Happy Valentine's Day!
How to become an Angel: Random Acts of Kindness are those sweet or grand lovely things we do for no reason except that, momentarily, the best of our humanity has sprung, exquisitely, into full bloom.
When you spontaneously give an old woman the bouquet of red carnations you had meant to take home to your own dinner table, when you give your lunch to the guitar-playing beggar who makes music at the corner between your two subway stops, when you anonymously put coins in someone else's parking meter because you see the red "expired" medallion signaling to a meter maid--you are doing not what life requires of you, but what the best of your human soul invites you to do.
To become the perpetrator of these acts of kindness, is to become in some sense an angel. For it means you have moved beyond the limits of your daily human condition to touch wings with the divine.
Thought: " I try to give to the poor people for love what the rich could get for money. No, I wouldn't touch a leper for a thousand pounds, yet I willingly cure him for the love of God." Mother Teresa
I love you all,
Happy Day....
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Feb 11 and 12
Feb 12
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:22 ...see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.
Quote: Being filled with the love of God actually changes everything because it has the power to completely change us inside.
Virginia PearceRandom Acts of Kindness: I have been going to the same bagel/coffee shop every Sunday for years. One morning in the middle of a great dreary drizzley weekend, I trudged in dripping wet with my newspaper carefully tucked under my overcoat and ordered my usual bagel with lox and cream cheese and an expresso. I was casually informed that my coffee had already been paid for. I looked around expecting to see some friend sitting somewhere but didn't, and when I asked, the young woman at the register she just smiled and said someone paid for twenty coffees and you are number eight. I sat there for almost an hour, reading my paper, and watching more surprised people come in to find their morning coffee pre paid. There we all were, furtively at first and then with big funny smiles on our faces, looking at everyone else in the restaurant trying to figure out who had done this incredible thing, but mostly just enjoying the experience as a group. It was a beautiful blast of sunshine on an otherwise overcast winter day.
One Idea for 14 days of Valentines: Make some love darts out of tooth picks and place then where your sweetheart can find them. Wrap a scavenger hunt on each to find a sweet surprise at the end. You can also go to the dollar store and buy one of those bow and arrows with the suction on the end and use that as cupids love dart. Stick it on their computer screen.
Feb 11
Random Acts of Kindness Story: Several years ago, when I was living in Chicago, I read in the newspaper about a little boys who had leukemia. Every time he was feeling discouraged or particularly sick, a package would arrive for him containing some little toy or book to cheer him up with a note saying the present was from the Magic Dragon. No one knew who it was. Eventually the boy died and his parents thought the Magic Dragon finally would come forth and reveal him or herself But that never happened. After hearing the story, I resolved to become a Magic Dragon whenever I could and I have had many occasions. (So sweet)
Love Thoughts from Children's books:
Sometimes the feeling is more important than the word. -nobody stole the pie, by Soniea LevitinIt is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye. -The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-ExuperyThere is a lot of hope and a lot of faith, and a lot of love mixed up in a miracle. -Journey from Peppermint Street, Meindert DeJongYou must be careful! Treat them carefully! They're people. -The Indian in the Cupboard, Lynne Reid BanksIf you want to own the sweetest Valentine's book order "Somebody loves you Mr. Hatch" It will be a book that you can read in lessons at church and discuss. It is my all time favorite out of my collection. And I have lots of favorites.
Ideas:Don't go to a boring restaurant: Have a Picnic!! But make your Picnic something special....Have it on the floor in your family/living room in your PJ's, but use candles.(Hire a server...) Find a roof of a building and have it there. (bring white lights for fun), Have it at a fast food restaurant,(bring the table cloth and fine china) in a car, in the mall, in front of a fireplace, in your bathtub... be creative and use your imagination!
Tuck something under the windshield wiper of his/her car.
Write all over the mirror in your bathroom,on the rear view mirror, on the side mirrors, or the mirrors in every room of your house. That is what dry erase markers were made for! Write out lyrics to a favorite love song.
Buy "Handle with Care stickers at Staples. When you need some extra attention place this sticker in a place where your sweetheart can see so they know you need a hug.
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:22 ...see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.
Quote: Being filled with the love of God actually changes everything because it has the power to completely change us inside.
Virginia PearceRandom Acts of Kindness: I have been going to the same bagel/coffee shop every Sunday for years. One morning in the middle of a great dreary drizzley weekend, I trudged in dripping wet with my newspaper carefully tucked under my overcoat and ordered my usual bagel with lox and cream cheese and an expresso. I was casually informed that my coffee had already been paid for. I looked around expecting to see some friend sitting somewhere but didn't, and when I asked, the young woman at the register she just smiled and said someone paid for twenty coffees and you are number eight. I sat there for almost an hour, reading my paper, and watching more surprised people come in to find their morning coffee pre paid. There we all were, furtively at first and then with big funny smiles on our faces, looking at everyone else in the restaurant trying to figure out who had done this incredible thing, but mostly just enjoying the experience as a group. It was a beautiful blast of sunshine on an otherwise overcast winter day.
One Idea for 14 days of Valentines: Make some love darts out of tooth picks and place then where your sweetheart can find them. Wrap a scavenger hunt on each to find a sweet surprise at the end. You can also go to the dollar store and buy one of those bow and arrows with the suction on the end and use that as cupids love dart. Stick it on their computer screen.
Feb 11
Random Acts of Kindness Story: Several years ago, when I was living in Chicago, I read in the newspaper about a little boys who had leukemia. Every time he was feeling discouraged or particularly sick, a package would arrive for him containing some little toy or book to cheer him up with a note saying the present was from the Magic Dragon. No one knew who it was. Eventually the boy died and his parents thought the Magic Dragon finally would come forth and reveal him or herself But that never happened. After hearing the story, I resolved to become a Magic Dragon whenever I could and I have had many occasions. (So sweet)
Love Thoughts from Children's books:
Sometimes the feeling is more important than the word. -nobody stole the pie, by Soniea LevitinIt is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye. -The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-ExuperyThere is a lot of hope and a lot of faith, and a lot of love mixed up in a miracle. -Journey from Peppermint Street, Meindert DeJongYou must be careful! Treat them carefully! They're people. -The Indian in the Cupboard, Lynne Reid BanksIf you want to own the sweetest Valentine's book order "Somebody loves you Mr. Hatch" It will be a book that you can read in lessons at church and discuss. It is my all time favorite out of my collection. And I have lots of favorites.
