It’s what you scatter that you will be remembered by.

I was at the corner grocery store buying some
early potatoes. I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily apprising a basket of freshly picked green peas.


I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes.


Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller (the store owner) and the ragged boy next to me.


'Hello Barry, how are you today?'

'H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. They sure look good.'

'They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?'


'Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time.'

'Good. Anything I can help you with?'


'No, Sir. Jus' admirin' th em peas.'

'Would you like to take some home?'
asked Mr. Miller.


'No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with.'

'Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?'

'All I got's my prize marble here.'



'Is that right? Let me see it' said Miller.



'Here 'tis. She's a dandy.'

'I can see that. Hmm mmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?' the store owner asked.

'Not zackley but almost.'

'Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble'. Mr. Miller told the boy.

'Sure will.. Thanks Mr. Miller.'


Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me.

With a smile she said, 'There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever.




When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, when they come on their next trip to the store..'



I left the store smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Colorado , but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and their bartering for marbles.

Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died. They were having his visitation that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could.


Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts...all very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband's casket.


Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and
moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes.


Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and reminded her of the story from those many years ago and what she had told me about her husband's bartering for marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand
and led me to the casket.

'Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about.

They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim 'traded' them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size....they came to pay their debt.'



'We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world,' she confided, 'but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho .'


With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles.

The Moral :
We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath.


Today I wish you a day of ordinary miracles
~ A plate of food you didn't make yourself...
An unexpected phone call from an old friend ....
Green stoplights on your way to work...
The fastest line at the grocery store...
A good sing-along song on the radio...
Your keys found right where you left them.



IT'S NOT WHAT YOU GATHER, BUT WHAT YOU SCATTER THAT TELLS WHAT KIND OF LIFE YOU HAVE LIVED!

Weekend at the coast visiting with family

Well, this past weekend we were invited to go to the beach with my cousins, aunt and uncle. The Krikava's. We love visiting with them and always have a great time being in their company.

We took some fun pictures of the kids playing together.

You don't have to be a kid to have fun!

Food Measurement Equivalencies

I found this (as well as a few other) charts on McCormick's website. How handy is this?!!

Here is the link to check it out for yourself:

http://www.mccormick.com/Recipes/Cooking-Tools-and-Tips/Food-Equivalencies.aspx

 

How many sticks make up a cup of butter? The answer to this and more of your most pressing equivalency questions are below.

Out of an ingredient? Check out Flavor Substitutions for a quick fix.

INGREDIENT	UNIT OR WEIGHT	EQUIVALENT
Apples	1 medium-size	1 cup sliced
Bananas	1 medium-size	1/3 cup mashed
Bell Peppers	1 large	1 cup chopped
Butter, margarine or other fat	1/4 stick 1/2 stick (1/8 lb.) 1 stick (1/4 lb.) 2 sticks (1/2 lb.) 4 sticks (1 lb.)	2 tablespoons 1/4 cup 1/2 cup 1 cup 2 cups
Cabbage	1 lb. (1 small head)	About 5 cups shredded
Carrots	1 lb. (6 to 8 medium-size)	2 1/2 cups shredded or 2 1/4 cups chopped
Celery	1 stalk	1/2 cup chopped
Cheese	1 lb.	4 to 4 1/2 cups grated
Chicken breasts	1 1/2 lbs. (2 whole medium-sized breasts)	2 cups cooked, chopped chicken
Chocolate	1 oz.	1 square
Coconut	1 lb.	5 cups shredded
Cranberries	12 oz.	3 cups
Cream, heavy	1/2 pint (1 cup)	2 cups whipped cream
Cream cheese	3-oz. package	6 tablespoons
Currants	1 lb.	3 cups
Dates, pitted	1 lb.	2 1/2 cups
Eggs, whole	3 medium-size	Approx. 1/2 cup
Egg whites	4 medium-size	Approx. 1/2 cup
Egg yolks	3 medium-size	Approx. 1/4 cup
Flour, all-purpose	1 lb.	4 cups (sifted)
Flour, cake	1 lb.	4 1/2 cups (sifted)
Flour, rye	1 lb.	4 1/2 cups to 5 cups (unsifted)
Flour, whole-wheat	1 lb.	3 1/2 cups (unsifted)
Fruit and peels, candied	1 lb.	3 cups (cut up)
Gelatin, unflavored	1 envelope	1 tablespoon
Green beans	1 lb. (4 cups)	2 1/2 cups cooked
Lemon	1 medium-size	2 to 3 tablespoons juice, 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons grated rind
Lettuce	1 medium-size head	6 cups torn into bite-size pieces
Lime	1 medium-size	2 tablespoons juice, 1 1/2 teaspoons grated rind
Macaroni	1 cup (3 1/4 oz. uncooked)	2 to 2 1/2 cups cooked
Noodles	1 cup (1 1/3 oz. uncooked)	1 to 1 1/2 cups cooked
Nuts, whole (shelled) almonds peanuts pecans walnuts	1 lb. 1 lb. 1 lb. 1 lb.	3 cups 3 cups 4 cups 3/2 cups
Orange	1 medium-size	1/4 to 1/3 cup juice, 3 to 4 teaspoons grated peel
Peaches, pears	1 medium-size	1/2 cup sliced
Potatoes	1 lb. (3 medium-size)	2 cups cubed or 1 3/4 cups mashed
Raisins	1 lb.	3 1/4 cups
Rice	1 lb. 1 cup (uncooked) 1 1/2 cups packaged precooked	2 cups 3 cups cooked 3 cups cooked
Spaghetti	8 oz.	5 cups cooked
Spinach	1 lb.	3 cups or 12 cups torn into bite-size pieces
Strawberries	4 cups whole	4 cups sliced
Sugar: brown confectioners granulated superfine	1 lb. 1 lb. 1 lb. 1 lb.	2 1/4 cups firmly packed 3 1/4 cups 2 cups 2 cups
Tomatoes	1 medium-size	1/2 cup chopped

