April 18, 2010

This has been a very productive week. I have worked hard, listened to the spirit and learned a lot. I think that is the secret to a happy life.

Working hard:
I got to go to the State of the Company address given by DTV's CEO Mike Young on Tuesday. It was informative and he seemed like a guy who is on the ball. However during the Q&A no one asked about the save rate. But I heard later that some on did ask about it and Ellen ( the big boss that makes all the decisions about those things) said that 70% had made KPI. The truth is that 70% didn't. It seems that everybody likes to spin things. Honesty is certainly not in vogue right now. I did get my save rate up to 73% . One of my good friends Kim was just let go after 10 years because of her stats. Well I will do my best and the rest is up to the Lord.

Also, we worked very hard on the garden areas. We knew that Danny our neighbor was coming over with his tiller so we worked hard on the swing area to get out the weeds there so we could put fabric down to prevent the weeds and the stickers. Then Brittney and Dillon, (her friend) came over and worked on the east fence so I could plant the peas and herbs. That was such a great help. I got part of the strawberries replanted but have a lot more to do. I just hope my hands and knee will last.

Listening to the spirit:

Last Sunday it was my turn to play in primary and we were reviewing "I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ". The song leader had them sing it so many times that I became bored with the song because the song has such a great message but the music was simply arranged and so I began just to play around with the cording while the children were singing. I really didn't give it much thought after that. Then on Monday night, while Willard was praying, the variation on the song just hit me hard. I kept thinking about it all night and by the time it was morning I knew sort of what was needed. I felt it needed to be sung twice, once as written and then modulated up a key and then make the accompaniment more fuller and bigger. Also, to change the melody slightly to make the listener take notice of the words more because it isn't what is expected.

Since, Tuesday was really rainy, I worked on the song and was having some problems things just weren't working out. So I went to bed and didn't look at it until this morning. I gardened, went to temple and to the Family History seminary n Saturday. Evidently, that was what I needed to do because I got up and worked on it and it all fell into place and I finished it right before church. Everyone was excited and pleased with the arrangement to be sung for the primary program
Learned a lot.

Friday, I took a day off, so I went to the Temple Friday morning. While contemplating our family, I was just so grateful for each one of the children and how much help they have been to the family. We never could have done all ourselves. Tobin and family taking in Sheran to live with him and sacrificing so much his country and family. Trenton and family teaches us, understanding and patience. Betty has helped Laura though difficulties and Andy through his friendship helped Chuck change his life. Laura introduce Buck to Deborah. In him she found a wonderful man to love. Then Deborah is such a strength to the family. She reaches out to all the cousins and brings them into the family. Laura bring sunshine and life to the family. Ben and Holly have taken Jacob under his wing. We certainly appreciate all of his efforts. Sarah, is always there with concern and love and always willing to help anyone in need. Joe, is so sweet and loving to all of his family. Jacob is known as the loving uncle that everyone love. We are so grateful for him because he shows us all that if we just keep going all things are possible.
Jacob is starting school on Monday. He got his grant and then a $550 scholarship. So now he can get his books. He bought a 1995 Ford for $550 I hear it has some issues but Ben thought it was pretty good for the price and it gets great gas mileage.

On Saturday, I went to the Family History seminary and learned to much. The two things that stood out was something that Brother Washburn, who was the keynote speakers, he said that one of the prophets said that each of Heavenly Fathers children has a mission on earth. Each of us, no matter who, has something to accomplish while we are on this earth. Then the other was that through Family History work we are reconstituting family of God as it was the pattern in heaven. It is the same patriarchal order that existed in Heaven before we came to earth. That means linking all the families through temple ordinances so it will mirror what it was like when we lived with Heavenly Father before we came to earth. Then I couple of classes on software and Family Insight. Now I know what I want and better how to use what I got.

So all in all it was a very productive week.