Friday, September 04, 2020
Sunday, August 02, 2020
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.
Friday, July 03, 2020
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.
Thursday, June 18, 2020
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.
Sunday, June 14, 2020
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)
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)
Friday, June 05, 2020
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.
I don't go for all of their programming but there are some shows I really enjoy.
Tuesday, June 02, 2020
For my own information and yours!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antifa_(United_States)
I remember the sixties.
Today, in New York, Howard Safir (Former NYPD and FDNY commissioner), what is happening there, in his words, is "Insane". The Mayor is giving the wrong signals, he says. The NYPD is the best, but they are getting mixed messages from DeBlasio. Very little policing is happening, or he says "very proactive" policing, rather.
I remember the sixties.
Today, in New York, Howard Safir (Former NYPD and FDNY commissioner), what is happening there, in his words, is "Insane". The Mayor is giving the wrong signals, he says. The NYPD is the best, but they are getting mixed messages from DeBlasio. Very little policing is happening, or he says "very proactive" policing, rather.
Are we living in the "last days"?
If you would have told me a week ago that Covid-19 was not going to be the worst calamity of the year, I wouldn't have believed it. So many lives lost, cut short, and threatened during this past three months!
We may not expect calamity, but historically it has happened and become the shaping and destructive experience of our history. What has transpired the past week, shakes me to the core and I fear for the survival of our country, now, as we face a "man-made" threat. Rioting and looting have, in many cities, overshadowed the threat of the corona virus!
This is a corrupting and corruption of the soul of our nation that we are witnessing. Depravity. Who knew?!! Maintaining order has become essential to protect lives and property. It is essential to the life of our constitution, also.
Tuesday, May 05, 2020
Head in the clouds, Being clear-eyed and unafraid and other Personal Problems
Covid and more:
You ever think that you might be the one who has his/her head in the clouds? There is something to be said for fighting our way through whatever jungle obscures our view.
And in the case of what we are all going through, being able to get out and ride around in our cars, taking care of only the most needed errands (like my bloodwork for the cancer center, today), you forget how empowering it is to be able to get away from home. Our freedom to move freely has been restricted and consequently, we have almost forgotten it is by experiencing and seeing the boundaries of our little lives that we can appreciate the place of home (and in the olden days, hearth). It's like the air we breathe and move about is what makes us appreciate having a home or dwelling!
My goal is to carefully look forward to even a restricted travel situation, as I find it gives me a stabilizer of sorts for life at home.
You ever think that you might be the one who has his/her head in the clouds? There is something to be said for fighting our way through whatever jungle obscures our view.
And in the case of what we are all going through, being able to get out and ride around in our cars, taking care of only the most needed errands (like my bloodwork for the cancer center, today), you forget how empowering it is to be able to get away from home. Our freedom to move freely has been restricted and consequently, we have almost forgotten it is by experiencing and seeing the boundaries of our little lives that we can appreciate the place of home (and in the olden days, hearth). It's like the air we breathe and move about is what makes us appreciate having a home or dwelling!
My goal is to carefully look forward to even a restricted travel situation, as I find it gives me a stabilizer of sorts for life at home.
Friday, May 01, 2020
I Have Notebooks
I don't keep a journal (a physical journal), anymore. However, that used to be something I did; I would write, journal, and compose whatever I felt like sharing. Only, usually, I didn't always share.
Sooner or later, I will come across something that I wanted to preserve, usually genealogical material or of historical origins. Something that I wrote in a notebook.
Here is one such compilation:
(Let's call this the little half-size green notebook)
You tell me (margaret.harris@gmail.com) how I can organize or classify these notes:
Okaloosa County, Florida, Historical Records Survey, Division of Professional and Service Projects; Works Progress Administration (Family History Center Film, #908135). This is now available online and here is the link. I also made a note: 1909, volume I, pp.71-78. Article, Yonge, P.K. "The Lumber Industry of West Florida".
Sooner or later, I will come across something that I wanted to preserve, usually genealogical material or of historical origins. Something that I wrote in a notebook.
Here is one such compilation:
(Let's call this the little half-size green notebook)
You tell me (margaret.harris@gmail.com) how I can organize or classify these notes:
Okaloosa County, Florida, Historical Records Survey, Division of Professional and Service Projects; Works Progress Administration (Family History Center Film, #908135). This is now available online and here is the link. I also made a note: 1909, volume I, pp.71-78. Article, Yonge, P.K. "The Lumber Industry of West Florida".