Ideas:Don't go to a boring restaurant: Have a Picnic!! But make your Picnic something special....Have it on the floor in your family/living room in your PJ's, but use candles.(Hire a server...) Find a roof of a building and have it there. (bring white lights for fun), Have it at a fast food restaurant,(bring the table cloth and fine china) in a car, in the mall, in front of a fireplace, in your bathtub... be creative and use your imagination!
Tuck something under the windshield wiper of his/her car.
Write all over the mirror in your bathroom,on the rear view mirror, on the side mirrors, or the mirrors in every room of your house. That is what dry erase markers were made for! Write out lyrics to a favorite love song.
Buy "Handle with Care stickers at Staples. When you need some extra attention place this sticker in a place where your sweetheart can see so they know you need a hug.
Friday, February 11, 2011
February 10: xoxo
Do you ever wonder why......the X's at the end of a letter signify kisses?In the Middle Ages, illiterate people often signed documents by making an X.
This X, or cross, signified a sacred oath to fulfill the obligation specified in the document. Signers had to kiss the X, to affirm their sincerity. Eventually the X and the kiss became synonymous.The O, some think are the arms in a hug shape.
Ideas: Make a time capsule together, a recording of right now, wrap it up and place it in your underwear drawer and next year open it up and see how you have changed.
Prepare for next Monday. Make breakfast with pink milk, heart shaped pancakes or french toast, heart shaped pizza, heart shaped sandwiches, bake a heart cake or heart shaped finger jello. ( heart cookie cutters are not expensive)
Make a personalized cross-word puzzle and have all the answers be things only you and your sweetheart know...
Create a love bouquet--bring a different type of flower home to your sweetheart for one week.
Song lyric: I'm looking at you and my heart loves the view.."
-Highschool musical
"I can take all the madness the world has to give, But I won't last a day without you." Paul Williams
This X, or cross, signified a sacred oath to fulfill the obligation specified in the document. Signers had to kiss the X, to affirm their sincerity. Eventually the X and the kiss became synonymous.The O, some think are the arms in a hug shape.
Ideas: Make a time capsule together, a recording of right now, wrap it up and place it in your underwear drawer and next year open it up and see how you have changed.
Prepare for next Monday. Make breakfast with pink milk, heart shaped pancakes or french toast, heart shaped pizza, heart shaped sandwiches, bake a heart cake or heart shaped finger jello. ( heart cookie cutters are not expensive)
Make a personalized cross-word puzzle and have all the answers be things only you and your sweetheart know...
Create a love bouquet--bring a different type of flower home to your sweetheart for one week.
Song lyric: I'm looking at you and my heart loves the view.."
-Highschool musical
"I can take all the madness the world has to give, But I won't last a day without you." Paul Williams
Thursday, February 10, 2011
February 9th
And what happened then...?
Well...in Who-ville they say
That the Grinch's small heart
Grew three sizes that day!
How do you stretch your love muscles?
Here are a few ideas:
1. Next time you go to the ice-cream parlor, pay for a few free cones to be given to the next kids to come in. Hide and watch.
2. Go through your junk, and give it to other people who will think its a treasure.
3. Buy a giant box of candy at the theatre, take one and pass it down the entire row to share.
4. Help someone put their groceries in their car
5. If there is a house or a garden that you love, stop and knock on the door and tell the people living there.
6. Go to the donut store and buy a huge box. Leave it for the garbage men, or the UPS Guy, or the mail carrier, or...
7. Doorbell ditch some brownies
8. Give someone a heart attack with cut up hearts and tape all over their door,
9. Go to the bank and get $20 in ones. Now walk around and give out a dollar at a time, for fun...
10. Give someone a bouquet of flowers today.
Scripture: One heart, one soul... Acts 4:32
Romance: Stuff your sweethearts shoes with little love notes or thoughts. Place one of your shoes next to one of their's and say something like we are sole mates, or our shoes even want to be together...
Fill their backpack or purse with paper cut hearts so when they open it up it will be full of love...
Well...in Who-ville they say
That the Grinch's small heart
Grew three sizes that day!
How do you stretch your love muscles?
Here are a few ideas:
1. Next time you go to the ice-cream parlor, pay for a few free cones to be given to the next kids to come in. Hide and watch.
2. Go through your junk, and give it to other people who will think its a treasure.
3. Buy a giant box of candy at the theatre, take one and pass it down the entire row to share.
4. Help someone put their groceries in their car
5. If there is a house or a garden that you love, stop and knock on the door and tell the people living there.
6. Go to the donut store and buy a huge box. Leave it for the garbage men, or the UPS Guy, or the mail carrier, or...
7. Doorbell ditch some brownies
8. Give someone a heart attack with cut up hearts and tape all over their door,
9. Go to the bank and get $20 in ones. Now walk around and give out a dollar at a time, for fun...
10. Give someone a bouquet of flowers today.
Scripture: One heart, one soul... Acts 4:32
Romance: Stuff your sweethearts shoes with little love notes or thoughts. Place one of your shoes next to one of their's and say something like we are sole mates, or our shoes even want to be together...
Fill their backpack or purse with paper cut hearts so when they open it up it will be full of love...
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
14 Days of Valentine's
I've been selfish and have just been reading these ideas my mom has been sending me instead of sharing them with everyone. SO--here are days 1-8 of Valentine's Day. The rest will be posted daily.
Day 8
Heart Scripture: 1 Samuel 7:3 ...prepare your heart unto the Lord.
Love Miracles:
A little miracle is a burst of unexpected happiness. It comes out of the blue to delight us with its complete unanticipatedness. Rainbows are little miracles. So is a catch-up call from someone you haven't heard from in years. My coworker Suzanne told me of one she experienced last weekend: "I rode my bike up to the top of the mountain and there, in the field in fron of me, were thousands of dragonflies!"Today, watch for a little miracle. You just never know where it might be. -- M.J. Ryan
Idea for 14 days of Valentines: Go buy a whole bunch of heart stickers. Inside your sweethearts car, put stickers everywhere. On the mirror, the seats, everywhere. For a long time they will be scraping off the stickers, but every time they do they will smile and think of you....
Day 7
Idea for 14 days of Valentines: "I love you a hole punch" and take a hole punch and punch out a heart...keep the little circles for confetti.1 Samuel 16:7 ...man looketh on the outward appearance but the Lord looketh upon the heart...
