Brother Kendrick goes on to explain, 

"This two-way divine communication is critically important to our success, to our sense of well-being, to our feelings of security, and to our spiritual salvation. It is imperative that we understand the process of receiving personal revelation."

Questions to ponder:  Should I seek personal revelation?  How will I receive personal revelation or identify it when it comes?  What should our response be to personal revelation?  How do we prepare to receive revelation?  It is humbling to me to note that the Savior intercedes on our behalf with Heavenly Father.  We direct our prayers to the Father by virtue of our understanding that the answers, the consideration, the authority is at that throne.  Who answers our prayers for guidance?  "
It is by means of the Holy Ghost that personal revelations are received. It is the Spirit that communicates with our spirit in receiving revelation. The Savior promised, “God shall give unto you knowledge by his Holy Spirit” (D&C 121:26).

The talk given by Brother Kendrick is very enlightening as to how and why and in what manner personal revelation can be obtained.  I can help prepare myself for the guidance I so sorely need by way of sincere prayer, thoughtful consideration, and a humble, teachable attitude.  Is there ever a time when the answers to our prayers are answered by a lack of revelation?  What other scriptures or talks can you find on this topic?  Here are the "top 25 quotes" by Brother Kendrick.

A glimpse into the life of my mom and dad?

My dad, Ben Hill, was a letter-writer.  The following copy of a letter he wrote, (he knew what carbon paper was for), has allowed me a glimpse into his thoughts and doings on the 19th of August, 1984.  

Let me set the stage a bit.  I can't get too specific without revealing matters that might be private and/or sensitive or cause discomfort to some.  

However, the letter is addressed to my son, Richard, who was filling a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"Dear Elder, my dad writes, "we have been out of church since 12:30 p.m."--(this is on a Sunday afternoon that he is describing), "we watched Jimmy Connors lose three dismal sets of tennis to ignoble John McEnroe.  Meanwhile, time has gone by until 2:19 p.m.  Your grandmother, [Opal], wasn't too talkative until I mentioned how I thanked Brother and Sister Unitt for their [very] spiritual testimony.  It was at that point, that your grandmother told me very matter-of-factually, that she wanted to be baptized and had spoken to the Bishop about it.  We both had a good cry!  ...we both thanked Heavenly Father for being so good to both of us...I still have trouble taking it all in...

"Your grandmother said that she wanted me to know first.  Then, she is going over to Ben and Becky's to give them the news, then to Margaret's and Sarah's and finally to her Aunt Hazel's.

"Your mom (moi) has been down in spirit; I know this is going to spruce her up, considerably.

"Okaloosa County has been having a lot of political spirit for the past couple of months; there are so many signs posted that the ground hogs and gophers are making a detour up through Alabama for fear they'll have the sharp end driven through their "noggins"!

"Give your companion our love and baptize, baptize, baptize.  Then, get your breath and baptize some more!

"Grant Adams and John Barrow are coming to home teach us on Tuesday at 5:00 p.m.  Opal is going to tell Grant that his productive seeds have sprouted!  And I have promised President Elroy Stapleton that I will let him know about the baptism; he wants to come down from Crestview for the baptism of your grandmother.

"We love you very much, Richard!  Bye for now, Grandpa and Grandma Hill.  P. S. We enjoyed the pictures; I'm enclosing a clipping of the baseball game."

Church Books and More: for Sale or Loan

I have a ton of church and other books that must find new homes due to my inability to store and/or display them.  (I live in a small one-bedroom apartment!) 

I'm going to offer these books for sale but if you would just like to borrow one, I can go with that, also!  I can hand deliver these books if we both happen to be going to the same place at the same time.  Or, I can mail you the book (you pay the postage). 

More to come...

• Book List (For Sale or Loan)!
  

Did you say "Glenn Beck"?!! Don't get me started!

 You may or may not like Glenn Beck.  However, his story about how he came to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is very interesting and touching.  I have total respect for folks who humble themselves and put their lives in the hands of the Savior!