Friday, April 10, 2020
Feelings
Feelings (emotions): We humans are distinguished from other of God's creations to have this blessing and/or curse because we experience the sad, mad, happy times in our lives. Many of us also suspect that animals experience that also. And perhaps they communicate those feelings with each other and with us.
Here is a "lifting up" maneuver, for example, for when we are feeling confused.
From a recent Ensign, we are reminded that the Savior knows what we are going through. Through the Atonement he, too, felt our "pain". We can rely on Him to pull us through hard times.
For example, are any of us feeling the confusion and the cloud of uncertainty as a result of the Corona virus pandemic? Joseph Smith felt like that when, as a 14 year old boy, he was confused about what action he should take in reference to the many conflicting religious dogmas that were being preached in his community. He relates this story to us in the record, Joseph Smith--History 1:5-20. He asked God what he should do and he got an answer! This simple, direct prayer in the woods led to the Restoration of the Lord's Church which had been missing from the earth for centuries! When I'm confused, I can pray to God and He will answer me. Here are some scripture blocks (From a recent Ensign magazine), that will support that belief; you might want to print them out, then laminate them so you can carry them around with you, for easy reference.
James 1:5; Luke 1:37; Mosiah 26:13; Ether 2:16 through 3:6
"For after much atribulation come the bblessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be ccrowned with much dglory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand." (Doctrine and Covenants 58:4).
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| Becoming Grandparents Brings Smiles! |
Here is a "lifting up" maneuver, for example, for when we are feeling confused.
From a recent Ensign, we are reminded that the Savior knows what we are going through. Through the Atonement he, too, felt our "pain". We can rely on Him to pull us through hard times.
James 1:5; Luke 1:37; Mosiah 26:13; Ether 2:16 through 3:6
"For after much atribulation come the bblessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be ccrowned with much dglory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand." (Doctrine and Covenants 58:4).
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| We learn through seeking, asking, and experiencing life's challenges. |
Saturday, March 21, 2020
Letters to My Grandmother and More, Part I
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| Honorable Discharge for Wiley Benjamin Hill, Jr. AKA "Bennie" |
- She was my dad's mother; Mother of Wiley Benjamin Hill, Jr., Earl Rudolph Hill, and Beatrice Meda Hill.
- She was married twice in her lifetime. First she married Wiley Benjamin Hill, Sr. AKA "Shorty". Second, she married Floyd Dawson Hall.
- "Grandma Hall", (to me), was born 14 December 1887 in a little place known as Acme, in Jasper County, Mississippi, USA. Wikipedia has this to say about Jasper County.
- Acme:
Acme, established in 1823, was located twelve miles east of Bay Springs. It was named for its location as it stood on the highest point in a range of hills in the area, and is now extinct. Source
Eunice Tucker was born to father, Samuel Richard Tucker (FamilySearch ID: ); her mother was Letha Ellen Bishop (). My grandmother was the ninth of eleven children!
- This concludes part one of the life and times of Eunice Tucker Hill Hall.
Wednesday, March 04, 2020
Wind Up: Ten Ways to Grow Your Family Tree
Name two ways to grow your family tree:
a.______________________________________
b.______________________________________
Exercise 2:
Fill in the Blanks
a. Use Descendancy Research to:
- Expand the ______________
- Identify new _____________
- And Connect with _________
Reference: FamilySearch (Search Google this topic or Click on Link): Easy Steps to Descendancy Research
More conservative reading ideas
- I am not rabid for conservative materials, but a little bit of conservative medicine now and then never hurt anyone.
Tuesday, March 03, 2020
Other books I want to read as pertains to "My Country Tis' of Thee"...
Unmasking the Administrative State: The Crisis of American Politics in the Twenty-First Century Hardcover – January 29, 2019
Thoughts about the Constitution of the United States
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Administrative_State
Sunday, March 01, 2020
Sunday March 1st Thoughts
A quiet Sunday "all by myself". I am never really alone, though there are times when I might feel a little low or lonesome. Last night I spoke on the phone to my grandson, Caden and to my son (his dad), Benji Dalton. As usual I talked too much!
Sundays (a lot of the times), are pretty quiet. I play sudoku online and watch BYU television. This is after going to church for a couple of hours. And I think, I should make some phone calls to members of the church I go to, and see how folks are doing that weren't at church today. I was absent for a couple of weeks and really missed not seeing the "over-the-hill" and then some "girls"! I actually belong to that "club"!