Passing the Purple Hat to You

I think this is great advice. So many times we let the fun memories pass us by because we worry about the small stuff that most people don't pay any attention to. Read this and share with your friends…

: ) Rachael

 

IN honor of women's history month and in memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer. Pass this on to five women that you want watched over.. If you don't know five women to pass this on to, one will do just fine. 

  

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck 
 (written after she found out she was dying from cancer). 

 I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of
pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day. 
  
 I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage. 
  
 I would have talked less and listened more. 
  
 I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded. 
  
 I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace. 
  
 I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth. 
  
 I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband. 
  
 I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed. 
  
 I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains. 

 I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life. 
  
 I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime. 
  
 Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle. 

 When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love you's' More 'I'm sorry's.' 

 But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute…look at it and really see it...live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!! 

 Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what… 
 Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.. 

 

 

 
 

If you don't mind, send this on to all the women you are grateful to have as friends. Maybe we should all grab that purple hat earlier. Please send this to five phenomenal women today in celebration of Beautiful Women's Month. If you do, something good will happen--you will boost another woman's self esteem.

LDS Scripture Rock

LDS Scripture Rock
If the Stripling Warriors had iPods, they'd be listening to this...

How cool is this? A song for us to memorize and learn the Articles of Faith. I'm a little behind in this department!? Maybe this would help me and my whole family learn the Articles of Faith.

They also have other CDs too-to learn the scriptures.

Everything Good and Beautiful

By Jan Pinborough

Jan Pinborough, "Everything Good and Beautiful," Ensign, Mar 2003, 62

Countering the world's standards can be daunting. But several key concepts can help parents give their children a firm foundation for dressing modestly throughout their lives.

On a few special days, we pay particular attention to our children's clothing. We carefully dress a precious infant to receive a name and a blessing. We prepare a treasured child to be baptized in white baptismal clothing. And on one of life's crowning days, we may be privileged to watch a loved daughter or son make eternal covenants in beautiful temple robes. On each of these special days, we recognize that the way our children dress adds to the reverence and sacred significance of gospel ordinances.

But we may not realize that the way our children dress on ordinary days also has great significance. Indeed, our children's everyday dress can either bring them closer to or take them farther from the ordinances and blessings of the gospel. How can we help our children dress in ways that will lead them from the sacred moment of a blessing or a baptism to the sacred covenants of the house of the Lord?

Knowing I Am a Child of God—and Dressing the Part

Today more than ever before, our children need clear guidance in dressing modestly. In many modern societies, standards of modesty and even decency in dress have all but vanished. Styles that once might have been seen only in a cocktail lounge or an inappropriate magazine are now being marketed to children—and at younger and younger ages. So waiting until our children approach their teens to teach them about modesty is waiting too long.

The task of countering the world's standards can be daunting—especially when children grow older and want to fit in with their peers. But by starting in their earliest years, we can give our children a firm foundation for dressing modestly throughout their lives. What key concepts will put this foundation in place? Consider the following gospel truths and how understanding them will affect the clothing choices we make:

• I am a child of God. He gave me the sacred gift of my body for a specific purpose—to do His work.

