https://youtu.be/3VMVD6Qm0zI

 

Love, Love, my Governor!

In the News

https://www.newsmax.com/politics/greg-murphy-don-bacon-democrats-taxes/2022/01/01/id/1050658/ 

Hopefully, this group of extremists are exposed for their left wing attitudes and fantasies!  Would you say their heads are up in the clouds?

My Favorite Things...Here are a few of my Favorite

 The song is of course from the movie.  Julie Andrews, "The sound of music" is most often during the Christmas Holidays; maybe not so much these days, but in the past.

1.  I used to love little notebooks, address books, etc.  The notes that I wrote that had not much to do with schedules...for example:  

"Drink lots of water, 

Eat Fiber!, 

 Go easy on the Carbs,

Stay away from Sugar!

Avoid white!  White bread, white potatoes, white rice, white sugar.  When my mother went on that particular diet, she was seeking an insurance that she would not get "fat".  Mother was never "fat" but that is because she was a very aware if she put on a few pound.

More notes from this little black book: 

• Email address for Mike Adams.  Right now I'm not even sure who that is!
• A note from 2 January, 2005:  Fast and testimony meeting.  
• Sean (McS---y) spoke.  "Give Thanks" for family, for the leadership in church, President Hinckley.  Larry King? The spirit reveals the Savior through his servants and through us (!, ?)
• Sean testified...Book of Mormon is true.
• Thankful for a Happy Ward!
• Ted S.: grateful for friends.
• Ben: One of the things we will take from this world to the next: Our associations!
• Jamie and Kevin thankful for the 4 girls.
• More from Ted:  we have one foot the Kingdom and one foot in the world.  Referred to President Kimball's book: Miracle of Forgiveness.
  
  

 

I have been 75 years old for ten days, now.  People who learn that I've just "celebrated" my recent birthday, say I hope you had a wonderful birthday.  The fact is, I'm thankful that I have been given hundreds of "special" days because every day I get up, everyday I live here on earth, is a good day.

 I feel inadequate in so many ways...loving my grandchildren and my children, but feeling overwhelmed just getting up out of bed everyday and challenged with the job of taking care of myself.  I sense that my children have, sometimes, a need for my support and prayers and I don't seem to have enough energy left over at the end of the day, many days, to reach out to God on their behalf, or to assist them in an appropriate and supportive fashion.

 My prayer to Heavenly Father is for strength, for hope, for charity... that my very small gifts will suffice and that I will feel stronger tomorrow.

https://youtu.be/UgivBGZWfcE

 

 

Justice Thomas on Twitter (Newsmax)

It's the power of tech giants to censor or ban users entirely, even a president. Thomas expressed astonishment that Facebook and Google are permitted to remove an account ''at any time for any or no reason.'' He wrote, ''one person controls Facebook … and just two control Google.'' They decide what viewpoints billions of people can express or hear.

Other:  https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2016/02/29/breaking-his-silence-supreme-court-justice-thomas-asks-1st-question-in-10-years/

https://parler.com/post/d895141b35ca48d0b7c2555a35ea33fb

 

This outlet, "parler.com" is being targeted by large corporations because the website gives people the chance to speak out, and also contains "posts" that are pro free speech for anyone who promotes freedom, justice and the American way, i.g., Trump, Americans who support the Republican agenda, and so forth.

And "they" say, the Nancy Pelosi gang, that unity is coming?  Biden says he will bring unity.  

I suspect that will happen via literal or figurative guns at our head.  I have been taught to love everyone.  But is it possible to work with an asp? I am not calling for violence, I am calling for prayers.  I am calling for the freedom of speech to be protected via the system, the courts, legally, if possible!

 

 Here is my tweet, just in case it doesn't get published or gets redacted by Twitter: 

Margaret M. Harris

@Harri3M

·

5m

Now, isn't this something?!! No surprises, here.

Quote Tweet

Ted Cruz

@tedcruz

· 3m

And they’re all Democrats, all getting richer. Meanwhile, millions of small business owners, waiters & waitresses, bartenders, and working men & women have seen their livelihoods destroyed by mandated shutdowns from Dem politicians (whose own paychecks are never in jeopardy). twitter.com/superrun42/sta…

Broadway To Hollywood

 Broadway to Hollywood:  A presentation of the Fort Walton Beach, (Florida), Community Chorus.