Read his story, yourself.  

Florida Heritage Historical Markers

Web sites like this one can help us appreciate the historical markers more fully.  Thanks to whoever gathered the information.  Those names, the persons mentioned at this site, ring a bell with me, historically if not genealogically! 

Okaloosa History: Reflections

Memorial Day, May 29th, 1949: American Legion dedicates a marker to war veterans and dead near the site of the present memorial at the Crestview courthouse. 

May 30th, 1997: Crestview   establishes a relationship under Sister Cities International with Noirmoutier en l'ile, France.

On June 1st, 1916: The Crestview Town Council establishes a community speed limit of 10 mph!

June 4th, 1897: Post Office opens in Svea (closes June 25, 1904); reopened 1905-1910.  

June 4th, 1938: First public performance of the Okaloosa School Band, forerunner of the Crestview Big Red Machine High School Band.
 

It is well with my soul...

Background of this song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqrya00iY34

The performances: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfo6pF2psxs

Don't listen or watch if you don't want to shed tears!

Weary Not

When I first heard the lyrics of this hymn, I cried...sobbed, even, throughout every verse that was sung.  Here is a little bit of the background:

https://www.hymns.com/store/pg/144-Hymn-of-the-Month-August-2013.aspx

This inspiring hymn was brought to greater attention in August of 2012 when the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang it for LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson at his 85th birthday celebration. It was noted as one of his favorite hymns. It was sung again at the October 2012 General Conference of the Church. 

If the way be full of trial, weary not;

If it’s one of sore denial, weary not;

If it now be one of weeping,

There will come a joyous greeting,

When the harvest we are reaping, weary not.

Chorus:

Do not weary by the way,

Whatever be thy lot;

There awaits a brighter day,

To all, to all who weary not.

If the way be one of sorrow, weary not;

Happier will be the morrow, weary not.

Here we suffer tribulation;

Here we must endure temptation;

But there’ll come a great salvation. Weary not.

Chorus:

Do not weary by the way,

Whatever be thy lot;

There awaits a brighter day,

To all, to all who weary not.

If misfortunes overtake us, weary not;

Jesus never will forsake us, weary not.

He will leave us never, never;

From his love there’s naught can sever;

Glory to the Lamb forever, weary not.

Chorus:

Do not weary by the way,

Whatever be thy lot;

There awaits a brighter day,

To all, to all who weary not.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHfuzs0_gqU

I feel a bit Norwegian

I'm pretty sure that my Dna results show some Norwegian ancestry.  I will have to recheck that, later, but I just watched the Acorn TV series, "Rebeka Martinsson"; even though I don't usually watch shows with subtitles.  I was drawn to the character, Rebeka.  I was drawn to the "Shetland" series also, so I don't know what it means that I like these lonely, obscure landscapes and peoples.

I am 18% Scandinavian. 47% British Isles.  And so forth.

The FTDna results say that 8000 years ago I might be related to folks in Motala, Sweden.  These are all ancient origins.  Or at least that is what I think it indicates.

I am 45% hunter-gatherer.  I think.   Kind of close to Oslo, I think.  

Of course there are also indications in Germanic places further south.  Lots of little brown arrows for the Linear Pottery folks, too.  As far South as Bilbao, Spain.  

I have a line in my family tree that came to me through my grandfather, Richard Ludlow Givens, whose mother was a Kolmetz.

I am 42% "Farmer".  Them:
migrating into the European continent from the Near East.  Like Syria!  Of course this was also thousands of years ago.  

The other category is "My Origins" which indicates that I am 99% European.  "Boring"...?

So I like the Vera series (English/British Isles) location.  I had a friend that went somewhere in Europe, (I forget where), but she just felt this immediate connection...overwhelmed almost that this is where her relatives came from.  Well, I am sitting in Florida, but watching these series...I sense a kinship with those places, (Scandinavia, British Isles)...It must be a strong connection because those places are an ocean away!