Random Acts of Kindness: For many years our next door neighbor was this very sweet and unusual old woman. She lived alone. When my brother and I were young, she always treated us as real people, not just a couple of kids. She would talk to us seriously about what was happening in our lives, and actually took an interest in things like the wins and losses of our baseball teams. She also had what at the time was a really hot car--silver 1957 Chevy--that she took great care of. As she got older, her son took over the duties of occasionally washing and polishing the car, but then he moved out of state. One day my brother and I were at our parents' house for Thanksgiving dinner and we noticed that her poor old Chevy was looking very sad. Later that night we snuck into her driveway, washed the car inside and out, waxed it, and polished all the chrome; when we were done it was shining just like a floor model.That was nearly five years ago and since then we have made regular guerrilla raids into her driveway. I don't think she knows who is doing it, but my mother reports that she has taken to going "cruising" in her car, and always laughs and tells my mother she has an "automotive angel."
Quote: "T'was her thinking of others that made you think of her." -Elizabeth Browning
Day 6
Romans 8:38-39For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.31: If God be for us, who can be against us?When you are prepared to see our FATHER, you will see a being with whom you have long been acquainted, and he will receive you into His arms, and you will be ready to fall into his embrace and kiss Him, as you would your fathers and friends that have been dead for a score of years, you will be so glad and joyful.Brigham Young JD 4:54-55
Day 5
Thought:"Only the heart knows how to find what is precious." DostoevskySurprise someone...Have you ever payed for someone at a toll bridgeLeft a surprise in the mailbox...for the mail manTucked some money in a backpackBought lunch for a homeless personScripture: Blessed are the pure in heart...Matt. 5:8
Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance...What makes your heart merry? What makes the heart of someone you love merry? Is it music? Walking barefoot or a foot rub with scented lotion? A poem or Fairy Tale? Is it a snuggle on the couch? Chocolate Chip Cookies? Their favorite breakfast in bed? Whipped cream on top of hot chocolate? Do something for yourself or someone you love that makes your/their heart merry-- today!Random Acts of Kindness: I have a wonderful friend names Molly Fumia who is one of the best happiness boosters I have ever met. Being with her is like being wrapped ini a cocoon of unconditional love and support. Recently I opened a package from her, and a little two by two-inch card (probably made on her computer) fell out, it read, "I believe in you every day of my life."--Elliot to ET from the E.T. movie [When he touched his finger to his heart.] I felt instantly uplifted. And if it cheered me, imagine what it can do for someone in great need of support and encouragement! Who in your life needs to hear such a message? You? Your spouse? Your child? Spread some joy around--send an e-mail, write or call someone and tell them, 'I will believe in you every day of my life": and see how you--and they feel. --M.J. Ryan
Day 4
"When the well is dry, we know the worth of water." --Benjamin Franklin Personal story: Bob Ligon was daddy's very good work buddy in Los Angeles. He was a big old absent minded teddy bear professor type who always had a big stain on his tie. Several years ago he had a major stroke. For months he was in the hospital or in a care facility. He now can walk again with the help of a walker or cane, and he can talk a little. But he is not as sharp as he was. Every few weeks daddy gets little thoughts written to him from Bob. That is part of his recovery. To write. He writes daddy poems, and little thoughts that are so innocent and precious. Here is a poem he sent to Morgan...
Marital Advice Here is my important marital advice, and I do not want to say it more thantwice, First you always would see her soon and "woo" and then go to the nearby churchand say "I do". A happy wife is the key to a happy life, Buy or give her a nice shining long dinner knife. She will probably want to give birth to handsome boy and a pretty girl andreceive from you, a big white pearl, And please teach your five intelligent children how to strongly read and domath, so you won't incur her angry wrath. If you want to remain quite wealthy and healthy, do not mention her age or howmuch she weighs, If you make this big mistake, you will have to hear her many strong complaintsfor a lot of days.
How dear is that! A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance....:)
Love you—
Day 3
a nice simple pleasure and idea for someone you love:
Before I get into the shower, I put a big fluffy bath towel in the dryer. When I get out of the shower, while I dry myself with another towel my wife gets the hot towel from the dryer and wraps it around my shoulders. Its a wonderful feeling being completely enclosed in dry soft warmth after being wet all over. I've heard of people who sprinkle a little water on a towel and heat it in the microwave, but my towel's too big for that. It has to be huge for maximum comfort. ( by Robert Taylor, Simple Pleasures)
Quote: Whenever you are sincerely pleased you are nourished.--Ralph Waldo Emerson
Scripture from the heart: Psalms 69:32 ...your heart shall live that seek God.
Have a nice day!
Day 2
"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself." -Ralph Waldo EmersonRandom Acts of Kindness Story: For years the Oakland Calif. neighbors watches as Mary's house and yard slowly decayed. Mary was an elderly, wheelchair-bound widow who could no longer manage the necessary repairs and maintenance on her house. One day a couple of neighbors--a bus driver and an auto worker--went down to the city'[s office of Community Development, got forty-five gallons of Mary's favorite colored paint and a handful of painting supplies, and set to work. By the time they had finished, they had also put in a new lawn, cut back the tangled shrubs, and topped off the paint job with eye catching trim.Mosiah 2:9:...open your... hearts that ye may understand.Love you...
Happy February 1st!
Thoughts from the heart: It is possible to decrease the suffering in the world by adding to the joy.Mosiah 24:2 [they] did not raise their voices to the Lord their God, but did pour out their hearts to him; and He did know the thoughts of their hearts.Random Acts of Kindness story: I'm a doctor, Every day I come into the office and, probably like most doctors slip into my professional caring role. I try hard to always be in a positive and attentive frame of mind for each and every one of my patients. But every now and then one of my patients will turn the table on me and it is always such a genuinely touching thing. There I am, figuratively leaning forward, ready to be the one to do the giving,then comes out a coffee cake, a bouquet of home-grown flowers. The turn around---the receiver giving to the giver--never fails to take me by surprise and always puts a large grin on my face."Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless." Mother TeresaLove you...
Day 8
Heart Scripture: 1 Samuel 7:3 ...prepare your heart unto the Lord.
