Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Monday, January 30, 2006
In need of advice
Ok, question for the family:
I have a friend that I love that I am worried about. It's a long complicated story, but I'll try to not take forever telling it. She's one of my former roommates that I lived with for two years and honestly, she's the one that I'm closest to out of the bunch. She's been dating this guy on and off (mostly on I think) for the past five months. Normally this would be fine, great even. However, here's the problem: this guy dated one of our other roommates for over eight months, had some "difficulties", and then didn't want to marry her until she didn't want to marry him anymore. This other roommate has since moved away and has no idea that this guy is dating one of her best friends. Oh the drama! :-) I started getting worried when last Sunday, we invited her over for dinner and then she didn't show. I called her and she said she was on the phone with her boyfriend and could she call me back. Half an hour later, she calls and asks if he can come too. Sure, that's fine. 45 minutes later, no show. She finally calls and says that she can't make it because she has to go do something with her boyfriend.
The advice I need is should I do or say anything to my friend about this guy? On the one hand, it's not really my business and it's her life. But on the other hand, she's my good friend and she doesn't know all of history surrounding him. Mostly, I'm worried because she keeps coming to my mind. I don't have lots of prompting-type experiences that I was aware were the Holy Ghost telling me to get a move on, but with the frequency with which she keeps popping in my head, I'm starting to wonder.
Anyway, I just want to know what people think. Should I try to talk to her and express my concern or should I just it go? I just don't want her to get hurt like our other roommate who still crys over this guy.
I have a friend that I love that I am worried about. It's a long complicated story, but I'll try to not take forever telling it. She's one of my former roommates that I lived with for two years and honestly, she's the one that I'm closest to out of the bunch. She's been dating this guy on and off (mostly on I think) for the past five months. Normally this would be fine, great even. However, here's the problem: this guy dated one of our other roommates for over eight months, had some "difficulties", and then didn't want to marry her until she didn't want to marry him anymore. This other roommate has since moved away and has no idea that this guy is dating one of her best friends. Oh the drama! :-) I started getting worried when last Sunday, we invited her over for dinner and then she didn't show. I called her and she said she was on the phone with her boyfriend and could she call me back. Half an hour later, she calls and asks if he can come too. Sure, that's fine. 45 minutes later, no show. She finally calls and says that she can't make it because she has to go do something with her boyfriend.
The advice I need is should I do or say anything to my friend about this guy? On the one hand, it's not really my business and it's her life. But on the other hand, she's my good friend and she doesn't know all of history surrounding him. Mostly, I'm worried because she keeps coming to my mind. I don't have lots of prompting-type experiences that I was aware were the Holy Ghost telling me to get a move on, but with the frequency with which she keeps popping in my head, I'm starting to wonder.
Anyway, I just want to know what people think. Should I try to talk to her and express my concern or should I just it go? I just don't want her to get hurt like our other roommate who still crys over this guy.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
What Heaven would be like
You don't have to all read this, it is long and some may find it boring. I thought I'd Blog it for Bret to keep in his journal.
The first question my journal asked was, write down the things you love. I had so many! Next, it said, write what your idea of heaven was.
Karen’s Heaven:
I would never have to get up to an alarm clock, but would wake early to sunshine and the gentle sounds of birds chirping. Our bodies would feel wonderful, no aches or pains! I would have my favorite breakfast everyday, granola and yogurt and fruit. Then, I would get to go for a long walk, sometimes with friends or family, sometimes alone. I could choose to walk where ever I wanted each morning, from along rivers to up canyons to city streets paved with gold and jewels.
For scripture study, I would get to read all the unknown books, and it would be so fun and interesting to have it all become so clear.
For lunch, I could go out with someone everyday, sometimes grandkids, my mother, my kids, my friends; sometimes people I felt I could help, sometimes people who could be of a help to me. I could have whatever I wanted, because there were no calories up there. I could have donuts with Jarek one day, and ice cream sundaes at Friendly’s with Kathy the next, then a healthy salad with my sister the next.
During the afternoon, we wouldn’t have to do chores, like cut the lawn or clean much. My house would be small and simple, yet it could grow and stretch to the right size if I had family or friends come to visit or for a get-together or party. I guess we would all have some kind of job to do. I hope I would get to visit people that needed the Gospel and share it with them. Maybe in heaven that would be all done. I just hope I get a job with people.
In the evening, there would be special firesides once a week like at BYU, sometimes and Apostle, maybe sometimes Joseph Smith or Brigham Young. On other evenings, we could visit friends or family on the front porches and have nice long talks, and even walks too if we wanted.
There would be no pain, no hate, no evil. People would love each other, and there would be no stealing or lying or anger.
The days would go by with all the good we have here, but none of the bad. No flat tires, no strep throat, no money problems, no broken bones, no hurricanes or tornados, except there would have to be some rain for Tevia.