• God wants me to dress modestly. Dressing modestly reflects my divine origin and purpose.

• Dressing modestly helps me focus on God's purpose for me, and it helps others treat me with respect.

An Accurate Reflection

One mother reinforced these points in a family home evening lesson. She began by showing a picture of the Salt Lake Temple and one of a gambling casino. The family discussed how architects strive to harmonize form and function as they design buildings. They noticed how the towering spires of the Salt Lake Temple lead the eye upward toward the heavens, inviting reverence and awe. "I explained that the temple's outer dignity and grandeur accurately reflect the sacred purpose of the building—to lead us toward God," the mother says.

Then the family discussed how the casino's exterior reflects the purpose of that building. "We could see how the gaudiness of that building indicates excess. It beckons people to seek worldly pleasures," this mother continues. The family talked about how building materials, colors, and design all contribute to the overall purpose of a building.

"When I held up pictures of a person in modest clothing and one in immodest clothing, our children immediately made the connection that clothing can reflect the purpose of a person," she explains. The family could see that immodest clothing draws attention to the body of the person wearing it. They could also see that modest clothing allows the spirit of the person wearing it to radiate. "We ended by discussing how the way we dress can either contribute to or detract from our divine purpose as children of God," she concludes. "I challenged our family to make sure that the way we dress accurately reflects who we really are and what we are about."

Creating a Family Culture

Lessons alone are not the most effective way to teach modesty. Here are some ways we can create a family culture that supports our children in dressing modestly:

• Set a family standard by always dressing appropriately yourself. If you have been to the temple, wear clothing that completely covers the garment. Even if you have not yet been to the temple, wear clothing that is appropriate to wear once you have.

• Eliminate from your home any entertainment that dulls children's sense of what is appropriate and what isn't. Every visual medium—movies, computer games, television shows, music videos—carries a message about clothing. If a child's favorite pop star dresses provocatively, a young child may want to copy him or her and may begin to think these styles are not so bad.

• If you cannot find appropriate clothing, sew or have someone else sew for your children if possible.

• Write to or visit stores to let them know that you want wholesome styles for your children.

• Even when you or your children are participating in athletics, your clothing can be modest and tasteful as well as appropriate for the activity. If your child is required to wear an immodest uniform or costume for a school or an extracurricular activity, work with the coach, teacher, or principal to find a more appropriate style. You may even need to help your child consider giving up an activity that requires inappropriate dress.

• Don't buy clothing that looks unwholesome or "borderline" simply to help children fit in with or be popular with peers. Help them feel comfortable with looking different by explaining that this kind of "differentness" is one way they can affirm their faith and be a light to others.

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) encouraged us to create a culture of modesty different from the one that may exist outside of our homes: "We can create a style of our own. … We must be different. We need not do anything we do not wish to do. We can create our own style and standards. We can influence the patterns among our own people, and we can also help to develop proper community patterns." 1

What Is the Standard?

The Church's basic guidelines on what not to wear are contained in For the Strength of Youth:

"Immodest clothing includes short shorts and skirts, tight clothing, shirts that do not cover the stomach, and other revealing attire. Young women should wear clothing that covers the shoulder and avoid clothing that is low-cut in the front or the back or revealing in any other manner. Young men should also maintain modesty in their appearance. All should avoid extremes in clothing, appearance, and hairstyle. …

"… If you are not sure what is appropriate, ask your parents or leaders for help." 2

A Modest Attitude

Of course, modesty goes beyond the exact length or style of a clothing item. A crude logo can make even a sweatshirt immodest. Modesty involves both the motives and attitude of the wearer. Those who flaunt their bodies or use them to get attention do not look modest, regardless of what they wear. A wholesome look and modest attitude reflect the following understanding:

"Your body is God's sacred creation. Respect it as a gift from God, and do not defile it in any way. Through your dress and appearance, you can show the Lord that you know how precious your body is. You can show that you are a disciple of Jesus Christ.

"… When you are well groomed and modestly dressed, you invite the companionship of the Spirit and can exercise a good influence on those around you.

"Never lower your dress standards for any occasion. Doing so sends the message that you are using your body to get attention and approval and that modesty is important only when it is convenient." 3

Mirror Questions

Before children leave for school or any other activity, they typically spend at least a few moments looking in the mirror to make sure their appearance is in order. Questions such as the following can help focus a child's thoughts beyond looking stylish toward looking attractive in a wholesome, modest way:

• Does my clothing draw attention to my body or to my beliefs? Do I look provocative or wholesome?

• Am I dressing for success in a worldly way or dressing for the respect I deserve as a child of God?