Love Miracles:
A little miracle is a burst of unexpected happiness. It comes out of the blue to delight us with its complete unanticipatedness. Rainbows are little miracles. So is a catch-up call from someone you haven't heard from in years. My coworker Suzanne told me of one she experienced last weekend: "I rode my bike up to the top of the mountain and there, in the field in fron of me, were thousands of dragonflies!"Today, watch for a little miracle. You just never know where it might be. -- M.J. Ryan
Idea for 14 days of Valentines: Go buy a whole bunch of heart stickers. Inside your sweethearts car, put stickers everywhere. On the mirror, the seats, everywhere. For a long time they will be scraping off the stickers, but every time they do they will smile and think of you....
Day 7
Idea for 14 days of Valentines: "I love you a hole punch" and take a hole punch and punch out a heart...keep the little circles for confetti.1 Samuel 16:7 ...man looketh on the outward appearance but the Lord looketh upon the heart...
Random Acts of Kindness: For many years our next door neighbor was this very sweet and unusual old woman. She lived alone. When my brother and I were young, she always treated us as real people, not just a couple of kids. She would talk to us seriously about what was happening in our lives, and actually took an interest in things like the wins and losses of our baseball teams. She also had what at the time was a really hot car--silver 1957 Chevy--that she took great care of. As she got older, her son took over the duties of occasionally washing and polishing the car, but then he moved out of state. One day my brother and I were at our parents' house for Thanksgiving dinner and we noticed that her poor old Chevy was looking very sad. Later that night we snuck into her driveway, washed the car inside and out, waxed it, and polished all the chrome; when we were done it was shining just like a floor model.That was nearly five years ago and since then we have made regular guerrilla raids into her driveway. I don't think she knows who is doing it, but my mother reports that she has taken to going "cruising" in her car, and always laughs and tells my mother she has an "automotive angel."
Quote: "T'was her thinking of others that made you think of her." -Elizabeth Browning
Day 6
Romans 8:38-39For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.31: If God be for us, who can be against us?When you are prepared to see our FATHER, you will see a being with whom you have long been acquainted, and he will receive you into His arms, and you will be ready to fall into his embrace and kiss Him, as you would your fathers and friends that have been dead for a score of years, you will be so glad and joyful.Brigham Young JD 4:54-55
Day 5
Thought:"Only the heart knows how to find what is precious." DostoevskySurprise someone...Have you ever payed for someone at a toll bridgeLeft a surprise in the mailbox...for the mail manTucked some money in a backpackBought lunch for a homeless personScripture: Blessed are the pure in heart...Matt. 5:8
Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance...What makes your heart merry? What makes the heart of someone you love merry? Is it music? Walking barefoot or a foot rub with scented lotion? A poem or Fairy Tale? Is it a snuggle on the couch? Chocolate Chip Cookies? Their favorite breakfast in bed? Whipped cream on top of hot chocolate? Do something for yourself or someone you love that makes your/their heart merry-- today!Random Acts of Kindness: I have a wonderful friend names Molly Fumia who is one of the best happiness boosters I have ever met. Being with her is like being wrapped ini a cocoon of unconditional love and support. Recently I opened a package from her, and a little two by two-inch card (probably made on her computer) fell out, it read, "I believe in you every day of my life."--Elliot to ET from the E.T. movie [When he touched his finger to his heart.] I felt instantly uplifted. And if it cheered me, imagine what it can do for someone in great need of support and encouragement! Who in your life needs to hear such a message? You? Your spouse? Your child? Spread some joy around--send an e-mail, write or call someone and tell them, 'I will believe in you every day of my life": and see how you--and they feel. --M.J. Ryan
Day 4
"When the well is dry, we know the worth of water." --Benjamin Franklin Personal story: Bob Ligon was daddy's very good work buddy in Los Angeles. He was a big old absent minded teddy bear professor type who always had a big stain on his tie. Several years ago he had a major stroke. For months he was in the hospital or in a care facility. He now can walk again with the help of a walker or cane, and he can talk a little. But he is not as sharp as he was. Every few weeks daddy gets little thoughts written to him from Bob. That is part of his recovery. To write. He writes daddy poems, and little thoughts that are so innocent and precious. Here is a poem he sent to Morgan...
Marital Advice Here is my important marital advice, and I do not want to say it more thantwice, First you always would see her soon and "woo" and then go to the nearby churchand say "I do". A happy wife is the key to a happy life, Buy or give her a nice shining long dinner knife. She will probably want to give birth to handsome boy and a pretty girl andreceive from you, a big white pearl, And please teach your five intelligent children how to strongly read and domath, so you won't incur her angry wrath. If you want to remain quite wealthy and healthy, do not mention her age or howmuch she weighs, If you make this big mistake, you will have to hear her many strong complaintsfor a lot of days.
How dear is that! A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance....:)
Love you—
Day 3
a nice simple pleasure and idea for someone you love:
Before I get into the shower, I put a big fluffy bath towel in the dryer. When I get out of the shower, while I dry myself with another towel my wife gets the hot towel from the dryer and wraps it around my shoulders. Its a wonderful feeling being completely enclosed in dry soft warmth after being wet all over. I've heard of people who sprinkle a little water on a towel and heat it in the microwave, but my towel's too big for that. It has to be huge for maximum comfort. ( by Robert Taylor, Simple Pleasures)
Quote: Whenever you are sincerely pleased you are nourished.--Ralph Waldo Emerson
Scripture from the heart: Psalms 69:32 ...your heart shall live that seek God.
Have a nice day!
Day 2
"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself." -Ralph Waldo EmersonRandom Acts of Kindness Story: For years the Oakland Calif. neighbors watches as Mary's house and yard slowly decayed. Mary was an elderly, wheelchair-bound widow who could no longer manage the necessary repairs and maintenance on her house. One day a couple of neighbors--a bus driver and an auto worker--went down to the city'[s office of Community Development, got forty-five gallons of Mary's favorite colored paint and a handful of painting supplies, and set to work. By the time they had finished, they had also put in a new lawn, cut back the tangled shrubs, and topped off the paint job with eye catching trim.Mosiah 2:9:...open your... hearts that ye may understand.Love you...
Happy February 1st!
Thoughts from the heart: It is possible to decrease the suffering in the world by adding to the joy.Mosiah 24:2 [they] did not raise their voices to the Lord their God, but did pour out their hearts to him; and He did know the thoughts of their hearts.Random Acts of Kindness story: I'm a doctor, Every day I come into the office and, probably like most doctors slip into my professional caring role. I try hard to always be in a positive and attentive frame of mind for each and every one of my patients. But every now and then one of my patients will turn the table on me and it is always such a genuinely touching thing. There I am, figuratively leaning forward, ready to be the one to do the giving,then comes out a coffee cake, a bouquet of home-grown flowers. The turn around---the receiver giving to the giver--never fails to take me by surprise and always puts a large grin on my face."Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless." Mother TeresaLove you...