 

 

The Holy Spirit Guides

I always know when I have to go and get a heaping dose of scripture.  My spirit wears thin.  My endurance gets low.  

I've tried to stay active today: baked some cookies which I will try to give away.  Maybe the dogs will eat them?  My sister has four dogs.  I tried to eat some watermelon and I don't know whether my taste buds are off or I'm off or the watermelon just isn't up to par.

It's hard to tell whether I'm up to par!  So, in desperate times, I turn to God.  I'm going now to get the food, the nourishment that will help me through the pain (constant pain, pretty much, these days) in my lower back.

A click of the mouse is called for:  https://www.lds.org/?lang=eng.
 

Weird Breathing

Do you live

If you live alone?

Is it You

If its only you?

I woke up from a small nap, just now, and those are the words that came into my mind.

I'm not wheezing, but I'm close to not being able to breathe normally.  There is congestion, sniffles and some delicate sneezing since I tried the lavender at the nerve practitioner.  Mucus a little thicker than usual.  

Can you tell that I've been reading Louise Penny?  Don't read murder books if it gets you down.  That is advice that someone in my family might give me.  I also watch Shetland, the series.

Reflections and Reflecting.  Being reflective.  What has my life been worth?  And am I of worth, now?  Who and what am reflecting?  Via twitter, Via facebook, via Blogger.  Via Breathing?

I put a big note on my fridge, (my cure for pity parties is to reach out to someone else and give them a boost, if I can,)..."What good thing have you done today"? is a reminder for me to uplift others, not to get balled up in my own problems.

Who thinks quicker and relays a message faster than I do?.  

President Trump.  Is he always "on".  I think he could have been a lecturer, a public speaker, or a school teacher.  I get tried of his didactic style, but some of you are aghast that I listen to him at all.  Well, when you live alone...

Whanh, Whanh, Whanh.  ONLY when you are alone and having to think to breathe, do you dare to look in the mirror, to have self pity, to be searching for meaning.  Validity.  Reasoning with yourself for Meaning.

For entertainment today, I went to Walmart (I refuse to hyphenate), I "shopped".  I rode the little electric cart---it was conveniently placed along with the grocery carts near an open parking place.  I knew my back would hate me later and that I was pushing "it" to be buzzing around the aisles.  How much can you get in the cart, anyway?  The mobile chair.  Not A Lot!  And you remember, who is going to take this Stuff from the car to the fridge? 

And believe it or not, I saw not a single soul I knew at Walmart.  I was thankful to the young woman that made my sub at Subway; she was real.  She connected without being false.  Or overly friendly.  She was just human and I needed that.  I would have almost welcomed have a "run-in" with another cart or human being.  But someone I know was out to dinner this past week and some child kept staring.  Everyone, at Walmart that I encountered/saw/observed, were looking elsewhere.  I wondered if they thought they didn't have to interact with me, that if they smiled at me it might encourage me to always use the electric buggy? 

I have had some (one or two) personal exchanges, today.  Bless my grandaughter for tweeting back on Facebook and telling me she wants to come and visit; can you even tweet on Facebook?  It's like you are sitting in front of the babbling television set and in a quiet moment, you hear from outside the sliding glass door, a real bird tweet, and you know that bird is acknowledging your "Being".  Thanks, Lulu!  Feeling blue (how can you tell); need to get off my behind and get out of this apartment and see if I can be someone's bird tweet, today? 

The power of writing and reading

I have, all my life, loved the power of the written word.  I like how the crafting process takes ideas, impressions, and feelings and turns them into a format that can touch other human beings.  It has to be a supreme moment when you realize that what you wrote evokes feelings.  It is the art that is what I've always admired in other writers and what I want to accomplish.  

That may be why I love twitter.  The limitation of words that can becomes a single tweet forces you to make choices about the words you use.  It forces creativity or at the very least, it makes your choice of words work for you, for the message you are seeking to share. 