It sounds wonderful to me.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Thankful
Well, I am just so thankful that Malik is fine. And I am thankful for nurses who stay up all hours of the night tending to sick and injured people. I am thankful for thoughtful people who give their love and concern and prayers and best wishes on behalf of Malik. I am thankful for the time when I will get a full nights sleep without having to hear beeps and cries. I am thankful that mine and my kids trials are ours, and that we don't have someone elses. I am thankful for Bret who picks up the slack and cares for Jarek and makes sure he gets to school while I am gone. I am thankful for Jarek and his great faith, he is such a good example. I am thankful for Malik who toook his medicine this morning without even crying or spitting it out one time. I am thankful for modern medicine, for without it, I don't know how long Malik would even be with us. I am thankful to God for giving me things in my life that strengthen my faith, and keeps my mind in rememberance that all we have is not ours, but His, and we are just the caretakers of what has been entrusted to us. I am thankful for life.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Malik on my mind
As I have Malik on my mind - I looked him up in Wikipedia and found some great stuff.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malik
It is always hard seeing a child sick. But I do have a lot faith. I never really worry that things are going to get terrible; like he'll die or something. It is also great having another son with even greater faith. As I drove Jarek home from the hospital where Malik still is, he asked me why Malik couldn't come home with us. "I thought I had enough faith" he said. What a blessing to have children.
And is there anything greater than a mother? Tevia went to the hospital with Malik last night as he was having difficulties breathing. Tevia spent most of the night at his side. I was able to take her place for a few hours to help her get some rest, but she makes it through with little sleep on the love of a child and poor tasting hospital food. We are so blessed to have her in our home.
Malik will be back tomorrow morning. He is doing well and is happy. But Jarek and I are lonely here at home. We can't wait for mom and Malik to come home and complete our family.
FYI - Jarek is in Wikipedia also!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malik
It is always hard seeing a child sick. But I do have a lot faith. I never really worry that things are going to get terrible; like he'll die or something. It is also great having another son with even greater faith. As I drove Jarek home from the hospital where Malik still is, he asked me why Malik couldn't come home with us. "I thought I had enough faith" he said. What a blessing to have children.
And is there anything greater than a mother? Tevia went to the hospital with Malik last night as he was having difficulties breathing. Tevia spent most of the night at his side. I was able to take her place for a few hours to help her get some rest, but she makes it through with little sleep on the love of a child and poor tasting hospital food. We are so blessed to have her in our home.
Malik will be back tomorrow morning. He is doing well and is happy. But Jarek and I are lonely here at home. We can't wait for mom and Malik to come home and complete our family.
FYI - Jarek is in Wikipedia also!
Monday, January 23, 2006
Sunday dinner at the Wall's
We had another Sunday dinner at Jacob and Cari's yesterday. I made a pot roast, Cari provided her WONDERFULL jello cake dessert, and we had a couple other sides brought by friends of both me and Jacob and Cari. The food was great and the company was great.
Jacob... you've fooled another. My friend Molly seems to think you're quite intelligent. Don't worry... I didn't tell her the truth... so she still thinks you are! HA! Just kidding. I just wanted to say (and I've thought this on several occasions) Molly pointed out how impressed she was that we carried on an actually gospel conversation. Dispite the fact that it was a Sunday, I told her that's something the Wall family just does, regardless what day it is. I really do appreciate having friends (family) that are well read, opinionated, and willing to discuss gospel topics... so, thank you... all of you....
Oh and Jacob... it's ORGANIC, O-R-G-A-N-I-C... don't forget it, ok? :)
Jacob... you've fooled another. My friend Molly seems to think you're quite intelligent. Don't worry... I didn't tell her the truth... so she still thinks you are! HA! Just kidding. I just wanted to say (and I've thought this on several occasions) Molly pointed out how impressed she was that we carried on an actually gospel conversation. Dispite the fact that it was a Sunday, I told her that's something the Wall family just does, regardless what day it is. I really do appreciate having friends (family) that are well read, opinionated, and willing to discuss gospel topics... so, thank you... all of you....
Oh and Jacob... it's ORGANIC, O-R-G-A-N-I-C... don't forget it, ok? :)
SNOW DAY!!!, and more on listening
I really watched this week to see how people listen. not very well, I may say. we did a 'pretend' visit teaching meeting with a new person we were paired off with in a Relief Society thing. before we were paired off, we were supposed to write on a card what we would like our visiting teacher to do, especially if it were our real life ones. I simply wrote, 'listen more', so I have someone to really talk to and not have to listen to their sad life stories. (this can't work in my real life situation, because I have someone who needs me.) well, I met this cool lady from Westpoint, we had 15 minutes to chat, and she was sweet and fun and nice, but she basically asked me about 2 or 3 things, like how many kids I had, etc, and then she told me all about her. it must be hard to really want to listen to what other people are saying, cause most of the time, why would we or they really care? they gave another example of a lady who's visiting teachers asked if they could come over cause it was the end of the month and they still had to fit her in! the young mother said you could come if you can help me clean, my house is a wreck and I have guests coming tomorrow and a sick child. they came, sat, gave a lesson, and left..... how rude is that? oh well. it was fun. I watched how seldom even dad really listens to me. right now, he just simply can't take anything else in. his brain is fried. so pour your little heart out to the Lord, and in your journal, cause that may be all we get sometimes. everyone needs someone to listen to them.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Haxxor skillz
Maybe it is the post vacation era, but I have been feeling kinda depressed as of late. My classes are more interesting than usual, and I am doing well in a rough job; yet, I feel I have little purpose in life. Which, to be honest, isn't true since work and school really are my purpose. But, that dosen't stop me from feeling lost. Usually, I have some event or time in the future to look forward to and hope for. Its my dreams and hopes that push me and allow me to enjoy day to day life. I don't have one fixed event on the horizon that isn't a meeting or test. Four inches of snow fell last night turning Provo all white and reminding me how much the pretty white stuff had cost me a month earlier. Its the first time I've ever been annoyed to see snow.