Thursday, December 23, 2010
December 24th and 25th
December 24th
"Joy to the World!"
There is excitement in the air…can you feel it!?
Expressions of Joy!
Jesus: Behold, I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin.
3rd Nephi 9:21
Mary: My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour Luke 1: 47
Joseph: Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife…Matthew 1:24
Angels: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:13-14
Shepherds: And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. Luke 2: 17 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen as it was told unto them. Luke 2: 20
Wisemen: …they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasure, they presented unto him gifts… Matthew 2:11
You: ? What will you do?
Will you rejoice in God as Mary did, perhaps in prayer and pondering?
Will you have a quiet joy of commitment and service to the Lord as Joseph?
Will you sing and praise God as the angels?
Will you make known abroad like the Shepherds?
Will you fall down and worship, and then offer gifts as the Wisemen?
What will you do today?
What will you do all year?
Create “Joy” and enthusiasm in the atmosphere in your home today.
Set an extra place at your dinner table tonight as you light your little candle tonight. Talk about how fun it is to keep a secret or to know a surprise. Let them think that someone is coming…Teach them the Joy Squeeze! When someone is excited they make fists and hold them tight, and bring them up to their chest and lift their shoulders. Do it with a smile! Try it! (If you have boys just have them make a fist and nod!...that is cooler)
Then at the end of dinner tell them that someone is coming. We are celebrating the Lord coming.
Do what your family does to make a celebration. Feel happy, spend time together. Spread Joy every where you can…visit, Sing! Tell the age old story! Talk to your family how you can feel joyous beyond today and tomorrow.
If you want you can discuss or read the thoughts below…
On their long journey to Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph anticipated the baby, king, coming to the world, but who else was thinking about it? Who else anticipated? Who else knew?
There were a host of people living in the America’s waiting…
And they began to know that the Son of God must shortly appear; yea, in fine, all the people upon the face of the whole earth from the west to the east, both to the land north and in the land south, were so exceedingly astonished that they fell to the earth. For they knew that the prophets had testified of these things for many years, and that the sign which had been given was already at hand…3rd Nephi 1:17-18
But maybe they too were not the only ones…Do you suppose maybe all things in the heavens and earth which were created by Jesus Christ, anticipated and shouted for joy….
”Let Heaven and Nature Sing!”
The night before Jesus Christ was born a giant wonderful secret spread throughout space.
The angels were tickled with delight and the sun overheard their excited Hallelujahs.
The sun could not wait to tell and whispered to the moon!
The moon yelled out with joy and told the wind!
The wind danced all around the earth to tell her of His coming!
The Earth laughed in rainbows and tears which spread through clouds to the oceans.
The oceans swelled with the thrill and all of the rivers and sea creatures felt the movement. For all water is connected!
The sea creatures bubbled and squeaked to tell everyone underneath from sea to sea.
The whales spouted out the secret so the birds and insects heard the news.
The birds flew to the land and told the great mountains and all of the trees.
The trees shook their leaves and fruit with joy which fell to the earth where the plants and grasses could hear the news and Celebrate.
The insects, in their excitement, Buzzed whispers to the flowers, which put on their prettiest colors and stretched and lifted their faces to the sky in gratitude.
And the animals ran and jumped and leaped and danced with the thrill. There were chirps and squeaks, and roars, and whinny’s, and howls and claps. There were croaks, and moos, clucks and quacks.
The world was having a celebration dance, even though it was a secret.
They too were included in the excitement, the night before Jesus Christ was born.
How will you express Joy that the Savior of the world was born? How will you express Joy that the Savior of the world sacrificed for you…?
Perhaps this year you could do something a little different then usual. Instead of a New Years Resolution to loose weight or organize your cupboards, maybe you could take one of the messages from the 25 days of “Christ in Christmas in Bits and Pieces” and choose to do something that would give Joy to our Savior.
Ideas:
Perhaps try to say “I love you” more often.
Perhaps try to be a little more gentle then you were last year.
Perhaps “Come” to the Lord more often, however you can.
Perhaps tell about Jesus Christ as a missionary.
Perhaps be an angel to someone in need.
Perhaps “be good for goodness sakes” and repent and change.
Or, perhaps copy the 25 days and place it in your scriptures, and when you partake of the sacrament, you read one. And remember Christ, and covenant to do better that week.
*Or, perhaps you could do a Joy squeeze when you partake of the Sacrament every week silently reminding yourself…
“Joy To The World, The Lord Has Come!”
December 25th
“Come “adore” on bended knee, Christ the Lord… ”
Angels we have heard on High French Carol
And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of who it was written by the prophets, that should come.
And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying:
Hosanna!
Blessed be the name of the Most High God!
And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him. 3rd Nephi 11 15-17
And they did all, both they who had been healed and they who were whole, bow down at his feet, and did worship him; and as many as could come for the multitude did kiss his feet, insomuch that they did bathe his feet with their tears. 3rd Nephi 17:10
We must each go one by one and see with our eyes and feel with our hands and witness for ourselves that Jesus is the Christ. And when we know, we can fall down at the feet of Jesus and worship him...and bathe his feet with our tears!
Yea, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess before him… Mosiah 27:31
Tonight can be the last night you light your little candle of the Christmas season. But don’t feel sad.
The light of Christ is everywhere; When you feel the warmth of the sun; When you look up at the huge night- light of the moon; As you observe the twinkling of the stars; As you walk on the strong foundation of the good earth with all of its life and beauty. Light is the law by which all things are governed.
But mostly it is in you. It is the light that shines in your eye. You are the “little candle” that shines. Now, shine forth, and Come to Christ.… the true light!
(Powerful)
He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth; which shineth. This is the light of Christ.
As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power therof by which it was made.
As also he is in the moon, and is the light of the moon, and the power therof by which it was made;
As also the light of the stars, and the power thereof by which they were made; And the earth also, and the power therof, even the earth upon which you stand.
And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings;
Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space—The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things. D&C 88:6-13
Behold I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin. 3rd Nephi 9:21
And his countenance did smile….,
and the light of his countenance did shine…3rd Nephi 19:25
"Joy to the World!"