Writing poetry is another "teacher".  If you have selected the right words and rhythm, you can create a different animal for every reader.  

Poetry that speaks to me:  Ahh, that is a topic for another post!

 

Today in the Federalist Papers, a story about the Seattle [Washington] School District: "A Seattle area school district has sent a letter to staff asking them to wish Muslim students a happy Ramadan and bless them with a traditional greeting."  Evidently, this should be spoken in Arabic.  

CAIR guidelines also instruct teachers to monitor Muslim students fasting and suggests teachers not schedule any tests on the Islamic holidays of Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha.
  
Twitter and Facebook would not permit me to post the story or the link, except in my own words. 

Links:  https://www.seattleschools.org/; https://www.dailywire.com/news/46894/seattle-school-district-wants-teachers-bless-paul-bois

I have no problem with friends sharing a religious greeting on a personal level.  In or out of school.  But a school teacher is a representative of the public school system which  is a government establishment.  They should neither be instructed by the school district to single out a particular religion and/or students of a particular religion for promotional purposes.  Now, neither do I believe that teachers should be prohibited from free speech.  It's a fine line, but this particular instance is clearly inappropriate.  There is a time and a place for teachers who wish to participate in religious expression can do so, but it is not in the classroom and it should not be by instruction from the school board.

Venezuela: I'm with John Bolton on this one!

I'm usually pretty negligent about keeping up with the news of the world.  However, as I see what is going on in Venezuela, I have to say that I am 100% with the things that are being espoused by John Bolton.

Looking at the map image (where in the world is Venezuela?), I'm inclined to think that Venezuela is close enough to the United States for us to be concerned about what goes on there!

The folks in power in the current government are not about democracy and dare not disappoint Maduro's leadership, at the risk of their own well-being and safety. 

A free and democratic government could hopefully turn the tide for the country's people; (food on the table) and basic freedoms would unleash stability, financial and otherwise!

Cuba plays a huge role in its Venezuela happenings.  Thugs helping to protect Maduro are receiving support from Cuba.  What is Russia's role?   

What part does Socialism play in Venezuela's downturn?

What is Guaido saying today?

Who is  Leopoldo Lopez and what role does he play?

 https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2019/03/04/what-is-monroe-doctrine-john-boltons-justification-trumps-push-against-maduro/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.c97f22fb3510

I memorized this poem years ago.

Abou Ben Adhem:

Some thoughtful teacher in my past (I'm afraid that I've forgotten her name), but I think it was in the eighth grade at Pryor Jr. High School when she challenged her class to memorize this (and other poems).  I did follow her directive and have never regretted it.

I would also challenge you to follow suit: memorize the poem!  Every poem you memorize becomes your property forever.  And there are just some truths that you can know and explore via poetry, so much better than if you had just read a sentence in the scriptures.

Of course, there are scriptures that read like poetry, as well. 

Read the poem, here, and let me hear back from you: thoughts, comments and tell me if you remember this wonderful teacher's name!

Paint Your Day with Poetry

Have you ever started out the day a little gloomily?  Are you looking for relief from worry and toil?  Here are a couple of poems that ping with pleasant thoughts.  

These were featured from a course I once took at our Church, years and years ago!  The course was "Cultural Refinement" and the text was Out of the Best Books, An Anthology of Literature.  Not surprisingly, the theme for Section 1 was "A Glad Heart".  

I copied the selection from an online source, so as to save you my typing skills!  That site even has an audio version! 

I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud

by William Wordsworth

I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine

And twinkle on the milky way,

They stretched in never-ending line

Along the margin of a bay:

Ten thousand saw I at a glance,

Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they

Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:

A poet could not but be gay,

In such a jocund company:

I gazed—and gazed—but little thought

What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie

In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye

Which is the bliss of solitude;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,

And dances with the daffodils.