I've learned how poorly I write in my English 316 class. This paragraph displys evident proof of that. This is not a surprise to me, but my teacher was not at all reserved when she told me she didn't think an A was in my future and suggested I retake English 315. Whether she knew it or not, this was the best advice she could give me as I am always trying my best to prove people wrong. Discouraging remarks have always pushed me harder than compliments.
This is also true in my advanced volleyball class where the possibility to be thrown out of the class has me really excited. The constant negative feedback has pushed me to really put forth some effort. I won a game 15-0 yesterday. I served 15 striaght points with 3 aces. The rest of my game sucks, but no one can handle my very short curving serve.
The title you ask? The computer Science department had a major problem this semester with one of their large databases. After all options but wiping the database had been exusted, Dr. Burton suggested they pay me a visit. I assured them their grim assesment of no regular fixes was correct, but asked them if I might atempt a more unusual fix. After deciding it was worth a shot they returned, and asked me to give it a try. End of the story, I hacked the database from outside and hex edited(hard coded) a solution. So, I guess some of my earlier skills in that area are still usful.
Why is this important? Everyone constantly tells me how talented I am at so very many things. Yet being talented at everything does a whole lot of nothing. Only if you are exceptional at just a few things do rewards come. Example, I am a great programmer in more languages than most of my friends even know. Yet, they are exceptional in just Java and C++ the two languages the CS department is currently using to test us.
Anyways, Im not really complaining, just trying to get some words out so I can feel better. The real purpose of this blog is to ask everyone to email me their resume. Mine is due on Tuesday and I am really trying to show my teacher I am not illiterate. I did get an A- in 315 for goodness sake. Only, Cari constantly reminds me it was only becasue I flirted with the teacher every class.
So to sum up this entry, BYU won their basketball game tongiht, Cari liked the dinner I made and the CS department called me a genius; lets get ready for tomorrow.
I've learned how poorly I write in my English 316 class. This paragraph displys evident proof of that. This is not a surprise to me, but my teacher was not at all reserved when she told me she didn't think an A was in my future and suggested I retake English 315. Whether she knew it or not, this was the best advice she could give me as I am always trying my best to prove people wrong. Discouraging remarks have always pushed me harder than compliments.
This is also true in my advanced volleyball class where the possibility to be thrown out of the class has me really excited. The constant negative feedback has pushed me to really put forth some effort. I won a game 15-0 yesterday. I served 15 striaght points with 3 aces. The rest of my game sucks, but no one can handle my very short curving serve.
The title you ask? The computer Science department had a major problem this semester with one of their large databases. After all options but wiping the database had been exusted, Dr. Burton suggested they pay me a visit. I assured them their grim assesment of no regular fixes was correct, but asked them if I might atempt a more unusual fix. After deciding it was worth a shot they returned, and asked me to give it a try. End of the story, I hacked the database from outside and hex edited(hard coded) a solution. So, I guess some of my earlier skills in that area are still usful.
Why is this important? Everyone constantly tells me how talented I am at so very many things. Yet being talented at everything does a whole lot of nothing. Only if you are exceptional at just a few things do rewards come. Example, I am a great programmer in more languages than most of my friends even know. Yet, they are exceptional in just Java and C++ the two languages the CS department is currently using to test us.
Anyways, Im not really complaining, just trying to get some words out so I can feel better. The real purpose of this blog is to ask everyone to email me their resume. Mine is due on Tuesday and I am really trying to show my teacher I am not illiterate. I did get an A- in 315 for goodness sake. Only, Cari constantly reminds me it was only becasue I flirted with the teacher every class.
So to sum up this entry, BYU won their basketball game tongiht, Cari liked the dinner I made and the CS department called me a genius; lets get ready for tomorrow.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
deep question
Yes to Jacob Webb, people have kept me busy and I haven't had time to blog lately, but I loved all the people who were here and kept me busy having fun.
I am doing a 40 day soul- searching- journal -type thing. the question for yesterday was: sit quietly and think back and try to remember someone who you know really listens to you when you speak, and cares about you and even understands you.
wow! that was fun to do. to really try and figure out, does anyone out there understand me?
I loved the question. I guess I love deep stuff. I think Bret does in some ways. I know my parents don't now and I don't think they ever did. I couldn't think of a single teacher that I went to for that special care that some people have. none of the priests understood me. my first husband certainly didn't. I think at a high school level, my best friend did, Alexa, so I am glad the name may get used someday in the family. My brothers don't. but, alas, my sister does!!!!! yeah! my poor Donald tries to, and does sometimes. I am very complicated. Olivia and I were close, but she did not get what I was about. so, I am glad for my sister who loves me unconditionally. and, for Bret, who I think gets me pretty much. and I know for sure that I always have the Lord who knows me and loves me anyways... (that reminds me, would anyone mind if Kathy my sis joined the Blog? she may not want to, but I was wondering. )
then the book says, today, I will try and understand someone else.... cool. so I did. Kathy had a terrible day at school. I tried to be unjudgmental and just understand how she was feeling. it was fun. then dad had a bad day at work. it worries me, but I do understand how he must feel not knowing what everyone in the dept thinks he should know.
and just for everyone's enjoyment, hoy es el compleanos de Ben Franklin. I love my little spanish word of the day. I love to learn. I am happy even though everyone else had a bad day, I have a cold and something even worse, (womanly stuff), and yet, it feels good to be able to make a good dinner for Don and the kids and cheer them on in this crazy trip of life. I made Don white macaroni and cheese, homemade, like he liked in the restaurant we went to. He liked it, Tom didn't.
ps - from the boomer saga.... Kathy went on a date yesterday with Charlie, a cutie and runner up for Mr. Ketcham. he took her to a movie, Burger King, and to play air hockey at fun central. when she got home, she said, " I kept thinking of Boomer the whole time and how comfortable I feel when I am with him."