There is excitement in the air…can you feel it!?
Expressions of Joy!
Jesus: Behold, I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin.
3rd Nephi 9:21
Mary: My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour Luke 1: 47
Joseph: Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife…Matthew 1:24
Angels: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:13-14
Shepherds: And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. Luke 2: 17 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen as it was told unto them. Luke 2: 20
Wisemen: …they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasure, they presented unto him gifts… Matthew 2:11
You: ? What will you do?
Will you rejoice in God as Mary did, perhaps in prayer and pondering?
Will you have a quiet joy of commitment and service to the Lord as Joseph?
Will you sing and praise God as the angels?
Will you make known abroad like the Shepherds?
Will you fall down and worship, and then offer gifts as the Wisemen?
What will you do today?
What will you do all year?
Create “Joy” and enthusiasm in the atmosphere in your home today.
Set an extra place at your dinner table tonight as you light your little candle tonight. Talk about how fun it is to keep a secret or to know a surprise. Let them think that someone is coming…Teach them the Joy Squeeze! When someone is excited they make fists and hold them tight, and bring them up to their chest and lift their shoulders. Do it with a smile! Try it! (If you have boys just have them make a fist and nod!...that is cooler)
Then at the end of dinner tell them that someone is coming. We are celebrating the Lord coming.
Do what your family does to make a celebration. Feel happy, spend time together. Spread Joy every where you can…visit, Sing! Tell the age old story! Talk to your family how you can feel joyous beyond today and tomorrow.
If you want you can discuss or read the thoughts below…
On their long journey to Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph anticipated the baby, king, coming to the world, but who else was thinking about it? Who else anticipated? Who else knew?
There were a host of people living in the America’s waiting…
And they began to know that the Son of God must shortly appear; yea, in fine, all the people upon the face of the whole earth from the west to the east, both to the land north and in the land south, were so exceedingly astonished that they fell to the earth. For they knew that the prophets had testified of these things for many years, and that the sign which had been given was already at hand…3rd Nephi 1:17-18
But maybe they too were not the only ones…Do you suppose maybe all things in the heavens and earth which were created by Jesus Christ, anticipated and shouted for joy….
”Let Heaven and Nature Sing!”
The night before Jesus Christ was born a giant wonderful secret spread throughout space.
The angels were tickled with delight and the sun overheard their excited Hallelujahs.
The sun could not wait to tell and whispered to the moon!
The moon yelled out with joy and told the wind!
The wind danced all around the earth to tell her of His coming!
The Earth laughed in rainbows and tears which spread through clouds to the oceans.
The oceans swelled with the thrill and all of the rivers and sea creatures felt the movement. For all water is connected!
The sea creatures bubbled and squeaked to tell everyone underneath from sea to sea.
The whales spouted out the secret so the birds and insects heard the news.
The birds flew to the land and told the great mountains and all of the trees.
The trees shook their leaves and fruit with joy which fell to the earth where the plants and grasses could hear the news and Celebrate.
The insects, in their excitement, Buzzed whispers to the flowers, which put on their prettiest colors and stretched and lifted their faces to the sky in gratitude.
And the animals ran and jumped and leaped and danced with the thrill. There were chirps and squeaks, and roars, and whinny’s, and howls and claps. There were croaks, and moos, clucks and quacks.
The world was having a celebration dance, even though it was a secret.
They too were included in the excitement, the night before Jesus Christ was born.
How will you express Joy that the Savior of the world was born? How will you express Joy that the Savior of the world sacrificed for you…?
Perhaps this year you could do something a little different then usual. Instead of a New Years Resolution to loose weight or organize your cupboards, maybe you could take one of the messages from the 25 days of “Christ in Christmas in Bits and Pieces” and choose to do something that would give Joy to our Savior.
Ideas:
Perhaps try to say “I love you” more often.
Perhaps try to be a little more gentle then you were last year.
Perhaps “Come” to the Lord more often, however you can.
Perhaps tell about Jesus Christ as a missionary.
Perhaps be an angel to someone in need.
Perhaps “be good for goodness sakes” and repent and change.
Or, perhaps copy the 25 days and place it in your scriptures, and when you partake of the sacrament, you read one. And remember Christ, and covenant to do better that week.
*Or, perhaps you could do a Joy squeeze when you partake of the Sacrament every week silently reminding yourself…
“Joy To The World, The Lord Has Come!”
December 25th
“Come “adore” on bended knee, Christ the Lord… ”
Angels we have heard on High French Carol
And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of who it was written by the prophets, that should come.
And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying:
Hosanna!
Blessed be the name of the Most High God!
And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him. 3rd Nephi 11 15-17
And they did all, both they who had been healed and they who were whole, bow down at his feet, and did worship him; and as many as could come for the multitude did kiss his feet, insomuch that they did bathe his feet with their tears. 3rd Nephi 17:10
We must each go one by one and see with our eyes and feel with our hands and witness for ourselves that Jesus is the Christ. And when we know, we can fall down at the feet of Jesus and worship him...and bathe his feet with our tears!
Yea, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess before him… Mosiah 27:31
Tonight can be the last night you light your little candle of the Christmas season. But don’t feel sad.
The light of Christ is everywhere; When you feel the warmth of the sun; When you look up at the huge night- light of the moon; As you observe the twinkling of the stars; As you walk on the strong foundation of the good earth with all of its life and beauty. Light is the law by which all things are governed.
But mostly it is in you. It is the light that shines in your eye. You are the “little candle” that shines. Now, shine forth, and Come to Christ.… the true light!
(Powerful)
He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth; which shineth. This is the light of Christ.
As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power therof by which it was made.
As also he is in the moon, and is the light of the moon, and the power therof by which it was made;
As also the light of the stars, and the power thereof by which they were made; And the earth also, and the power therof, even the earth upon which you stand.
And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings;
Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space—The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things. D&C 88:6-13
Behold I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin. 3rd Nephi 9:21
And his countenance did smile….,
and the light of his countenance did shine…3rd Nephi 19:25
December 23
Happy December 23! Happy Birthday Joseph Smith!!
Scripture: D&C 135:3
“Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it…He lived great and he died great in the eyes of God and his people.”
Hymn 27: Praise to the Man
Snack: Pie and Root beer
Game: Copy and Cut out each fact. Have family members play Charades with the information.