On this date, the Director was Jean Hodgins, the Accompanist Joel Lane, etc.  At one point, these productions were occasions that I enjoyed attending; there were some special friends whose lives were wrapped up in the event, from start to finish.  They reached out to my husband, a well known singer at Church and to his family.  Ed Harris, my mate fit right in with the group; his beautiful tenor was appreciated, I'm sure!

This particular presentation was probably performed during the Concert Season of 1997-1998, according to the back of the program.  

In 1998, I also attended the little, but thriving, church service at the "Olive Branch" in northern Okaloosa County.  I believe that my son and his stepfather, Ed Harris were both speaking in the meeting.  I loved going to Olive!  They were in the habit of having "dinner on the grounds" after the church service, which was a big potluck event!  Over the years, since I was about age 10 or more, I had the opportunity to visit with the members in this location at various events.  Some names from those times were Carlos O. Jones, Jr., Sister Nita Sneddon, Sister Annie Youngblood, etc.

Memories!  I've been a few places, I've attended a few events.  As soon as saw a little program for Quinten Cole M.'s baptism, I had to wonder who he was.  Most probably he and his family moved on; I live in the vicinity of the largest Air Force Base in the world.  People come and go constantly; some of them return to retire, here!

 It is sort of an obligation, as well as an invitation to attend a baptismal event!  If the family's family lives a far distance from Fort Walton Beach Florida, it is nice to fill the chairs and in many cases, a church is a kind of a family.  In addition, you get a free review of other baptisms from your own past.  Children can be baptized at the age of 8, and as many of you know, children are pure, innocent, teachable.  It is customary to not only print a little program for the occasion, but sometimes a parent or grandparent might give the child their first set of scriptures or some other gift.  Favorite children's songs or hymns often serve as the program's welcome and benediction.  So, Quinten Cole M., where ever you are, I hope that since (October 11, 1998) baptism, that you are on the covenant path still, healthy and happy, as well!

Hide for a Bit

 If for a bit, you would "hide" yourself from worldly worries, drama, and schedules of all kinds...you might find the peace you so desire.  Steal a moment from "should have", "need to", "should do" trains of thought (and noisy trains at that!)

Seek a quiet place, a place where the television news is muted, children are napping, everyone else has gone to bed, or where, just for a little while, you can spare a few moments for some of these activities:

• Read a good book.  Read the Bible.  Read and fly away into a sky full of fluffy clouds where you can just "be".
• Study the scriptures, make notes, and think about what is written.  Seek inspiration from church leaders, from poets.
• Write what you are thinking.  Write verses, poems, or journal something.
• Be quiet.  Go rest on a bench and observe your surroundings.  Is that a bird with a freshly caught worm?!  
• And finally (or not), sleep is the great healer.  It doesn't matter if you nap or if you just lie still for a few moments.  We all need a place of respite, sometimes.  A closet, a bedroom, the garden, etc.

Here are some possibilities for contemplation:

1. Seeking Peace:  https://www.amazon.com/Seeking-Peace-Chronicles-Worst-Buddhist/dp/1594484406
2. Read a Good Book:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1148891.Seeking_Peace
3.  Do some kind of hard physical labor?
4. Shell some peas (I think this worked for my mother)!
5. Listen to quiet non-intrusive music?
6. And yes, tend a garden, but take a few moments to complement your efforts with quiet observance and stillness.

 Refuge can be found, also, by observing what around you is inspirational, quiet, and holds the promise of a revelation...for example, a painting.

 

•  https://theawesomedaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Famous-Paintings-28-1.jpg
•  https://wallpaperset.com/w/full/f/d/f/51681.jpg (
  
•  https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKOkcBBsfmyG16n0n-4uoXzOqrWEDbxn8D8EGB6H4wgQLKDSp8Kt-ymAEJGdjRED14Q2BwE_YXiGIws-ju_x2fyx8VMQtFnCaAuF0W96IQyfuqL4_Vp92-_5OY6VZnGZqe8erIQ/s1600/world-famous-paintings-2-2.jpg

 

General Conference October 2020

 The recent occurrence of the October Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has weighed heavily on my mind and stirred me to consider gospel principles.  

I go to the scriptures for greater light and knowledge.  I can review and listen and/or watch the talks that have just been given.  I had initially "skipped" the Women's Conference on Saturday evening, but began yesterday to review those talks and themes, also.  I have been drawn to look at related messages from other church sources at the Church website.  For example, an article, [The Book of Mormon is] "A Book about God's Love.".