Poem 2 from A Glad Heart (Section 1); Out of the Best Books

 

Rondeau

by Leigh Hunt

 

 

Jenny kissed me when we met,

    Jumping from the chair she sat in;

Time, you thief, who love to get

    Sweets into your list, put that in:

Say I'm weary, say I'm sad,

    Say that health and wealth have missed me,

Say I'm growing old, but add,

    Jenny kissed me.

 

When glumness settles over you, "lonely as a cloud", I hope you will open your eyes and your mind and push through to find natural wonders, sweet memories, and a delight in the spirit of poets!

I hope you will do the little follow-up, explanation, and commentary at the https://www.poetryfoundation.org.  Or read the poetry and make your own remarks and interpretation.  

Here are a couple of comments from "moi":
 "I wandered lonely as a cloud"...have you seen one little cloud making its way across the sky, all by itself?  It is somewhat alone, but also somewhat majestic in its journey.  There is sometimes, it seems to me, that being alone can be a beautiful thing, a healing experience.  We all need an occasional "floating along, alone", perhaps!
Floating on high, so to speak provides perspective...Move away a bit from trials, seek a different view or viewpoint: mountain drives, over vales/valleys and hills.  Or, since I don't have mountains anywhere in my area, go to the beach when the weather is cold or rainy and not inhabited by crowds?
Have you ever thought of the word "crowd" in conjunction with flowers, sea oats, etc.?  A host (a bunch) of daffodils!  They were beside the lake, beneath the trees, fluttering, dancing in the breeze.  Then Wordsworth compares them to the stars in the sky, which twinkle on the milky way.  The daffodils stretched in never-ending line, Along the margin of the bay.  His eyes took in the sight, the numerous hot, maybe ten thousand, or more!  Maybe even like the stars twinkle, the daffodils nooded their heads in their own twinkling kind of way, in "sprightly" dance.
Do flowers (or stars for that matter) do a kind of dancing?  On a backdrop of the sparkling waters of the lake, bay, or sea, they held their own!  A poet could not but be happy, joyful, lighthearted and gay!  Wordsworth envisioned this, either in a walk he took one day, or in his minds' eye, perhaps a former memory returned.  The scene was that of a jocund company; a light hearted crowd!  His eyes took it all in--but he hardly realized at the time what a wealth the show would become, "had brought to him"!
"For often", later on, when lying down upon his courch, thinking of little or nothing, In a vacant or thoughtful mood, that vision, that experience comes back and "flashes" upon that inward eye [of the mind] and with the bliss of solitude; his heart once more is moved and lifted and glad.  As he remembers and rejoices in that lonely afternoon of taking a walk by the lake, his heart dances with the daffodils.
I am sure that you could put this better than me.  Read the poem and make it yours by taking your own solitary departure into fields or hills or round the block and report back to pen and paper, your observations.  Liken the scene to how it felt to take action, instead of reclining on the couch all the time!  Relive your dance with the daffodils, palm trees, sea oats, or whatever!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is a Reason

There is a reason that General Conference is held in April.  That is when we celebrate the Savior and Easter happens.  A time for renewing our spirits.  

I just posted on Facebook and Twitter because it is in the lonely hours of 3a.m. that I am reminded by the low back pain I suffer that I haven't prayed a lot this past week, that I haven't repented a lot in spite of Conference addresses.  And these are thoughts and feelings of having suffered just a sample of what Christ went through to redeem us a world of sin and pain.

 I wake up at 3 a.m. and realize that I'm in pain. Then, remember, that I "forgot" to say my prayers last evening. So, I prayed for peace, for relief.

Then realize that I have a lot to be thankful for and that pride gets in the way. That self-pity drags me down.

That a loving Heavenly Father sent me here to earth to suffer, just a little bit, of what His Son, Jesus Christ, suffered so that I could recover from the lessons of mortality.

And I remember, Faith fills my spaces and Fear Flees when I am faithful. And Easter is just around the corner to remind me, again, to Rejoin the Faithful, to Rejoice in Christ the Redeemer. To Launder my Spirit as well as my clothes. No SPOTS is a miracle only He can do.