Here are some facts about Joseph Smith that are “kid friendly” to share. What a great day for a birthday celebration of our Prophet!
DID YOU KNOW:
Joseph Smith was born on Dec. 23 in 1805. How old would he be now if he were still alive?
Joseph Smith was the 5th child of eleven
*Joseph Smith was kind to Indians: Quote from Helen Mar Whitney: Our city was occasionally visited by Lamanites (Indians) and a deputation of Pottawatamie chiefs came to the city to see Joseph Smith in June, 1843. The Prophet had an ox killed for them, and some horses were also prepared for them.
They remembered the kindness of Joseph and his people, and when driven from Nauvoo they made us welcome upon their land, where we were obliged to make our winter quarters.
*Joseph Smith Loved Children: by Jane Snyder Richards
On one occasion when his enemies were threatening him with violence, he was told that quite a number of little children were gathered together praying for his safety. He replied: “Then I need have no fear; I am safe.”
It was the common custom for men, women, and children alike to flock to the road side and salute him as he passed along.
*By Mary Ann Winters:
As we were going home on the little boat, Brother Joseph sat on the upper deck with the company gathered around him listening to his wonderful words. My father sat opposite him, so near that their knees almost touched. I, a little girl, being tired and sleepy, my Pa took me in his arms to rest, Brother Joseph stopped speaking, stooped and took my feet on his knees. When I would have drawn them away, he said “No, let me hold them; you will rest better.”
*By Margarette McIntyre Burgess:
Another time my older brother and I were going to school, near the building which was known as Joseph’s store. It had been raining the previous day, causing the ground to be very muddy, especially along that street. My brother Wallace and I both got fast in the mud and could not get out, and of course, childlike, we began to cry, for we thought we would have to stay there. But looking up, I beheld the loving friend of children, the Prophet Joseph, coming to us. He soon had us on higher and drier ground. Then he stooped down and cleaned the mud form our little haven-laden shoes, took his handkerchief from his pocket and wiped our tear-stained faces. He spoke kind and cheering words to us, and sent us on our way to school rejoicing. Was it any wonder that I loved that great, good and noble man of God?
*Did the Prophet Joseph Smith Play? By Edward Stevenson
I have often seen the Prophet indulge in a game of checkers. He was cheerful—often wrestling with Sidney Rigdon. One time he had his pants torn badly, but had a good laugh over it. In Missouri, when mob forces oppressed the Saints, we were encamped in Adam-ondi-Ahman, mostly around campfires without tents. One night the snow fell four or five inches. The Prophet, seeing our forlorn condition, called on us to form into two parties—Lyman Wight at the head of one line and he (Joseph) heading the other line—to have a sham battle. The weapons were snow balls. We set to with a will full of glee and fun.
*By Calvin W. Moore:
When Porter Rockwell was in jail, in Missouri, his mother went to see him at the jail, and the Missourians told her that if she would raise a certain amount of money and give it t\o them they would let her son go. Joseph started out to get the money. He came to a large crowd of young men who were wrestling, that being the popular sport in those days. Among the boys there was a bully, from LaHarpe I believe. He had thrown down every one on the ground who wrestled with him. When Joseph came to the crowd he told them what he wanted, passed around the hat, raised what money he could and then went into the ring to take part with the young men and boys in their games. So he was invited to wrestle with this bully.
The man was eager to have a tussle with the Prophet, so Joseph stepped forward and took hold of the man. The first pass he made, Joseph whirled him around and took him by the collar and seat of his trousers and walked out to a ditch and threw him in it, Then, taking him by the arm, he helped him up and patted him on the back and said, “You must not mind this. When I am with the boys I make all the fun I can for them.
*Did you know that Joseph Smith and his mother had a stand kind of like a Lemonade Stand in the Town of Palmyra. But they sold Pie and Beer. Not real beer, but what kind…Root beer! They did it to earn money.
*Did you know that Joseph Smith had a cane, and still carried a limp from when he had that terrible surgery when he was just a little boy
*Guess what Joseph Smith’s horse’s name was? Old Charlie
*Joseph Smith was courageous: Luke S. Johnson
In the fall of 1831, while Joseph was yet at my father’s place, a mob of forty or fifty came to his house. A few entered his room in the middle of the night, and Carnot Mason dragged Joseph out of bed by the hair of his head. He was then seized by as many as could get hold of him, and taken about forty rods from the house, stretched on a board, and tantalized in the most insulting and brutal manner. They tore off his clothes …In attempting to force open his jaws and pour a vial of some obnoxious drug into his mouth they broke one of his front teeth.
The mob divide, and did not succeed; but poured tar over him and then stuck feathers in it and left him, and went to an old brick yard to wash themselves and bury their filthy clothe. AT this place a vial was dropped, the contents of which ran out and killed the grass….[later] after this accident, we heard the voice of Joseph calling for a blanket. Some person handed him one, and he came in, the tar trickling down his face. His wife was very much alarmed, supposing it to be blood, until he came near enough to wee that it was tar. My mother got some lard and rubbed it upon him to get the tar off, which they succeeded in removing.
Waste, who was the strongest man on the Western Reserve, had boasted that he could take Joseph out alone. At the time they were taking him out of the house, Waste had hold of one foot, Joseph drew up his leg and gave him a kick, which sent him sprawling in the street. He afterwards said that the Prophet was the most powerful man he ever had hold of in his life.
[Joseph Smith gave a sermon the next day]
*Obtaining the plates was scary:
Previously he had hidden them in an old birch log that he had hollowed out and placed the bark back in the tree to hide them.
Written by his mother”
Joseph on coming to them, took them from their secret place, and, wrapping them in his linen frock, placed them under his arm and started for home. …Traveling some distance after he left the road, he came to a large windfall, and as he was jumping over a log, a man sprang up from behind it and gave him a heavy blow with a gun. Joseph turned around and knocked him down, then ran at the top of his speed. About half a mile further he was attacked again in the same manner as before, he knocked this man down in like manner as the former, and ran on again, and before he reached home he was assaulted the third time. In striking the last one, he dislocated his thumb, which, however, he did not notice until he came within sight of the house, when he threw himself down in the corner of the fence in order to recover his breath. As soon as he was able, he arose and came to the house. He was still altogether speechless from fright and the fatigue of running.
Scripture: D&C 135:3
“Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it…He lived great and he died great in the eyes of God and his people.”