In this article the author, Lenet Read, writes"The gift of grace is that our sins may be covered, figuratively speaking, with “beautiful garments,” and we may become sanctified, without spot, if we come unto Christ and return his love with our love"...(January 1988) struck a chord with me.  

I had been thinking, after President Nelson's address, that almost no one is beyond the reach of the Atonement.  

God loves all His children but will not force them to Heaven.  We came to earth so we could make choices, so that our agency, our free will offering  to our Heavenly Father and our Savior, might count for something precious!  

When you think about it, that is all we really have to offer the Savior, and the most precious gift we can give.  Even similar to (but much more magnified), the gift our Savior chose to make for our eternal salvation: the gift of His life (both while walking the plains of Judea, teaching the Gospel of love), but also in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the Cross).  The Gift of Himself.  His agency.

Here is an article that says all this much clearer that I can express.

Social Justice?

 Article from https://latterdaysaintmag.com/why-latter-day-saints-should-be-concerned-about-the-social-justice-ideology/

I believe that critical social justice ideology—which often operates more like a religious theology—is contrary to Latter-day Saint beliefs in profound ways and therefore should be of particular concern to Latter-day Saints. Some reasons include the following:

It views immutable characteristics such as whiteness as shameful—a type of original sin. In her best-selling book White Fragility, Robin DiAngelo exhorts her white readers to follow her example in striving “to be less white.” She stated in a 2015 radio interview, “Racism comes out of our pores as white people. It’s the way that we are.” In addition to whiteness, characteristics such as being male, heterosexual, cisgender, able-bodied, and so on may render one an oppressor, regardless of his or her actions. By contrast, Latter-day Saint theology explicitly disavows the concept of original sin. As the 2^nd Article of Faith states, “We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.” Similarly, Ezekiel 18:20 declares, “The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.”

[See the complete article at the link for the LDS Mag, above]; do you agree with the author?  Do you feel she did a good job covering the topic and expressing our ideals as church members?

 

Best Websites for Conservatives

 https://www.heritage.org/:The Heritage Foundation invites readers to explore the issues.  One page highlights the top issues, plus there are categories that list other other issues.  

The "front page", however, features a "leading issue".  For example, the current front page,or maybe it is just a guest column?  Anyway, it is a quick read on this date, written by James Jay Carafano, staff writer.  What if there had never been a 9/11?

It is Mr. Carafano's belief that funding from Russia was key in promoting the terrorist attack that for the most part, unexpected by the general populace.  The first World Trade Center bombing was so ineffectual that very few red flags were raised.  To read the rest of the article, please click on the link above.  What you will get from me, now, are some of my reactions to J.J.C.'s article:

• I am largely ignorant in matters of espionage and terrorism.  I know as much about the 9/11 attack as the average American knows;
• This being said, it sounds reasonable that what the article portends is probably correct.  Or at least believable.  
• In 1999, we have the Congressional Report Hart-Rudman, which was largely ignored.  It raised the topic of terrorist attacks in the homeland and if it had been taken seriously, we would have had a Homeland Security organization much sooner than we did.  Even that report didn't encompass the the theory of a "large building" attack.  
• Carafano also points out the concept  of
  transnational terrorism wasn't widely understood or maybe just wasn't considered, at that time? (previous to the 9/11 attack).  Read a supporting article about the Haqqani Network https://www.heritage.org/asia/commentary/know-your-enemy-meet-the-haqqani-network
• This network precipitated the formation of training camps being set up in Afghanistan by none other than 
  Osama bin Laden.
• I think that Carafano believes that it was the prescriptive withdrawal of troops, "a precipitive drawdown", in troubled areas that led to the continued training.  He says that Afghanistan may well become another Vietnam.

 This is concerning to me because President Trump has just ordered a further withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.  However, this same author (Carafano) is expressing his belief that we have gotten the upper hand there?  See https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/iraq-afghanistan-withdrawal-trump

 

From my dad, a letter to his mother:  I wonder if he ever mailed this letter, because I shouldn't be able to read it, unless it is a copy.  So is this a draft for the letter he sent?  Or, was it so personal, heartfelt and sincere that he decided not to send it?

26 February, 1964:

Dearest Mom:  At long last I have been able to get pen in hand to answer your letter received some few days back.  Just haven't felt up to it.  After my trip back from Mississippi (had a spell of car trouble which not only cost me plenty but delayed me no end).  