I am doing a 40 day soul- searching- journal -type thing. the question for yesterday was: sit quietly and think back and try to remember someone who you know really listens to you when you speak, and cares about you and even understands you.
wow! that was fun to do. to really try and figure out, does anyone out there understand me?
I loved the question. I guess I love deep stuff. I think Bret does in some ways. I know my parents don't now and I don't think they ever did. I couldn't think of a single teacher that I went to for that special care that some people have. none of the priests understood me. my first husband certainly didn't. I think at a high school level, my best friend did, Alexa, so I am glad the name may get used someday in the family. My brothers don't. but, alas, my sister does!!!!! yeah! my poor Donald tries to, and does sometimes. I am very complicated. Olivia and I were close, but she did not get what I was about. so, I am glad for my sister who loves me unconditionally. and, for Bret, who I think gets me pretty much. and I know for sure that I always have the Lord who knows me and loves me anyways... (that reminds me, would anyone mind if Kathy my sis joined the Blog? she may not want to, but I was wondering. )
then the book says, today, I will try and understand someone else.... cool. so I did. Kathy had a terrible day at school. I tried to be unjudgmental and just understand how she was feeling. it was fun. then dad had a bad day at work. it worries me, but I do understand how he must feel not knowing what everyone in the dept thinks he should know.
and just for everyone's enjoyment, hoy es el compleanos de Ben Franklin. I love my little spanish word of the day. I love to learn. I am happy even though everyone else had a bad day, I have a cold and something even worse, (womanly stuff), and yet, it feels good to be able to make a good dinner for Don and the kids and cheer them on in this crazy trip of life. I made Don white macaroni and cheese, homemade, like he liked in the restaurant we went to. He liked it, Tom didn't.
ps - from the boomer saga.... Kathy went on a date yesterday with Charlie, a cutie and runner up for Mr. Ketcham. he took her to a movie, Burger King, and to play air hockey at fun central. when she got home, she said, " I kept thinking of Boomer the whole time and how comfortable I feel when I am with him."
Where are the Cheetos?!
So, there's been quite the quiet spell here on "All That is Wall."
I can only imagine that it is because Jacob has been making his rounds visiting family and leaving a mess of destroyed computers he has "fixed" in his wake... well... IF anyone happens to get their computer up and running it will be good to hear how the new year is going... after all, we've now started into the second half of the first month of the year already!
As for me... well... I'm just excited to be starting BYU intramural soccer again. It's co-ed and Jacob will be on our team. I'm also still hoping to get on a basketball team, but in the mean time, I'm doig well filling my exersice quota with racquetball on Wednesdays and elders quarum basketball on Thursdays.
I've moved to full time days now (instead of working part time days/nights for full time) since I'm not taking classes this semester becuase tuition is ridiculous!!! I'll have in state tuition by summer session!!! FINALLY! I am also taking two night institute classes. Tuesday nights: Doctorines of the gospel (for 24-31 year olds) and Thursday nights: Preperation for a celestial marriage (no, there are no prospects, but it's been a few years since I've taken the class, and the instructor comes HIGHLY reccomended... it's a good class, I think everyone should have to take it at some point).
Anyway... hope all are doing well as well.
I can only imagine that it is because Jacob has been making his rounds visiting family and leaving a mess of destroyed computers he has "fixed" in his wake... well... IF anyone happens to get their computer up and running it will be good to hear how the new year is going... after all, we've now started into the second half of the first month of the year already!
As for me... well... I'm just excited to be starting BYU intramural soccer again. It's co-ed and Jacob will be on our team. I'm also still hoping to get on a basketball team, but in the mean time, I'm doig well filling my exersice quota with racquetball on Wednesdays and elders quarum basketball on Thursdays.
I've moved to full time days now (instead of working part time days/nights for full time) since I'm not taking classes this semester becuase tuition is ridiculous!!! I'll have in state tuition by summer session!!! FINALLY! I am also taking two night institute classes. Tuesday nights: Doctorines of the gospel (for 24-31 year olds) and Thursday nights: Preperation for a celestial marriage (no, there are no prospects, but it's been a few years since I've taken the class, and the instructor comes HIGHLY reccomended... it's a good class, I think everyone should have to take it at some point).
Anyway... hope all are doing well as well.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Roommates
I simply need to vent. I don't expect anyone to read this, but I kind of have no where else to turn.
My roommates are complete... well... you fill in the blank.
In all my life, throughout all my various roommates, companions, and even family members I've never had trouble getting along with any of them with the exception of these two, and of course, my mom.... but this isn't about her for once.
