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Closed or Open Minds?

Yesterday we saw the Pharisees finding fault and criticizing Jesus and his followers. Nothing has changed. There are plenty of people today who criticize Jesus and his followers. In Luke 5:33 and 34, the Pharisees criticized Jesus because his followers did not fast as the followers of John the Baptist and their own followers did. Jesus knew a time would come when his disciples would fast and mourn, but it was not yet- not while He was with them. Jesus was intent on showing the Pharisees that he was the new and only way to God, rather than through keeping … Continue reading →

General Conference: “Opening Our Hearts”

In his talk “Opening Our Hearts” Elder Gerald N. Lund is speaking about the Holy Ghost. He talks about receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost after baptism, and the way that it can help to guide our lives. It is important to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost in order to have peace in our lives. Elder Lund emphasizes the ways that the Holy Ghost communicates with us. It speaks to our spirits. It is a quiet voice that whispers in our hearts and our minds. Elder Lund points out that our hearts are where we feel things, … Continue reading →

Spring Cleaning – Part 1

It’s that time already…spring cleaning is on the minds of many. Although I am more about the fall cleaning, I have decided to make this a twice-a-year event. This means deep cleaning and organizing in preparation for the warmer months. This week we had one of those rare warm days we get in Wisconsin when it’s still March. It was in the lower 60’s and I was able to open my patio door. There is just nothing like fresh air when your house has been closed up all winter long. That’s what kind of kicked it off in my mind … Continue reading →

Susan Sarandon Calls the Pope a Nazi

Oh, I was so looking forward to doing my Scary Places blogs, but this story just cannot be ignored. I like actress Susan Sarandon. I even go all the way back to Rocky Horror Picture Show with her. I have rarely agreed with her liberal view of politics, however, I can usually separate acting ability from views in most cases. In this case, I may not be able to draw that line any further. I think Sarandon was way out of line this week when she referred to the current Pope, Benedict XVI, as a “Nazi.” And, I am not … Continue reading →

When an Insurance Company’s Good Intentions Go Wrong

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It is not unusual for an insurance company to send out flyers or letters to businesses and law offices. This is done in the hopes of generating some new customers. It is also not unusual for an insurance company to come up with something eye catching in order to stand out in the minds of customers. However, when the advertizement causes a building to be evacuated, then things have gone horribly wrong. An insurance company in Iowa, (who is remaining anonymous), sent out a letter to a law office in Iowa City. Enclosed within the letter was something special, perhaps … Continue reading →

Guard What You Share With Others

This past week I was able to attend a group for women at my church. Our pastor’s wife did a teaching on marriage that was very inspiring. At the end you participated in a table discussion with the ladies you were sitting with. There was a list of questions that were designed to get you thinking positively about your spouse. However one woman in particular seemed insistent on dominating the conversation and it wasn’t very positive. She was going on and on about all the wrong things her husband was doing. Now it’s not that I don’t have sympathy for … Continue reading →

Judging by Appearances

A recent episode of Britain’s Got Talent showed how often people judge by appearances. Watch the video and you will see the look on the faces of the judges and some of the audience when this woman walks on the stage. Susan Boyle, a 47 year old spinster doesn’t fit the image of what they were expecting. But listen to her sing and you’ll see exactly how and why she blew the judges and the audience away and had people standing and cheering. This is a woman who has been victimized and bullied since childhood. It’s great to see someone … Continue reading →

Prayer and Riches.

In Luke 6:12,after the confrontations with the Pharisees, Jesus went off alone and spent the whole night in prayer. Have you ever spent as long in concentrated prayer? I haven’t though I do find if I am awake at night, which happens fairly regularly to me, it is a good time to pray, right there where I am. We might wonder what Jesus was praying about. Was he praying about the opposition he was experiencing and the hardness of people’s hearts? Was he seeking the Father for strength for what he knew lay ahead of him? Maybe it was both. … Continue reading →

Ten Tips about Arguments

Yesterday we looked at the fact that disagreements are not always bad in a marriage. Here are some further tips for how to deal with those argumentative times. 1. Stick to the topic at hand. Don’t bring up past issues and arguments. The past should be a closed book with a sign that says ‘Do not open.’ Once it is over, leave it over. Don’t hark back to it. 2. Don’t attack your spouse. And avoid expressions like ‘You always do……’ or ‘You never say……’ 3. Do not resort to naming calling and using belittling words. Such behavior achieves nothing … Continue reading →

Easy Porch Updates

A porch is just a must have for the summer. The porch can be a quiet place to escape and listen to the sounds of summer, a cool place to relax when the temperature indoor is soaring, and a place of conversation as the neighbors stop by to chat or while you entertain. The porch can even be romantic when you enjoy a candlelit dinner for two. Today, my husband is cleaning out the back porch from the dust and clutter it accumulated over the winter. A good power washing will do wonders, as will rubbing the outdoor furniture with … Continue reading →