Went by and spent a nite at Rudy's and had him accompany me on one of my short safari's for souls.  Went up by way of Collins, then back thru Seminary where I felt sure we would run into some sign of the Hill's and Basses'.  But we didn't find anything in either place; (it was Sunday), consequently all stores and courthouse at Collins was closed.  So didn't accomplish anything!  I even believe "Rud" got the fever (genealogy fever); he said a couple of times how disappointed he was that we didn't find anything.  

Well, you know me!  Next morning Rud had to help Rachel with various things, so I lit out for Collins by myself.  I decided that I would not venture up to Decater this trip; it would have been far out of the way, and I had two places in mind for Monday: Collins and Monticello...both county seats for Covington and Lawrence counties, respectively.  Monticello is where Mariann Hill applied for the Pension in 1884; Mary Ann Bass was witness on her application.  They both, at that time, lived at Hooker, which has now become a small place.  

Covington County was where I believe Isaac Hill lived with Mary Ann Bass.  That place is where he supposedly died.  Well, my search in the records at Collins produced a Nancy Hill as having bought, or applied and received a piece of land from the government in Covington County; this was 1885.  I just suspect that her and William Bass separated and she went by her maiden name, again.  William Bass's name appears several times.  I neglected to look, my error, in marriage licenses for a clear indication of just who was who!

Guess my efforts this time produced a lot of preliminary findings which shall be fruitful later on.  I want to go back as soon as time, money, and Opal's health permits.

Suppose you know that Aunt Annie is over in Pensacola for a short visit.  Will drop her a few lines, tonight.

Yes I found where Grandma Hill (Lydia King) is buried.  Okahola Cemetery!   Went by and had a real fine visit with Joel, his wife, his boys by his first wife and we talked about all of our kin folks.

Joel mentioned that his dad mentioned Silver Creek, Mississippi, many times and said that is where the Hill's came from.  That is in Lawrence County, where Mariann applied for the pension in 1884.  [Dad repeating himself, here].  Mom, do you recall Papa ever telling about that part of the country?  Well, I found out where Grandpa John M. Hill lived, and where he is buried, too.  He married...[document ends here; there may be another page somewhere]...

 Note from moi:  "Rud" (or Rudy) is my dad's brother.  

From FamilySearch.org, I'm reminded that his full name is Earl Rudolph Hill.  15 July 1909 – 20 September 1997  •   

"Rachel is Rudolph's wife, mother of my cousin, Laman".  [Will try to find a photo]

 

Come Follow Me (Insights into 3 Nephi 1–7, September 7–13)

Good Days Start with Gratitude

In November of last year, my daughter Gwen, sent me a little "fill-in-the-blanks" kind of book, Good Days Start With Gratitude Journal.  "Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude", published by PrettySimpleBooks.com (See https://www.amazon.com/dp/1976436184?tag=duckduckgo-ffnt-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

Two challenges for me:  I keep losing the book/journal.  If you could see my living room and apartment, you would understand!  Cluttered would be a kind description.

Secondly: And I can hardly write, anymore.  No problem with using the computer...just takes a lot of concentration to literally use a pen to literally write using my right hand!  However, I will share what I've written so far!

11/25/2019: 

#1: I am thankful for "my health".  This past year was a year of healing for me, after being very ill in 2018 (pneumonia, compromised immune system because of chemo, etc.)

#2: Modern conveniences (washer, dryer, dishwasher)!

Diary note:  On November 27th, I flew to Tampa airport to visit with Benji and Shuzhen and the children.  I very much enjoyed our Turkey Day dinner (Peking Duck), and getting to know my grandkids a little better.  Shuzhen is an excellent cook and I treasure her friendship.

Thanksgiving Day, 11/28/2019:

#1:  I am thankful for my husband and best friend, Ed.  When he was alive, he was my dearest friend.

#2:  My mother and My father.  Ben and Opal Hill weren't perfect people, but they were the best mom and dad for me!

#3:  My children and grandchildren, including 2 great grandchildren.  Here are their names:  Richard who has brought into my life, Torin, Myla and Lucy.  Gwen who has brought into my life, Kelsey, Ryan, Shannon, and Eric; Kelsey's kids are Matthew and Grace, thus my two great grands!  Chris who has brought (with Tina's help), into my life Zack, Ethan, and Josh!  Benji who has brought (with Zhuzhen) me Kaylee and Caden; Debbie who has two girls, Joleigh and Azell.

and finally (for now), Kevin Spencer Harris!  My 34 year-old "baby".

12/3/2019:  I am thankful for:

#1.  Each new day! (which brings a chance to do better, be stronger, and grow in all kinds of ways)!