Something new with BYU-TV; at some point in the day, they switch to broadcasting their programming in Spanish!?! Which is really good for the Spanish speaking "Branch". Still the Tabernacle Choir sound good in any language. My goal for today is to not binge on "MI-5" via Britbox! And to fix myself a nutritious meal. (The temptation is to just "snack")!
There are a lot of things I can do on Sundays: Get more sleep (napping), take a leisurely stroll down the walkway, read the scriptures, family history stuff, etc. And yes, I can call one of my six children and check in on their lives!
Photo for today:
Ed was the best blueberry picker! Pictured here are an assortment of relatives (not sure who took the photo). A prize for someone who can identify every name and age in the group!
Saturday, February 01, 2020
Reading the Pearl of Great Price--Personal project of discovery 2020...
Pearl of Great Prince:
Since this first chapter is about Moses' experience, I'm going to assume that the God of the Old Testament that is made reference to, here, is none other than Jesus Christ, (Jehovah).
What is meant about "the glory of God" was upon Moses? Moses could not have borne the presence of God without some kind of transfiguration happening. Jesus in His glory would have been too "Holy"?
Referenced names of the Lord, here, are: Lord God Almighty, "Endless"/eternal. "Without beginning of days or end of years", endless/Eternal".
The word "mountain" in verse 1 of Chapter 1 is symbolic as well as perhaps literally: a mountain that is visited by the Savior would be "a Holy Place". When we visit the temple, do we think about the fact that Jesus, the Savior, "God", has walked there? The temple is a Holy Place. Our homes should be a place of refuge and "holiness", also.
Verse 2 of Chapter 1 PGP: Moses saw God "face to face". God has a body! God spoke to Moses! The "glory" of God: Moses was transfigured so that He could bear the presence of the Savior. [I'm starting to repeat myself].
God (v. 3) "spoke" to Moses, and identified Himself. "Behold" the Lord said: Look! I will show thee the workmanship of mine hands... The Savior Has a Body! He created the heavens and the Earth. His works are without end and His words will never cease.
That's all for now, four astonishing and revelatory verses, this morning of February 1, 2020.
Since this first chapter is about Moses' experience, I'm going to assume that the God of the Old Testament that is made reference to, here, is none other than Jesus Christ, (Jehovah).
What is meant about "the glory of God" was upon Moses? Moses could not have borne the presence of God without some kind of transfiguration happening. Jesus in His glory would have been too "Holy"?
Referenced names of the Lord, here, are: Lord God Almighty, "Endless"/eternal. "Without beginning of days or end of years", endless/Eternal".
The word "mountain" in verse 1 of Chapter 1 is symbolic as well as perhaps literally: a mountain that is visited by the Savior would be "a Holy Place". When we visit the temple, do we think about the fact that Jesus, the Savior, "God", has walked there? The temple is a Holy Place. Our homes should be a place of refuge and "holiness", also.
Verse 2 of Chapter 1 PGP: Moses saw God "face to face". God has a body! God spoke to Moses! The "glory" of God: Moses was transfigured so that He could bear the presence of the Savior. [I'm starting to repeat myself].
God (v. 3) "spoke" to Moses, and identified Himself. "Behold" the Lord said: Look! I will show thee the workmanship of mine hands... The Savior Has a Body! He created the heavens and the Earth. His works are without end and His words will never cease.
That's all for now, four astonishing and revelatory verses, this morning of February 1, 2020.
Friday, January 10, 2020
Friday, January 03, 2020
I am not a bird person but who can help being a fan?!!
http://nemesisbird.com/bird-science/florida-field-season-highlights/
It is January 3rd, 2020, and I am sitting here with my door open to catch the breeze and enjoy some lovely weather. There was, for a while, a veritable clamor of birds who were busy reporting to each other of either the fact that I had opened the door, or else a possible "stranger-danger" alert in progress!
These were hawks of some variation; they have flown to some other task, now. But when they are "here" you will know it. CAW-Caw, Squawk!
It is January 3rd, 2020, and I am sitting here with my door open to catch the breeze and enjoy some lovely weather. There was, for a while, a veritable clamor of birds who were busy reporting to each other of either the fact that I had opened the door, or else a possible "stranger-danger" alert in progress!
These were hawks of some variation; they have flown to some other task, now. But when they are "here" you will know it. CAW-Caw, Squawk!
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