Hymn 27: Praise to the Man
Snack: Pie and Root beer
Game: Copy and Cut out each fact. Have family members play Charades with the information.
Here are some facts about Joseph Smith that are “kid friendly” to share. What a great day for a birthday celebration of our Prophet!
DID YOU KNOW:
Joseph Smith was born on Dec. 23 in 1805. How old would he be now if he were still alive?
Joseph Smith was the 5th child of eleven
*Joseph Smith was kind to Indians: Quote from Helen Mar Whitney: Our city was occasionally visited by Lamanites (Indians) and a deputation of Pottawatamie chiefs came to the city to see Joseph Smith in June, 1843. The Prophet had an ox killed for them, and some horses were also prepared for them.
They remembered the kindness of Joseph and his people, and when driven from Nauvoo they made us welcome upon their land, where we were obliged to make our winter quarters.
*Joseph Smith Loved Children: by Jane Snyder Richards
On one occasion when his enemies were threatening him with violence, he was told that quite a number of little children were gathered together praying for his safety. He replied: “Then I need have no fear; I am safe.”
It was the common custom for men, women, and children alike to flock to the road side and salute him as he passed along.
*By Mary Ann Winters:
As we were going home on the little boat, Brother Joseph sat on the upper deck with the company gathered around him listening to his wonderful words. My father sat opposite him, so near that their knees almost touched. I, a little girl, being tired and sleepy, my Pa took me in his arms to rest, Brother Joseph stopped speaking, stooped and took my feet on his knees. When I would have drawn them away, he said “No, let me hold them; you will rest better.”
*By Margarette McIntyre Burgess:
Another time my older brother and I were going to school, near the building which was known as Joseph’s store. It had been raining the previous day, causing the ground to be very muddy, especially along that street. My brother Wallace and I both got fast in the mud and could not get out, and of course, childlike, we began to cry, for we thought we would have to stay there. But looking up, I beheld the loving friend of children, the Prophet Joseph, coming to us. He soon had us on higher and drier ground. Then he stooped down and cleaned the mud form our little haven-laden shoes, took his handkerchief from his pocket and wiped our tear-stained faces. He spoke kind and cheering words to us, and sent us on our way to school rejoicing. Was it any wonder that I loved that great, good and noble man of God?
*Did the Prophet Joseph Smith Play? By Edward Stevenson
I have often seen the Prophet indulge in a game of checkers. He was cheerful—often wrestling with Sidney Rigdon. One time he had his pants torn badly, but had a good laugh over it. In Missouri, when mob forces oppressed the Saints, we were encamped in Adam-ondi-Ahman, mostly around campfires without tents. One night the snow fell four or five inches. The Prophet, seeing our forlorn condition, called on us to form into two parties—Lyman Wight at the head of one line and he (Joseph) heading the other line—to have a sham battle. The weapons were snow balls. We set to with a will full of glee and fun.
*By Calvin W. Moore:
When Porter Rockwell was in jail, in Missouri, his mother went to see him at the jail, and the Missourians told her that if she would raise a certain amount of money and give it t\o them they would let her son go. Joseph started out to get the money. He came to a large crowd of young men who were wrestling, that being the popular sport in those days. Among the boys there was a bully, from LaHarpe I believe. He had thrown down every one on the ground who wrestled with him. When Joseph came to the crowd he told them what he wanted, passed around the hat, raised what money he could and then went into the ring to take part with the young men and boys in their games. So he was invited to wrestle with this bully.
The man was eager to have a tussle with the Prophet, so Joseph stepped forward and took hold of the man. The first pass he made, Joseph whirled him around and took him by the collar and seat of his trousers and walked out to a ditch and threw him in it, Then, taking him by the arm, he helped him up and patted him on the back and said, “You must not mind this. When I am with the boys I make all the fun I can for them.
*Did you know that Joseph Smith and his mother had a stand kind of like a Lemonade Stand in the Town of Palmyra. But they sold Pie and Beer. Not real beer, but what kind…Root beer! They did it to earn money.
*Did you know that Joseph Smith had a cane, and still carried a limp from when he had that terrible surgery when he was just a little boy
*Guess what Joseph Smith’s horse’s name was? Old Charlie
*Joseph Smith was courageous: Luke S. Johnson
In the fall of 1831, while Joseph was yet at my father’s place, a mob of forty or fifty came to his house. A few entered his room in the middle of the night, and Carnot Mason dragged Joseph out of bed by the hair of his head. He was then seized by as many as could get hold of him, and taken about forty rods from the house, stretched on a board, and tantalized in the most insulting and brutal manner. They tore off his clothes …In attempting to force open his jaws and pour a vial of some obnoxious drug into his mouth they broke one of his front teeth.
The mob divide, and did not succeed; but poured tar over him and then stuck feathers in it and left him, and went to an old brick yard to wash themselves and bury their filthy clothe. AT this place a vial was dropped, the contents of which ran out and killed the grass….[later] after this accident, we heard the voice of Joseph calling for a blanket. Some person handed him one, and he came in, the tar trickling down his face. His wife was very much alarmed, supposing it to be blood, until he came near enough to wee that it was tar. My mother got some lard and rubbed it upon him to get the tar off, which they succeeded in removing.
Waste, who was the strongest man on the Western Reserve, had boasted that he could take Joseph out alone. At the time they were taking him out of the house, Waste had hold of one foot, Joseph drew up his leg and gave him a kick, which sent him sprawling in the street. He afterwards said that the Prophet was the most powerful man he ever had hold of in his life.
[Joseph Smith gave a sermon the next day]
*Obtaining the plates was scary:
Previously he had hidden them in an old birch log that he had hollowed out and placed the bark back in the tree to hide them.
Written by his mother”
Joseph on coming to them, took them from their secret place, and, wrapping them in his linen frock, placed them under his arm and started for home. …Traveling some distance after he left the road, he came to a large windfall, and as he was jumping over a log, a man sprang up from behind it and gave him a heavy blow with a gun. Joseph turned around and knocked him down, then ran at the top of his speed. About half a mile further he was attacked again in the same manner as before, he knocked this man down in like manner as the former, and ran on again, and before he reached home he was assaulted the third time. In striking the last one, he dislocated his thumb, which, however, he did not notice until he came within sight of the house, when he threw himself down in the corner of the fence in order to recover his breath. As soon as he was able, he arose and came to the house. He was still altogether speechless from fright and the fatigue of running.
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