I'm sure I could do something to better the situation... but there's only so much I can do. One roommate is a pathalogical liar (even about the smallest most insignificant things too) and he stinks to high heaven. The other is a lazy blob that thinks the world owes him everything and does nothing for himself... thank to his mom and dad, he never does, and he expects the same treatment from me.
I've done everything I can to accomidate these two guys. From the day I moved in. I've cooked them meals. I clean after them. I even agreed to share a room with one of them so there wouldn't be conflicts with sleeping schedules. For the most part, I don't mind that. I like to think of myself as an accomidating person.... but when I go on doing things like that without a single thanks. In fact, they really do think it's all owed to them!!! To compound my frustration, they've now conspired against me to get me kicked out of my apartment. You would think I'd be happy to leave... right?... WRONG. Do you understand the time and effort I've put into this dump to make it par living conditions for myself?? From upgrades to fixtures, to deep cleaning in the kitchen and bathroom. Additionally, I have more possessions here than both of them combined. They're both from Heber, UT and have most of their belongings still at their parents house.
Given all this, I went to the apartment management after receiving a notice to move and asked what was going on... they gave me a run around that they had to move me because of apartment consolidating, yadda yadda yadda... bullcrap! Today I found out the truth that my roommates tried to get me kicked out becuase I mentioned bringing a friend to come live here too and they didn't want to have to share rooms.... needless to say, no more Mr. Nice Jacob. I'm making them move into the same room together and I plan on making their life complete hell. What ungrateful jerks!! Never have they shown a hint of gratitude, apprectiation, or respect for me or all I do for them.... they honestly believe the world owes them everything.
Am I way off base here? I can't remember the last time I felt SO upset, betrayed and ready to literally punch someone...
My roommates are complete... well... you fill in the blank.
In all my life, throughout all my various roommates, companions, and even family members I've never had trouble getting along with any of them with the exception of these two, and of course, my mom.... but this isn't about her for once.
I'm sure I could do something to better the situation... but there's only so much I can do. One roommate is a pathalogical liar (even about the smallest most insignificant things too) and he stinks to high heaven. The other is a lazy blob that thinks the world owes him everything and does nothing for himself... thank to his mom and dad, he never does, and he expects the same treatment from me.
I've done everything I can to accomidate these two guys. From the day I moved in. I've cooked them meals. I clean after them. I even agreed to share a room with one of them so there wouldn't be conflicts with sleeping schedules. For the most part, I don't mind that. I like to think of myself as an accomidating person.... but when I go on doing things like that without a single thanks. In fact, they really do think it's all owed to them!!! To compound my frustration, they've now conspired against me to get me kicked out of my apartment. You would think I'd be happy to leave... right?... WRONG. Do you understand the time and effort I've put into this dump to make it par living conditions for myself?? From upgrades to fixtures, to deep cleaning in the kitchen and bathroom. Additionally, I have more possessions here than both of them combined. They're both from Heber, UT and have most of their belongings still at their parents house.
Given all this, I went to the apartment management after receiving a notice to move and asked what was going on... they gave me a run around that they had to move me because of apartment consolidating, yadda yadda yadda... bullcrap! Today I found out the truth that my roommates tried to get me kicked out becuase I mentioned bringing a friend to come live here too and they didn't want to have to share rooms.... needless to say, no more Mr. Nice Jacob. I'm making them move into the same room together and I plan on making their life complete hell. What ungrateful jerks!! Never have they shown a hint of gratitude, apprectiation, or respect for me or all I do for them.... they honestly believe the world owes them everything.
Am I way off base here? I can't remember the last time I felt SO upset, betrayed and ready to literally punch someone...
Sunday, January 08, 2006
The Right to Act in God's Name
As those of you who have read this blog know, when I am alone I go for walks. This evening I walked past a new church that is situated in a very unique, and intriguing, area full of palm trees in various twists and turns. The church is called Pure Heart (www.pureheart.org). Since the buildings intrigued me, I thought I would look it up online to see if it gave a history of the architecture. It did not. But while on their site I thought I would see what this church is about. Reading their page made me realize why many other "religions" will never understand the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Our "churches" are based upon completely different paradigms.
The Pure Heart church is a non-denominational congregation. Which in essense means they are not a church, but a "group" of people. Yet they baptize people, and preach, and most probably collect money. If you read the history of their "leaders," many of them were ordained, but it does not say by whom. It would seem they are elected by the "board" which makes all decisions, including what the pastor preaches. The church seems nice enough. They certainly want to be followers of Christ. They have programs for women, men, and young adults (okay, has every religion now copied this Mormon trait?). They also apparently have a sort of race you go through with different laps. The first lap is acceptance of Christ and baptism.
I do not wish to speak ill of this church, but rather use it as evidence that there are profound differences between most churches. I remember reading an article while on my mission of a religious professor who stated there really can only be two religions which are true: Catholicism and Mormonism (forgive the lazy Mormon references). This is because only these churches have been given authority from God (this is an exaggeration, but let's talk about major religions). The Catholics got it from Peter, who received it from Christ. We received it from Peter, James, and John (to Joseph and Oliver). Any other Christian religion was just formed by people who thought they understood the scriptures better. This is a paradigm that is hard to shift once you believe it. It is no wonder that most members I know who have left the church do not go to another church, but rather avoid churches. They can not rid themselves of this belief. Therefore, if Mormonism is not correct - then no church is correct. It seems logical to me, but to the rest of the world we seem awfully cocky and condescending.