#2.  Forgivness for my sins.  And an opportunity to forgive others.

#3.  The Sacrament and Jesus' acceptance of what I bring to the altar.

12/30/2019:  I am thankful for:

#1.  Clean Cool Air, moderate temperatures (?!) and sunshine!

#2.  Being able to walk to the Commons Building. 

#3.  Food and drink.

#4.  The gospel of Jesus Christ.

#5. Repentance and Forgiveness.

1/2/2020:  I am thankful for:

#1.  Books to read and eyes to see.

#2.  General Conference addresses.

#3.  Good things to eat! (think chocolate, etc.)

#4.  Family Members (I have two great siblings: Ben and Sarah)!

1/3/2020: I am thankful for

#1.  Strength, energy, health, being able to walk.

#2.  Peace and quiet and the sound of falling rain.

#3. Proverbs 1:23/ Doctrine and Covenants:38:?    

         23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will ^apour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.  And Pray Always

1/?/2020: I am thankful for

#1.  Come Follow Me scriptures and study

#2.  My Savior Jesus Christ

#3.  Heavenly Father who gave his Son.

8/2/2020: I am thankful for

#1.  Being Alive!

#2.  Family

#3.  Relationships, associates, friends, etc.

Diary Note:  The last few months, beginning in March, sometime have been interesting, challenging, lonely, etc.  I largely shelter at home...my tiny apartment at Bob Hope Village.  I might go out once every week or two to the grocery store or somewhere else, but mostly when I get in the car it is to drive-through Baskin Robbins or some other type of eatery.  I am getting ready in a couple of minutes to go to the Brock's for the sacrament and a pot luck meal, afterwards.  This is my only real concession to social interactions' activity that I have made.  I have known them for over thirty years and they are "family" to me.  Otherwise, I would be suffering far more than I already am, of loneliness.

Mount Rushmore Gathering July 3, 2020

I am watching the Mount Rushmore celebration for the fourth of July.  Some "experts" are saying this will allow the covid-19 virus to spread.  I suspect that it will not be a problem, no more than the riots and gatherings of those who are anti-history in the last few weeks.

https://www.foxnews.com/us/president-trump-mount-rushmore-speech-excerpts

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Rushmore

Reasons to Get up in the Morning

Reasons to get up in the morning: Exploration!

In this instance:my dad's old files, both genealogical and historical. Wiley Benjamin Hill, Jr. was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi in 1913. As a baby, he slept in the same bedroom as his aging and sick, maternal grandfather, Samuel Richard Tucker, who was born in 1845 in Sumter, South Carolina.

Our Heritage Part I: For us, it began with being descended from Opal Givens Hill

1.  Samuel William Settles, born in 1812 in Laurens County, (established in 1807), Georgia, is my 3rd great grandfather on my mother's line.  He and his wife, Martha Rebecca Rabb Settles had nine children.  Remind me to share with you the marriage record for this couple!  In 1812, Samuel William Settles' birth, coincided with an important historical event, the War of 1812.  We know that, according to one census, he made his living as a schoolteacher.  He is buried in Crestview in the Mason-Olive Cemetery off Hwy 90 East. 

2.  Their youngest child was Lucian Milledge Barron Settles, "L.M.B." or "Luke".  Lucian was born in Coffee County, Alabama, possibly at a place known as "Batten's Crossroads".  He is my second great grandfather in this line.  He married Mary McCurley and they had four children.

3.  Luke's oldest child was Samuel George "Cap" Settles, my great grandfather.  "Cap" was born in or near Crestview, Florida.  At that time (13 March, 1884), this area was still Walton County.  It didn't become Okaloosa County until 1915.  Mr. Settles married Lula Mae Barks in 1903. They had six children, one of whom was my grandmother, Alice.

4.  Alice Settles, my grandmother, was born in 1906, in or near Crestview, Florida.  She died on the 13th of January of 1956, when I was just 9 and 1/2 years old. She is buried at the Early Cemetery, off Hwy 20 in Niceville, Florida.  My grandmother had one daughter, my mother Opal Givens.

(To Be Continued)

BYU-TV has been doing a super job!

Brigham Young University TV is doing a great job with their programming right now.  I have been able to get my mind off my troubles and some of the bad stuff that has been going on in our country right now.  Everyone needs a place to run when things get bad.  Running to BYU-TV is a great choice.  Uplifting movies and shows are their specialty.

I don't go for all of their programming but there are some shows I really enjoy.