• Does my clothing accurately reflect my identity as a follower of Jesus Christ and a member of His Church?

True Happiness

When President Brigham Young (1801–77) became concerned that his own daughters were becoming too worldly, he said, "I am weary of the manner in which our [young] women seek to outdo each other in all the foolish fashions of the world." Then he asked them to "retrench," to remove worldliness from their dress and behavior: "I desire them to retrench from their extravagance in dress. … Retrench in everything that is bad and worthless, and improve in everything that is good and beautiful. Not to make yourselves unhappy, but to live so that you may be truly happy in this life and the life to come." 4

As we help our children resist the immodest fashions of our time, we will also be helping them "improve in everything that is good and beautiful." We will be helping them enjoy the Spirit more abundantly in their lives as they stay on a path that leads them toward the blessings of the temple and of eternal life.

Clean in Body and Mind

"Did you ever think that your body is holy? You are a child of God. Your body is His creation. … How truly beautiful is a well-groomed young woman who is clean in body and mind. She is a daughter of God in whom her Eternal Father can take pride. How handsome is a young man who is well groomed. He is a son of God, deemed worthy of holding the holy priesthood of God."
President Gordon B. Hinckley, "A Prophet's Counsel and Prayer for Youth," Ensign, Jan. 2001, 7, 8.

Stand Tall

"You have heard the phrase 'Your actions speak so loudly, I cannot hear your words.' Our actions indeed speak volumes about us. We need to stand tall in following the counsel of the prophets to attire ourselves modestly. … Mothers, you can be our examples and conscience in this important matter. But remember, young people can detect hypocrisy as easily as they can smell the wonderful aroma of freshly baked bread. Parents, counsel your sons and daughters and then join with them in standing tall against immodesty."
Bishop H. David Burton, Presiding Bishop, "Standing Tall," Ensign, Nov. 2001, 66.

A Clear Message

"I wonder sometimes if we as mothers are the ones who make our children feel the pressure to be popular and accepted. Educating our desires so our standards are the Lord's standards sends a clear message that in the Lord's kingdom there are no double standards. … These scrutinizing young people notice. They notice how short your shorts are or if you had to tuck and pin to wear that blouse; they notice what you wear (or don't wear) when you are working in your yard; they notice which line you are standing in at the movie theater."
Sharon G. Larsen, former second counselor in the Young Women general presidency, " 'Fear Not: For They That Be with Us Are More,' " Ensign, Nov. 2001, 68.

[photos] Photographs by Steve Bunderson, posed by models

Notes

1. Quoted in "On My Honor," Ensign, Apr. 1979, 3.

2. (Pamphlet, 2001), 15–16.

3. For the Strength of Youth, 14–15.

4. Quoted in Susa Young Gates, History of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Association (1911), 8–10.

Notes

Jan Pinborough is a member of the East Mill Creek Fourth Ward, Salt Lake East Mill Creek Stake.

Just in case you need a laugh

Remember it takes a college degree to fly a plane, but only a high school diploma to fix one; a reassurance to those of us who fly routinely in our jobs. After every flight, UPS pilots fill out a form, called a 'gripe sheet,' which tells mechanics about problems with the aircraft. The mechanics correct the problems, document their repairs on the form, and then pilots review the gripe sheets before the next flight.

Gotta love someone having fun while their doing their jobs....


Never let it be said that ground crews lack a sense of humor. Here are some actual maintenance complaints submitted by UPS ' pilots (marked with a P) and the solutions recorded (marked with an S) by maintenance engineers.

By the way, UPS is the only major airline that has never, ever, had an accident.

P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.
S: Almost replaced left inside main tire.

P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.

P: Something loose in cockpit
S: Something tightened in cockpit

P: Dead bugs on windshield.
S: Live bugs on back-order.

P: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute descent.
S: Cannot reproduce problem on ground..

P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
S: Evidence removed.

P: DME volume unbelievably loud.
S: DME volume set to more believable level.

P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
S: That's what friction locks are for.

P: IFF inoperative in OFF mode.
S: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.

P: Suspected crack in windshield.
S: Suspect you're right.

P: Number 3 engine missing..
S: Engine found on right wing after brief search

P: Aircraft handles funny. (I love this one!)
S: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right and be serious.

P: Target radar hums.
S: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.

P: Mouse in cockpit.
S: Cat installed.

And the best one for last...

P: Noise coming from under instrument panel. Sounds like a midget pounding on something with a hammer.
S: Took hammer away from midget.


Hope you got a laugh or two out of this.