The Pure Heart church is a non-denominational congregation. Which in essense means they are not a church, but a "group" of people. Yet they baptize people, and preach, and most probably collect money. If you read the history of their "leaders," many of them were ordained, but it does not say by whom. It would seem they are elected by the "board" which makes all decisions, including what the pastor preaches. The church seems nice enough. They certainly want to be followers of Christ. They have programs for women, men, and young adults (okay, has every religion now copied this Mormon trait?). They also apparently have a sort of race you go through with different laps. The first lap is acceptance of Christ and baptism.
I do not wish to speak ill of this church, but rather use it as evidence that there are profound differences between most churches. I remember reading an article while on my mission of a religious professor who stated there really can only be two religions which are true: Catholicism and Mormonism (forgive the lazy Mormon references). This is because only these churches have been given authority from God (this is an exaggeration, but let's talk about major religions). The Catholics got it from Peter, who received it from Christ. We received it from Peter, James, and John (to Joseph and Oliver). Any other Christian religion was just formed by people who thought they understood the scriptures better. This is a paradigm that is hard to shift once you believe it. It is no wonder that most members I know who have left the church do not go to another church, but rather avoid churches. They can not rid themselves of this belief. Therefore, if Mormonism is not correct - then no church is correct. It seems logical to me, but to the rest of the world we seem awfully cocky and condescending.
Friday, January 06, 2006
friday, Jan 6th
Wow! you guys have been busy blogging. Last I checked there weren't any new ones. Jacob, that was a nice tribute to your brother and a sad but sweet blog. Tev, I write all my books and movies in my journal each year, but I it was great to see yours as a blog. I also thought we'd do favorites this year for our 'family' as a blog, but we were waiting for you to come and get all the favorite movies and books of this year. we did Cari's favorites. we had a wonderful time with Jacob and Cari. They are fun and easy going. I enjoy Cari's sense of calm and her incredible patience. Jacob is lucky to have her. she is smart and sweet and doesn't have a mean bone in her body. Daisy loves her so much. they both played and played with Daisy. she will miss them but luckily she has the boys coming to keep her busy. they will like her now. she is obedient and calmer. Jacob did me lots of great favors, like getting all the wires out of my room and out from behind my computer. thank you Jacob!!!!! we played so many games, mostly Puerto Rico. I never won, but I came in second once and 3rd twice. I did win the first time I played, but only cause I made a mistake no one caught. the snow is melting, but there should be some left for the boys. Kathy has been in bed for 2 days straight. we are both on amoxicillin. I have sprayed Lysol everywhere. wer are good to go! awaiting the arrival of our favorite little boys!
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Tiny shoes
Over Christmas I had the opportunity to see and hold something I haven’t for almost 20 years.
Tevia came to me and said, “I think you might be ready to see something.” She pulled out a FedEx envelope from the closet of the guest room we were in and unwrapped a small plastic baggie containing a little pair of old blue sneakers. It took me a few moments to realize what exactly I had just been handed… it was the pair of shoes our little brother Andrew was killed in. They were worn out blue canvas shoes with once white plastic toes, faded and stained from the grass and dirt of a small child’s adventures. Stuffed inside the shoes was a pair of small dark-blue socks and a wallet size photo of the shoes’ last owner; one of only three or four pictures ever taken of him.
I was busy packing so I took that opportunity to compose my thoughts before removing and holding the shoes. So many thoughts were going through my mind, most of which were questions of “why.” Why did my aunt Donna take them from him in his final moments? Why had my mother let Andrew (and all us kids) run free with absolutely no supervision as such a young age? Why did I blame myself for his death for most of my life? Why was I being shown these items now after so many years? What would my mom say if she ever found out Tevia was now in possession of these shoes and how she acquired them? How many more adventures would these shoes have seen had the events of that fateful day, some twenty years ago, been different?
As I finally took the shoes out of the bag to hold them my mind was flooded with memories that I had been too busy, or rather unwilling, to recall for years. Many of the memories I have to doubt because I’m unsure what injecting my own thoughts about how things were as a child then letting them collects dust on the shelves of my mind for years has done to their credibility. Regardless….
Some of my memories include Andrew sleeping in a wicker bassinette that stood about four feet off the ground and he was able to (and did) climb out of it at about 16 months old. We used to move his bottom lip when he was sleeping and “talk” for him, although, he never needed us to talk for him as he learned to both talk and walk at an exceptionally young age. We used to push the middle of his forehead skin down towards his nose and say “transformers, more than meets the eye!” I’m not exactly sure why we did that, I think he looked like the Decepticon symbol when we did it… or something like that.
So little ever was, and even less now remains, of Andrew T. Webb. Had he been granted the chance to live out his life, 2005 would have been the year of his homecoming from his mission. He would have most likely been the best built, and tallest of his siblings… and who knows… I might even have TWO younger brothers married before me!
I’m thankful Donna had the sense to save those shoes and keep them from an unfit mother. I’m glad Tevia showed them to me, which gave me something more than fuzzy memories to remind me of the 9th member of our family.
Tevia came to me and said, “I think you might be ready to see something.” She pulled out a FedEx envelope from the closet of the guest room we were in and unwrapped a small plastic baggie containing a little pair of old blue sneakers. It took me a few moments to realize what exactly I had just been handed… it was the pair of shoes our little brother Andrew was killed in. They were worn out blue canvas shoes with once white plastic toes, faded and stained from the grass and dirt of a small child’s adventures. Stuffed inside the shoes was a pair of small dark-blue socks and a wallet size photo of the shoes’ last owner; one of only three or four pictures ever taken of him.
I was busy packing so I took that opportunity to compose my thoughts before removing and holding the shoes. So many thoughts were going through my mind, most of which were questions of “why.” Why did my aunt Donna take them from him in his final moments? Why had my mother let Andrew (and all us kids) run free with absolutely no supervision as such a young age? Why did I blame myself for his death for most of my life? Why was I being shown these items now after so many years? What would my mom say if she ever found out Tevia was now in possession of these shoes and how she acquired them? How many more adventures would these shoes have seen had the events of that fateful day, some twenty years ago, been different?
As I finally took the shoes out of the bag to hold them my mind was flooded with memories that I had been too busy, or rather unwilling, to recall for years. Many of the memories I have to doubt because I’m unsure what injecting my own thoughts about how things were as a child then letting them collects dust on the shelves of my mind for years has done to their credibility. Regardless….
Some of my memories include Andrew sleeping in a wicker bassinette that stood about four feet off the ground and he was able to (and did) climb out of it at about 16 months old. We used to move his bottom lip when he was sleeping and “talk” for him, although, he never needed us to talk for him as he learned to both talk and walk at an exceptionally young age. We used to push the middle of his forehead skin down towards his nose and say “transformers, more than meets the eye!” I’m not exactly sure why we did that, I think he looked like the Decepticon symbol when we did it… or something like that.
So little ever was, and even less now remains, of Andrew T. Webb. Had he been granted the chance to live out his life, 2005 would have been the year of his homecoming from his mission. He would have most likely been the best built, and tallest of his siblings… and who knows… I might even have TWO younger brothers married before me!
I’m thankful Donna had the sense to save those shoes and keep them from an unfit mother. I’m glad Tevia showed them to me, which gave me something more than fuzzy memories to remind me of the 9th member of our family.
The Skeleton Key
Okay, so Bret and I watched this movie last night. It took place in New Orleans and there is a lot of magic, vodoo, etc... that is associated with that area due to the diverse population there. I have read a lot of books and seen movies that broached a lot of these subjects and have never been disturbed by them, knowing that I was far removed and didn't believe in most of it. Anyhow, while I was watching the movie I didn't feel scared or disturbed or anything like that. It was just another movie. I would probably give it a 2 out of 5 stars. Anyhow, last night I tossed and turned, as did Bret, who eventually ended up in the guest room because he couldn't sleep and didn't want to disturb me. Well, I had horrible nightmares about being possesed and not being able to get rid of the evil spirits. I was very scared and woke up to get reassurance from Bret, but he was gone. That made me even more nervous. But I calmed myself down and looked for him. That is when I found him the guest room. He reluctantly came back to bed and had a hard time sleeping again. I couldn't fall back asleep because I kept revisiting my bad dreams.
It is amazing to me how much influence movies, books and other media can have on our subconscience. (sp) Even though I wasn't scared during the movie, something in my mind was terrified of things in that movie. It had me singing primary songs in my head and praying all night. Which, oddly enough, we had to tell Jarek to do the same thing that night since his brain had gotten overloaded with Pikmin. He couldn't get the music out of his head.
I don't know what was going on last night, but nobody here slept all that well. Even malik woke up around 11 and thought it was time to get up for the day. Crazy!!!
It is amazing to me how much influence movies, books and other media can have on our subconscience. (sp) Even though I wasn't scared during the movie, something in my mind was terrified of things in that movie. It had me singing primary songs in my head and praying all night. Which, oddly enough, we had to tell Jarek to do the same thing that night since his brain had gotten overloaded with Pikmin. He couldn't get the music out of his head.
I don't know what was going on last night, but nobody here slept all that well. Even malik woke up around 11 and thought it was time to get up for the day. Crazy!!!
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Books 2005
Here’s a list of books I read in 2005
Title, Author, Year, Times Read, Rating, Category
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Rowling, J.K. 2005 3 1
The Giver Lowry, Lois 2005 2 1
A Long Way from Chicago (audio) Peck, Richard 2005 1 2 Young Adult Fiction
Star Wars: Dark Rendezvous (Clone Wars) Stewart, Sean 2005 1 1 Sci-Fi
Slave Ship Jeter, K.W. 2005 1 3 Sci-Fi
Heretics of Dune Herbert, Frank 2005 1 1 Sci-Fi
The Golden Compass (audio) Pullman, Phillip 2005 1 1 Young Adult Fiction
Year of Wonders Brooks, Geraldine 2005 1 1 Fiction
The Subtle Knife (audio) Pullman, Phillip 2005 1 1 Young Adult Fiction
The Count of Monte Cristo Dumas, Alexandre 2005 1 1 Fiction
The Amber Spyglass (audio) Pullman, Phillip 2005 1 2 Young Adult Fiction
Star Wars: Labyrinth of Evil Luceno, James 2005 1 1 Sci-Fi
Shadow of the Giant Card, Orson Scott 2005 1 1 Sci-Fi
Star Wars: Jedi Trial (audio) Sherman, David and Cragg, Dan 2005 1 3 Sci-Fi
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith Stover, Matthew 2005 1 1 Sci-Fi
Harry Potter: The Half Blood Prince Rowling, J.K. 2005 1 1 Fantasy
The Five People You Meet in Heaven Albom, Mitch 2005 1 1 Fiction
Freakonomics Levitt, Steven D. and Dubner, Stephen J. 2005 1 1 Non-Fiction
Wicked Maguire, Gregory 2005 1 2 Fiction
Sabriel Nix, Garth 2005 1 1 Young Adult Fiction
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Rowling, J.K. 2005 2 1 Fantasy
The Old Man and the Sea Hemingway, Ernest 2005 1 2 Fiction
The Handmaid's Tale Atwood, Margaret 2005 1 2 Fiction
Title, Author, Year, Times Read, Rating, Category
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Rowling, J.K. 2005 3 1
The Giver Lowry, Lois 2005 2 1
A Long Way from Chicago (audio) Peck, Richard 2005 1 2 Young Adult Fiction
Star Wars: Dark Rendezvous (Clone Wars) Stewart, Sean 2005 1 1 Sci-Fi
Slave Ship Jeter, K.W. 2005 1 3 Sci-Fi
Heretics of Dune Herbert, Frank 2005 1 1 Sci-Fi
The Golden Compass (audio) Pullman, Phillip 2005 1 1 Young Adult Fiction
Year of Wonders Brooks, Geraldine 2005 1 1 Fiction
The Subtle Knife (audio) Pullman, Phillip 2005 1 1 Young Adult Fiction
The Count of Monte Cristo Dumas, Alexandre 2005 1 1 Fiction
The Amber Spyglass (audio) Pullman, Phillip 2005 1 2 Young Adult Fiction
Star Wars: Labyrinth of Evil Luceno, James 2005 1 1 Sci-Fi
Shadow of the Giant Card, Orson Scott 2005 1 1 Sci-Fi
Star Wars: Jedi Trial (audio) Sherman, David and Cragg, Dan 2005 1 3 Sci-Fi
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith Stover, Matthew 2005 1 1 Sci-Fi
Harry Potter: The Half Blood Prince Rowling, J.K. 2005 1 1 Fantasy
The Five People You Meet in Heaven Albom, Mitch 2005 1 1 Fiction
Freakonomics Levitt, Steven D. and Dubner, Stephen J. 2005 1 1 Non-Fiction
Wicked Maguire, Gregory 2005 1 2 Fiction
Sabriel Nix, Garth 2005 1 1 Young Adult Fiction
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Rowling, J.K. 2005 2 1 Fantasy
The Old Man and the Sea Hemingway, Ernest 2005 1 2 Fiction
The Handmaid's Tale Atwood, Margaret 2005 1 2 Fiction
Movies 2005
Here’s a list of the movies I watched this year, with the format and rating (1 being the best).
TITLE Year Format Rating
Spiderman 2 2005 DVD 1
The Village 2005 DVD 1
House of Flying Daggers 2005 Theater 1
Shall We Dance? 2005 DVD 1
Finding Neverland 2005 Plane 2
After the Sunset 2005 Plane 2
Without a Paddle 2005 DVD 2
Goldmember 2005 TV 2
I, Robot 2005 DVD 1
Alien vs. Predator 2005 DVD 1
The Forgotten 2005 DVD 2
The Incredibles 2005 DVD 1
Star Wars: Clone Wars (Season 1) 2005 DVD 1
King Arthur 2005 DVD 3
Elektra 2005 DVD 2
Spanglish 2005 DVD 1
Ocean's 12 2005 DVD 3
Behind the Sun (Brazilian) 2005 DVD 2
Meet the Fockers 2005 DVD 2
To Live 2005 DVD 1
Star Wars - Episode III: Revenge of the Sith 2005 Theater 1
In Good Company 2005 DVD 2
The Count of Monte Cristo 2005 DVD 2
Hotel Rwanda 2005 DVD 1
Terra Estrangeira 2005 DVD 2
The Pacifier 2005 Plane 2
The Work and the Glory 2005 DVD 1
Shaolin Soccer 2005 DVD 2
War of the Worlds 2005 Theater 2
The Aviator 2005 DVD 1
Harsh Realm (the TV Series) 2005 DVD 1
Pay it Forward 2005 TV 2
The Cave 2005 Theater 2
Scream 3 2005 TV 3
Bride and Prejudice 2005 DVD 2
Saints and Soldiers 2005 DVD 2
Battlestar Galactica: The Miniseries 2005 DVD 1
Sahara 2005 DVD 2
The Transporter 2 2005 Theater1
The Transporter 2005 TV 2
Monster-in-Law 2005 DVD 2
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy 2005 DVD 2
GI Joe: The Movie 2005 DVD 2
Coach Carter 2005 DVD 1
The Matrix: Reloaded 2005 TV 2
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 2005 Theater 2
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 2005 DVD 2
Mr. And Mrs. Smith 2005 DVD 1
Resident Evil 2005 TV 2
The Fantastic Four 2005 DVD 2
Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe 2005 Theater 1
The Island 2005 DVD 2
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